Jumaat, 28 Disember 2012

The Star Online: World Updates

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The Star Online: World Updates


India gang rape victim dies in Singapore hospital

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 08:02 PM PST

SINGAPORE/NEW DELHI (Reuters) - An Indian woman whose gang rape in New Delhi triggered violent protests died of her injuries on Saturday in a Singapore hospital, bringing a security lockdown in Delhi and recognition from India's prime minister that social change is needed.

A police van carrying the body of the Indian rape victim leave Mount Elizabeth Hospital for the morgue in Singapore December 29, 2012. The Indian gang-rape victim whose assault in New Delhi triggered nationwide protests has died, the Singapore hospital treating her said on Saturday. REUTERS/Edgar Su

A police van carrying the body of the Indian rape victim leave Mount Elizabeth Hospital for the morgue in Singapore December 29, 2012. The Indian gang-rape victim whose assault in New Delhi triggered nationwide protests has died, the Singapore hospital treating her said on Saturday. REUTERS/Edgar Su

The Indian capital braced for a new wave of protests, closing metro stations and banning vehicles from the city centre district where young activists had converged to demand improved women's rights. The news came in the early hours of the morning in India and there were no signs of protests as morning broke.

The 23-year-old medical student, severely beaten, raped and thrown out of a moving bus in New Delhi two weeks ago, had been flown to Singapore in a critical condition by the Indian government on Thursday for specialist treatment.

"We are very sad to report that the patient passed away peacefully at 4:45 a.m. on Dec 29, 2012 (2045 GMT Friday). Her family and officials from the High Commission (embassy) of India were by her side," Mount Elizabeth Hospital Chief Executive Officer Kelvin Loh said in a statement.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in a statement he was deeply saddened by the death and described the emotions associated with her case as "perfectly understandable reactions from a young India and an India that genuinely desires change.

"It would be a true homage to her memory if we are able to channelize these emotions and energies into a constructive course of action."

Delhi's Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, expressed revulsion.

"It is a shameful moment for me not just as a chief minister but also as a citizen of this country," she said.

The woman, who has not been identified, and a male friend were returning home from the cinema by bus on the evening of December 16 when, media reports say, six men on the bus beat them with metal rods and repeatedly raped the woman. The reports say a rod was used in the rape, causing internal injuries. Both were thrown from the bus. The male friend survived the attack.

Singh's government has been battling criticism that it was tone-deaf to the outcry that followed the attack and was heavy handed in its response to the protests in the Indian capital.

Most rapes and other sex crimes in India go unreported and offenders are rarely punished, women's rights activists say. But the brutality of the December 16 assault sparked public outrage and calls for better policing and harsher punishment for rapists.

VEHICLES BARRED FROM DELHI CITY CENTRE

T.C.A. Raghavan, the Indian High Commissioner to Singapore, told reporters hours after the woman's death that a chartered aircraft would fly her body back to India on Saturday, along with members of her family. The woman's body had earlier been loaded into a van at the hospital and driven away.

In New Delhi, the Joint Commissioner of Traffic Police, Satyendra Garg, told NDTV news channel that residents and commuters were advised to avoid the city centre.

The case has received blanket coverage on cable television news channels. Some Indian media have called the woman "Amanat", an Urdu word meaning "treasure".

Talking to reporters earlier on Saturday, Raghavan declined to comment on Indian media reports accusing the government of sending her to Singapore to minimise the possible backlash in the event of her death.

Some Indian medical experts had questioned the decision to airlift the woman to Singapore, calling it a risky manoeuvre given the seriousness of her injuries. They had said she was already receiving the best possible care in India.

But Dr B.D. Athani, medical superintendent of the New Delhi hospital where she had initially been treated, told Indian television the intention was to give the victim the best chance of surviving in what he described as "an extreme case".

"Her condition was very critical from day one. We had managed what best we could do at our end ... she had to be shifted to a centre with much better facilities."

On Friday, the Singapore hospital had said the woman's condition had taken a turn for the worse. It said she had suffered "significant brain injury". She had already undergone three abdominal operations before arriving in Singapore.

The suspects in the rape - five men aged between 20 and 40, and a juvenile - were arrested within hours of the attack and are in custody. Media reports say they are likely to be formally charged with murder next week.

Commentators and sociologists say the rape tapped into a deep well of frustration many Indians feel over what they see as weak governance and poor leadership on social and economic issues.

Many protesters have complained that Singh's government has done little to curb the abuse of women in the country of 1.2 billion. A global poll by the Thomson Reuters Foundation in June found that India was the worst place to be a woman because of high rates of infanticide, child marriage and slavery.

New Delhi has the highest number of sex crimes among India's major cities, with a rape reported on average every 18 hours, according to police figures. Government data show the number of reported rape cases in the country rose by nearly 17 percent between 2007 and 2011.

(Additional reporting by Ross Colvin and Devidutta Tripathy in New Delhi; Saeed Azhar, Edgar Su and Sanjeev Miglani in Singapore; Editing by Michael Roddy, Ron Popeski and Mark Bendeich)


Related Stories:
India PM pledges action after rape victim's death

Copyright © 2012 Reuters

South Sudan says president ready to meet Sudan's Bashir

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 06:13 PM PST

JUBA (Reuters) - South Sudan's President Salva Kiir is willing to meet his Sudanese counterpart Omar Hassan al-Bashir to sort out conflicts and resume vital oil flows, a South Sudanese minister said on Friday after Bashir agreed to hold a summit.

The neighbours agreed in September to set up a demilitarised border zone and resume oil exports from landlocked South Sudan through Sudan. Oil is the lifeline of both economies.

Neither country has yet withdrawn its army from either side of the border, a precondition to resume oil flows. Both sides accuse each other of supporting rebels on the other's territory.

South Sudan initially had planned to resume exports by year-end after shutting down its output of 350,000 barrels a day in January after failing to agree an export fee with Sudan.

On Wednesday, Bashir said he was ready to meet Kiir after the African Union had urged both to hold a summit as soon as possible. Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn visited Khartoum and Juba this week to mediate between the presidents.

"Our president had sent him (Bashir) an invitation before which is still open and we believe our president has all along been open to a serious and meaningful meeting with the president of Sudan," South Sudan's Information Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin told Reuters.

"Since the message was brought to us by His Excellency the Prime Minister of Ethiopia...we believe that President Omar al-Bashir will honour the meeting," Benjamin said.

