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Cavendish's team fold Posted: 05 Aug 2011 07:28 PM PDT MADRID: HTC-Highroad, the team of top Tour de France sprinter Mark Cavendish, will fold at the end of the season after a deal with a potential new partner collapsed. The US outfit have been cycling's most successful team in the last three years, with 47 wins for the men and 46 for the women in 2011. "Our view was that if we couldn't be close enough on financial firepower, we couldn't consistently outperform with far less money," team manager Bob Stapleton told a small group of reporters on Thursday. "If we couldn't be in a leadership position in the sport, then we weren't going to be in a position to drive change and that was our fundamental mission coming in, and if we weren't going to succeed in that, then it was best to let people go and pursue their own interests." Briton Cavendish has racked up 20 Tour stage wins with HTC-Highroad, his team since he turned professional in 2007, including the green jersey for best sprinter in July's race. Stapleton said a phone call on Sunday dashed any hopes he had of keeping the team alive. "We had seven different teams offering mergers and an agreement with a new partner looked to be in place," Stapleton said. "But the deal collapsed Sunday night, when they called me during my wife's 50th birthday party. "We reached the conclusion that the best thing would be to release the managers, staff and athletes." Without naming names, Stapleton said the arrival of big budget teams could have harmed cycling in some ways. "The stakes of top teams have increased. More than three teams have budgets north of 20 million (dollars)," the American said. "You have 'haves' and 'have-nots' and that's not an optimal situation for the sport." But he denied that the rumours consistently linking Cavendish to British team Sky for 2012 had anything to do with the end of their sponsor search. "It was a chicken and egg situation. We are very proud of the success Mark has had and if we could have secured funding in a timely manner we would have had a lot fewer problems in general," he said. -- Reuters Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Jessica proves too strong for rivals Posted: 05 Aug 2011 07:28 PM PDT PALO ALTO (California): World record holder Jessica Hardy finished well ahead of her nearest rival to win the women's 100m breaststroke title at the US swimming championships on Thursday. Jessica won in 1min 6.81sec, more than two seconds outside her world record time of 1:04.45. But she was comfortably in front of Ann Chandler, who was second in 1:07.17. Jessica withdrew from the 50m freestyle, opting not to double up on events as she did on the last day of the world championships on Sunday in Shanghai, where she won individual gold in the 50m breaststroke. Nathan Adrian, who finished out of the medals in fourth at last week's worlds, won the men's 50m freestyle in 21.84sec. His time at the US meet would have been good enough for silver in Shanghai. Elizabeth Beisel, who won the 400m individual medley world title in Shanghai, captured the national title in the same event. Elizabeth led from start to finish and won in 4:34.78. In other events, Lara Jackson won the women's 50 free in 24.98sec and Tim Phillips won the 100m butterfly in 51.69sec. -- AFP Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

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GREEN THEME Posted: 04 Aug 2011 09:08 AM PDT Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation (JARO) held an open day to showcase new products made of rattan, paper and fabric THE Johor Area Rehabilitation Organisation (Jaro) held an open day recently to unveil its new range of Green and Heritage products made from rattan, paper and fabric. Jaro is a workshop that was set up in 1952 to rehabilitate former Johor Baru General Hospital patients by training the physically disabled with basketry, book-binding, tailoring and other handicraft-making skills. In this way, it hopes to help the disabled find jobs. The open day brought back memories for Adeline Kuah, who has been buying Jaro products since 1980. Her son's Hilltop Kindergarten uniform was made by Jaro as well as its soft toys and a picnic basket. Kuah and other Jaro regular customers were impressed by the new products at the store along Jalan Sungai Cha -- such as the cotton notebook covers, notebooks in A4 and A6 sizes, and boxes made from recycled paper. At the event, Rotary District Simplified Grant's former chairman Datuk Dr Lim Kee Jin presented a cheque for US$2,000 (RM5,920) to Jaro. Among the guests were Rotary Club Johor Baru president Ng Swee Poh and club members. In his speech, Ng said Jaro is a household name among Johoreans and expatriates who appreciate beautiful, quality and useful handmade products. The contribution will go towards upgrading the computer system in Jaro and the installation of a computer in the showroom to help customers shop by browsing for products. Chris Parry, a former New York-based graphic artist, designed the new look in Jaro's latest line of products. He said that when customers