Isnin, 17 Disember 2012

The Star Online: Entertainment: TV & Radio

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The Star Online: Entertainment: TV & Radio

Secret Santa love

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 01:10 AM PST

This Christmas, the Sofa Spudniks give Santa a helping hand.

CHRISTMAS is around the corner and you know what that means right? Christmas episodes on TV: tidings of comfort and joy, a little hiccup midway and a lesson thrown in at the end.

Our favourite Christmas episode of all time is an episode entitled Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire on The Simpsons (think it was in Season One). Remember Bart's version of Jingle Bells? Jingle bells, Batman smells, Robin laid an egg. The Batmobile broke its wheel and the Joker got away. Cool! In this episode, Homer doesn't get a Christmas bonus at work and so he secretly gets a part-time job as a mall Santa to make enough for presents for his brood. The gig doesn't exactly pay well (after deductions, he gets only US$13) so Homer and Bart decide to make some money on the race track where they bet on Santa's Little Helper, a greyhound. Of course, their pick comes out last but all is not lost: they take the dog home and the clan celebrate with their new pet and have a merry Christmas anyway.

We're not reliving favourite episodes this week – we just got carried away for a bit. Instead, we are assuming the role of Santa's little helpers (hehe, like the dog) and have compiled a list of TV characters who seem like they could do with a visit from Santa. We even went the extra mile to suggest the gifts that could make their Christmas a little merrier.

And we begin with the "good" doctors on Grey's Anatomy. Geez, this bunch has been through an awful lot these past seven years or so: poor George O'Malley (T.R. Knight) died, Izzy Stevens (Katherine Heigl) had a brain tumour and lost her husband ... and then her mind, Meredith Grey ... well her life is constantly so full of drama! She had to deal with a bomb, a shooter, infertility, drowning, the death of her father and a few other loved ones (no names, no spoilers!). And Christina Yang? Well, she's just a royal mess: she was left at the aisle by one almost-husband, problems with another actual husband, a sucky attitude ... the list just goes on! These doctors never seem to catch a break, which makes them really worthy of Christmas cheer. Their perfect gift? Hmmm let's see. The whole lot of them are constantly in and out of love, sneaking off during work hours to make out with each other, they fight all the time ... they sure seem like teenagers, don't they? What say we get Santa to give them ... the complete Twilight series (books and DVD set combo). Yeah!

Next on our list are the four judges from The Voice. Indra is loving Season Three of this show: the judges have found their groove this year, they're still a little competitive but they've kept the focus on the contestants and not themselves. Plus, they're really pretty generous with their coaching, unlike a certain other competitive singing reality show that's been on forever and has sort of lost its mojo. So, yes, Santa needs to give the four judges some presents. But what do they need? The delightful Cee Lo Green could probably do with a dog. He got into so much trouble from animal rights groups for bringing his pet cockatoo to the show (the bird is endangered and not suitable to be kept as a pet) and we think a cuddly dog would be a safer choice. Maybe a pug. Or a Cocker Spaniel? Blake Shelton has been looking a little scruffy of late – he's still awfully handsome but perhaps he needs a shaving kit. Christina Aguilera ... well, we really like her a lot and admire her confidence but we do think she needs a bra that fits her well. No? Adam Levine? Well, divine Levine seems to have it all so Santa, can you give him Indra's number? Oh, that's so cheesy! Maybe her twitter tag and maybe ask him if he'd be her friend on Facebook? Ann Marie has no time for men in her life. (Indra: Yeah, and Santa lives upstairs from me!).

Now on to Sherlock Holmes, the title character of BBC's hit series Sherlock. It's a good show for sure and Benedict Cumberbatch is a breath of fresh air. But Santa, he really needs a comb. Or a haircut. Yes, please could you get him an appointment with a hairstylist? And maybe some Brylcreem? As for Martin Freeman (Dr Watson), maybe a long vacation away from annoying Sherlock. Even Smaug might be a relief!

The cast of Revenge probably are in need of some cheer too, seeing that their lives are fraught with complications. But then they've all been so naughty and not at all nice, so I don't think any amount of persuasion will get Santa over to the Hamptons this year. Too bad, because I'd really like to see Nolan Ross have something nice happen to him: he's about the only character who's selfless on the show. Well, kinda.

As for the cast of How I Met Your Mother, we think that poor Robin Scherbatsky (Cobie Smulders) deserves a good Canadian Christmas. So everyone else can dress up in ice hockey gear, and the menu at MacLaren's bar (where they hang out all the time) can comprise Quebec yellow pea soup, Montreal smoked meat and real Montreal bagels, maple syrup pie and butter tarts (Santa can get chef Anna Olson to cook up the meal). And everyone can go around saying Merry Christmas, eh? Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) could probably do with some therapy; so we'd recommend that Santa give him some time with a consultant pyschologist (preferrably a hot one). I believe Marshall Eriksen (Jason Segel) and Lily Aldrin (Alyson Hannigan) already have a kid (although I am not up to speed with those episodes) and so baby gifts for them, please! Or maybe a couple spa and free babysitting for a day! As for Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris)? A trip to Vegas? A wardrobe of T-shirts that say "I'm so awesome" in rainbow colours? An entourage of skimpily clad Santarinas? A guest spot on Harold and Kumar's next movie?

And what of the cast of The Big Bang Theory? For Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), there could be no better Christmas present than his mama's cooking, and a serendipitous meeting with Leonard Nimoy (since Penny already gave him the hanky signed by Nimoy, we'll have to up the ante). Santa, would you be able to rig that for Mr Genius? Maybe someone could sing him the "Soft Kitty" song on Christmas eve too? What could Santa possibly give Raj Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar)? I can't believe how much Raj speaks these days. I mean, in the beginning there was not a peep from him. These days he talks non-stop! Perhaps, Santa could give him tips on how to be an Indian in America and still be cool? He so needs help in that area, the poor dear. For Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim Bialik), we think Santa should grant her only wish – a make-out session with Sheldon! For the rest of them, let's have a party and get Canadian alternative rock band Barenaked Ladies to be the live entertainment (after singing at Robin's Christmas Shebang, that is). What coolness that would be.