He did not say when a meeting could take place. Delegations from both countries are scheduled to resume talks in Ethiopia in mid-January.

South Sudan seceded from Sudan under a 2005 peace agreement which ended decades of civil war. But both countries have yet to demarcate their disputed border which straddles oil production facilities.

They are also at odds over Abyei, a contested area between Sudan and South Sudan prized for its fertile grazing land.

(Reporting by Carlvins Odera; Writing by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Michael Roddy)

Copyright © 2012 Reuters

U.S. Senate approves $60.4 billion Superstorm Sandy aid bill

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 06:10 PM PST

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Friday approved a $60.4 billion aid package to pay for reconstruction costs from Superstorm Sandy, which ravaged mid-Atlantic and northeastern states, after defeating Republican efforts to trim the bill's cost.

Contractor Chris Siller pushes a wheelbarrow full of sand to fill in a lawn damaged by superstorm Sandy two months after the storm caused extensive damage in the Queens borough region of Belle Harbor, New York, December 28, 2012. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

Contractor Chris Siller pushes a wheelbarrow full of sand to fill in a lawn damaged by superstorm Sandy two months after the storm caused extensive damage in the Queens borough region of Belle Harbor, New York, December 28, 2012. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid urged the Republican-controlled House of Representatives to quickly take up the bill, which includes $12 billion to repair and strengthen the region's transportation system against future storms.

"There is no time to waste," Reid said.

Both chambers have to agreed on a package by January 2, when the current term of Congress is expected to end, or restart the process of crafting legislation in 2013. The Senate approved the bill 62-32, with most Republicans voting no.

"We beat back all of the crippling amendments," said Senator Charles Schumer, a Democrat from New York, which suffered the largest monetary damage in the storm.

"The century-old tradition of different parts of the country rallying to help those who are beleaguered because of difficult natural disasters continues," Schumer said.

The bill's chances in the next few days could depend on whether President Barack Obama and congressional leaders reach a deal to avert the "fiscal cliff" of tax increases and spending cuts set to begin taking effect in the new year.

House Republican leaders have not yet decided whether to take up the Senate bill, a Republican aide said.

The bill also provides $17 billion in Community Development Block Grants to help rebuild homes, schools, hospitals and other buildings destroyed by the late October storm, help small businesses and improve the power infrastructure.

Senate Republicans complained the $60.4 billion reconstruction package requested by Obama is more than the annual budgets for the departments of Interior, Labor, Treasury and Transportation combined.

HOUSE ACTION UNCLEAR

Senator Dan Coats, an Indiana Republican, offered an alternative that would have provided $23.8 billion in funding to help victims of the storm through the end of March and give Congress time to determine additional needs.

"Let me just say, we simply are allowing three months for the Congress of the United States, the representatives of the taxpayers' dollars, to assess, document and justify additional expenditures that go beyond emergency needs," Coats said just before his amendment was defeated.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Harold Rogers, a Republican from Kentucky, would still prefer to pass a stop-gap bill to meet immediate needs and wait to do another package after better estimates come in, a committee aide said.

The Congressional Budget Office has estimated about $8.97 billion of the Senate bill would be spent in 2013, with another $12.66 billion spent in 2014 and $11.59 billion spent in 2015.

The Senate bill is considerably less than the $82 billion in aid requested by New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, the states that bore the brunt of damage from the storm.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a Republican, was in Washington this month, lobbying lawmakers for the larger amount.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster relief fund now has less than $5 billion available.

The damage to New York and New Jersey coastal areas was on a scale not seen since Hurricane Katrina slammed the Gulf Coast and flooded New Orleans in 2005. Two weeks after that storm hit, Congress approved $62.3 billion in emergency appropriations.

Lawmakers passed numerous subsequent emergency funding requests over several years to cover damages from Katrina, which topped $100 billion. A number of Gulf State Republicans supported the Sandy relief bill.

Republicans were successful in requiring offsetting spending cuts for $3.4 billion in mitigation work to prevent future disasters. Some Democrats said this would set a precedent for future disaster aid bills.

Copyright © 2012 Reuters

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The Star Online: Business

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The Star Online: Business


Snapshots

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 06:32 PM PST

Leadership 2.0

Authors: Travis Bradberry & Jean Greaves

Publisher: TalentSmart

This is a book as well as "a programme" to sharpen 22 core and adaptive leadership skills. There is a portion that come with a scoreboard for self-assessment. Core skills are those that help get one into positions, while adaptive skills are those that set great leaders apart. Identifying, building your skills and enjoying exemplary performance in the pursuit of important objectives will be dealed with by the authors who also wrote Emotional Intelligence 2.0.

Debt: The first 5,000 years

Author: David Graeber

Publisher: Melville House

Anthropologist David Graeber gives a fascinating account of the credit systems to buy and sell goods before the invention of coins and notes. It is in this era that we also first encounter a society divided into debtors and creditors, with the indebted becoming slaves.

Kings and churches intervene and that was how churches became land owners. He also deals with how the present credit crisis will impact the future economy.

Business Plans for Dummies

Authors: Paul Tiffany, Steven Peterson and Colin Barrow

Publisher: Wiley & Sons

Whether you are a novice or an entrepreneur, a solid business plan will get you where you want to go. Revised for today's rocky economic climate, this edition of UK's bestselling business plan guide provides a road map of some crucial topics. Charting your course, getting to know your competitors and sorting out the financials are among some of the topics covered. It also covers the latest consumer trends, the magic of having an adaptive spirit and other business tips.

The year of living cautiously

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 06:31 PM PST

THE year 2012 was defined by derisking, a cautious outlook and wealth preservation.

Boring stocks ruled. Dividends were in. Speculative stocks ran out of favour.

The trend in the second half of the year was clear cut. Penny stocks either meandered in lacklustre trading or were hammered into oblivion.

Meanwhile, the banks, telcos and real estate investment trust (REITs) started picking up steam.

The result of this? A 9.2% return for the FBM KLCI.

The skew towards dividend-yielding stocks saw many of the consumer-based, telco and REIT stocks heavily outperforming the FBM KLCI.

Not surprisingly, the Finance Index was up some 11.5% as of Dec 26. DiGi.com Bhd was the star of the telco stocks, gaining 38.3% on a year to date basis. Meanwhile, Maxis Bhd, Axiata Group Bhd and Telekom Malaysia Bhd also outperformed Bursa by bearing returns of 21.5%, 28.8% and 19.8%.