buy the Green products, they are not only supporting Jaro but also supporting the use of sustainable, renewable and recycled materials. Similarly, buying the Heritage products will help promote and nurture local traditions, cultures and crafts. "It's like a breath of fresh air," said Lisa Shedd, a Jaro volunteer, commenting on the product changes in Jaro. She was excited to see how fresh merchandising ideas and new products have transformed Jaro over the last seven months. Shedd is among several volunteers who help staff in the marketing, sales and promotion of the products. Also present were Spastic Children's Association of Johor chairman Tunku Yan Nazihah Tunku Laxamana Nasir, Dr Balachandrah Nair of Metropoint College Johor Baru and Thanam Visvanathan-Suresh, the president of the Johor Women's League. Refreshments were provided by four sponsors and served by volunteers from the Johor Baru Breast Cancer Support Group. Jaro's retail outlets are at Johor Baru City Square and Holiday Plaza. It is open on weekdays from 8.30am to 5.30pm. It is closed on weekends and public holidays. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Martial arts in music and dance Posted: 04 Aug 2011 08:36 AM PDT A scene from the 'Wushu Madness' show. — Picture by Peggy Loh THE "Wushu Madness" show held during 8th Johor Baru Arts Festival, was a fusion of wushu martial arts with modern dance to portray the insanity of today's daily rat race. Using simple props like tables and chairs symbolised social status and the desire for power. The scenes flowed smoothly in a series of well-choreographed, powerful dances to illustrate the law of the corporate jungle. In the segment entitled "Office", it was easy for the audience to relate to the pressures of work, where humans often worked like machines. The clever use of light and a synchronised soundtrack helped to bring the scenes to live and conveyed the pathos of the routines that created stress and hostility in the workplace. The centrepiece of the show, "One Table Two Chairs -- Brothers," brought out the truth about the competitive environment in the workplace. Using one table and two chairs, two artistes presented a powerful picture of the dog-eat-dog world which exists in every workplace. The solo performance in "Sad City" used two tables to depict a high wall, an excellent imagery depicting the rat race. From facial and bodily expressions, the artiste portrayed the maelstrom of emotions as he was crushed by life's challenges. Artistic director and choreographer of Lee Wushu Arts Theatre Lee Swee Seng collaborated with the Johor Society for the Performing Arts to produced the show. -- By Peggy Loh Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

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Banting murder trial: CSI testifies on prints found Posted: 04 Aug 2011 10:26 PM PDT 2011/08/05 By Rita Jong news@nst.com.my KLANG: A crime scene investigator told the High Court today that he three finger prints were lifted from two items found in the car belonging to one of the Banting murder victim, Ahmad Kamil Abdul Karim. DSP Sheikh Zainal Abidin Sheikh Omar said the prints were lifted from Smart Tag and Touch & Go card, and an air freshener. He also said he collected six other items from the black BMW 5 series which included a diary and a newspaper dated Aug 30. Sheikh, 55, also added that he had wrapped the six zinc sheets which were found by police divers in a river in Kampung Kelanang, but admitted that the divers who recovered the evidence did not wear gloves. Hearing continues on Monday. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Strong winds, rough seas over Typhoon Muifa Posted: 04 Aug 2011 10:16 PM PDT KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Meteorological Department today issued an advisory on strong winds and rough seas (first category) for several waters areas after Typhoon Muifa was located at 152km South-Southeast areas of Kadena Air Base in Japan at 3am today. In a statement today, the department said the typhoon was located approximately 2,362km North-Northeast of Kudat and 2,395km North-Northeast of Sandakan, Sabah. Hence, strong Southwesterly winds of 40 to 50 kmph with waves up to 3.5 metres over the waters off Phuket is expected to continue until Aug 12. A similar condition of strong winds and rough seas is also expected to occur over the waters off Sabah (West Coast and Kudat), Condore, Reef North, Layang-Layang and Palawan until Aug 9, and over the waters of Samui (Kelantan and Terengganu) and Tioman (Pahang) from Sunday to Monday. This condition of strong winds and rough seas is dangerous to small crafts, recreational sea activities and sea sports. --BERNAMA Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