Finally, the last characters on our list are Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) and Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) of Homeland. Boy have these two been through hell and back. When this Abu Nazir plot is all tied up, we'd like Santa to give them a three-day-two-night stay at some fancy resort in the Maldives so they can romance (wink!) without the CIA listening in. Merry Christmas everyone!

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: World Updates

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The Star Online: World Updates

Cayman Islands' ruling party fails to reach consensus to oust premier
Cayman Islands' ruling party fails to reach consensus to oust premier
Japan's Abe to pick LDP veteran Aso as finance minister - media

Cayman Islands' ruling party fails to reach consensus to oust premier

Posted: 17 Dec 2012 08:18 PM PST

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (Reuters) - Members of the Cayman Islands' ruling party failed to reach a consensus on Monday to oust Premier McKeeva Bush, who was arrested last week on suspicion of corruption, a party official said.

Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush speaks during a jobs rally in Seven Mile Beach outside Georgetown in this June 25, 2011 file photo. REUTERS/Shurna Robbins

Key members of the United Democratic Party met on Monday to determine if they would withdraw their support for the embattled leader, said Ellio Solomon, who represents the party in parliament.

Bush has said he will not resign over the corruption allegations, but his support among ruling party legislators appears to be weakening and he could be ousted by a no confidence motion in parliament.

Solomon said some members who would like to see Bush resign had reached out to opposition leaders about trying to force Bush from office through a no confidence vote.

Bush, 57, was arrested on December 11 by members of the Financial Crime Unit of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service. He was released on bail until February, pending the possible filing of criminal charges against him.

Authorities have declined to give specific details of the investigation but said it included allegations of theft and misuse of a government credit card.

The three-island territory has about 55,000 residents and is a global tax haven and offshore home to more than half of the world's hedge funds.

Bush, who has served as premier since 2009, has denied wrongdoing and said he had been the victim of a political witch hunt by the British-appointed colonial governor.

"The governor and my opposition have some of my people stabbing me in the back," Bush told the Cayman 27 television station on Sunday.

Steve Moore, who runs Governor Duncan Taylor's office, denied there was any political vendetta against Bush.

Bush has faced growing pressure to resign. Opposition leader Alden McLaughlin said last week that allowing Bush to continue as premier after his arrest would undermine confidence in the Cayman government.

In order for a no confidence motion to succeed a handful of ruling party members would have to break with Bush. The United Democratic Party holds nine seats in the parliament, which has 15 elected members. The opposition has four seats and there are two independents. General elections are scheduled for May 22.

Solomon said he did not support ousting Bush since he has yet to be formally charged with any wrongdoing.

"It is my personal opinion that it is a very dangerous precedent that we would actually be setting," Solomon said.

(Writing by Jane Sutton and Kevin Gray; Editing by David Adams, Mohammad Zargham and Lisa Shumaker)

Cayman Islands' ruling party fails to reach consensus to oust premier

Posted: 17 Dec 2012 06:55 PM PST

Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush speaks during a jobs rally in Seven Mile Beach outside Georgetown in this June 25, 2011 file photo. REUTERS/Shurna Robbins

Key members of the United Democratic Party met on Monday to determine if they would withdraw their support for the embattled leader, said Ellio Solomon, who represents the party in parliament.

But the meeting ended without an agreement by the party to call on Bush to step down, he told Reuters. Solomon said some members who would like to see Bush resign had reached out to opposition leaders about trying to force Bush from office through a no confidence motion in parliament.

Authorities have declined to give specific details of the investigation but said it included allegations of theft and misuse of a government credit card.

Solomon said he did not support ousting Bush since he has yet to be formally charged with any wrongdoing.

"It is my personal opinion that it is a very dangerous precedent that we would actually be setting," Solomon said.

The three-island territory has about 55,000 residents and is a global tax haven and offshore home to more than half of the world's hedge funds.

Bush, who has served as premier since 2009, has denied wrongdoing and said he had been the victim of a political witch hunt by the British-appointed colonial governor.

"The governor and my opposition have some of my people stabbing me in the back," Bush told the Cayman 27 television station on Sunday.

Steve Moore, who runs Governor Duncan Taylor's office, denied there was any political vendetta against Bush.

Bush has faced growing pressure to resign. The opposition People's Progressive Movement has urged the head of parliament to call a special session to hear a no-confidence motion to oust the premier.

Opposition leader Alden McLaughlin said last week that allowing Bush to continue as premier after his arrest would undermine confidence in the Cayman government.

The United Democratic Party holds nine seats in the parliament, which has 15 elected members. The opposition has four seats and there are two independents. General elections are scheduled for May 22.

(Writing by Jane Sutton and Kevin Gray; Editing by David Adams, Mohammad Zargham and Lisa Shumaker)

Japan's Abe to pick LDP veteran Aso as finance minister - media

Posted: 17 Dec 2012 06:44 PM PST

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's next Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will offer the finance minister's job to Taro Aso, media said, a veteran lawmaker and former prime minister expected to toe the party line calling for aggressive monetary easing and a public works splurge.

Taro Aso, then Japanese Prime Minister, looks on during a bilateral meeting in Rome in this July 7, 2009 file photo. REUTERS/Alessia Pierdomenico

Asahi and Mainichi newspapers reported on Tuesday Aso would get the finance post while Yomiuri said Aso, 72, was also being considered as a possible foreign minister.

