Isnin, 26 Mei 2014

The Malaysian Insider :: Showbiz

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‘X-Men’ sequel tops ‘Avatar’ as Fox’s biggest global debut

Posted: 26 May 2014 05:25 PM PDT

May 27, 2014

Cast members Hugh Jackman and Fan Bingbing take photos as Peter Dinklage (left) waves to fans at the Southeast Asia premiere of 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' in Singapore May 14, 2014. – Reuters pic, May 27, 2014.Cast members Hugh Jackman and Fan Bingbing take photos as Peter Dinklage (left) waves to fans at the Southeast Asia premiere of 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' in Singapore May 14, 2014. – Reuters pic, May 27, 2014.Mutant superhero movie "X-Men: Days of Future Past" powered to US$302 million (RM969.57 million) in worldwide ticket sales through the US Memorial Day holiday yesterday, capping a weekend in which it surpassed "Avatar" as the biggest global debut for film studio 20th Century Fox.

The seventh installment in the "X-Men" franchise topped US and Canadian movie charts with US$111.0 million from Friday through yesterday, according to estimates from tracking firm Rentrak. The film earned an additional US$191.0 million at theaters around the world, Fox said.

The "X-Men" sequel was boosted by strong reviews, including a 91% positive rating on the Rotten Tomatoes website, and an "A" grade in audience polling by CinemaScore, Fox executives said. The film drew an ethnically diverse audience that was 56% male and 44% female, said Spencer Klein, senior vice president and general sales manager for 20th Century Fox, a unit of 21st Century Fox

"The movie broadened out to a general audience," he said.

From Friday through Sunday, "X-Men" racked up global ticket sales that beat the December 2009 debut of Fox's "Avatar", the sci-fi adventure that started with US$241.5 million worldwide and became the best-selling movie of all time, grossing US$2.8 billion, according to Box Office Mojo.

"X-Men" collected global sales of US$261.8 million over its first three days in 119 territories, including US$37.7 million in China, the world's second-largest film market. "Avatar" did not open in China during its first weekend of release.

In the latest installment in the Marvel Comics series, Hugh Jackman's sharp-clawed Wolverine travels back in time to try and save the mutants from future destruction. To alter history, he is drawn into battle with the blue, shape-shifting Mystique, portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence in the US$200 million production.

The film had to contend with a dose of unwelcome publicity after two men accused director Bryan Singer of sexually abusing them as teenagers, charges he denies.

The stampede of "X-Men" knocked monster hit "Godzilla" to second place at US and Canadian theatres. The remake of the 1954 Japanese film took in US$39.4 million domestically from Friday through yesterday, and brought its global total to US$324.5 million, according to Warner Bros, which produced "Godzilla" with Legendary Pictures.

New romantic comedy "Blended" came in third, falling short of forecasts with US$18.2 million in domestic ticket sales through yesterday. The movie stars Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler as single parents on vacation with their kids at an African resort.

Seth Rogen comedy "Neighbours" landed in fourth place with US$17.2 million, ahead of superhero sequel "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" in the No.5 slot with US$10.0 million.

Time Warner Inc's Warner Bros distributed "Godzilla" and "Blended". Comcast Corp's Universal Pictures released "Neighbours". Sony Corp's movie studio distributed "Spider-Man 2". – Reuters, May 27, 2014.

Rolling Stones resumes world tour after death of Jagger’s girlfriend

Posted: 26 May 2014 04:29 PM PDT

May 27, 2014

Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones (not seen) perform during a concert at the Telenor Arena, in Fornebu, Baerum, in this picture provided by NTB Scanpix yesterday. – Reuters pic, May 27, 2014.Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones (not seen) perform during a concert at the Telenor Arena, in Fornebu, Baerum, in this picture provided by NTB Scanpix yesterday. – Reuters pic, May 27, 2014.The Rolling Stones staged a high-energy concert in Oslo yesterday as the ever-youthful band resumed a world tour suspended in March after the death of Mick Jagger's girlfriend, fashion designer L'Wren Scott.

Jagger, 70, wearing a tight black shirt and jeans for most of the late-night show in front of more than 20,000 spectators, said he was happy to be back performing in the Nordic city where the band first played on a tour in 1965.

Monday night's concert, with hits including "Satisfaction", "Brown Sugar" and "Sympathy for the Devil", was the first of a European tour that will now go to Lisbon and then Zurich.

The Rolling Stones postponed concerts in Australia and New Zealand in March to mourn Scott, a 49-year-fashion designer and former model who committed suicide in her Manhattan apartment.

Jagger said on his website just after her death that he was struggling to understand "how my lover and best friend could end her life in this tragic way".

He did not refer to Scott during the Oslo concert. The Australian and New Zealand concerts have been rescheduled for October and November.

Norwegian media hailed the band's performance, praising Jagger for his singing as well as joking, dancing, running and pirouetting around a vast stage.

"It's rock and roll and we like it," the tabloid Dagbladet wrote, giving the concert five on a one to six scale.

