Shahrizat shouldn't have much to do with cows

PETALING JAYA: Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil must explain herself on the National Feedlot Centre (NFC) fiasco to her party delegates in the upcoming Umno general assembly.

Kota Belud MP Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan said the NFC controversy is too big an issue for it to be overlooked by party delegates.

It was reported the 2010 Auditor-General's Report found that the RM73.64 million government project failed to meet its target of breeding 8,000 cattle last year because NFC had only produced 3,289 cattle.

"I believe it will be a major issue, just like the AP with Tan Sri Rafidah Abdul Aziz. I don’t see this issue being swept under the carpet, it is just too big to ignore or avoid.

"I think Shahrizat needs to be ready to answer the questions. I expect this will be brought up, it will be mentioned in the speeches. I think some explanation must be forthcoming to clear things up and it would be better if it comes before the general assembly," he told The Malay Mail.

Despite reassurance by the government that the project has been a success, Shahrizat has continuously
been hounded over her family's involvement in the management of NFC.

On June 24, The Malay Mail reported that NFC's executive chairman is Shahrizat's husband, Datuk Dr Mohamad Salleh Ismail, while the couple's three children — Izmir, 31, Izran, 27, and Izzana, 25, — are chief executive and executive directors in the company, respectively.

NFC was established as a High Impact Project under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, towards attaining 40 per cent self-sufficiency in beef production by 2010.

However, Pulai MP Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed opined the matter would not be made a priority as the party is preparing its machinery for the 13th general election.

"I think the issue will be suppressed because at the end of the day, we don't want negative news leading
to the general election.

"The issue will not be made a priority because the party president (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) will be looking at gearing the troops for the general election," he said.

The former Umno deputy president candidate added that Najib would also face resistance from the party's old guards when deciding on candidates for the election.

"He will have a dilemma in refreshing the candidate lineup and introducing new candidates. But the party resident must not repeat the same mistake from the previous general election when the candidate named did not have the support of the Umno machinery," he said.

The Umno general assembly will be held at the Putra World Trade Centre on Nov 29 to Dec 3 with a total of 5,447 delegates expected to attend.

Original source: http://mmail.com.my

Demi Moore Tweets Topless Pic

DEMI Moore (pix) has returned to Twitter for the first time since announcing her marriage split.

The 49-year-old actress – who is usually a prolific user of the social networking website – posted her first message since separating from Ashton Kutcher to urge her fans to be more appreciative of people.

Writing on Thanksgiving on Thursday, she posted: "Why do we have only 1 day for giving thanks? Is that why so many people feel unappreciated? Make this 1 of 365 days of Thanksgiving! (sic)"

Meanwhile, Ashton also used the holiday to return to the site.

He posted: "I'm thankful for family, friends, you, & time to reach my potential. What are you thankful for?"

The 'Two and a Half Men' actor last used the site on November 17 – the day Demi announced she was to file for divorce after six years of marriage – to pay tribute to the actress.

Ashton – who was accused of sleeping with Sara Leal in September – wrote: "I will forever cherish the time I spend with Demi. Marriage is one of the most difficult things in the world and unfortunately sometimes they fail. Love and light, AK."

Demi expressed her "great sadness" when she announced her marriage is over but said she is hoping to "move forward" with her life.

She said in a statement: "It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I have decided to end my six-year marriage to Ashton. As a woman, a mother and a wife there are certain values and vows that I hold sacred, and it is in this spirit that I have chosen to move forward with my life. This is a trying time for me and my family, and so I would ask for the same compassion and privacy that you would give to anyone going through a similar situation." – Bang Media

National marches back to power in New Zealand

AUCKLAND (Nov 26, 2011): The ruling centre-right National Party was headed for a crushing win in New Zealand's general election on Saturday, with partial returns suggesting it would have an outright majority and not need any coalition partners.

National, led by former foreign exchange dealer John Key, was sitting on 49% share of the vote, which would translate into 61 seats in the 121 seat parliament from its current 58, with around two-thirds of the votes counted.

"We obviously are happy with the numbers we have got but again very cautious about the total count so far and I think we all should be," National's campaign manager Steven Joyce said on TVNZ.

Key campaigned on promises to build on policies of the past three years with an emphasis on sparking economic growth by cutting debt, curbing spending, selling state assets and returning to a budget surplus by 2014/15.

The Labour Party's share of the vote was around 26%, which would see it win 32 seats, down 11 on its current stake.

"We're obviously hoping we'll come up from where we are as the bigger booths come in," said senior Labour MP David Parker.

Under New Zealand's proportional voting system, parties must secure either a local electorate seat, or 5% of the nationwide vote to get into parliament.

The pattern of past elections would suggest the margin will narrow as votes in bigger cities are counted. The urban vote has in the past bolstered Labour's share.

Opinion polls published in the last day of the campaign put the National Party as many as 25 percentage points ahead of Labour.

The affable Key has been one of the most popular leaders in New Zealand history and has been seen as a safe pair of hands as he led the country through earthquakes, a coal mine disaster, and the global economic turmoil.

He has also benefited from closely linking himself with film maker Peter Jackson, who is making two movies based on the Hobbit books, and the country's All Black rugby team, which won the Rugby World Cup on home soil last month.

"But Kiwis also go on personality," said John Parenga, 20, a cafe worker, who cast an advance vote for National.

Commanding opinion poll lead for national

Key, who voted at a school near his Auckland home, ordered in a large number of pizzas as he watched results at home with family and close advisers and said he was taking nothing for granted despite the party's commanding poll lead.

No party has won an outright majority since New Zealand switched to a proportional voting system in 1996.

The surprise of the election was the near 7% showing for the nationalist New Zealand First Party, led by the mercurial veteran Winston Peters, ousted from parliament in 2008 amid a scandal over secret donations.

Of the other parties, the Greens were on track for 13 seats from their current nine, and the Maori Party was looking to retain at least three seats reserved for the indigenous Maori people.

Two small parties that supported National in the outgoing government – free market ACT and centrist United Future – were both in tight struggles to retain their current seats and return to parliament. – Reuters

School aid suggestive of vote-buying

Stephanie Sta Maria
November 17, 2011

Opposition MPs query ministry directive for BN reps to be present during the distribution of funds to schools.

PETALING JAYA: A recent Education Ministry directive for BN parliamentarians and assemblymen to be present at the distribution of schooling assistance to parents has raised eyebrows in the opposition camp.

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak had announced in the 2012 Budget that all primary and secondary students nationwide would receive RM100 by the end of this month.

The funds would be deposited into the Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) accounts of the schools and subsequently handed out to the students or their parents.

Last Sunday however, the ministry issued a circular requesting all BN representatives to be present during the distributions to act as a “touchpoint” between the government and the people.

PKR’s Subang MP, Sivarasa Rasiah, said that the one-off payment in itself is suggestive of vote-buying and that the presence of politicians appeared as an attempt to seal that connection between the “gift” and the intended vote.

“If this allocation was made a permanent benefit and the right of poorer familes, then these questions wouldn’t arise,” he said. “And this is the difference between the BN and Pakatan budget. Our aid programmes are continuous.”

“My other problem with this aid is that it is part of a budget that hasn’t yet been approved in its entirety which makes the distribution of funds inappropriate at this point.”

Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar, meanwhile, observed a contradiction between this new directive and an earlier one in in January barring all politicians from entering school compounds.

‘Education should be above politics’

She also noted that BN parties appear to be dominating government schools in the country and this isn’t welcome by all Malaysians.

“Look, while I appreciate the government fulfilling its promises to the people, you also have to look at the procedures involved,” she said. “It goes beyond the issue of vote buying and into clouding the governance of education.”