While REITS did well, with Pavilion REIT recording returns of some 24%, property counters were equally impressive. This was seen in the FBM KLCI property index which gained 4.57% on a year to date basis.

The biggest property gainer was KLCC Property Holdings Bhd, which saw its share price skyrocket some 98.7% to close Dec 26 at RM6.26.

The rush for yield and safety was obvious in the appreciation of consumer stocks such as Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd, Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd, AEON Co (M) Bhd and Guinness Anchor Bhd that ran up 46.4%, 98.5%, 77.6%%, and 22.4% respectively.

Food themes were also beginning to emerge on selective food companies with good branding and a growing chain.

Furthermore, with rising incomes and a larger middle income class segment, the recession proof food industry was starting to showcase some stirring growth prospects.

Berjaya Food Bhd was up 64.7% while Oldtown Bhd was up an impressive 85%.

While the early part of the year saw a huge appetite for the ACE market counters with personalities such as Datuk Raymond Chan emerging, the aggressive plays eventually died down as investors ultimately picked fundamentals and safe havens on the backdrop of a still recovering European economy.

The plays on Metronic Global Bhd, Naim Indah Corp Bhd, Harvest Court Industries Bhd and Ariantec Global Bhd eventually died down. The dark cloud on the impending 13th General Election was a huge factor in casting a pall on the local bourse, with foreign participation continuing to be muted.

Retail participation peaked in the January to February period to about a daily average of RM2.3bil, before dwindling to one of its lowest levels of RM500mil as of early December.

Local institutions continued to be the major proponent of the market throughout the year, although the daily average trade also dwindled from the RM2.5bil mark in February to about RM1.5bil as of end December.

The overhang of liquidity in Asia remained uncomfortably high at current level.

MIDF estimates that some US$51bil of foreign liquidity had moved into the seven Asian markets of Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Philippines, Korea and Thailand this year until Dec 14.

As of the week of Dec 14, Malaysia recorded a strong surplus of US$222.1milweek, the sixth biggest this year.

Thus, for the year until Dec 14, the cumulative net inflow of foreign funds into Malaysian equity surged to RM13.4bil. This is more than seven times the amount of RM1.9bil recorded for the entire 2011.

"Since Jan 2010, cumulative net purchase of Bursa-listed shares by foreigners stayed above the RM30bil mark at RM30.5bil," said MIDF Research.

For the year, new and old stocks found their way into the country's benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI index.

On Dec 24, Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGVH) and Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd, which raised RM9.9bil and RM4.5bil in two of Asia's biggest initial public offerings this year, joined the index.

Meanwhile, the region's biggest low-cost carrier AirAsia Bhd, and Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings Bhd (MMHE) were kicked out.

Stocks that are included in the FTSE Bursa Malaysia will typically have a higher following as large investors who want exposure to Malaysia will want their portfolios to mirror the index.

Share prices of both AirAsia and MMHE have received blows and are down 30% and 22.3% respectively.

The listing of the three biggest IPOs in 2012, which consisted of FGVH, Astro and Integrated Healthcare Bhd (IHH) did play its part in heightening the equity capital market scene.

However returns wise, it has yet to perform.

Apart from IHH, which delivered returns of 10.03%, both FGVH and Astro were still trading below IPO levels, and were down 13.96% and 2.3% respectively.

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The general election factor

Looking forward to a kinder, gentler and cleaner society

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 06:28 PM PST

First the good news - we have survived the end of the world apocalypse. With the spirit of the holiday season and the new year upon us, this is supposed to be a good week for all.

Unfortunately, not for me. I was driving home from work when a white Myvi rudely cut me off from the left side (emergency lane) of the street. Is that incident reflective of our society's depreciating road etiquette? Of course, many would have come across this kind of situation. To be honest, this is not my first time.

Besides the inconsiderate action of the other driver which could have led to an accident, the driver subsequently threw a small red plastic bag out of the car window which landed on the middle of the street.

The scene of people littering may sound minor to many, but since our country is embracing green technology and promoting a greener environment, such actions do not bode well with the country's aspirations.

On the current environmental movement, often we come across the local authorities and individuals promoting the benefits of recycling. We are encouraged to recycle.

Although attempts to educate and to encourage people to be responsible with their waste have been vigorous, few practice it.

In terms of technology and a better waste management system, there is room for improvement. Nevertheless, technology is not the main solution to the problem.

While technological advancements have led to tremendous changes in the world - it is seen as a catalyst for economic growth - technology is expensive and the level of effectiveness, when it comes to waste management, is uncertain.

For me, human behaviour represents a far more cost-effective solution when it comes to deal with the environment.

The best way to describe our attitude today is that we do not care what happens to our garbage once the garbage man takes it away.

Once it is out of sight, it is out of mind.

As reported previously, our drains are clogged with rubbish and this is one of the main reasons for floods. Almost RM828mil are spent on flood mitigation programmes and clearing clogged drains.

Japan has a regulated waste management policy. Everyone is responsible for their own waste. A Japanese friend once told me that she has no reason not to practise it. Prevention is better than cure. And cheaper too. So how can we apply the same spirit of civic mindedness in our society?

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The Star Online: Sports

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The Star Online: Sports


Cricket: Louw on a high as leaders Cobras crush Warriors

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 04:51 PM PST

JOHANNESBURG: Cape Cobras crushed Warriors by an innings and 50 runs on the second day of a South African Cricket Series top-of-the-table clash Friday to extend their lead after six rounds.

Replying to Warriors' first innings of 107, Cobras made 241 with Justin Ontong unbeaten on 90 and then skittled the home team for 84 at Buffalo Park in coastal town East London.

Cobras' tormentor in chief was Johan Louw, who followed up his three-wicket first-innings haul by taking 7-42 in 8.3 overs that included two maidens, and Charl Langeveldt snatched a brace.

Basheer Walters (25), Andrew Birch (15) and Ashwell Prince (11) were the only Warriors to reach double figures with openers Davey Jacobs and Michael Price out for ducks.

Defending champions Titans continued to regret putting Dolphins in to bat at Kingsmead in Durban as the home team added 225 runs to the overnight total before a 548-6 declaration.

Bottom of the table and winless this season, Titans were battling at 156-7 in reply with only Tumelo Bodibe (41) and Mangaliso Mosehle (39 not out) having any success against Dolphins' bowlers.