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Asian shares plummet amid recession fears Posted: 04 Aug 2011 10:10 PM PDT HONG KONG: Asian stock markets plummeted on Friday morning following carnage in the US and European markets amid fears the world was heading towards another financial crisis. Major markets in Japan, Hong Kong, Australia and South Korea tumbled as already-fragile investor confidence was hammered by more weak US economic data and growing fears that Italy and Spain might need to be bailed out. "It's going to be a very ugly end to an even uglier week," IG Markets analyst Ben Potter said in Sydney, adding that all sectors were expected to take a battering. Tokyo dived 3.36 by the break, Hong Kong plummeted 4.67 percent, Sydney slumped 4.10 percent by noon, Seoul tumbled 3.62 percent and Taipei shed 5.15 percent. Shanghai slipped 1.80 percent. Fear swept across Asia from Europe and the United States, where the Dow Jones Industrial Average suffered its worst one-day drop since December 2008 to close 4.3 percent lower at 11,383.68, erasing all this year's gains. The broader S&P 500 dropped 4.8 percent to end the day at 1,200.07, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dived 5.1 percent to 2,556.39. London's benchmark FTSE 100 index fell 3.43 percent, retreating to levels last seen in September 2010, while in Frankfurt the DAX fell 3.40 percent, and France's CAC 40 dropped 3.90 percent. "We're seeing the erosion and now the loss of confidence, confidence in the economy, confidence in the market, confidence in the policy makers. It's all showing up," said US-based Hugh Johnson, of Hugh Johnson Advisors. Weak jobs data out of the United States on Thursday fuelled concerns among some analysts that the world could be heading towards another recession following the 2008 financial crisis. The US Labor Department reported that weekly claims for unemployment benefits remained at a high 400,000 last week. "There is a deep concern about global growth and of the state of play in the United States in particular," said City Index analyst Giles Watts. "Traders are growing increasingly concerned about a sharp slowdown in US economic activity in the third quarter." Eyes will be on the United States later Friday when Washington releases key government jobs data and a weaker-than-expected result could lead to a further sell-off. In Europe, investor sentiment remained plagued by worries that debt-laden Italy and Spain could be engulfed by the fast-moving eurozone debt crisis. The European Central Bank announced Thursday that it would resume emergency credit-easing measures, some of which were last enacted at the height of the financial crisis. But the ECB's efforts still failed to restore confidence. The risk premium investors demand to buy Spanish 10-year bonds over safe-bet German debt shot back up to near a record high on Thursday. The eurozone debt crisis has put Italy and Spain under huge pressure in recent weeks after Greece, Ireland and Portugal had to be bailed out by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. On currency markets the dollar held some of the gains it made against the yen Thursday after Tokyo stepped in to sell the Japanese unit as it edged towards a record high. The greenback was at 78.84 yen, after rising close to 80 yen in the first few hours after Tokyo's intervention. The euro fell to 111.17 yen from 111.27 yen late in New York on Thursday, while it gained to $1.4105 from $1.4100. "The fear of a double-dip recession with the slowdown in the US and the sovereign debt situation in Europe is having everybody biting their nails," said Adam Sieminski, chief energy economist of Deutsche Bank. Gold scored a new record at $1,681.72 per ounce on the spot market in New York as investors flocked to the precious metal, regarded as a safe bet in times of economic turmoil. It later retreated to $1,647.57. Gold opened at $1,643.00-$1,644.00 an ounce in Hong Kong. Prices for US government bonds, another safe haven, also rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury dropped to 2.46 percent from 2.60 percent late Wednesday, while that on the 30-year bond fell to 3.72 percent from 3.87 percent. Bond prices and yields move in opposite directions. New York's main contract, West Texas Intermediate light, sweet crude for delivery in September, was down 92 cents to $85.71 a barrel in morning trade after plunging $5.30, or 5.8 percent, in New York Thursday. It was the lowest closing price for WTI since February. Brent North Sea crude for September delivery shed 13 cents to $107.12 after falling $5.98, or 5.3 percent, in London trade. Among other markets, Wellington slumped 2.4 percent while Manila was 3.10 percent lower. - AFP Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Foreign bus drivers? Posted: 04 Aug 2011 09:32 PM PDT 2011/08/05 By Minderjeet Kaur and Punitha Kumar news@nst.com.my Firms' proposal to overcome shortage, weed out the reckless KUALA LUMPUR: Allow express bus companies to hire foreigners as drivers. This is the proposal made by the country's biggest express bus company, Konsortium Transnational Bhd, to beat the shortage of express bus drivers and weed out the reckless ones in the existing pool. Its executive director, Tengku Hasmadi Tengku Hashim, hoped the authorities would agree to the company's proposal to have foreigners make up 30 per cent of its drivers. Other express bus companies agreed that the acute shortage of drivers had left them with no choice but to hire some