“It isn’t about whether this will affect my rice bowl as a politician but about the fact that a responsible government should prioritise education above politics.”

Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong added that the directive appeared to be part of a last- minute campaign before an election spurred by the belief that the gesture would garner votes.

“There is no need for their presence,” he said. “It won’t make a difference because it’s not about improving the system. What is needed is a genuine open policy on the country’s future.

“Instead of just being a touchpoint, there should be open engagement with parents. In this situation, it is not enough to literally stand there and be counted.”

According to Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng, a Taiping school board chairman had recently given the government a tongue lashing over politicians entering school grounds.

“He said that politicians don’t belong on a holistic campus and I fully support his stand,” he said. “Let the aid be distributed by the principals without any political presence or involvement.”

original source: www.freemalaysiatoday.com

Natalie Wood Case Reopened

· The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. announced Thursday that it will reopen its investigation into the 1981 drowning death of Natalie Wood. “Recently Sheriff’s homicide investigators were contacted by persons who stated they had additional information about the Natalie Wood Wagner drowning,” the office claimed in a statement.

“Due to the additional information, Sheriff’s homicide bureau has decided to take another look at the case.” Wood’s husband Robert Wagner, meanwhile, welcomes another look but hopes “that it comes from a credible source or sources other than those simply trying to profit from the 30-year anniversary of her tragic death.” Or the 50th anniversary of West Side Story. Ahem. [LAT, THR]

Read more at movieline.com

SYABAS Berniaga Secara Berhutang Bukan Ikut Kemampuan

Wednesday, 16 November 2011 | Ruangan: Berita

Oleh : Mat Zahari Ali

SHAH ALAM, 16 NOVEMBER : Menteri Besar , Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim mendedahkan tindakan beberapa syarikat konsesi air seperti Syabas yang menjalankan operasi perniagaan mereka secara berhutang dan bukannya berdasarkan kemampuan kewangan syarikat terbabit.

Kesan daripada itu mengakibatkan Syabas terpaksa menaikkan tarif air bagi membayar pelbagai tunggakkan kepada pihak yang memberi hutang.

Menurut Abdul Khalid, selepas Syabas mendapat kontrak bagi konsesi perbekalan air, syarikat tersebut menjadikan perjanjian kontrak tersebut sebagai cagaran untuk mendapatkan hutang dari pasaran-pasaran kewangan.

“Syabas telah berhutang sebanyak RM3 bilion dari syarikat-syarikat kewangan sejurus selepas memperoleh perjanjian konsasi tersebut.

“Ini menunjukkan asas perniagaan Syabas adalah dari sumber hutang bukannya dari kemampuan kewangan syabas sendiri.” kata beliau ketika menjawab soalan Adun Lembah Jaya, Abdul Khasim Abdul Aziz.

Beliau yang juga Adun Ijok berkata akibat dari bebanan hutang yang tinggi, bebanan tersebut terpaksa ditanggung oleh rakyat dengan cara Syabas menaikkan tarif air.

“Apabila hutang tidak dapat dibayar Syabas telah meminta dari kerajaan persekutuan.

“Disebabkan nak bantu syarikat kroni kerajaan pusat telah menggunakan wang rakyat dengan memberi pinjaman sebanyak RM300 juta tanpa faedah selama tujuh hingga lapan tahun.” jelas Abdul Khalid.

Menurut Abdul Khalid lagi akibat daripada ketidakcekapan Syabas serta beberapa syarikat konsasi air di Selangor ini menyebabkan kerajaan negeri terpaksa menggunakan dana yang tinggi untuk mengambil alih industri air di negeri ini.

“Selangor perlu menggunakan hampir RM10 bilion untuk mengambil alih air Selangor kerana kos tersebut turut melibatkan hutang-hutang syarikat konsasi tersebut dengan pasaran-pasaran kewangan.

“Walaupun bayarannya agak besar tetapi industri air ini perlu diselamatkan bagi menjamin tidak berlaku penguasaan yang sewenang-wenangnya oleh mereka yang tidak bertanggung jawab yang akhirnya dibebankan kepada rakyat.” ujar beliau lagi.


Source: selangorkini.com.my

Note: use Google Chrome to translate this page.

sopa - Stop Internet Piracy Act

SOPA — the Stop Internet Piracy Act — has been presented in the House of Representatives as a way to protect movie studios, record labels and others whose music and films are taken and copied online. There was a hearing on it today. Its Senate counterpart is called the Protect IP Act.

But others are calling them flawed bills that would lead to Internet censorship.

Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Google, said the bills would overdo it — giving copyright holders and government the power to cut off websites unreasonably. They could be shut down, and search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo could be stopped from linking to them.

“The solutions are draconian,” Schmidt said Tuesday at the MIT Sloan School of Management. “There’s a bill that would require ISPs [Internet service providers] to remove URLs from the Web, which is also known as censorship last time I checked.”

That said, Schmidt granted that Hollywood studios have a real problem — people are pirating their movies and threatening their business. The Motion Picture Association of America has posted promos on YouTube to plead its case.

Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), who chairs the House Judiciary Committee and sponsored SOPA, has said his bill will help “stop the flow of revenue to rogue websites and ensures that the profits from American innovations go to American innovators.”

Now Tumblr, the microblogging website, has joined the opposition to the bills with a page called “ Protect the Net.”

“As written, they would betray more than a decade of US policy and advocacy of Internet freedom,” said a statement on Tumblr, “by establishing a censorship system using the same domain blacklisting technologies pioneered by China and Iran.”

read more at news.yahoo.com

Zoosk

SAN FRANCISCO, May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Zoosk, the popular social dating community, recently surveyed more than 12,500 singles in eight countries to uncover how perspectives on monogamy and cheating differ from country to country. On certain questions, global perspectives were remarkably similar while on other topics, such as singles' thoughts about politicians who cheat, perspectives varied widely.

"The Zoosk survey found a level of agreement across cultures about the desire to be in a monogamous relationship or the difficulty of forgiving a partner for cheating," said Alex Mehr, co-founder and co-CEO of Zoosk. "It is particularly fascinating to us to see which issues singles around the world do not see eye to eye on, such as whether it matters if a politician has been faithful to his or her partner or how optimistic singles are that a cheater can be reformed."

53% of U.S. singles say it would influence their vote to learn that a politician had cheated on his or her partner. Women (57%) care more than men (50%).

Singles in other countries, however, aren't so concerned about the private lives of their leaders. In every other country surveyed, the majority of singles say it would not influence their vote to learn a political candidate was a philanderer.

The French are the least interested in their politicians' private lives; 80% of singles in France don't care if a politician strays compared to 78% of singles in Denmark, 71% of singles in Sweden, 70% of singles in Italy, 68% of singles in Germany, and 56% of singles in the UK and Australia.

While many monogamous couples joke about having a "free pass" to hook up with a celebrity crush, in reality, 80% of U.S. singles say if given the opportunity, they would not cheat on a partner to have a one-night stand with a celebrity.

Most singles around the world, however, share the American viewpoint: 83% of singles in Denmark, 80% of singles in the UK and Sweden, 79% of singles in Australia and 77% of singles in France and Germany say they would not cheat on a partner to hook up with a celebrity.

When presented with a list of notorious cheaters, singles in the U.S., UK, Australia, Sweden, Germany and Denmark agree that Tiger Woods is the "worst offender."

15% of German singles, 11% of French singles, 9% of Australian singles, 8% of Danish singles, 7% of U.S. singles and 6% of Swedish and British singles prefer an open relationship to monogamy.