Highveld Lions, another side to benefit from being put into bat, totalled 348 at Senwes Park in north-western university town Potchefstroom and Knights closed on 272 to trail by 76 runs to two days left. - AFP

Cricket: Kiwis get vital batting practice in tour match

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 04:45 PM PST

PAARL, South Africa: New Zealand's top order batsmen all spent valuable time at the crease on the first day of a three-day match against a South African Invitation XI at Boland Park on Friday.

The New Zealanders finished the day on 311 for six after winning the toss.

Only two batsmen, Kane Williamson (59) and captain Brendon McCullum (65) reached fifty but all seven of those in action honed their games in the only warm-up match ahead of the first Test against South Africa, starting in Cape Town on January 2.

"It was nice to spend time in the middle," said Williamson.

"The wicket was fairly flat and we're preparing for a different challenge in the first Test. We're all aware that the conditions and the attack we'll be up against will be very different."

Daniel Flynn, who scored 23 off 34 balls, was the only batsman who did not spend at least an hour in the middle.

The match does not have first-class status, with both teams able to call on 12 players, although only 11 can bat or be on the field.

Williamson made his 59 off 100 balls, while McCullum made the transition from limited overs cricket to the longer version of the game with a watchful innings, facing 126 deliveries.

The best bowler for the Invitation XI was off-spinner Colin Ackermann, who took three for 46.

The Invitation team was drawn from South Africa's second tier first-class competition, contested mainly by amateur players. - AFP

Rafael Nadal injury factfile

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 04:36 PM PST

MADRID: Rafael Nadal, who said Friday that he would skip the 2013 Australian Open because of a stomach virus after six months out with a knee injury, has been plagued by injuries throughout his career.

AFP Sports looks at the problems suffered by the former world number one Spaniard, the winner of 11 Grand Slam titles, including a record seven French Opens:

2003: Misses French Open with elbow injury.

2004: Misses French Open and is three months off tour with left ankle injury.

2006: Left foot injury suffered in November 2005 means Nadal only starts 2006 season in February.

2008: Tendinitis in his left knee forces Nadal to retire from Paris Masters in the quarter-finals. Withdraws from Masters Cup and Davis Cup final.

2009: As four-time defending French Open champion, Nadal's 31-match winning run at Roland Garros ended by Robin Soderling in the fourth round. Withdraws from Queen's and Wimbledon, where he was defending champion, with tendinitis in both knees. Out for nine weeks in total, loses world number one ranking to Roger Federer.

2010: Retires in quarter-final of Australian Open against Andy Murray with right knee injury. Off tour until Indian Wells in March.

2011: Loses in straight sets in Australian Open quarter-final to compatriot David Ferrer, complains of left adductor problem. Off tour for two months.

2012: Loses to world number 100 Lukas Rosol in Wimbledon second round on June 28. Tendinitis in left knee sees him miss Olympics, where he was defending champion, US Open, World Tour Finals and Davis Cup final. After six months out, cancels plans to play in Abu Dhabi exhibition. Pulls out of 2013 Australian Open because of stomach virus. - AFP

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The Star Online: Entertainment: Movies

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The Star Online: Entertainment: Movies


Movies Coming Soon

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 12:07 AM PST

End Of Watch РDirector/writer David Ayer directs Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Pe̱a and Anna Kendrick in this footage-type movie revolving around two young officers. They are hunted down by members of a notorious cartel after they confiscated money and firearms from a car during a routine traffic stop.

Parental Guidance – Bette Midler and Billy Crystal (pic below) play grandparents who find themselves looking after their three grandchildren one weekend. The problem is that these elderly people can't really find a common ground with the technology-savvy kids. Marisa Tomei co-stars.

First Look - Pain & Gain

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 12:06 AM PST

Michael Bay directing an action-comedy-thriller, starring Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson? Sounds a little risky as the only thing Bay is good at is blowing things up or making us cry because we actually paid money to see movies like The Island, Pearl Harbor and Transformers: Dark Of The Moon. Still, he has recruited a group of interesting actors – Wahlberg and Johnson (the action part), Rebel Wilson and Ken Jeong (comedy) and Ed Harris (thriller, of course) – for this film.

Pain & Gain revolves around three bodybuilders in Florida who find themselves smack in the middle of an extortion ring and a kidnapping scheme. Naturally, things go terribly wrong.

It is tentatively scheduled to hit cinemas in April, 2013.

Judge: Stallone did not copy screenplay for 'The Expendables'

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 12:05 AM PST

NEW YORK: A federal judge has reaffirmed his decision to dismiss a lawsuit accusing actor Sylvester Stallone of copying someone else's screenplay to make his popular 2010 movie "The Expendables."

U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff in Manhattan on Thursday rejected claims of copyright infringement damages by Marcus Webb, who contended that the movie's screenplay contained 20 "striking similarities" to his own "The Cordoba Caper."

Webb claimed that both works had similar plots, and involved hired mercenaries in a Latin American country that was home to a villain dictator named General Garza.

But Rakoff said no reasonable juror could find that the works were so similar as to eliminate the possibility that Stallone crafted his screenplay on his own.

Not even the general's name was an automatic red flag, Rakoff said, writing that "Garza" was the 34th most common Hispanic nickname in the United States.

"The court has carefully examined the entire litany of plaintiff's proffered 'striking similarities' and finds none of them remotely striking or legally sufficient," Rakoff wrote. "These are two very different screenplays built on a familiar theme: mercenaries taking on a Latin American dictator."

Other defendants in the case included Nu Image Films, which produced the movie, and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp , which distributed the movie in the United States.

Lawyers for Webb did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

"The Expendables" was released in August 2010, and featured other older action stars like Jet Li and Arnold Schwarzenegger. A sequel, "The Expendables 2," was released in August 2012.

In June, Rakoff decided to dismiss Webb's case but did not provide his reasons until Thursday.

Stallone also starred in the "Rocky" and "Rambo" movies. - Reuters

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The Star Online: Nation

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Embankment collapses at Bukit Setiawangsa, residents forced to vacate homes

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 10:34 AM PST

KUALA LUMPUR: Residents of Bukit Setiawangsa here were rudely shocked late Friday when land erosion caused most part of a 43m concrete embankment in the area to collapse.

The concrete barrier suddenly crumbled and buried the only access road from Taman Puncak Setiawangsa at about 10pm.

Until past midnight, the soil in the area had yet to stabilise and the area was classified as a critical zone, forcing occupants of four luxury bangalow houses near the collapsed barrier to vacate their homes.