Rival tabloid Verdens Gang also gave the concert a five and said that the band had clearly benefited from a few days' practice together in Oslo before the concert.

Jagger told the audience the band had asked people to request songs over the Internet and joked that the favourite had been "Take on Me" – a hit by Norwegian rock band A-ha.

He said the singing was too high pitched for him and launched instead into the Rolling Stones' "Let's Spend the Night Together".

Guitarist Ronnie Wood, 66, at one point rocked his arms as if cradling a baby – Jagger explained that he was celebrating the birth of a grandchild. – Reuters, May 27, 2014.

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Stan overboard as Nadal, Djokovic, Sharapova shine

Posted: 26 May 2014 03:49 PM PDT

May 27, 2014

Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland stretches out to return a forehand to Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain during their men's singles match at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris yesterday. – Reuters pic, May 27, 2014.Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland stretches out to return a forehand to Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain during their men's singles match at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris yesterday. – Reuters pic, May 27, 2014.Third-seeded Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka made a shock, listless exit from the French Open yesterday at the hands of Spanish journeyman Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.

The Swiss, bidding to become the first man since Jim Courier in 1992 to win the French Open in the same year as the Australian title, lost 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 6-0.

The 29-year-old produced a woeful 61 unforced errors as Garcia-Lopez, the world number 41, booked a second round match against Frenchman Adrian Mannarino.

"It was just terrible," said Wawrinka. "It was not a good match. I need to take a few days off and see what will happen. Sometimes you need a tough loss to see where you are going."

Wawrinka admitted that the pressure of being a Grand Slam champion is weighing heavily on him.

"I need to find the pieces, how to be happy, how to win matches."

Wawrinka, a quarter-finalist at Roland Garros in 2013 and tipped as a possible title contender after winning the Monte Carlo Masters crown last month, was the second top 10 seed to lose at a rain-hit Monday.

Japanese ninth seed Kei Nishikori had earlier lost 7-6 (7/4), 6-1, 6-2 to Slovakia's Martin Klizan.

There were no such problems for Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova who all shrugged off the Paris gloom.

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Robby Ginepri of the US during their men's singles match at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris yesterday. – Reuters pic, May 27, 2014.Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Robby Ginepri of the US during their men's singles match at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris yesterday. – Reuters pic, May 27, 2014.Eight-time champion Nadal, bidding to become the first man to win five Roland Garros titles in a row, beat US wildcard and world number 279 Robby Ginepri 6-0, 6-3, 6-0.

It was Nadal's 60th win at the French Open against just one loss.

World number one Nadal kicked off his campaign on the secondary Suzanne Lenglen court while title rivals Djokovic and Wawrinka were handed top billing on the main Philippe Chatrier arena.

But it was still business as usual for Nadal who fired 27 winners past Ginepri, a semi-finalist at the 2005 US Open whose challenge was undone by 41 unforced errors.

"It doesn't matter where I play," said Nadal who next faces highly-rated Dominic Thiem of Austria.

"It's always a pleasure and an honour to play at Roland Garros, on Chatrier, Lenglen or any other court. This place has given me unforgettable emotions."

Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a return to Joao Sousa of Portugal during their men's singles match at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris yesterday. – Reuters pic, May 27, 2014.Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a return to Joao Sousa of Portugal during their men's singles match at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris yesterday. – Reuters pic, May 27, 2014.Second seed Djokovic, the 2012 runner-up who is seeking a first Roland Garros title to complete a career Grand Slam, brushed aside Portugal's Joao Sousa, the world 42, in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.

Djokovic, widely regarded as the favourite to dethrone Nadal having beaten the Spaniard in Rome two weeks ago, next faces French hope Jeremy Chardy.

"I played for most of the match quite solid. The end of the match was not so nice from my side because I dropped my serve twice," said Djokovic.

Sharapova, seeded seven and the 2012 champion, needed just over an hour to beat fellow Russian, Ksenia Pervak, the world's 156th-ranked player, 6-1, 6-2.

The 27-year-old will next face Bulgaria's 2010 Wimbledon semi-finalist Tsvetana Pironkova.

"First matches at Grand Slams are always tough, no matter how prepared you are, no matter how many matches you've played," said Sharapova, now 13-1 on clay in 2014 with titles in Stuttgart and Madrid.

Nishikori, 24, and coached by 1989 champion Michael Chang, was the first Japanese man in 75 years to make the fourth round in Paris in 2013.

Maria Sharapova of Russia serves to compatriot Ksenia Pervak during their women's singles match at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris yesterday. – Reuters pic, May 27, 2014.Maria Sharapova of Russia serves to compatriot Ksenia Pervak during their women's singles match at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris yesterday. – Reuters pic, May 27, 2014.But the world number 10 was still bothered by the back injury he suffered in the Madrid Masters final against Nadal and was broken 10 times by Klizan. He also hit 10 double faults and committed 40 unforced errors

Left-handed Klizan, 24, one of six former junior champions in the main draw, goes on to face Robin Haase of the Netherlands.

"It sucks," said Nishikori.