Singles around the globe agree it is not easy to forgive a partner for cheating. On average, 28% of singles in the seven countries surveyed say they could forgive, while 72% say "no way."

The majority of singles in the U.S. (55%), Sweden (55%), France (57%), Denmark (56%) and Germany (53%) say they believe a cheater can change and is capable of having a monogamous relationship after an affair.

The Zoosk poll was conducted online in May 2011 and fielded 12,737 responses from singles around the world who use Zoosk. Respondents included 5,354 singles who live in the United States; 1,622 who reside in the UK; 1,296 from Italy; 1,027 from Germany; 1,144 from France; 1,000 from Denmark; 759 from Australia and 544 from Sweden.

Zoosk is one of the world's most popular social dating communities, with millions of singles from around the globe using the service each month. Zoosk provides a safe and fun online dating experience that users can easily access from Zoosk's website, social networking applications, mobile services, and downloadable desktop application. Zoosk is available in 25 languages and has subscribers in more than 60 countries. The service enables users to join, browse, and send a limited number of messages for free. Zoosk users can upgrade to a premium subscription for full access or purchase virtual currency to buy select features and virtual gifts. Founded in 2007 by Shayan Zadeh and Alex Mehr, the company is based in San Francisco and backed by Zoosk is the world's largest social dating community Canaan Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners, and ATA Ventures.

wnba

AP / May 28, 2011 BRISBANE, Australia — Margo Dydek, a 7-foot-2 former WNBA player who led the league in blocks nine times, died yesterday at 37 after being placed in a medically induced coma following a heart attack a week ago.

Her death was confirmed by Cathy Roberts of the Northside Wizards in the Queensland Basketball League, where Ms. Dydek was the coach.

Ms. Dydek, who was pregnant with her third child, suffered the heart attack on May 19 and collapsed at her home in Brisbane. Roberts said that Ms. Dydek was at an early stage in her pregnancy and that the child had also died.

Ms. Dydek, a native of Poland, was the No. 1 pick in the 1998 WNBA draft by the Utah Starzz. She also played for San Antonio, Connecticut, and Los Angeles.

She held the record for most blocks in a WNBA career, with 877 in 323 games. She leaves her husband, David, and two sons, David, 3, and Alex, seven months.

Citizenship-for-vote: Mariah calls for royal commission

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12: PAS's Kota Raja member of parliament Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (pic) has called for a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate a revelation by PKR that National Registration Department had been in cahoots with UMNO to approve thousands of citizenship applications in exchange for votes to Barisan Nasional.

“Do establish a RCI because this involves the credibility of the Home Ministry and National Registration Department.

"In fact, BN's Sabah MPs had raised the matter on the handing out of fake ICs and deputy Parliament Speaker Ronald Kiandee had specifically reprimanded that it was not ‘fake ICs’. This means that BN Sabah also knows about this issue,” she said today.

Siti Mariah said she too had received information on similar moves, and cited several Sabah residents had been brought to the UMNO office to change their Mykad addresses so that they can register to vote in Kota Raja, her constituency.

Earlier, Selangor PKR revealed a letter from UMNO's Hulu Selangor branch to the Home Minister Hishamuddin Hussein, urging the approval of some 2,000 foreigners' applications for citizenships to secure victory in the constituency.

PKR: 'Not the first time'

Selangor PKR deputy head Zuraida Kamaruddin and central committee member Khalid Jaafar yesterday lodged a police report over the matter.

Zuraida (right) and Khalid at the Bukit Sentosa police station yesterday

Zuraida, the MP for Ampang, had earlier shown to the media the letter dated March 23 allegedly written by UMNO's Hulu Selangor head Idris Abu Bakar, requesting for ‘reinforcement’ of BN's vote bank in his area.

UMNO has denied the allegation, saying the letter was fake.

Zuraida however called on the police to verify the denial, saying it was not the first time such tactics had been employed by UMNO, citing similar acts under the so-called ‘Project IC’ scheme in Sabah.

“What happened in Likas (Sabah) involved 600,000 foreigners who were given citizenships. Now, what has happened in Likas is also happening in the Peninsula," she added.

source:http://en.harakahdaily.net/index.php/headline/2793-citizenship-for-vote-mariah-calls-for-royal-commission.html

So they killed him and dumped him. Seriously?

Shyema Sajjad / Dawn
The writer is deputy editor of Pakistan's Dawn newspaper.

COMMENT It’s not like I choose to always write when the president goes missing but as luck would have it, those are the only times worth speaking out. Where I have often called for the president and prime minister – sometimes receiving a not-so-supportive response – this time I believe my call is completely legit. After all, Osama bin Laden was killed (at least that’s what the Americans said).

OSAMA AT SEA? ... The US claims Osama is dead and dumped into the ocean, and the public believes it

But first, I’ll focus on our ‘allies’ a bit.

As President Obama started talking about how that “bright September day was darkened”, American people began rejoicing and the scenes of celebration were similar to those I witnessed on St.Patrick’s Day while in university – except, instead of green accessories, there was a whole lot of stripes and stars involved here.

But that’s okay. Why shouldn’t the Americans celebrate? After all, nearly 3,000 of them were killed because of this man and his network – it only made sense to run outside the White House with the US flag wrapped around their heads.

Did they for a second stop and ask for proof? No why would they, Obama saved the day (and his votes) – that’s all that mattered.

I wish us Pakistanis had that kind of blind trust on our leaders’ statements. I mean think back to Hakimullah Mehsud – Interior Minister Rehman Malik killed him a couple of times and once even created his twin in Afghanistan. So I guess it’s only natural for us not to believe anything coming out of our leadership (the fact that they didn’t say anything at all yesterday, is a different story).

Unquestioning public

But wait, why don’t the Americans think 'Iraq' for a second. WMD anyone? And even Afghanistan? A decade there and still the most wanted man was found in Pakistan’s backyard. Oops? Doesn’t the US public want to question anything? Or was “DNA confirms Osama dead” enough?

He was the most wanted man in the world, responsible for the death of thousands! And what did the US forces do? Secretly kill him and dump him in the sea. Seriously? As Obama was promising brighter days ahead, no one seemed to be concerned with ‘what next’, because we all do know that this ‘war’ is far being over.

Osama has been killed several times over the years, however, this time was different because we actually had visual proof ... of the ‘mansion', the helicopter, the blood-stained floors. Yes, that should be enough now to know that this time he really was killed.

Assuming there are no loopholes in the US’ great hunt story and going by what supposedly happened yesterday, fact remains that Osama was killed in Pakistan. Not a cave in some tribal border area but right here in Abbottabad.

'Bash Pakistan'

Obama spoke at around 8:30 am local time. Shortly after, Afghan President Karzai came out and said something which pretty much sounded like ‘it wasn’t me … it wasn’t me’ and then the Indians seized the opportunity and spoke along the lines of ‘told you so… told you so’ – so basically everyone got their turn at riding the Bash Pakistan bandwagon. And for good reason of course, yes, yes, no denying we do support terrorists, quite right.

So here comes my favourite part, while Osama was dying and Obama was doing the happy dance, where were you Pakistani leaders? Haven’t you embarrassed us enough already?

Until about 12:00pm yesterday, there was no word from Pakistan – shortly after noon, the Foreign Office woke up and had some nice bits and pieces of information to share. Still no Gilani. No Zardari. No Kayani. No Pasha.

Somewhere in the afternoon (after a nice sleep-in perhaps) Prime Minister Gilani came out only to say ‘errr, I don’t have any details yet…’. Okay then.