It is learnt that among the residents involved were an MP and the family of a diplomat.

Puncak Setiawangsa residents' association assistant chairman Fauziah Jamaluddin said only the residents of Jalan Puncak 2 were affected and they were ordered to vacate as soon as possible.

"Some 15 luxury houses were affected while 200 other houses were not affected," she said.

No injuries or casualties were reported from the incident.

Meanwhile, according to Bernama, the Fire and Rescue Department and police have asked the affected residents to vacate their homes and take their documents and essential items with them, and move their vehicles to a safe location.

Resident B. Selvarani, 26, said she heard a landslide behind her terrace house below the embankment.

"The fallen soil almost entered my house," said Selvarani, who was doing her laundry then and immediately vacated the house with her family of four.

Men torch bus after fatal accident

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 10:18 AM PST

KUANTAN: A group of agitated men set a stalled bus on fire after a motorcyclist, believed to be their friend, was allegedly killed after hitting its rear.

In the 6.40am incident Friday, the men poured petrol and burned the bus, which had broken down and was left unattended on a road shoulder at KM17 Jalan Besar Ringlet-Sungai Koyan at Kampung Leyar, near Cameron Highlands.

Prior to the incident, M. Sarimutu, 40, died at the scene from head injuries when his motorcycle rammed the rear of the bus, said Cameron Highlands police chief DSP Wan Mohd Zahari Wan Busu when contacted.

He said, the victim, a labourer from Batu Gajah, Perak was on his way to work at a construction site in the area when the mishap occurred.

A friend of the victim who saw the accident, related it to several other friends, said Wan Mohd Zahari, adding that police had yet to make any arrest. - Bernama

Bukit Aman: More than three involved in militant group linked to Noor Fikrie

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 07:53 AM PST

Published: Friday December 28, 2012 MYT 11:02:00 PM
Updated: Friday December 28, 2012 MYT 11:53:19 PM

KUALA LUMPUR: More than three Malaysians are believed to be involved in a militant group linked to Mohd Noor Fikrie Abd Kahar who was shot dead in the Philippines two weeks ago.

Bukit Aman special task force (operations and counter-terrorism) director Datuk Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the police were still gathering information before closing in on them.

"The matter is still under investigation but we are not ruling out the possibility of their involvement in the group," he told reporters during the Walkabout High Profile Policing Meet and Greet programme here.

He was commenting on the remnants of a militant group linked to Mohd Noor, 26, who was shot dead by Philippine authorities after a scuffle with the police who wanted to check the sling bag containing a home-made bomb carried by his wife.

Commenting on the delayed trial of two Malaysian men held by Lebanese authorities over alleged links with the al-Qaeda terrorist movement, Mohamad Fuzi said the Military Tribunal in Beirut had yet to announce a new trial date.

Razif Mohamad Ariffin, 28, and Mohamad Razin Shahar Mustapha Kamal, 21, were detained on Oct 18, after they were suspected to have been trained as suicide bombers and had links with al-Qaeda. - Bernama

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Noor Fikrie's chilling messages before his death
Noor Fikrie's dad: His character changed after failed marriage
Malaysian shot dead in Philippines member of militant group

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The Star Online: Lifestyle: Bookshelf


Finding love, happiness and redemption

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 01:44 AM PST

3 Step Plan To Find Real Love
Author: Jean Cirillo
Publisher: Advantage Quest Publications, 243 pages

GIRLS, bad news. You know how society – via movies, love songs and saccharine greeting cards – keeps telling us that we have to find our one-and-only soul mate? No such person exists, according to author Jean Cirillo. Instead, we should be looking out for what really makes a man worth loving for a lifetime – and it's got nothing to do with how good looking he is.

The Sins Of The Mother
Author: Danielle Steel
Publisher: Bantam Press, 354 pages

THE world knows Olivia Grayson as the successful business woman who built a home-furnishings empire. Her children, though, see an absent mother, a distant figure who was never very involved in their lives.

Now at a crossroads in her life, Olivia wants to make up to her family for not being there even while she takes her business to greater heights.

But family love is a complex thing and it will take more than a lavish holiday or two for Olivia to face her past, make amends and gain the respect of her loved ones.

Happiest You Ever: 365 Ways To Invite More Love, Sex, Fun, Friendship, Fellowship, Community, And Career Satisfaction Into Your Life – Each And Every Day!
Authors: Meera Lester, Carolyn Dean & Susan B. Townsend
Publisher: Advantage Quest
Publications, 378 pages

IN this reprint of a 2011 title, the authors claim to have a daily prescription for happiness in all aspects of life.

Practical tips on making little choices, moves and changes can help the reader get a little closer to being satisfied with life.

The tips are arranged around seven key elements: career, community connections, friendship, love, family, "me time" and relaxation, and spirituality.

2012 - A year of marvels

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 12:59 AM PST

From Avengers and Batman films to Prof X and Peter Parker dying(!), 2012 has been a momentous year for comics.

IT'S that time of year when we recap the A-to-Z of the year's most significant milestones in the comic universe. It's been a great year in terms of superhero movies and earth-shattering comic book events, so here's hoping 2013 will be even better!

A – Avengers Vs X-Men

AVX was Marvel's answer to DC's ever-evolving 52 titles. Sure, pitting its two biggest teams against each other was a no brainer, but this year-long event sizzles by reintroducing the Phoenix Force, re-igniting the Mutant gene pool, leaving a trail of destruction from Wakanda to Kun Lun, and sacrificing mutant-kind's father figure.

B – Better Bat

From the Court Of Owls to the Death Of The Family storylines, this is one of the best Batman runs since Hush. The creative team of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo were destined to shake up Bat-mythos, and possibly the only challenge left for them is to direct a Batman movie!

C – Crom! Conan!

With or without Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robert E. Howard's greatest creation, Conan, got a second lease of life on the silver screen – and a more barbaric one too!

D – Dark Knight Rises

The year's best comic book movie, and my favourite Bat-movie ever (sorry, Adam West!). Special mention to Anne Hathaway for being the "purr-fect" Catwoman. Also, if you are still experiencing Dark Knight withdrawals, check out The Dark Knight Returns animated movie.

E – Earth's Mightiest Heroes

After four years of build up, the "Avengers Initiative" finally materialised, and to quote Thor – "'Tis a sight to behold!" From the Chitauri to the Thanos end-credits teaser, this was the most comprehensive Marvel movie to date. The movie's box office success did wonders too, resulting in spinoffs in the form of a host of Avengers titles, as well as unofficially endorsing shawarma as the breakfast-for-heroes!