of the worst drivers on the road. Tengku Hasmadi said the company had fired reckless drivers in the past, including those who received too many summonses for speeding, but because of the shortage of drivers, they would easily find employment in other bus companies. "It is hard to discipline drivers these days. It's the drivers' market at the moment and we don't have much choice." Tengku Hasmadi said he believed it would be difficult for the drivers to hop from one company to another if there was no shortage. He said Konsortium Transnational, which has a fleet of 700 express buses and is paying its drivers between RM2,000 and RM3,000 each monthly, hoped to be allowed to hire drivers from countries such as Indonesia, Myanmar and Bangladesh. "They will be more disciplined and will not dare break the rules." Kuala Lumpur Melaka Express Sdn Bhd manager Vincent Mah concurred with Tengku Hasmadi on the shortage of bus drivers and hoped measures would be taken by the government to address the issue. "Sometimes, it is difficult for a company to keep a driver for a long time." Another bus operator, who wished to remain anonymous, said there were too many buses and not enough dr iver s. As a result, although drivers were not supposed to be at the wheel for more than eight hours a day, they had to take more trips on certain days, especially during festive seasons. In the run-up to the Hari Raya Aidilfitri alone, he anticipated that there would be a 20 per cent increase in the number of bus trips. He also said the shortage of drivers had led to trips being cancelled at times, causing losses to bus companies. "To help ease our problem, the government should allow qualified foreign bus drivers to be hired." Malaysian Institute of Road Safety director-general (research) Wong Shaw Voon believed the express bus industry had to work closely with the relevant agencies to improve the quality of express bus drivers. "There are many drivers who have painted a bad image of the industry and bus operators must be able to look into all this," he said, adding that hiring foreign drivers might not be the solution. "These foreign drivers will bring their own set of problems, starting with the different driving standards practised in their country. "There could also be the language barrier to deal with." Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

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I can take on Aziz anytime: Dr Zul Posted: 14 Mar 2011 11:25 PM PDT I can take on Aziz anytime: Dr Zul 2010/10/29 By NST team in Gua Musang, Kelantan news@nst.com.my GUA MUSANG: Pas' candidate Dr Zulkefli Mohamed remained a good sport over jokes that his stocky frame might tire him fast during the campaign trail. He said he was used to work long hours when he was a doctor at government hospitals in the past. "There were times when I had to work over 36 hours on a stretch, then. I think I can keep up with the hectic campaign schedule now," he said. Dr Zulkefli, 44, will be up against Barisan Nasional's Abdul Aziz Yusoff, 49, in the Galas by-election on Nov 4. Some segments of political watchers have been heard making comparisons between the two candidates of their physiques. Such light banter follows an absence of substantive issues to debate since campaigning started on Nov 26. Dr Zulkefli said he was feeling alright even when there were many places to visit over the past three days. To keep fit, he said he took a lot of water and sufficient rest. When a reporter asked about his weight, Dr Zulkefli said: "I do not know. Let us keep it as a secret." In jest, he said he could take on Aziz in a running or tug-of-war competition. Visit us for more web exclusives everyday from NST Galas team. For full stories and in-depth news, get NST in print tomorrow. Air your comment on this issue: I can take on Aziz anytime: Dr Zul Log in with your Facebook account or use the form below to comment. New Straits Times reserves the right not to publish offensive or abusive comments and those of hate speech, harassment, commercial promos and invasion of privacy. Your IP will be logged and may be used to prevent further submission.The views expressed here are that of the members of the public and unless specifically stated are not those of NST. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Sabah Umno reaching the 500,000 mark Posted: 14 Mar 2011 08:17 PM PDT Once upon a time, a real history took place and handed down the real lessons out of the events concluded that a small number can defeat a huge number of opponents by the will of Allah taala. Therefore, in the modern institutions and struggle like political institutions, this lessons of history is still relevant and worthy to ponder. In fact, there are many facts to ponder on why the listed numbers of political members do not reflex the true pictures. The Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Musa Aman's recent annoucement of Sabah UMNO success in the recruitment of membership drive does not mean much to me as it seems to suggest it is the result of his leadership. A leader should be humble and not self glorifying. One's work should be