Why didn’t we have any details when Obama specifically in his address mentioned that this couldn’t have been achieved without Pakistan’s ‘cooperation’?

Unquestioning Pakistan media

And what about Pakistan’s mainstream media?

Normally we are quick to jump and question everything but this time, our televisions ran tickers of statements coming in from the US while the local headlines focused on PML-Q’s oath-taking at 7:00pm.

And then of course there were clips of the ‘mansion’ and the blood-stained floors inside. Where were all your hard-hitting questions Pakistani media – or do you only reserve those for our own leadership?

The US has a lot to answer but so far they have been giving us a great story, but what about our own government and establishment? We have nothing to celebrate for.

We cannot take out our flags and run across the country because chances are some suicide bomber somewhere will mar that celebration anyway. Instead, we have a lot to worry about now (once again assuming Osama was killed yesterday).

The al Qaeda backlash, the ISI’s supposed intelligence failure, the Pakistani leadership’s silence and the media’s confusion. As for the world hating us a bit more, I don’t think that’ll be a real problem – those who need to get their tickets out of here, normally do manage to find a way to do so anyway.

For those of us who are stuck here meanwhile, ask questions. Ask why Osama was there, why no one knew, how the US knew, why we stayed silent and most of all, why do we never ever cease to disappoint ourselves.

As an after thought, also do ask why more than anyone else failing or insulting us, it is our own security establishment that takes the cake each time.

Prince William Wedding

By Robert Marquand, Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor/ April 28, 2011

Even if you're not attending the Prince William wedding, flying into London's Heathrow Airport will probably mean long lines at customs thanks to budget cuts. Welcome to austerity Britain.

Catherine Middleton, about to become Princess Catherine, has been dubbed “waity Katy” for her willingness to wait eight years for Prince William to pop the question.

Opinion: Royal wedding: The snobbery of Will'n'Kate-haters Why Americans can't stop obsessing over the royal wedding? Wedding bells quiet Irish antipathy toward British royals – for now Five key questions: How the London police plan to protect the royal wedding? Many non-British visitors to London’s Heathrow Airport on Ms. Middleton's wedding week will certainly need some of her patience.

Lines at British customs ran long and slow, a result of budget strains in an age of cuts and austerity. Passengers on a nine-hour US flight disembarked Wednesday only to find a 90-minute-plus wait in lines manned at many points by only one customs officer.

Passengers from Africa, Asia, and America fidgeted and frowned with carry-ons and kids as one or two officers questioned passengers from Zambia and Hong Kong about whether their papers were in order. About 20 other entry posts sat empty.

A flat-screen TV in the arrival area described the protocol to declare asylum, though many passengers waiting in line hoped no one would.

When this reporter, after 80 minutes, questioned the excessive wait and the lack of adequate staff, British police resorted to arguments about the need for security, then criticized American airport customs procedures, before treating any question about staffing as an affront.

However, when customs officers discovered the question came from an American reporter, British officials did an about-face. Officers admitted the long and slow line was a result of budget cuts and a shortage of officials. One senior official had already phoned for more help processing passengers but was told to make do.

“Please say something, you will help us,” said a border policeman named Tommy. “We lost a dozen persons last week and I’ve heard we will lose a hundred more in the next two” – owing to austerity measures that are some of the deepest in British memory. “We are going to have long lines until this is dealt with.”

The line for non-British passport holders sped up after four customs officers shifted from a line serving British citizens. A customs official recommended that passengers wanting to avoid long waits sign up to new identification procedures that rely on photos of a person’s iris, which accords the person a separate and speedier line. At least until the next round of budget cuts.

Sai Baba dies (updated)

Indian Express
HYDERABAD, Apr 24: Sri Sathya Sai Baba, whose spiritual clout ran far and wide, passed away this morning in this town in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district due to cardio-respiratory failure.

Sai Baba, who was 86, breathed his last at 7.40 AM at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, its Director A N Safaya said in a bulletin.

"Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is no more with us physically. He left his earthly body on April 24, 2011 at 7:40 am due to cardio-respiratory failure," it said.

The body will lie in state at Sai Kulwant Hall for two days -- Monday and Tuesday, it said, adding that arrangements will be made for darshan after 6:00 pm today at the Hall.

"We appeal to all not to rush to the hospital, but to remain calm and have Darshan in an orderly manner," it said.

A pall of gloom descended on this town, 450 km from Hyderabad, as the news of Sai Baba's death spread. His family members, four ministers and government officials rushed to the hospital following reports that the Sai Baba's condition had deteriorated further.

There has been a complete shutdown in this town since morning following reports about deterioration in the condition of Sai Baba.

Sai Baba was hospitalised on March 28 following problems related to heart and respiration.

Sathya Sai Baba

News » Politics/Nation21 Apr, 2011, 09.

HYDERABAD: The condition of godman Satya Sai Baba, battling for life for the last 24 days in a Puttaparthi hospital , deteriorated further on Wednesday with doctors saying some organs had stopped responding to treatment.

"On Wednesday, the liver stopped responding to medication. We have sent Dr P N Rao of Asian Gastro Institute to Puttaparthi along with a special equipment to help in liver functions," Andhra principal secretary, health, P V Ramesh, told TOI.

"His blood pressure continues to be low and he is still on ventilation," said Dr A N Safaya, director of the Sri Satya Sai Super Specialty Hospital where the 85-year-old godman is being treated since March 28.

Dr Ravi Raj , director of medical education, who has been camping in Puttaparthi since April 1, and has been briefing the media regularly on Sai Baba`s condition, refused to speak to waiting reporters after attending on the Baba on Wednesday.

Fearing a rush of devotees in the event of his death, Andhra Pradesh authorities rushed additional forces to Puttaparthi and set up more checkposts. "In order to prevent any breakdown of law and order, we have increased the number of check posts all around the town from 4 to 10," said Anantapur SP Shanawaz Qasim .

Neighbouring towns of Dharamavaram, Hindupur and Anantapur were also put on alert. A contingent of 600 cops was dispatched on Wednesday and more forces were expected to be sent Thursday morning.

The government also fears an ugly succession battle to control the vast empire of hospitals, schools and temples. Two important members of the Central Sai Trust - former chief justice of India P N Bhagwati and well-known chartered accountant Indulal Shah from Mumbai were rushing to Puttaparthi on Thursday to study documents and accounts books of the Trust, sources close to the trust said.

About us/Advertise with us/Careers @ TIL/Terms of use/Privacy Policy/Feedback/Sitemap/Code of EthicsCopyright© 2011 Times Internet Limited. All rights reserved.

Gossip Girl

Now that we sort of know what new "Gossip Girl" resident Charlie Rhodes is all about—via her debut as a long-lost Van Der Woodsen on last night's new episode—and from what actress KayLee DeFer could tell us last week, it's time to start speculating as to just what kind of trouble she'll get into over the course of the next few episodes, and how long she'll stick around.

"I hope I can return next season, that would be amazing," she said. "I love New York, I really got along with the cast, that would be great. I wish it was [like] 'American Idol' and everyone could vote for me, like, 'Vote for Charlie,' I'm number one," she said with a laugh, making the 0 and 1 with her hand. "It's like, 'Dial this number, I'm 0-1.'"

When asked whether any of the established ladies on the show need to watch their backs or, more importantly, their men, Kaylee said that, since this is "Gossip Girl," basically everyone and everything is fair game.

"I think all the Upper East Side ladies need to watch out," she said with a smile. "Charlie's in town and she might shake some stuff up for sure... I mean, she is part of the [Van der Woodsen] family."