F – Father Figure

Collectively, Bruce Wayne and Batman play a number of roles: billionaire, playboy, industrialist, philanthropist, Gotham's protector, and World's Greatest Detective. However, none of these could have prepared him for ... fatherhood! Since assuming parental custody over Damian (his love child with Talia Al Ghul), there are more unseen dynamics within the new Dynamic Duo.

G – Green-er Lantern

Sector 2814 welcomed a new Green Lantern in Simon Baz, the first Arab-American superhero, who made his first appearance in Green Lantern #00!

H – Hitting the Mark (Waid)!

While Geoff Johns has the whole DC Universe to tinker with, Mark Waid operates on a shoestring budget comprising second tier Marvel characters (Daredevil) and explorative works like AVX Infinite. Entertainment-wise, Waid has a slight edge over Johns, as his rollercoaster thriller stint on the Man Without Fear proves.

I – I am the Law!

If Conan can live on without Schwarzenegger, so can a Stallone-less Dredd – with Karl Urban as the new Judge Dredd, Mega City One's top law enforcer reaffirmed why he truly is The Law! Better than its predecessor in every sense, this grittier remake also had an extra "oomph" thanks to Olivia Thirlby's Judge Anderson.

J – Just Draw It!

This year saw a few local comic artists taking charge of their future via Drawlaahhh!, a self-publication of their works. Check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/drawlaahhh for more details.

K – Kicking ass

Post-Kick-Ass, Mark Millar's Millarworld got even bigger this year with the release of Hit Girl (with John Romita Jr), Supercrooks (Leinil Yu) and Secret Service (Dave Gibbons).

L – Lucasfilm acquired!

Having already acquired Pixar and Marvel, Disney completed another strategic purchase with Lucasfilm (which included its crown jewels, Industrial Light & Magic, as well as Skywalker Sound and LucasArts). What this means for the Star Wars comic books remains to be seen, but for now, we can at least look forward to 2015's Star Wars: Episode VII!

M – Malaysian Games & Comics Convention

May 19 was a significant milestone in Malaysian comics' history, as local comic fans finally got a taste of a full-scale comic convention. Boasting the presence of international talents such as Leinil Yu, Carlo Pagulayan and a posse of Malaysian talents – including Billy Tan, Tan Eng Huat, and the Gilamon crew – there was also a comprehensive array of comics-based and digital-based events. It was a heart-warming experience and some even lost their hearts to the adorable Cosplay Queen, Alodia Gosiengfiao. A sequel is a must!

N – Now THAT'S Marvel!

With the success of DC's New 52, it was inevitable that Marvel would follow suit and reboot its own universe. The publisher finally did so with the "Marvel Now" brand, which promises a new direction for its universe, with emphasis on status shifts that has seen the Fantastic Four leaving Earth to roam the unknown universes, as well as the Hulk becoming a SHIELD agent!

O – Original Mutants

Despite the title, the All-New X-Men series welcomes back the old, pioneering X-Men team. Plucked out from their time by present-day Beast to avenge Professor X's death (see the letter "X" entry below), this "rookie-phase" X-Men team might just hold the right formula to combating the present day Cyclops, Magneto and Emma Frost team.

P – Parker Passes

In The Amazing Spider-man #700 (released yesterday), Peter Parker spins his final web as Spider-Man, dying at the hands of Dr Octopus. But wait! If Peter is dead, why does the issue's final page show Spidey standing victoriously over a dead Doc Ock, instead of the other way around? You'll have to read the book to find out, but the point here is, the Spider-Man we all know and love is dead; and come January, there will be a brand new Superior Spider-man that is NOT Peter Parker!

Q – (I) Quit!

After seven decades, Superman #13 saw Clark Kent quitting his job at the Daily Planet in protest over the mistreatment of journalism. With sensationalism preferred over reporting cold, hard truths, one of the world's most powerful beings found himself unable to express his thoughts through writing, which further amplified the impact of the decision.

R – Rest In Peace

Sadly, the world lost several great comic talents this year, including Jean Giraud @ Moebius (73), Tony DeZuniga (79), Joe Kubert (85), Ernie Chan (71), and John Severin (90). Rest in peace, maestros!

S – Saga Continues

After the end of Y: The Last Man, the Saga continues for Brian K. Vaughn via this "Star Wars meets Game Of Thrones" series. Set within a galactic war, Saga depicts the tale of two lovers, Alana and Marko, from opposing extraterrestrial races, and their offspring, Hazel.

T – Toy "Awry" Story

Like a Disney-meets-Twilight Zone tale, Fables' "Cubs In Toyland" story arc (Fables #114-121) reveals the dangers of playing with toys that possess "assertive intelligence". Prophecies concerning the kids of Snow White and Bigby are revealed; and one of the cubs, Therese, is abducted and taken into a toy graveyard known as Toyland to be their new ruler ... that is, if she can survive on a diet of plastic toys.

U – Uncanny Avengers

Post-AVX, a new team is formed featuring a union of key members from the Avengers and the X-Men! This power-sharing concoction is nothing new, but the Red Skull's removal of Xavier's brain is gruesomely awesome!

V – Valiant reborn!

After going through several failed reincarnations, the Valiant universe lives once again via the re-launch of five titles: X-O Manowar, Harbinger, Bloodshot, Archer & Armstrong, and Shadowman, with Quantum & Woody set to come, too (fingers crossed).

W – Watchmen, Before

Despite Watchmen co-creator Alan Moore's non-endorsement of a Watchmen prequel and sequel, DC went ahead with Before Watchmen, which manages to live up to the original's immortal status. Backed by a star-studded creative crew (from J. Michael Straczynski to Brian Azzarello), this compilation of 10 interconnected titles (including the epilogue) not only pays homage to the original story, but also adds depth and breadth to the Minutemen, while connecting the dots to the original tale.

X – Xavier

While past experiences have shown that deceased X-Men have almost always returned from the dead, Professor Charles Xavier's passing (see AVX # 11) is still a significant milestone, especially since his death comes at the hands of his most trusted protégé, Cyclops.

Y – Year Two

The honeymoon is over for the revamped DC universe, and casualties were aplenty in terms of titles (Captain Atom, Grifter, Voodoo, Frankenstein, Blue Beetle, Legion Lost, Resurrection Man, etc) and creators such as George Perez, Gail Simone and Rob Liefeld; though in the case of Liefeld ... good riddance!