Abe, whose Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its small ally New Komeito captured a two-thirds majority in Sunday's landslide, will announce his cabinet line-up on December 26.

The choice of Aso suggests that Abe is looking to LDP veterans to fill important positions to avoid criticism that his ministers lack experience, a recurring complaint about cabinets of the Democratic Party of Japan that trounced the LDP in 2009, only to suffer a crushing defeat three years later.

Abe's own first cabinet similarly suffered criticism that he picked lawmakers close to him personally rather than those best qualified for the job.

When Aso was prime minister, he launched massive economic stimulus packages to combat the 2008-2009 financial crisis, but his efforts were overshadowed by gaffes, scandals and policy flip-flops that culminated with the LDP losing power after more than half a century of an almost non-stop rule.

Like Abe, Aso has an elite political lineage and like the next premier is a grandson of a prime minister.

Abe, who quit abruptly in 2007 after just one year in office, says he has learned from past mistakes and has been working hard to project an image of a strong, mature and decisive leader.

Buoyed by the election victory, which political analysts saw more as voters' payback for the Democrats' troubled rule than a full embrace of the LDP, Abe has swiftly moved to press his agenda.

On Monday, he turned up the heat on the Bank of Japan to boost its monetary stimulus when it ends its two-day meeting on Thursday and pressing it to adopt a more ambitious 2 percent inflation target as soon as next month.

On Tuesday, Abe told reporters that he had agreed in a telephone call with U.S. President Barack Obama that the two would try to meet next month, part of a push to strengthen ties with Washington and give Japan a greater global security role.

(Writing by Tomasz Janowski; Editing by Linda Sieg and Raju Gopalakrishnan)

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Business

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The Star Online: Business

Pos Malaysia at 18-month high on dividend hopes
Malaysia Airlines buying 36 new turboprop aircraft
In new "cliff" bid, Obama seeks $1.2 trillion in revenue: source

Pos Malaysia at 18-month high on dividend hopes

Posted: 17 Dec 2012 07:19 PM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: Shares of Pos Malaysia Bhd rose as much as 13 sen to RM3.38 on Tuesday, the highest since June 2011, extending its gains from the previous day as buying interest was underpinned by expectations of special dividends.

At 11.04am, it was up 10 sen to RM3.35. There were 587,700 shares done at prices ranging from RM3.31 to RM3.38.

The FBM KLCI rose 8.58 points to 1,657.16. Turnover was 261.75 million shares valued at RM346.60mil. There were 242 gainers, 169 losers and 257 counters unchanged.

Hwang DBS Vickers Research (HDBSVR) had on Monday said it was maintaining a Buy on Pos Malaysia with a target price of RM4.60 based on sum-of-parts metric.

The research house said as at March 31, 2012, Pos had Section 108 tax credits of RM317mil (expiring end-2013) which can be paid as dividends (59 sen a share).

"We feel it may just do that, as its major shareholder, DRB-HICOM, is on a strategic expansion/restructuring which requires stronger cashflows and its net gearing has risen to 0.65 times after acquiring Proton.

"And Pos is a cash cow, supported by RM1.24 a share net cash by end FY14F. The timing could be sooner rather than later as Proton's ongoing restructuring plans will require additional capital expenditure," said HDBSVR.

Malaysia Airlines buying 36 new turboprop aircraft

Posted: 17 Dec 2012 06:57 PM PST

Published: Tuesday December 18, 2012 MYT 10:58:00 AM

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is expanding its fleet of turboprop aircraft with the purchase of 36 new planes.

MAS said on Tuesday that of the 36 planes, 16 would be for MASwings and 20 would be allocated to Firefly. MASwings, which is Malaysia's first commuter airline, focuses on Sarawak and Sabah and provides connections within the two states.

Firefly operates out of the Penang and Subang hubs and flies to various points within Malaysia, Southern Thailand, Singapore and Sumatera.

In new "cliff" bid, Obama seeks $1.2 trillion in revenue: source

Posted: 17 Dec 2012 06:03 PM PST

WASHINGTON: In a major counteroffer that moves the White House and congressional Republicans closer to resolving the "fiscal cliff" standoff, President Barack Obama is seeking $1.2 trillion from higher tax revenues, including increased rates on those earning more than $400,000 a year, a source familiar with the negotiations said on Monday.

In exchange, the president is willing to agree to $1.22 trillion in spending reductions, including some cuts achieved by changing the way cost of living adjustments are made to Social Security retirement benefits and other programs.

"We view this as a good offer that shows we have met the Republicans more than halfway on spending and halfway on revenues," the source said.

The offer asks for Congress to increase the national borrowing ceiling for two years using a parliamentary procedure proposed by Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell.

The offer comes as the president and House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner seek to iron out differences in an effort to stop automatic tax increases and spending cuts from going into effect early next year. Analysts have warned that that abrupt shock could knock the economy back into recession.

The president's latest offer shows him willing to give on an item that some of his supporters had sought to protect -- linking Social Security benefit increases to the chained consumer price index, a step that would lead to lower payments.

However, the president's proposal would seek to protect those on whom that change would fall hardest, the source said.

The president's offer also would seek to provide the sluggish economy a boost by extending unemployment benefits and increasing infrastructure spending. - Reuters

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The Star Online: Sports

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The Star Online: Sports

Singapore’s Goh scorches lane with a superb 300 game
Young Kim can spring a Swede surprise in the boys’ Masters
Christmas joy on hold for Esther

Singapore’s Goh scorches lane with a superb 300 game

Posted: 17 Dec 2012 05:33 PM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore's Nicholas Goh got off to a perfect start in the boys' Open Masters qualifying round of the 13th Milo International Junior All-Star Bowling Championships at the Sunway Pyramid Mega Lanes yesterday.