Can you spot sarcasm? If not, you may suffer dementia

PressTV
SAN FRANCISCO, Apr 18: People who have lost their ability to tell when someone is lying or can't detect lies and sarcasm in a conversation may be showing the first signs of dementia.

Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco have found that the evaluation of a person's ability to spot sarcasm may be used as a test for detecting early stages of neurodegenerative diseases such as a rare form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia.

Neurodegenerative diseases are a sort of progressive disease which cause certain parts of the brain to deteriorate.

During the study, researchers asked 175 people, about half of them suffering different sorts of Neurodegenerative diseases such as frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease to watch videos of two people talking.

The scientists then evaluated the individuals' ability to detect false or insincere statements in the conversation and compared their scores with the results of brain scans that measured loss of volume related to dementia.

Healthy people easily detected the lies and sarcasm, but those with frontotemporal dementia found it hard to distinguish among lies, sarcasm and fact, according to the report presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, Honolulu.
Moreover, the performance of the people with other types of dementia such as Alzheimer's disease was not as well as the normal people but better in comparison to those with frontotemporal dementia.

Frontotemporal dementia is a rare type of dementia that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. The frontal lobes are strongly associated with complex, higher-order human thinking, thus being unable to detect a lie is only one of several ways the disease may manifest itself, said lead researcher Dr. Katherine Rankin.

“We have to find these people early,” said Rankin. Overall, “This fact can help them be diagnosed earlier.”

Early diagnosis of this sort of dementia will provide the best opportunity for intervention when drugs become available, she added.

“If somebody has strange behavior and they stop understanding things like sarcasm and lies, they should see a specialist who can make sure this is not the start of one of these diseases,” Rankin suggested.


Source: http://en.harakah.net.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2638:can-you-spot-sarcasm-if-not-you-may-suffer-dementia&catid=37:world&Itemid=59

Flaxseed

Learn all about flaxseed and flaxseed oil! Discover their origin, healthful benefits and variety of uses! Flaxseed offers vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, essential fatty acids, (omega three and omega six), and more for overall well-being. Flaxseed is, even, handcrafted into a variety of homemade skin care products! Discover the numerous, healthful, benefits of flaxseed and flaxseed oil for overall well-being!

Benefits of Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil - Natural, Healthful, Homemade Skin Care
By Susan Katchur

The benefits of flaxseed and flaxseed oil are numerous! Flaxseed comes from a blue flowering plant located on the western prairies of Canada. This plant called, linum usitatissimum, bears fruit and inside the fruit are glossy brown seeds. These seeds are best digested when ground to a fine texture or used as an oil. A clear to yellowish oil is pressed from these seeds, called flaxseed oil or linseed oil. Flaxseed has a sweet and nutty flavor. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil offer many healthful benefits and are used in a variety of ways!

BENEFITS OF FLAXSEED / FLAXSEED OIL:
FIBER:
The fiber found in flaxseed oil contains a balance of soluble and insoluble fiber. This fiber helps clean the colon, inhibits the formation of disease causing organisms in the intestine, stabilizes blood sugar levels and is a natural laxative. Fiber maintains proper functioning of the digestive system and acts like a sweeper, cleaning the colon of toxins, metabolic waste and dried mucus.

PROTEIN:
Flaxseed oil provides essential protein for the body. It is considered to be a complete amino acid, essential for healthy metabolism and the absorption of nutrients. Its high quality protein source helps maintain healthy hair, skin and nails. Its protein source increases energy, as well! For every 100 grams of flaxseeds, you average 25 to 30 grams of protein.

LIGNANS: (Natural Anti-Bacterial Nutrients)
One hundred times more lignans are found in flaxseeds than wheat bran, rye, oats, and soybeans. Lignans have anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. They reduce the activity of free radicals and flush excess estrogen out of the body, reducing estrogen-linked cancers. Lignans are found in flaxseeds themselves but not in the extracted oil. Some brands have lignans added during the production phase.

MUCILAGE:
Mucilage forms from flaxseeds after soaking them for about thirty minutes. This mucilage has the consistency of light oil, which lubricates and absorbs toxins, well. It helps to prevent toxic build up in the bowels and makes a gentle, non-irritating, laxative.

VITAMINS & MINERALS:
Flaxseeds contain an impressive list of vitamins and minerals including: vitamin B1, B2, B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium, sulfur, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, silicon, copper, nickel, molybdenum, chromium, cobalt, iron, carotene, zinc, magnesium, riboflavin, niacin, folate, selenium and pantothenic acid. These vitamins and minerals maintain healthy cardiovascular system, colon, brain function, skin, boosts immunity, metabolic system, circulatory system, and more!

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS: Omega 3 & Omega 6
Omega 3 fatty acids lower LDL, (bad cholesterol), improves brain function, (memory, performance, behavioral functions), lowers risk of heart disease, lowers blood pressure, reduces risk of estrogen linked cancer, reduces symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, (joint pain and morning stiffness), and reduces inflammation.
Omega 6 fatty acids improve brain function, stimulate skin and hair growth, maintain healthy bones, regulate metabolism and maintain the reproductive system. Both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are necessary for human wellbeing. Since the body cannot make these essential fatty acids, they must be found in external sources.

HOMEMADE SKIN CARE:
Flaxseed improves skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, inflammation, acne, rosacea, dry and mature skin by providing healthy cellular activity and skin regeneration. It softens skin, heals abrasions, reduces scars, heals burns, reduces the redness of rashes, and reduces inflammation. When combining this natural oil with calendula oil and mango butter, it is healing for dry skin. Flaxseed can be used for making homemade skin care products including soaps, lotions, creams, balms and more. Flaxseed is well known for its overall healthful skin care benefits!

Flaxseed can be used internally and externally. Internally, you can sprinkle ground up flaxseeds on foods like oatmeal, mixed vegetables, cereals and breads. Instead of grinding up flaxseeds, some find it easier to take a recommended dosage of flaxseed oil. Add this natural oil to a protein shake or just a glass of water. The health benefits of flaxseed oil and flaxseed are numerous!

Externally, flaxseed or flaxseed oil can be used in making homemade lotion, soaps, creams, balms and other homemade skin care products! You can improve your overall health, inside and out, with the benefits of flaxseed and flaxseed oil!

Find the health benefits of flaxseed and flaxseed oil, at: http://www.natural-goat-milk-soap.com/benefits-of-flaxseed.html
Find flaxseed oil as a soap making oil, at: http://www.natural-goat-milk-soap.com/flaxseed-oil.html

My Say No to ISA

My Say No to ISA
Angela A.

The ISA? What? The Internal Security Act that is still being used in countries like South Africa, Malaysia and Singapore. In fact the ISA is a legacy of British colonial rule that was used ostensibly against communists.

Like many others in Malaysia, I had never encountered or known much about the ISA until 1987 where it seems in two quick swoops, Singapore had invoked the ISA and Malaysian authorities, likewise.

Known as 'Operasi Lallang', those arrested in Malaysia included academics, opposition leaders, social activists, environmentalists, Christian activists and some Muslims who had converted to Christianity. Among those who were detained, were people that I was acquainted with.

Some of my friends who had worked at The Star found themselves without a job as the government had revoked its publishing permit. The Star had up to that point published some articles that the government must have considered anti-government. During those months of shutdown, it suffered serious financial losses. (Since that episode, regular Star readers would agree with me that its reporting has not been the same, like an edge has been taken away from it.)

During that period of uncertainty, people feared further arrests and anyone it seems could be taken in. Some Malaysians who were aboard at that time who warned not to return as no one was sure who was really on the government's hit list. Word also got round about how those detained had been tortured in there and made to confess to things that they did not commit.