Z – Zombie Milestones

Alongside a successful third season of its TV series, The Walking Dead comic also achieved a significant milestone with its century issue. Unlike its past anniversaries where Rick Grimes always emerged victorious, he finally meets his match in issue #100. The build-up this year has been excruciatingly suspenseful, and there are times when you just wish that they had a cyanide pill in their teeth so they could just put themselves out of their misery!

Compilation of Space Marine mayhem for 40K fans

Posted: 27 Dec 2012 04:06 PM PST

Three anthologies serve up loads of Space Marine mayhem in chainfist-size chunks to delight Warhammer 40,000 fans.

Treacheries Of The Space Marines (Warhammer 40,000)
Editor: Christian Dunn
Publisher: Black Library, 409 pages

Tome Of Fire: A Salamanders Collection (Warhammer 40,000)
Author: Nick Kyme
Publisher: Black Library, 413 pages

Shadows Of Treachery (The Horus Heresy)
Editors: Christian Dunn & Nick Kyme
Publisher: Black Library, 409 pages

THESE collections of short stories featuring genetically-engineered warriors known as Space Marines blasting the stuffing out of one another – and any mortals dumb enough to get in their way – make gripping reading for fans but are unlikely to secure new devotees, being a little too steeped in the series' sweeping mythology.

If you've been lost in a warp storm for the last 25 years, Warhammer 40,000 (40K for short) tells of a distant and strife-torn future where the decaying interstellar empire known as the Imperium of Man wages what seems to be a losing war against ever-encroaching alien menaces, as well as renegades from within who have sworn allegiance to the ruinous, ancient forces of Chaos.

Space Marines are massive armoured warriors created to be the Imperium's finest protectors. The trouble is, half of their legions rebelled against the Emperor who created them and went over to Chaos; the remaining loyal ones have since dug in their heels for a long war, becoming aloof and distant from the mortals they protect.

The Emperor is a rotting husk kept alive by long-forgotten technology, his psychic will – basically, all that's left of him after battling a traitorous son – lighting the way for his starships through the depths of space. A thousand souls are sacrificed each day to sustain his essence.

And, as the 40K preamble goes, in the grim dark future there is only war.

That's the short version.

Aside from the ongoing 40K tales set in the 41st millennium, publisher Black Library has also spun off a bestselling line known as The Horus Heresy, set roughly about 10,000 years earlier. The HH tales depict the massive civil war mentioned above, which left the Emperor in his current state. That Black Library's authors manage to keep fans enthralled in a saga where everyone knows the "ending" is proof of the rich mythology and vast potential for new tales to be spun.

Today, we take a look at three recent short story anthologies set in this unsavoury future.

Treachery most delicious

With the word "treacheries" in its title, you may conclude (rightly) that Treacheries Of The Space Marines is mostly about those warriors that turned traitor, and they're frequently the more interesting to read about.

Sometimes, those loyalist guys can get sooo drearily one-note with their "The Emperor protects!" this and "Purge the heretic" that (guys, you can't win a war with laxatives ... oh, maybe you can).

Black Library's writers have frequently served up intriguing portraits of the "enemy", among them Aaron Dembski-Bowden's Night Lords books, Anthony Reynolds' Word Bearers series, and Graham McNeill's Iron Warriors stories (those are some names of the Traitor Legions, by the way).

The nine-tale Treacheries opens with an 80-page story, The Masters, Bidding by Matthew Farrer – who, I must say, is not one of my favourite 40K contributors. Here, however, his mini-epic of Chaos champions engaging in one long brag-fest to prove themselves worthy of highly prized alien artifacts is quite amusing. You can sense there's a tongue firmly planted in cheek throughout the narrative with its highly exaggerated (and petulant) personalities.

The tone becomes typically 40K-sombre soon enough once we move on to the other stories.

Dembski-Bowden contributes a story of the Night Lords seeking to settle a millennia-old score, while Reynolds' offering could well be the final appearance of Word Bearers Dark Apostle, Marduk (who has appeared in three earlier books).

My favourite one of the bunch is the decidedly devious We Are One by John French, featuring the Alpha Legion – traitors notorious for subterfuge and manipulation. The story, about one of the Imperium's Inquisitors chasing down a particularly nasty member of the Legion over nearly a century (they bear long grudges in the 40K universe, this feud being relatively ... brief), reminds us why we can never have enough of the Alpha Legion as it comes to a mind-boggling conclusion.

Also worthy of mention is Jonathan Green's Liberator, where the timeline of events is presented in reverse order; it's an interesting departure from convention that would have benefited from a more powerful payoff.

As 40K anthologies go, Treacheries is a worthy companion piece to the three previous collections in this line (Heroes, Legends, Victories Of The Space Marines). Just one major glitch: the contributors' biography section fails to list Farrer, and instead there's biodata for Chris Wraight, who didn't contribute so much as an auspex whisper to this one. The Alpha Legion's vaunted misdirection at work, no doubt.

Fireborn

Tome Of Fire is much tighter in its focus, dealing almost entirely with the chapter of Space Marines known as the Salamanders. Onyx-skinned, fiery-eyed warriors that possibly look the least human of these transhuman warriors, the Salamanders are ironically the more compassionate of their brethren towards the plain old mortals they defend.

This volume is meant to be a coda of sorts to author Nick Kyme's Tome Of Fire trilogy which covered the books Salamander, Firedrake and Nocturne. The series revolved around an ancient prophecy and Hazon Dak'ir, a lowborn human before he became a Space Marine, who could well be the one the prophecy referred to.

The contents page quite kindly indicates the position of each story relative to the timeline of the three novels in the series. Be warned, however, that most of the stories in Tome have appeared in other collections; and the few that are "original" in this anthology aren't that crash-hot.

At least the all-new stories do hold out some hope about the fate of the more outstanding characters from the trilogy, though there's a big question mark over whether or not Kyme will ever continue those sagas.

Cast a traitorous shadow

Each of the Space Marine legions back in the days of the Horus Heresy was led by a demigod-like primarch, and one reason the HH series is so popular among fans is that it often depicts these guys in their full glory. The arch-traitor Horus was one such primarch, and the fact that he was the favoured son of the Emperor made his betrayal sting that much more – though he was not the first heretic among his brethren.