The 17-year-old rolled down a perfect 300 in the last of his three games to end up third behind compatriots Nicholas Lee (776) and Joel Tan Eng An (763). Nicholas turned in a 221 and 209 in the first two games and with the perfect game ended up with a 730 total.

Competing in only his third tournament this year and first international, scoring the perfect game was the furthest thing from Nicholas' mind.

But the youngster from the Singapore Sports School did have an inkling that he could hit the magical 300 after a smooth start in his third game.

"Actually I didn't really expect to get the 300 game but when everything fell into place by the eighth frame, I got more confident and had a feeling that it was going to happen," said Nicholas.

"I'm very happy. It's a great to get a perfect game.

"Now I hope I can build on it and qualify for the finals and do well in the Masters on Friday," he added.

Nicholas will take home RM1,000 ($S400) for his perfect game if no other bowlers can match his effort.

And the first thing that came to his mind was to give his family and friends back home a big treat.

"It's not much but it's better than nothing. I'll take it," he said in jest.

Young Kim can spring a Swede surprise in the boys’ Masters

Posted: 17 Dec 2012 05:34 PM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: The 13th Milo International Junior All-Star Bowling Championships boys' Open Masters at the Sunway Pyramid Mega Lanes is shaping up to be a close fight.

Among the frontrunners are Singaporeans Nicholas Lee, Joel Tan Eng An and Nicholas Goh, Indonesians Billy M. Islam and Sean Reinhart and Sweden's Kim Bolleby.

Of the lot, if the last name of the Swede sounds familiar, that's because he is the son of Ulf Bolleby, a former national Swedish bowler from 1985-1990.

So it's no wonder that Bolleby, an only child, picked up bowling at the tender age of two.

"I think at that point I was just rolling the ball around," chuckled the 21-year-old Bolleby yesterday. This is his first time in Malaysia and first time competing in the championships.

Having touched down at KLIA on Sunday night, Bolleby admitted that he hadn't had time to explore the city nor think too much about the competition.

"It's my first time here. I'm liking it so far ... I haven't really had time to explore. I just went around here (Sunway Pyramid) a little bit," said Bolleby.

"Honestly, I haven't thought a lot about it ... but of course I want a good score in qualifying and get into the finals. I just really like going to competitions because I enjoy meeting other players. We have such a great community and travelling to different places," added the soft-spoken Bolleby, who won the Open Masters title at the 3rd Dubai International Open Bowling Tournament recently.

Born in Gothenburg but now living in Lindome, the Swedish southpaw spent seven years with the youth team before progressing into the national team two years ago.

"Being a left-hander does have its challenges. It's tough on you mentally because you have to strategise on the go. For a left-hander, it's easy when it's on the left lane but so much harder when its on the right lane," he said.

Bolleby knocked down 679 pins yesterday to be placed 12th in the overseas pool but should have no problems making the cut for the Masters finals on Friday.

Christmas joy on hold for Esther

Posted: 17 Dec 2012 05:34 PM PST

PETALING JAYA: It might be the end of the year affair where everyone is in joyous mood, but national bowler Esther Cheah is not going to take the Milo International All-Stars Masters this week lightly.

The 2010 champion will be looking to end the year with a bang as it'll probably set the benchmark for national bowlers to be selected to the World Tour bowling event – the DHC International Bowling Championships in Japan from Jan 15-19.

"We usually have some time to rest in January, but next year will be different. So I'm taking this event seriously," said Esther.

The Masters, which will culminate with the step-ladder Finals at the Sunway Megalanes in Sunway Pyramid on Saturday, is also set to attract a number of professional bowlers from South Korea and Singapore for the winner's cheque of RM35,000.

"One thing for sure is it will not be an easy feat, at least not for us national bowlers. We have to prove that we should earn the spot to play in Japan by performing well in the Masters," she said.

Esther will be looking to continue her fine form in the Masters after finishing second in the Penang Pesta International Open on Sunday.

Esther knocked down a total of 4,413 pins after 20 games to finish behind surprise winner Rosnani Ramli (4,469). The graded bowler was actually in Penang for a holiday with her family.

"She played really well in the final game although I had the chance to overtake her. She had three open frames and that was the chance (to overtake) but I had difficulty with the lanes as well ... hats off to her," said Esther.

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The Star Online: Nation

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The Star Online: Nation

Toddler dies after alleged abuse by mum's boyfriend
Badrul: O&G hub in Pengerang will not affect Iskandar Malaysia
Two brothers feared drowned in Kuala Kedah estuary

Toddler dies after alleged abuse by mum's boyfriend

Posted: 17 Dec 2012 07:54 AM PST

ALOR SETAR: A two-year old boy died after he was believed to have been abused by his mother's boyfriend at a house in Kampung Berjaya, here, on Monday.

The victim, Muhammad Faiz Iqhmal Iskandar, died at 3.30pm while being treated at a clinic.

It was believed that there were elements of abuse based on the bruises on his face and injury to his testicles.

His grandmother, Padzilah Ismail, 46, said she received a call from her daughter Norhafiza Osman, 25, that Muhammad Faiz had fallen down the stairs and was taken to a nearby clinic for treatment.

She believed her first grandchild died not because he fell down the stairs but due to abuse by her daughter's boyfriend who is jobless.

Padzilah said she looked after the boy since birth and his parents separated when he was five months old.

It is learnt that over the past several months, the victim's mother sent him every one or two weeks to be with her.

The victim's aunt, Norhanisha, 23, said she and the boy's mother, who worked in a restaurant, lodged a police report after the boy was abused by the mother's boyfriend in August, based on the bruises, bite marks and scratches seen on his body.

The boy's body was sent to HSB for a post-mortem before being claimed by his family for burial at the Akar Peluru Mosque cemetery, here, late tonight.