For the first time in my life as a Malaysian I was confronted by ISA - detention without trial. And for the first time for someone that had always been apolitical, literally, my response had been fear and disbelief. That in a modern day and age, the government could act in such a militant way to curb and quell dissent?

We live in a society where the government does not like to be questioned though a very small minority including the opposition members, non-governmental organisation leaders, and academics have been fearless in taking the government to task. And their reward has been to be visited and revisited by the infamous ISA!

Most of the mainstream media toe the government line anyway. The government already controls the press and many institutions of power. Inspite of so much control, they still resort to threats of using and using the ISA as and when it suits them.

Many official and even inconsequential documents (for example toilet rolls used in public organisations) in a government department or organisation including schools are already also now governed by the Official Secrets Act. Sometimes when you try to quote some pretty straightforward answers or information, the likely response is "That's OSA, sorry!".

Perahaps it shows the nakedness of power. The only way they can retain power is to force it onto people. The Malaysian public is certainly not apathetic but fear and greed guide us. The bottom line is, "What's in it for us?" .

The 1987 events left a deep scar in me - fear! Fear that the government will always seek to control and wipe out dissent and differences of opinions and views. And I as an individual, like other Malaysians, will continue to be powerless.

Therefore, I would support any petition to ask the government to repeal the ISA. Don't you have enough tools of control?

Angela A. is proud to be Malaysian but hopes (in vain?) that one day the ISA Act will be repealed.

source: http://www.tranungkite.net/lama/berita7/pillai42.htm

Adenovirus

PUTRAJAYA: A third Police Training College (Pulapol) trainee has died in the adenovirus outbreak after fighting for his life in the intensive care unit for almost a month.

photo by: Russell Kightley

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Mohamed Siman, 23, from Bagan Datoh, Perak, was admitted to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital on March 5 and died of multiple organ failure at its intensive care unit at about 11.30pm last night.

Victims of adenovirus experience influenza-like illness. The symptoms are usually mild respiratory infection, diarrhoea and conjunctivitis and people are infected through direct contact with those infected or through droplets from coughs or sneeze.

There are 59 people were still being quarantined and two female trainees were still being treated at the hospital and had shown encouraging signs of recovery.

According to Health Minister the remaining trainees isolated at Pulapol would be discharged on April 2 if there were no new adenovirus cases.

He said the ministry could only declare that the country was free from adenovirus if no new case was detected within 14 days from the day the last case was reported.

Love Poem

By Ian Pennington. Level: Platinum
When it comes to expressing your love you share towards another individuals in your life we believe one of the best ways is love poems. When you take those thoughts you have in your mind and put them on paper with a pen in a love poem format they are really powerful words. When you are writing a love poem you will have words flowing freely just like a river. You should know that love poems have been around for a very long time now, they have existed since ancient times. The truth is that some of the best literature is actually related to love.

You may not realize it but love just makes individuals want to write poems. It is a well-known fact that when someone is in love they are turned into a genuine poetry writer. Sometimes when someone expresses himself or herself in a love poem it can be very flattering but then again it can also be exaggerated too. When it comes to writing a love poem and the person has had lost love or an unfulfilled love there is going to be a lot of thoughts in it that are negative. These poems are reflecting the dreams that have been shatters, the frustration that has been faced and the agony that has been dealt with.

There was a person names Emily Watson and she once stated that the heart is known for speaking the language of love and the language of love is best when it is expressed by poetry. As far back as the first written words love poems have known to be a essential role when it comes to expressing how you feel towards someone.

If you have ever truly loved someone then chances are you have written a love poem for them. Just because you wrote a love poem for them doesn't mean you shared it with them. Many individuals out there write a love poem about someone they love and it is really good but they cannot bring themselves to give it to the person.

If you have written a love poem for someone you deeply care about then you should not be afraid to give it to him or her. Those poems that we write when we are in love are those beacons that guide us to the uncharted depths of love. If you are into love poems then you should know that there are plenty of books published out there that are filled with love poems.

Some of the authors of the love poems are well known but then you have those that aren't so famous but the love poems are still good. Now that we are talking about books on love poems we would also like to tell you that there are books out there that will guide you and direct you on how to write love poems. Really, if you have ever been in love then you will be able to write a love poem. Remember, poems are all about feelings.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author.
To learn more about relationship poems [http://classyrelationshippoems.info/love-poems], please visit Classy Relationship Poems [http://classyrelationshippoems.info] for current articles and discussions.

Also read poem to get back together

April Fools Pranks

There is always a lot of fun to be had on April 1st. I remember news papers coming out, television shows making special episodes etc just to trick people. What are you going to do on April 1st? People are looking for the best April Fools Day Pranks.

April Fools day pranks do not have to be huge but the wittier they are the better they are. You can do one of the fake lottery deals and make them think that they won. This may make them want to kill you however so I am not sure how safe this one is. Another great one April Fools day pranks is proposing to someone that you are not dating or anything and seeing how shocked they are.

There are different sites online that you can send your friends to that have fake news. You can send them fake announcements or awards or even bills to freak them out. Anything that they would totally not be expecting is the best. Make sure you comment later and tell us your April Fools day pranks.

By: WagerRun.com - Entertainment News - Sports News - Breaking News. "Breaking News That Matters To You".

Priligy - the magic pill

SINGAPORE: The problem of premature ejaculation during sex may soon be a thing of the past. A pill to treat the dysfunction has been approved for use in Singapore.

Dr Lim Kok Bin, urology specialist at Raffles Hospital's Raffles UroRenal Centre, said: "Premature ejaculation refers to the fact that the person can't control ejaculation. If you're born with, unfortunately, a lower level of this serotonin, you tend to ejaculate faster. And so we have developed a medicine that helps to maintain the level of the serotonin in the nerve to prolong the latency before ejaculation."

The drug, called Priligy, is approved for use for men between 18 and 64 years old. Specialists can prescribe the drug at S$60 for a pack of three tablets. Some call it "the magic pill". It helps men with premature ejaculation by targeting serotonin.

They say the condition affects men across age groups and happens more commonly than erectile dysfunction or lack of interest in sex.

Dr Calvin Fones, senior consultant psychiatrist at Gleneagles Medical Centre, said: "It is theoretically the partner who may somehow feel somewhat cheated because she may not have had the opportunity or the time to actually gain full sexual stimulation and orgasm through sex."

According to the Singapore Premature Ejaculation Prevalence and Attitudes study, 77 percent of men with the condition have never discussed their sexual health with a medical practitioner.

Premature ejaculation is a topic often talked about with a tinge of cynical humour, a condition many men would never admit to having, due to the associated stigma.

Malaysian: How to protect your votes from being traced?

 Bagaimana Melindungi Undi Anda?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z35HhEGLiTY

Video ini dirakam khas untuk pendidikan para pengundi, terutamanya untuk mengetahui bagaimana undi kita dapat dilindungi daripada dikesan.

Untuk semakan daftar pemilih sila ke laman SPR dan semak samada nama anda telah berada dalam sistem sebagai pengundi berdaftar.

http://daftarj.spr.gov.my/daftarj/




This video was recorded for the purpose of educating voters on how to protect their votes from being traced.

please check to confirm if your name already in the SPR system as eligible voter.

http://daftarj.spr.gov.my/daftarj/daftarbi.aspx

Officer had 9 reports against him over abuse

2011/03/09
By Rita Jong 
news@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: The officer who interrogated Teoh Beng Hock the night before he died had nine police reports lodged against him for abusing suspects.

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into the death of the political aide yesterday heard that Mohd Ashraf Mohd Yunus was called by the police for investigations and had even stood in an identification parade.