Shadows Of Treachery is the fourth short story collection in the Horus Heresy's 23 books to date. Like Tome Of Fire above, most of the stories here (five out of the seven) have been published before. Unlike TOF, the reprints are from much less accessible volumes – mostly limited-edition booklets published especially for special events; and one is the transcript of an audio drama.

So I was quite thrilled to be able to read, at last, Graham McNeill's The Dark King and its somewhat linked cousin, The Lightning Tower by Dan Abnett. The two writers are among Black Library's heavyweights, having produced some of its finest books and performed a couple of interesting experiments in storytelling, too.

These stories first appeared in a 2007 chapbook and were later made into audio dramas, and have not been made widely available in print until now.

Alas, the anticipation proved more satisfying than the event, and I found these two stories to be just ... appetisers for when the conflict in the Heresy reaches its most critical stages.

The two new tales in this anthology, the novellas Crimson Fist by French (that Alpha Legion guy) and Prince Of Crows by Dembski-Bowden, are the best things it has to offer.

Both tell of large space battles and desperate boarding actions (by a loyalist force in one story, and traitors in the other), and focus on secondary characters in the 40K universe's roster of legendary heroes – Alexis Polux of the Imperial Fists and Jago Sevatarion of the Night Lords.

The Horus Heresy collection is the best of the three on review here, for its two "unputdownable" framing stories, plenty of primarch-fuelled mayhem and the chance to read some rare stuff that most fans here would have only heard about prior to this. Here's hoping Black Library can keep the flames of heresy burning for a while to come.

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Metro Watch

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 05:59 AM PST

BLOOD DONATION

The National Blood Bank is holding blood donation drives today at Aeon Mahkota Cheras (10am-5pm), Denso, Bandar Baru Bangi (10am-3pm), Spirit Aerosystem Malaysia, Subang Jaya (9am-2pm), Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur (11am-3pm), Masjid Al Ehsan, Puchong (11am-3pm), Maktab PDRM Cheras (10am-3pm) and Masjid Negara Kuala Lumpur (10am-4pm). For details, visit www.pdn.gov.my

NEW YEAR BLESSING

Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society of Puchong is having an All Night Chanting and New Year Blessing Service at Lot B2, Vantage Point, Jalan Bangau 11, Off Jalan Bukit Jalil - Sg. Besi from 9pm on Dec 31 until 2pm the next day. For details, call Julie Tan at 016-270 2120 or visit www.kinrarametta.org

ALBUM LAUNCH

Christian Schwanz aka CEE will be launching his ambient album, Gustav and Hannes at Palate Palette 21 Jalan Mesui, Kuala Lumpur on Jan 6 from 5pm to 7pm in an effort to raise funds for Institut Jantung Negara Foundation, specifically for infant heart surgeries. An online version of artwork, copy and music can be found at http://gustavandhannes.bandcamp.com/

FUND-RAISING FOR PETS

Vision International Properties is having a fundraising community campaign, Dogs and Cats Lunch Gathering on Jan 19 at Bandar Utama Central Park, from 9am until 1pm to raise funds for Second Chance Animal Shelter which is in need of upgrading and improvement for the comfort of helpless dogs and cats. Lunch ticket is sold at RM50 per person. For details or reservation, call 016-228 9233.

PEM FAMILY DAY

Persatuan Epilepsi Malaysia will be organising a family day on Jan 13, 2013, at Taman Tasik Permaisuri, Cheras next to Santai Café, opposite SMK Sains, from 7.30am to 11am. The event is to create and promote public awareness on epilepsy and to share ideas. Admission for patients is free while there is a fee of RM10 per participant for caregivers or family members. Confirm your attendance by tomorrow by calling 012–358 2715 (Rosalind), 019-255 0455 (Linda) or 012–241 5206 (Magrett).

NEW YEAR IN SUBANG

Subang Jaya residents are organising a Christmas cum New Year's eve countdown party on Dec 31 at Subang Jaya Community Fire and Rescue Department in SS17, from 9.30pm onwards. There will be fireworks, Christmas carolling as well as a wide array of surprise items for lucky draws with prizes like a Momopad worth RM600, computer accessories, digital photo frame worth RM300 and hypermarket cash vouchers worth RM1,450. For details, call 013-2122 646 (Rozana).

KJLJD slot four goals to storm to victory in Division One

Posted: 28 Dec 2012 05:59 AM PST

RAZALI Hazemi scored two goals in KJLJD's convincing 4-0 win over RAMD in the final of the Selangor Hockey League at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Hockey Stadium in Jalan Pantai, Kuala Lumpur recently.

The forward was on target in the 55th and 57th minutes. Earlier, Mohd Szhuari Kamal had scored KJLJD's opening goal in the 11th minute while Raja Rozaifa Raja Daud was on target in the 47th minute.

It was a memorable night for KJLJD as they were also crowned as the Division One champions. Their striker Mohd Szhuari was voted as the Man of Match (final).

The match was quite an interesting affair as both teams played an attacking game. But the KJLJD players were swift in counter-attacks. KJLJD coach Kamaruddin Misman said it was a great season for them.

"We were consistent throughout the competition. The players should be praised for their performance. We are looking forward to the next season,'' said Kamaruddin.

As the champions, KJLJD received RM3,000 while RAMD settled for RM1,500.

In an earlier match for the third spot, UiTM edged Selangor Indian Association (SIA) 3-2.

UiTM's goals were scored by Muhammad Ariff Engliman in the 19th and 33rd minutes and Muhammad Noor Faeez Ibrahim in the 22nd minute. SIA's goals came from Shawn Sureah Sundramurthy (45th) and P. Praba (49th) minutes. UiTM received RM750 and SIA RM500.

Selangor Hockey Association (SHA) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said they were pleased with the support from their affiliates for the league.

"The competition committee did a wonderful job. We are looking into initiating several programmes next year. The priority will be programmes at grassroots,'' said Suba-han.

The 2012 Selangor

Hockey League

- Roll of Honour

Division One

Champions: KJLJD

Runners-up: UiTM

Third: RAMD

Fourth: Bukit Jalil Sports School

Division Two

Champions: Worksyop Elite

Runners-up: Selangor Indian Association

Third: Starbrite-X-Matrix

Fourth: Selangor Police

- Overall

Champions: KJLJD

Runners-up: RAMD

Third: UiTM

Fourth: Selangor Indian Association

Man of the Match (Final): Mohd Szhuairi Kamal (KJLJD)

Best Goalkeeper: Mohd Razain Ramli (Worksyop Elite)

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