Meanwhile, Kota Setar CID chief, DSP V.Saravanan, when contacted, said police were waiting for the result of the post-mortem before deciding on the next course of action. - Bernama

Badrul: O&G hub in Pengerang will not affect Iskandar Malaysia

Posted: 17 Dec 2012 07:40 AM PST

JOHOR BARU: The oil and gas hub being developed in Pengerang, at the south-eastern tip of Johor, will not affect the environmentally-friendly development being carried out in Iskandar Malaysia.

Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) state commissioner Dr Badrul Hisham said specific zones had been marked within the state for development.

"We are careful about managing man-made developments and eco-tourism development in the region.

"The oil and gas refinery project is located in east Johor while the western part of the state is dedicated to eco-tourism developments," he said Monday.

The heart of Pengerang's development is Petronas' RM60bil Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development, due to begin by the middle of 2013 and operational in 2016.

The other project is Pengerang's RM5bil deep-water oil terminal, a joint venture between Dialog Group Bhd, Rotterdam-based Royal Vopak N.V. and the Johor government.

Dr Badrul said eco-tourism was a community-based industry and the authority had adopted Kampung Sungai Melayu, popular for birdwatching activities, as IRDA's pilot project to develop the sector.

"On top of hospitality skills, the locals would be educated on how to differentiate between local and migratory birds and ensure correct information to bird lovers as the village is one of the annual stops for thousands of migratory birds from Russia.

"Locals need to realise the potential that their village has to offer and use it as an asset to help boost the economy," he said.

Dr Badrul said IRDA was committed towards striking a balanced development between Johor's eco-tourism sector and the state's man-made attractions.

He added that while Iskandar Malaysia was currently experiencing vast economic development, it was important to create a sustainable metropolis.

"This is why we are placing emphasis on developing eco-tourism in Iskandar Malaysia as an alternative attraction to the theme parks, such as Legoland Malaysia and the Puteri Harbour family theme park," he said.

About 150 local and international delegates, including those from Indonesia and New Zealand are attending the three-day eco-tourism summit to discuss ways to develop the industry in Johor.

Two brothers feared drowned in Kuala Kedah estuary

Posted: 17 Dec 2012 07:39 AM PST

ALOR SETAR: Two brothers are feared to have drowned after falling from a boat after it tilted while out on a fun ride at the Kuala Kedah estuary, near here, Monday

In the 4.30pm incident, Mohammad Hafiz Anuar, 4, and Mohammad Asyrik, 9, fell into the river with their uncle Md Affendi Ismail, 27, as well as Mohammad Asyrik's twin, Mohammad Asyraf, while their uncle was turning the boat to return to the jetty.

Md Affendi and Mohammad Asyraf were saved by a fisherman while Mohammad Hafiz and Mohammad Asyrik were missing and have not being found.

"I took them for a boat ride at about 4.10pm and advised them not to play with the water.

"But as I was turning the boat to return to the jetty, the twins played with the water, causing the boat to tilt and all of us fell into the river," he said when met by reporters at his mother's house in Taman Kota Nelayan, here, Monday.

Md Affendi said when they were in the river, he managed to hold the three children before he himself almost drowned.

"In the moments when I was drowning, I inadvertently let go of Asyrik and Hafiz's hands. Asraf and I were rescued by a fisherman nearby while Asyrik and Hafiz went under," he said.

Mohammad Asyraf was brought to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital for treatment.

Jalan Raja Fire and Rescue station chief, Mohd Izham Abdul Rahim said eight firemen rushed to the location after receiving a report at 5.07pm.

"We have informed the scuba unit to assist in the search and rescue of the two missing children," he said.

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

The Star Online: Entertainment: Movies

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The Star Online: Entertainment: Movies

Best of both worlds
Hugh Jackman gets star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
'Hobbit' film sets December record in U.S., Canada debut

Best of both worlds

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 01:09 AM PST

Indie filmmaker James Lee continues his mainstream winning streak with his latest action-comedy, The Collector.

EVEN in Hollywood, not many directors get the privilege of straddling the two very different worlds of independent and mainstream filmmaking. Those who do graduate from making indie films to big-budget mainstream ones like Christopher Nolan (from Following to Memento to The Dark Knight trilogy) and David O. Russell (from Spanking The Monkey to Three Kings to The Fighter) usually never look back.

The only example of a Hollywood director currently working that I can think of who actually does straddle these two worlds is Steven Soderbergh. For every Ocean's Eleven, Contagion or Magic Mike in his filmography, there's also a Schizopolis, Bubble or The Girlfriend Experience as living proof that his heart never left the indie film scene behind.

So it is actually a real pleasure to see another living, breathing example right here in our own backyard in the form of James Lee, who made his name as part of the first wave of the whole New Malaysian Cinema movement of the early 2000s alongside names like Amir Muhammad and Ho Yuhang with his digital indie films Snipers, Ah Beng Returns and Room To Let.

These days Lee is steadily becoming a household name and a much sought-after mainstream director with Malay hits like Histeria, Tolong! Awek Aku Pontianak and Sini Ada Hantu, and also last year's Chinese-language hit Petaling Street Warriors. After a quiet 2012 by his standards, as he sometimes comes out with three films a year, Lee is set to end the year with guns blazing.

His latest indie film If It's Not Now, Then When? in October played at the Pusan and Vancouver International Film Festivals, and just a week ago won the Grand Jury Prize at the Cinemanila International Film Festival.

Now comes his latest mainstream film, set to open in Malaysian cinemas on Dec 20 – another action-comedy entitled The Collector, starring Singaporean actor Sunny Pang, Malaysian wushu Olympian Michael Chin (who starred in Kinta 1881) and Petaling Street Warriors heroine Yeo Yann Yan, with familiar faces like Patrick Teoh and former long-time HVD actor Daniel Wong.