judged by the people and not himself. I still remember our DPM, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin remark in the opening of the PBS congress in Kota Kinabalu recently where he said "he has done little in the success of the Batu Sapi by election ". Frankly how many can do that ? This is the model of leader we must emulate - humble, unassuming and lead by example. Traits of great leader who make small people feel great. Afterall, recruitment of new members in any party is the duty and obligation of its leaders. It is not a competition as it is the quality and not quantity of the effort that count. We should not trumpet about it. High membership in any political party does not guarantee success if the party and its leaders do not command the support from its ranks and files as well as leaders from other coalition parties, particularly in the state of Sabah. Having such a mentality would breed complacency and place the party concerned and BN in a perilous situation. Sabah UMNO chief, Datuk Musa Aman's annoucement that their membership drive to date has reached 456,000 membership level, the highest among all other states is indeed quite credible. The first thing that comes to thought is 456,000 is 456,000 until the half million mark is reached which is another 44,000 more to go and this is not a small number. In the annoucement, last year alone, they only managed to recruit 40,000 new members and has no mention of what this year's result is ? Has the effort reached been saturated is another question that surfaces in my mind. My concern however is in any numerical assessment, we must give the picture in its correct perspective and not try to over dramatise or sensationalise it to justify certain motives, personal or otherwise. And when figures concerning and affecting the outcome of an election, the state and the image of UMNO and Barisan Nasional, we have to be careful and truthful. The annoucement also gives rise to many questions to be answered. First, how many of these registered members will actually and eventually vote and vote for BN comes election time?. Is the annoucement trying to suggest we are growing stronger, there is nothing to worry and we can repeat the big win in the state achieved in the last election ? The Batu Sapi by election is no doubt the combined efforts in greater and lesser extend of all state BN coalition members. However, with the bad blood that existed all along with the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Musa Aman and PBS president, Datuk Pairin, with SAPP president, Datuk Yong Teck Lee, the duel was in actual fact a life and dead battle among the subject combatants. Aided by a predominantly bumi constituency,the vast resources from BN and the ever tireless presence of our DPM, the vast win at Batu Sapi could be an isolated incident. Removing these factors, or in a diluted extent, the result could be different. As a rough estimate, Sabah with a population of 2.5 million and say,with a 60% eligible voters, it will work out to have about 1.5 million potential voters. From the above, the present UMNO membership only represents to about 30% of the total possible voters. Will that be adequate to determine another landslide victory in the coming election ? given the fact there 60 constituencies in the state ? Many in the last encounter encountered sort of narrow escape ? The growing number of unresolved problems faced by the people todate? The discontents of the present leadership among the files and ranks ? How much support the present state leadership since last reappointed, still enjoy is therefore any one's guess. To me the annoucement seems to be made in conjunction with the coming BN convention in Kuala Lumpur in an effort to influence its outcomes Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

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Australia unchanged for New Zealand clash Posted: 04 Aug 2011 05:56 PM PDT SYDNEY: Australia named an unchanged side for tomorrow's daunting Tri-Nations clash with New Zealand in Auckland as they go in search of a rare victory at Eden Park. The only changes to the squad which beat South Africa 39-20 in Sydney two weeks ago are the return to the bench of lock Dan Vickerman, halfback Luke Burgess and winger Lachie Turner. Both sides recorded bonus-point wins in their first Tri-Nations outings, with the All Blacks fresh off a 40-7 thumping of South Africa in Wellington, and the Wallabies face a formidable task. New Zealand have not dropped a test at Eden Park in 17 years, but Australia coach Robbie Deans said he did not feel overwhelmed by the record. "It's about now rather than the history," he said. "The All Blacks do draw strength from their record at the ground, but playing at Eden Park is not something to be feared. It's a challenge, and an opportunity to be embraced and enjoyed. "A lot of visiting teams will be aspiring to achieve something special at Eden Park this year (it is the venue of October's Rugby World Cup final). This weekend we're the lucky ones -- we get first crack." Burgess returns to understudy Will Genia, after completing his recovery