Counsel N. Nahendran, appearing for the Bar Council, asked the MACC officer if he knew how many reports were lodged against him.
"I was called by the police several times," he said.

To this, commission chairman Tan Sri James Foong Cheng Yuen cut in and asked the witness: "Do you want us to remind you?

"You don't remember, but we do. So, do you want us to tell you or do you want to tell us yourself?"

Ashraf maintained that he could not remember.

Foong: You have nine. Do you know you have the most complaints against you, compared with other officers?

Ashraf: No.

Foong: Did you try to change your ways or self-analyse yourself and to find out your limitations when interrogating suspects or witnesses?

Ashraf said no and denied torturing any suspects or witnesses.

Until today, he said, no action had been taken against him in court or by the MACC internal disciplinary unit.

The commission also heard that the MACC Complaints Committee had found that Ashraf had no authority to question Teoh.

The MACC Act 2009 stated that the officer examining a person shall record, in writing, the statement made by the person. The person should then sign the statement. If the person refused to sign, the person's refusal should also be recorded.

The findings of the complaints committee following Teoh's death was raised by counsel Edmund Bon yesterday, who is also representing the Bar Council.

Ashraf, however, said he "felt" he had the power to question Teoh but admitted that he did not record any statement as he was just assisting another officer, Arman Alies. 

Bon: Since you now know the findings, if you were ordered by your superior to question a witness today, would you still do it?

Ashraf: No.

He also denied Bon's suggestion that he had threatened Teoh during the interrogation.

Bon then asked Ashraf if he had read Teoh's statement which was recorded by another officer.

Ashraf: I read it one or two weeks after he died.

Foong: At that time (when Ashraf read the statement), a new team had taken over the case. How did you get the copy?

Ashraf: Someone made copies.

Bon then told Ashraf that during the inquest, which was previously held to ascertain the circumstances leading to Teoh's death, he had said he read the statement immediately after the incident.

"If you are now saying you had read it two weeks later, we would have to investigate who leaked Teoh's statement," said Bon.

Ashraf then replied that he had read the statement immediately after the political aide's death. 

He, however, denied doing it to ensure that the information he had extracted from Teoh was recorded.

Ashraf also told the panel he was instructed to complete interrogating Teoh on the same day.

Ashraf added that he and other MACC officers were investigated by the police over Teoh's death. He said he went to the Shah Alam police headquarters on July 17, 2009, at 8pm where he was questioned. 

His statement was recorded between 12.10am and 5.30am, and was subsequently told to wait until 7am with no further instructions.

Foong: Weren't you angry that you were made to wait?

Ashraf: I was not angry, just tired.

Foong: As a member of the public, how would you feel if you were taken to an unfamiliar place and detained for hours? How do you think Teoh would have felt?"

Ashraf then admitted that he would have felt pressured.

In his testimony on Tuesday, Ashraf said after interrogating Teoh, he told him to wait in a room, and Teoh was left there for more than four hours.

Inquiry will resume today with Arman taking the stand.

Source: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/13rtje/Article/index_html

Thyroid

Workers in Switzerland pack iodine tablets to send to the Swiss embassy in Japan. The tablets can protect the thyroid gland from radiation from failing nuclear power plants. (Reuters/Pascal Lauener)

March 14, 2011, 1:50 p.m. The International Atomic Energy Agency said over the weekend that Japan had "distributed 230,000 units of stable iodine to evacuation centres" near the Fukushima Daiichi and Fukushima Daini nuclear power plants.

Damage to those plants from Friday's earthquake and tsunami has increased the risk that people in the area could be exposed to radiation.

In this fact sheet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explain that the body needs iodine -- in a nonradioactive form -- to make thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. People usually get the stable iodine they need from food.

But absorbing radioactive iodine-131, which is present in the steam released from failing power plants like the ones in Japan, can cause cancer. Once breathed into the lungs or consumed by eating or drinking contaminated food or beverages, radioactive iodine travels through the body and quickly is absorbed by the thyroid gland, where it can damage DNA.

The body can't tell the difference between stable and radioactive iodine. Taking stable iodine tablets can protect the thyroid from injury by "filling up" the gland -- thus preventing it from taking up radioactive iodine. It's important for people to take it quickly, the CDC said. It remains effective for 24 hours.

Iodine tablets do not prevent radioactive iodine from entering the body in the first place, nor do they protect organs other than the thyroid gland. They also do not reverse thyroid damage that has already occurred.

I cannot find ANY potassium iodide tablets or kelp tabs anywhere. How many days before the lethal cloud of radiation reaches the West Coast?

Daphne is Dahlia with a new darling

By NOORSILA ABD MAJID 

newsdesk@thestar.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: Celebrity Daphne Iking has made the headlines again, this time for a much happier reason – she has married for a second time. The lucky guy is her one-time business partner Azmi Abdul Rahman.

Daphne, 31, who adopted the Muslim name of Dahlia when she converted in January, said she and her husband, who is also known to their friends as Joe, dated for more than a year before deciding to tie the knot.

They got married on Jan 8 in a simple akad nikah ceremony at her hometown in Penampang, Sabah, witnessed by family members and friends.

A second chance at love: Daphne and Azmi dated for more than a year before tying the knot. Daphne says Azmi has been her ‘rock’.

The couple started off as business partners, working on projects like 2REDchairs (www.2redchairs.tumblr.com), a street discussion on so-called taboo subjects, like religion, transgender and homosexuality.

They broke up before – for a while – as she was not sure if their relationship would work.

“I told him ‘let’s just stick to being business partners’. But he is really my jodoh (perfect match).

“He’s been my rock after the failure of my first marriage became a public issue,” she told the Daily Chilli, the news portal of The Star.

Speaking on her conversion to Islam, the TV personality who was recently seen as one of the show hosts of the Seri Angkasa Awards, said: “Islam is a beautiful religion. I’ve been studying it, especially after all the trials and turbulence in my life.”

Daphne was embroiled in a controversy over a suit brought by her first husband, Ryan Chong, against businessman Darren Choy for seducing her, with the intention of having sexual intercourse between July 2007 and September 2008.

Daphne and Ryan married on Jan 27, 2007 in Bali and she has a daughter, Isobel Daniella Iking-Chong. They divorced in 2009.

Joe, in his 30s, told the portal he is not concerned about his wife’s past.

“In Islam, it’s my duty, as a husband, to guide, protect and take good care of my wife.

“We married to avoid fitnah (slander),” he said.

source:http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/2/26/nation/8142396&sec=nation

BN continues to copy Pakatan’s Orange Book for by-elections

The recent announcements by the BN leadership on the new deal for teachers and CESS payments for FELDA settlers shows that BN continues to copy policies from Pakatan’s Orange Book.

In January while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak publicly described Pakatan’s Orange Book as being populist and irresponsible, we were informed that the Prime Minister instructed the Economic Planning Unit to look into detail the possibility of implementing the proposals from the Orange Book.

Thus we have seen how BN is implementing one after another similar policies to the Orange Book. This includes the toll rate freeze and reduction, the incentive for headmasters and the national housing policy.


The new deal for teachers which Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced at Merlimau includes the incentive for headmasters and also an incentive for teachers, totalling RM18.4 million.

In the Orange Book, Pakatan Rakyat had committed a RM500 special monthly allowance for teachers within 100 days of a Pakatan Federal Government to appreciate the role of teachers and to start the restructuring of the education system.