It tells the story of Sunny (Pang) a kindhearted debt collector who comes to a crossroads in his life and career as a gangster after an encounter with a fortune teller who predicts bad luck if he does not change his ways and do good. Aided by his assistant, the Chinese-speaking Mohan (played by Ramanamohan), Sunny truly takes the words of the fortune teller to heart when he encounters a young boy named Yuen (a charming Nigel Kok Yi Jun), whose father Aniu is missing and wanted by both Sunny's gang and a rival mob for his debts.

What transpires later on is possibly one of the sweetest father-son bonding adventures yet seen in a Malaysian film, peppered with lots of bawdy humour that makes fun of so many things that even films released by producers Astro like Woo Hoo and Great Day, and even Lee's own award-winning Asian breakthrough The Beautiful Washing Machine, do not escape the film's naughtiness.

Sunny in particular is very winningly played by Pang, showing off not only his fighting skills (he performs all of the fights and stunts himself, reportedly sustaining numerous injuries during filming), but an impressive charm and ease at emoting, especially in his many tender scenes with his girlfriend Eva (Yeo) and of course Yuen.

Come to think of it, The Collector does seem to combine the intimacy of indie films with the slam-bang adrenaline rush (and silly jokes) of mainstream action-comedies.

Asked why he made the shift to also direct mainstream films and what he's trying to achieve, Lee replies: "There is of course the bigger budget, but I also see it as a challenge to make something that people would be interested to see. But most of all, I want to make a movie that crashes the racial barrier, that both the Malay and Chinese audience would want to see."

Noting that there are two separate and quite similarly sized markets for Malay and Chinese films, Lee believes that if a film is good enough Malaysians would definitely see it regardless of the language. Even though the local film industry is looking vibrant at the moment, things are already looking saturated with the Malay movie market as more and more new players and investors try to cash in with sub-par films, many of which bombed spectacularly at the box-office this year.

On the other hand, the Chinese movie scene seems to only be targeting one Chinese New Year film every year, which is understandable since it is a lucrative period. But as Lee says: "We can't afford to just keep on making Chinese New Year films as sooner or later that market will be saturated as well."

Lee said making The Collector was a fun experience as it's his first action film. Even though personally he'd love to make films like The Chaser, Old Boy or even The Raid, the comedy factor is still needed at this stage in Malaysian films for the sake of balancing his own interests and the investors' as Malaysians really love their comedy.

On his future projects, Lee is visibly excited talking about an English-language science fiction film he's been developing, which he hopes to be a co-production between Malaysian and American companies, starring American actors but with production, CGI and post-production all done in Malaysia just to showcase what we can do.

Noting that his mainstream films so far are too geared towards local audiences to play outside the country (the local flavour and humour would be lost on foreign audiences), he hopes to make his first step into the international mainstream scene with the sci-fi film, which he hopes to make next year once he's able to raise the budget.

With Lee already making respectable strides in the international arthouse film scene, we should bet on his dream of doing the same with his mainstream films as he continues to make the best of both worlds.

Hugh Jackman gets star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Posted: 16 Dec 2012 11:16 PM PST

(LOS ANGELES-AFP) - Australian actor Hugh Jackman got a Hollywood double whammy Thursday as he was nominated for a Golden Globe and got his star on Tinseltown's famous Walk of Fame on the same day.

Jackman, who is being tipped for possible Oscar glory for his role in upcoming musical adaptation Les Miserables, said he couldn't believe the good fortune that his career has given him.

"This is quite a ride .. It's a surreal experience. I'm a kid from the suburb of Barunga, on the northern side of Sydney ... This is completely surreal," he said as he unveiled his sidewalk star.

"Apart from Lassie, I'm the only one to get to play the same character in 15 movies," he quipped, flanked by Les Mis co-star Anne Hathaway, director Tom Hooper, DreamWorks boss Jeffrey Katzenberg and Tonight Show host Jay Leno.

Leno, due to interview him later, told Jackman: "I don't believe wealth and fame change anybody, it exaggerates who you already are. And I think all your wealth and success and fame have just made you a better person."

"You have a wonderful family, you're a wonderful role model .. besides the obvious talent, is the fact that you are a regular person."

Jackman thanked his fans, about 200 of whom turned out to see him get his Walk of Fame star on the sidewalk outside Madame Tussaud's next to Grauman's Chinese Theatre in the tourist center of Tinseltown.

"I have the greatest fans in the world. I don't take it lightly and or take it for granted and thank you so much for all you do. (...) The Boy from Oz was a hit because of the fans.

His wife Deborra-Lee Furness and adopted children Oscar, 12, and Ava, 7, were also there.

"None of this would have been possible, and certainly none of this would have been rewarding to me, if not for my family," said Jackman, nominated for best actor in a musical or comedy at the Golden Globes earlier in the day.

"And kids, you maybe don't understand it now, but you're gonna save a fortune in therapy by just coming here and spitting on it, jumping on it ... you can come and take it out here," he said of his star.

"Sorry, city of Los Angeles," he added.

(AFP/Relaxnews)

'Hobbit' film sets December record in U.S., Canada debut

Posted: 16 Dec 2012 08:33 PM PST

"The Hobbit" brought home a big box office treasure over the weekend, setting a December movie record with $84.77 million in U.S. and Canadian ticket sales as legions of fans turned out for the long-awaited big-screen return to Middle Earth.

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" also rung up sales of $138.2 million in international markets. Global receipts for the prequel to the smash "Lord of the Rings" trilogy stood at $222.97 million through Sunday, distributor Warner Bros. said.

The current projection for the total box office take in 2012 is $10.8 billion, according to an estimate from Hollywood.com, which would beat the $10.6 billion record in 2009.