from a fractured hand, which he suffered in training before the NSW Waratahs Super Rugby semi-final defeat. After performing strongly through 80 minutes for his Sydney University club last weekend, Vickerman is back on the bench, from where he made his return to test rugby last month against Samoa. The 30 minutes Vickerman played from the bench during that match represented his first taste of test rugby since 2008. It was his 56th cap, which means the Wallabies have traded one experienced campaigner for another, as Vickerman has taken the place previously allocated to veteran Nathan Sharpe. The third change amongst the run on reserves sees NSW Waratahs wing/fullback Lachie Turner slot in, with selectors reverting to the traditional four-forward, three-back split on the substitutes bench. Deans said the changes represented a "horses for courses" approach. "Burgess and Turner have both worked their way back into contention and have shown that they are now ready to go, while Vickerman really stepped up in training last week, and reinforced that for Sydney Uni on the weekend," he said. "This is a contest we believe he is well suited to." The change in emphasis on the bench, Deans added, highlighted the difference in nature between an Australia-New Zealand and Australia-South Africa Test. "You saw the differences in approach last weekend," Deans said. "For the South Africans, it's physicality first, second and third. "The All Blacks employ more width and rely on speed of recycle and movement. They play the game wider and faster, which is why the extra speed and additional backline resources are required on the bench." Australia (15-1): Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Pat McCabe, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Ben McCalman, David Pocock, Rocky Elsom (capt), James Horwill, Rob Simmons, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Sekope Kepu. Reserves: Saia Faingaa, Pekahou Cowan, Dan Vickerman, Scott Higginbotham, Luke Burgess, Anthony Faingaa, Lachie Turner. -- AFP Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Tiffany says she's no 'plastic Brit' Posted: 04 Aug 2011 05:55 PM PDT LONDON: Tiffany Porter insisted she was not running under a "flag of convenience" after switching allegiance from America to Britain. The timimg of the changes by the likes of Tiffany and fellow American-born 400 metres runner Shana Cox, with the Olympic Games in London next year, have led to accusations they are 'Plastic Brits' who have only changed nationalities because they have little or no prospect of competing for the United States. But 23-year-old sprint hurdler Tiffany was adamant Wednesday she was proud of her British heritage and that there was nothing cynical in her decision. "I'm very excited and very fired up to compete for GB right now," said Tiffany, who broke Angie Thorp's 15-year British record in the 100m hurdles earlier this year -- something Angie claims left her "absolutely distraught". "I look at it as a year to let the media and the public know who I am and to dispel any myths there are about me," Michigan-born Tiffany said. Asked what those "myths" were, she replied: "The fact that people think I switched allegiance because it would be easier to make the team, or I'm doing it for money. "Anybody who knows me knows that those are as far from the truth as possible. I've always had dual citizenship since birth. I've always been proud of my heritage. My mom has always told me about my British-American-Nigerian background. It's who I am. "The financial aspect was not a motivational feature at all. I am sponsored by Adidas (one of the world's leading manufacturers of sports equipment) so financially I'm OK. "I didn't do it for the money, so if anybody thinks that I just hope that they understand that it's not the reason why -- not even by a long shot." Tiffany made her British debut in the European Indoor Championships in Paris earlier this year, winning a silver medal in the 60m hurdles, and recently lowered her British 100m record to 12.60 seconds. That places her fifth on the world rankings in 2011 and Tiffany is determined the controversy over her nationality won't detract from her performance at next month's World Championships in Daegu, or during the Olympics. Tiffany, speaking ahead of this weekend's London Grand Prix, added: "I don't really pay much attention to what goes on in the media. I'm focused on competing." -- AFP Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