In Kerdau, Najib announced that the CESS payments that had been withheld from the FELDA settlers can be reclaimed through three options. CESS payments are monies deducted from the sale of rubber for replanting purposes. However the payments were withheld when the settlers switched to palm oil in 2004. A payment of RM5000 was made during the 2008 General Elections but FELDA still owes each settler involved RM13,000 including interest.

Pakatan had committed to dissolve FELDA Plantations within 100 days and distribute the estates to the second and third generation FELDA settlers.

It is unfortunate that while Najib plagiarises Pakatan’s Orange Book by stealth, he does not have the courage to accept Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s challenge to debate on his claim that the policies are populist and irresponsible. We are sure that whether done in Kuala Lumpur, Kerdau or Merlimau such a debate would be a wonderful opportunity for the rakyat in Malaysia to judge the Orange Book.

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad
Communications Director
Parti Keadilan Rakyat

source: http://anwaribrahim-admin.blogspot.com/2011/03/bn-continues-to-copy-pakatans-orange.html

Tioman Island

Planning Your Vacation? Consider a Yacht Charter to the Tioman Islands
By Nicola Wu

Tioman Islands is the perfect place for your sailing vacation. So if you have been thinking about going on a sailing trip soon, you can consider going to Tioman Islands. Kampung Tekek Ikan Kekek Mak Iloi-iloi is the most populated of all the eight villages here and it is surrounded by coral reefs. As such, it is a popular location for scuba diving. If you like water based activities then a Tioman Islands Yacht Charter is exactly what you need. You will find plenty of resorts as well as chalets around this island.

TIME Magazine chose these Islands as one of the most beautiful islands in the world in the 1970s and to see how beautiful this location is, you should take a yacht to this place and spend your vacation at Tioman Islands. There is no doubt that the marine life here is diverse but you will also be glad to know that there are many species here that are protected. What's more, there are certain species in this island that are endemic to this location. The Tioman walking catfish and soft-shelled turtle are unique species that are found in this location. You will be able to see all these when you get a yacht charter to Tioman Islands.

As compared to the other volcanic islands that form the Pahang Marine Parks, Tioman Island is considered to be the most developed as well as the largest of all of them. There are plenty of diving sites in this island so if you love diving, then you will love it when you take a yacht charter. Some of the locations that you must visit when you choose to take a yacht charter to Tioman islands are Northern Pulau Chebeh, Tiger Rock and Seafan Garden.

Northern Pulau Chebeh has a larger boulders slope and it also has interesting exploration when you swim through the various tunnels. At the deeper end, you will find that the hard coral terrain has many black corals, sea fans and soft corals. You will be able to see sweetlips, butterflyfish, parrotfish, moray eels and blue spotted stingray when you are in this dive site. Thus, taking a Tioman Islands yacht charter to this site will certainly be worth it.

When you opt for a yacht charter to this place, be sure to visit Tiger Rock. It is a site that is considered to be one of the most popular dive sites in this region. Even tough the currents may be stronger; you will find this place a great location for diving. Some of the water species that you are likely to come across are bumphead parrotfish, rainbow runners, jacks and barracudas.

Last but not the least; Seafan Garden is the perfect place for you if you wish to see sea fan. This is also a great place to check out the colorful nudibranchs as they are generally found on the walls of the coral block.

These are some of the places that you can visit when you decide to take a yacht charter to this beautiful location.


Tioman Islands Yacht Charter - Fraser Yachts specialize in luxury yacht charter in the Tioman Islands.

Hidupkan Istilah ‘Wang Pembayar Cukai’ Dalam Media

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Oleh: Prof Madya Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin

Istilah memainkan peranan penting dalam menyedarkan penggunanya dan pendengar. Seringkali media melaporkan bantuan atau belanja yang dikeluarkan oleh kerajaan digambarkan seakan itu adalah harta kerajaan atau orang politik yang terbabit. Maka bantuan yang disalurkan seakan dari sifat pemurah kerajaan seperti disebut ‘kerajaan bermurah hati membantu’.

Rakyat seakan bagaikan peminta sedekah. Begitu juga apabila ada penyelewengan ataupun pembaziran, maka rakyat yang tidak faham merasakan yang rugi hanyalah kerajaan atau duit orang politik, sedangkan mereka lupa wang tersebut adalah wang mereka. Maka di sini disebutkan beberapa perkara;

i. Samada kita sedar atau tidak, setiap rakyat negara ini membayar cukar kepada kerajaan. Ini merangkumi cukai pendapatan, cukai langsung dan tidak langsung. Harga barangan yang kita beli dalam negara ini sebenarnya kita bayar bersama harga cukai. Di Malaysia kita membeli kereta dengan harga yang tinggi disebabkan faktor cukai. Begitu juga segala barangan, makanan dan stesyen TV yang dibeli merangkumi harga cukai. Maka, setiap rakyat kena tahu bahawa mereka sebenarnya setiap hari membayar cukai kepada kerajaan. Justeru wang kerajaan adalah wang rakyat.

ii. Maka, wang yang dibelanja oleh mana-mana kerajaan; samada BN atau PR atau istana-istana dalam negara adalah wang rakyat yang membayar cukai secara langsung atau tidak langsung, sedar ataupun tidak sedar. Istilah ‘wang pembayar cukai’ atau taxpayers money, atau harta awam sepatutnya sentiasa dipakai dalam media dan ungkapan rakyat.
Justeru, apabila kerajaan membelanja untuk sesuatu projek atau menyalurkan harta kepada mana-mana pihak, hendaklah dilapor atau disebut “kerajaan menggunakan wang pembayar cukai atau harta rakyat untuk projek itu dan ini”. Jika berlaku pembaziran, hendaklah dilapor dan disebutkan “kerajaan telah membazirkan wang pembayar cukai, atau merosakkan harta awam, merugikan wang rakyat”.

iii. Ungkapan ini penting supaya orang-orang politik sedar bahawa bantuan dan peruntukan yang mereka salurkan kepada rakyat bukan wang poket mereka, atau harta peribadi mereka sehingga mereka boleh mendabik dada bangga. Sebaliknya, ia sememang harta rakyat. Begitulah rakyat, mereka tidak boleh tertipu dengan merasakan seolah-olah bantuan yang diumumkan oleh orang-orang politik itu dari ‘harta persendirian’ tokoh politik tersebut, sebaliknya ia memang harta rakyat yang diuruskan oleh orang-orang politik. Ini boleh mengelakkan perasaan rakyat yang merasakan mereka bagaikan peminta sedekah kepada kerajaan dan mengelakkan orang-orang politik lupa diri terhadap wang awam yang mereka belanja atau isytiharkan dalam kempen politik mereka.

iv. Sesebuah kerajaan BUKAN dipuji kerana mereka berbelanja dengan wang rakyat atau wang pembayar cukai itu, tetapi mereka dipuji kerana pengurusan yang cemerlang dan amanah dalam mengendalikan harta awam atau harta rakyat. Ertinya, jika kerajaan berjaya mengendalikan harta rakyat dengan cemerlang dan amanah, maka kerajaan itu dipuji dan disokong, begitu juga sebaliknya.

v. Istilah ‘taxpayers money’, atau ‘taxpayers fund’ atau ‘taxpayers dollar’ sering digunakan dalam media negara maju apabila memperkatakan tentang pembelanjaan ataupun pembaziran oleh pihak kerajaan. Istilah seperti ini sebenarnya boleh membantu mengelakkan kecuaian kerajaan dan dalam masa yang sama boleh menyedarkan rakyat tentang hakikat wang yang digunakan oleh pihak kerajaan. Istilah ini juga patut dihidupkan dalam negara kita.

Dipetik dari:http://drmaza.com/home/?p=1369#more-1369