The 3D "Hobbit" directed by Oscar-winning "Rings" filmmaker Peter Jackson is the first of three films based on a 1937 classic novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. Warner Bros. is aiming to build on the success of the "Rings" series, one of Hollywood's biggest franchises with $2.9 billion in global ticket sales.

"The Hobbit" also set a record with its $15.1 million earnings from IMAX theaters worldwide, according to Warner Bros. It is also the largest opening for any film in the canon of "The Lord of the Rings."

The "Lord of the Rings" movies debuted in theaters from 2001 to 2003. After that, production on "The Hobbit" ran into delays, leaving fans waiting a decade for another look at the fantasy story of dwarves, wizards and elves.

The opening weekend "Hobbit" sales proved interest remained high. North American (U.S. and Canadian) receipts toppled the old record for December set by Will Smith sci-fi flick "I Am Legend," which pulled in $77.2 million when it debuted in 2007.

"The best we were hoping for was to reach or exceed the $77 million set by that movie and we did it by quite a lot. It was all good and we're very happy about it," said Dan Fellman, president of theatrical distribution for Warner Bros.

"You have to assume that by the time this first week is over we are going to have around $110 million in the bank before the holiday even starts," he added.

The new film follows the epic journey of hobbit Bilbo Baggins, played by Martin Freeman, as he travels through the treacherous Middle Earth with a band of dwarves to steal treasures from the dragon, Smaug.

The movie also stars Richard Armitage and Benedict Cumberbatch, while Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett and Elijah Wood reprise their "Rings" roles.

Opening-weekend audiences embraced "The Hobbit," awarding an "A" grade in polling by survey firm CinemaScore. Critics had a mixed response to the nearly three-hour film. Sixty-five percent of reviews on the Rotten Tomatoes website recommended the movie, although some objected to Jackson's decision to shoot it using a 48-frames-per-second format rather than the usual 24.

SOME VIEWERS NAUSEOUS

The faster frame rate delivers clearer pictures, but some critics called the format cartoonish and jarring. Only a fraction of theaters showed the film in the new format. Some fans at early screenings in New Zealand complained it made them feel nauseous and dizzy, according to The New Zealand Herald.

The next two "Hobbit" movies are scheduled to reach theaters in December 2013 and July 2014. The films were financed by MGM and Warner Bros.' New Line Cinema unit for an estimated $500 million.

"The Hobbit" took a bumpy, years-long journey to the big screen that included two directors and a lawsuit. Jackson made the "Rings" trilogy when producers could not get "The Hobbit" rights that were held by MGM's United Artists unit.

Guillermo del Toro was first hired to direct "The Hobbit" but he left the project when financial woes at MGM caused delays. The movie went into production only after Jackson settled a lawsuit against New Line in a dispute over profits from the "Rings" films.

"The Hobbit" was the only new nationwide release over the weekend. The rest of the top five were films that have been playing for weeks.

In second place was the animated family film "Rise of the Guardians" with $7.4 million, followed by historical drama "Lincoln" starring Daniel Day-Lewis as the revered U.S. president, which grabbed $7.2 million from Friday through Sunday, according to studio estimates.

James Bond movie "Skyfall" landed in fourth place with $7 million.

Next on the box office chart was "Life of Pi," which captured $5.4 million. Teen vampire tale "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2" earned $5.17 million.

Time Warner Inc's Warner Bros. released "The Hobbit." "Lincoln" was produced by Steven Spielberg's Dreamworks Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Co . Sony Corp's movie studio released "Skyfall." Dreamworks Animation distributed "Rise of the Guardians," which was released by Viacom Inc's Paramount Pictures. Summit Entertainment, a unit of Lions Gate Entertainment , released "Breaking Dawn."

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

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Taylor's swift success

Posted: 16 Dec 2012 04:14 PM PST

You can't deny the fact that Taylor Swift is a big deal in the music scene.

She scored her first Billboard No. 1 this year with We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together, her debut single from her latest album, Red.

Swifties (fans of Swift – and there are legions of them!) snapped up Red when it was released and drove the album to the top spot of the Billboard album chart.

Impressively, Swift has sold over 26 million albums worldwide and she's only 23 years old. In fact, she celebrated her birthday just last week (on Dec 13 to be exact).

Why do people love Ms Swift so much? Galaxie gives you 23 reasons to mark her turning 23 this year.

Chief among them is that Swift truly, madly, deeply loves her fans.

"It's been so much fun to have this relationship with my fans," Swift has said. "It's been so fun the way they have made my life so beautiful. I am constantly trying to think of ways to pay them back and thank them." Now, isn't that sweet?

Find out the other 22 reasons Galaxie loves Swift in the Dec 17-31 issue of Galaxie, which hits newsstands today.

In the same issue, the other famous Taylor, Taylor Lautner, reflects on his time in The Twilight Saga movies, Irish trio The Script talk about battling inner demons for their latest album and Christina Perri dishes on celebrating Christmas with her family.

On the TV front, Galaxie spoke to Suits star Meghan Markle exclusively about the sexy legal drama and hotties Colin Morgan and Bradley James give their insight into Merlin's fifth and final season. Plus, get the lowdown on 10 new shows you can look forward to watching on terrestrial TV in 2013.

Fans of Adam Levine, Supernatural's Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki, Logan Lerman, Selena Gomez, Greyson Chance and Lawson will be mighty pleased as the new issue comes with posters of these stars.

As always, entertainment fans can look forward to reports on the latest in music and movies as well as celebrity goings-on.

Galaxie, which is owned by Star Publications (M) Bhd and voted Entertainment Magazine Of The Year for the years 2011 and 2012, also has a presence online at galaxieblog.com.my.

For further updates on the magazine and the entertainment world, follow Galaxie on Twitter (@galaxiemag) and visit its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/GalaxieMagazine).