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BEACON OF HOPE Posted: 03 Aug 2011 10:14 AM PDT The Johor Baru Breast Cancer Support Group organises activities and events to motivate cancer survivors THE members of the Breast Cancer Support Group (BCSG) Johor Baru and its activities have increased over the years, making it necessary for the non-governmental organisation to move to a new centre which is more spacious. The new BCSG address will be at 12, Jalan Ru, Melodies Garden, Johor Baru. To raise funds for the purchase and renovation of the new centre, a "Gift of Hope" charity dinner will be held at the Grand Straits Garden restaurant at Danga Bay on Aug 19. The society is also collecting old newspapers for recycling. Old newspapers can be sent to BCSG's current address at 15, Jalan Rengas, Melodies Gardens, Johor Baru, before Aug 23. Since July 5, members have been folding paper cranes, a symbol of hope, for every survivor who is being supported by family, friends and even strangers. One thousand paper cranes will be presented as a token of appreciation to generous contributors at the charity dinner. The cranes will be hung on the "Tree of Hope". BCSG Johor Baru started with a few women who first met for mutual support in 2000. In her search for a breast-cancer welfare association in Johor Baru, Joyce Ng, from Kuala Lumpur, started meeting regularly with five other survivors. This early support group met every Saturday in the hall of the Small Business Association of Johor Baru. Later, a formal group was formed under the Lions Club Metro of Johor Baru. This small group soon evolved into a non-profit organisation run by volunteers and members, many of whom are cancer survivors. In March 2004, BCSG was registered as a non-governmental organisation. Its activities help survivors on their journey to wellness. The BCSG has regular activities such as line dancing and painting, and organises adventure trips that go a long way to lift the morale of members. Since 2007, the Johor Tourist Guides Association (JTGA) has volunteered to escort survivors on trips to the East Coast, Mount Kinabalu Park, and recently, on a two-hour Heritage Walk in the state capital. The 40 members were thrilled to explore the heart of old Johor Baru in the company of Johor Baru member of parliament Datuk Seri Shahrir Abdul Samad and his wife Datin Seri Sharizat Abdullah. Among the other regular activities are training sessions on Breast Self Examination, and the proper use of prosthesis. The society also conducts "Bosom Buddies" sessions and "Looking Good -- Feeling Great" personal grooming sessions. BCSG volunteers provide emotional and psychological support as well as practical advice. "There is life after cancer," said BCSG president Doris Boo, survivor who is the driving force behind the team which organises programmes and activities for members. She said when a woman falls ill, her whole family is devastated because often, it is the wife or mother who holds the family together. "The journey of a woman diagnosed with breast cancer is fraught with pain, fear and anxieties. "She needs the support of family and friends to encourage her and give her hope. "When members gather for activities, there is a sense of love, warmth, faith and hope as they support each other positively in their fight against cancer," said Boo. "We look on the bright side, with positive thoughts and the desire to go on living, with no regrets of the past and fear of the future," said Has'nah Abdul Rahim. BCSG records show that the number of cancer patients is increasing at an alarming rate and the youngest survivor is just 30 years old. It tells patients and survivors not to give up and to remember that there is hope. BCSG is committed to improve the well-being of patients and survivors, and to educate the public on breast health. It provides emotional and psychological support to both survivors and their families. For details on table reservations for the "Gift of Hope" charity dinner, call 07-335 7211 or visit www.bcsgjb.org.my Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

Ramadan food aid for 20 poor residents Posted: 03 Aug 2011 10:00 AM PDT Adam Hamiru (third from left), Norha Alias (fourth from left) and Mohd Said Ibrahim (sixth from left) with the recipients. — Picture by Mohd Fahmi Mohd Yusof THE family of a 16-year-old who sustained injuries to his nervous system from an accident four years ago and is now handicapped, was among the recipients of food aid under a Ramadan welfare programme. Haidil Asmuri was a cheerful teenager before the road accident in Taman Skudai Kanan, Johor Baru. His mother, Halimah Talib, 49, said her third of five children was pushing his bicycle across a road when a car ran into him. "He was with a friend who was also pushing a bicycle, but the friend managed to avoid being hit," she said after attending the "Program Sentuhan Hati" organised by the Community Development Department, recently. Also present were Tanjung Puteri state assemblyman Adam Sumiru, Skudai Kanan Umno branch head Mohd Said Ibrahim and acting Kemas senior coordinator Norha Alias. Halimah said the right part of Haidil's skull was crushed and his nervous system affected. As a result, Haidil is unable to speak properly and suffers from memory lapses. The father is a security guard, and the couple has four other children who are school-going. Haidil and nine less privileged residents of Taman Skudai Kanan received contributions of sugar, flour, rice and biscuits to ease their financial burden. Adam said the aid was distributed annually during Ramadan, and a good way for him to meet and listen to the problems of his constituents. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search.

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