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

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Metro Watch

Posted: 17 Dec 2012 05:27 AM PST

GREEN CONCERT

WWF-Malaysia and its Earth Hour partners, including DiGi, Sunway Pyramid and Universal Music Malaysia, are inviting Malaysian bands to participate in the inaugural Earth Hour Band Contest to build environmental awareness through music. The contest is open to three-person to six-person bands comprising of Malaysian citizens who are not signeds with any record label. Interest bands can submit their videos to www.facebook.com/wwfmy before 5pm on Jan 22. Voting will begin in February and the top five bands with the most votes will participate in the finals during Earth Hour on March 23 at Sunway Pyramid. For queries, email contactus@wwf.org.my.

XMAS FUNDRAISER

The Puchong Tabernacle Assembly, a church in Bandar Puteri Puchong, will be having a fundraising event at IOI Mall (old wing, near Kenny Rogers Roasters) from now till Dec 23. Wristbands and other items will be on sale and the public can make a wish on the Christmas tree. Funds raised will be channelled to Bethany Home in Teluk Intan, Perak. There will also be a children's fashion show, Christmas carolling and other activities on Dec 23.

BUDGET 2013 SHOW

The Finance Ministry and Bernama are having an exhibition on Budget 2013 on Dec 18 and 19 at KLIA and Dec 22 and 23 at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan at Bandar Tasik Selatan, Kuala Lumpur, from 9am to 6pm. The exhibition is to highlight the eight main focuses in Budget 2013, as presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, to raise the people's standard of living.

B-BALL SATURDAY

A Basketball competition dubbed USJ20 The New Beginning 3on3 Challege will be held on Dec 29 at The 19 USJ City Mall from 8am to 8pm. It is open to Malaysian citizens aged 12 and above. Sukma, state or national players are not allowed to join. Registration fee is RM100 per team. For details, call Wai Hoong at 012-330 7676 or Yu Chung at 017-233 2706.

FREE DIET CLINIC

Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre Klang will hold a free Diet Clinic on Dec 22 and 29 from 8.30am to 12.30pm. There will be pre-screening programme, tips and advice by dietitian and physiotherapist. Seats are limited. To make an appointment, call 03-3373 3636 ext 7313/7335/7356.

TR1MA EXTENDED

The Land Public Transport Commission (Spad) has extended the Teksi Rakyat 1Malaysia (TR1Ma) tyre exchange voucher validity period from six months to a year, or by Sept 30 next year, whichever is earlier. For enquiries, voucher bearers can contact the Spad hotline at 1-800-88-SPAD (7723).

MUSIC FOR THE MASSES

For some festive cheer, head on to KLCC Esplanade for Buskers Performance today from 5.30pm to 6pm, 6.30pm to 7pm and 7.30pm to 8pm.

Andrew on the right track

Posted: 17 Dec 2012 05:27 AM PST

IT was smooth sailing for promising southpaw foil fencer Andrew Mok of Touche Fencing Club to emerge as the boys' Under-17 foil champion at the Y-Sparks International Fencing Cup in Singapore recently.

The recent victory has boosted the 17-year-old's morale in his return to competitive competitions after he completed his O-Level examination.

For the recent outing, Andrew did not face much difficulty and produced convincing victories throughout the competition.

Besides registering four wins in the group stages, the second seeded Andrew tamed the top ranked Tan Jing Xiang of Singapore 15-5 in the final.

Going into the competition, Touche chief coach C.W. Mok said Andrew had to regain his physical fitness with conditioning training as well as engaging in sparring sessions as part of his preparation.

"Andrew took a break for almost six months to concentrate on his studies. He will need to increase his intensity in training. He is hoping to make an impact in three major tournaments next year," he added.

Besides attempting to earn his place for Malaysia Games, Andrew is setting his sights to take part in the South-East Asia Fencing Federation (SEAFF) meet in SEAFF in Brunei at the end of January as well as the Asian cadet (Under-17) and junior (Under-20) championships at Bangkok, Thailand in early March.

The recent boys' Under-17 foil contest drew a small field with a total of 11 competitors including six Malaysians.

The Klang Valley-based Touche fielded five fencers while Tristan Cheng was the sole Kuala Lumpur Fencing Centre representative in the boys' Under-17 foil.

And the four other Touche trainees were Megat Zuhril Megat Zariman, Bryan Mok, Andrew Voon and Imran Seth.

Another southpaw Megat Zuhril almost created an upset at the top half of the draw in the semi-finals.

Mok said the lanky 16-year-old missed the target in the crucial closing stage of the decisive bout and went down fighting before the fourth seeded Megat Zuhril allowed top seed Jing Xiang to prevail with a hard-earned 15-14 win.

Meanwhile, Philippa Jean Ong also provided the joy for the Touche side when she emerged as the top girl performer finishing 10th overall in the combined Under-Nine foil standings comprising a total of 22 fencers including four girls.

The eventual winner Bradley Goh of Singapore ended Philippa's campaign in the last 16.

Following her 4-3 win over Bradley in the preliminary stages, Philippa could not repeat her winning performances.

Philippa featured in an exciting encounter before she lost by a narrow one-point (7-8) margin.

The seventh seeded Bradley continued his gallant and edged another Touche Fencing Club trainee Joel Chiu Ka Jyn 8-5 in the quarter-finals and went all the way for a victorious finish.

Mok admitted that Joel would need to stay composed in going up against Bradley in the future.

"It was his second defeat to the same opponent. Joel could not overcome the psychological barrier after his earlier defeat by Bradley at the Singapore's Minime meet," said Mok.

Touche fielded 27 trainees and returned with a haul of two gold and four bronze medals the recent outing.

Among the losing semi-finalists from the Touche training camp were Khoo Shen Han, Taufiq Aris (both combined Under-Nine foil) and Ashwin Selvan (boys' Under-12 foil).

Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

Isnin, 17 Disember 2012