Yesterday's action also witnessed the first marathon of the French Open with Argentine qualifier Facundo Bagnis marking his Gramd Slam debut by seeing off Frenchman Julien Benneteau 6-1, 6-2, 1-6, 3-6, 18-16 in four and a half hours.

Other top men's players going through were Italian 14th seed Fabio Fognini, Tommy Robredo, the 17th seed from Spain, as well as colourful 18th seeded Latvian Ernests Gulbis.

Facundo Bagnis of Argentina reacts after defeating Julien Benneteau of France in their men's singles match at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris yesterday. – Reuters pic, May 27, 2014.Facundo Bagnis of Argentina reacts after defeating Julien Benneteau of France in their men's singles match at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris yesterday. – Reuters pic, May 27, 2014.In the women's first round, Czech fifth seed Petra Kvitova, a semi-finalist in 2012 defeated Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan 7-5, 6-2 while Dominika Cibulkova, the Slovak ninth seed, beat France's Virginie Razzano 7-5, 6-0

Australian 18th seed Samantha Stosur, the runner-up in 2010, eased past Puerto Rico's Monica Puig 6-1, 6-1 despite having had five stitches in a gashed leg.

America's Taylor Townsend, meanwhile, came from 1-5 down to beat compatriot Vania King 7-5, 6-1.

Also going through was Austria's Tamira Paszek whose 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) win over Belgium's Alison van Uytvanck was her first at Roland Garros for seven years. – AFP, May 27, 2014.

Brendan Rodgers extends Liverpool contract

Posted: 26 May 2014 08:23 AM PDT

May 26, 2014

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers (pic) has signed a new and improved contract, for an undisclosed length of time, the English Premiership club announced Monday.

Rodgers, who has been at Anfield for the past two years, has presided over an upturn in the club's fortunes and guided the Merseysiders to second place in the recently-completed Premier League season, just missing out what would have been their first English title since 1990.

The Northern Irishman had a year remaining on his existing agreement, with an option for a further 12 months.

Having overseen an improvement from seventh in the Premier League last season to runners-up behind champions Manchester City, Rodgers said he was delighted by the prospect of spending more time at Anfield.

"I am both humbled and privileged to be offered the chance to extend my stay at this great club," he said.

"I am happy to build on the foundations we have built over the last two years. Now we move on to the next phase, which I believe will be as exciting, challenging and rewarding."

Rodgers added: "I would like to place on record my thanks to the players and staff, who have been brilliant for me since the day I started at this great football club.

"I am grateful to our owners and senior management team who have supported me and who share my vision of how we can progress on the field.

"Finally, I must thank the supporters who are at the heart of everything we do here.

"I am honoured every day to lead this team and I thank the fans for their continued support as together we strive to bring success back to Liverpool Football Club."

Liverpool's US-based owners, Fenway Sports Group, have been delighted by the way in which Rodgers has turned the side into Premier League title contenders without a rash of big-money signings and by how players and fans alike have warmed to the former Swansea boss.

In a joint statement principal owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner said: "We are fortunate to have a hugely-talented individual leading our football performance and in whom we place our trust to deliver the vision we share for Liverpool Football Club.

"Brendan is at the heart of what we, as an ownership group, are trying to achieve on the pitch.

"This season has reaffirmed everyone's belief that we can bring football success to Liverpool and we are all committed to working together to achieve that.

"Players and supporters have made it clear how important Brendan is to our success and so to have him commit to us for the long term is a great boost for everyone going forward." – AFP, May 26, 2014.

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Tiananmen protest leader haunted by ghosts, 25 years on

Posted: 25 May 2014 10:09 PM PDT

May 26, 2014

Pro-democracy activists release a kite in Hong Kong on May 18 at an event to promote democratic movements in China and mark 25 years since the 1989 pro-democracy protests in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. – AFP pic, May 26, 2014.Pro-democracy activists release a kite in Hong Kong on May 18 at an event to promote democratic movements in China and mark 25 years since the 1989 pro-democracy protests in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. – AFP pic, May 26, 2014.A quarter of a century after Communist authorities crushed the Tiananmen Square demonstrators and their hopes of reform, protest leader Wuer Kaixi still lies awake at night, haunted by the dead and their unrealised dreams.

Students rallying for democracy and freedom had filled the symbolic heart of Chinese power with euphoria, drawing in workers and intellectuals and inspiring protests around the country.

But after seven weeks in the square their aspirations were abruptly shattered by an overnight military crackdown that ended on June 4, 1989, leaving hundreds of people dead – by some estimates, more than 1,000 – and a ruling party hell-bent on preventing any future such challenges to its power.

"During the time it did seem quite promising that the Chinese authorities may yield, may actually answer to our call for Chinese political reform," said Wuer, then a charismatic 21-year-old activist, who became number two on the government's most-wanted list of student leaders.

"I think at the beginning (of the killings) everybody was in a state of shock. So was I," he said at a university in Taiwan, his adopted home.

The movement, fuelled by frustration from years of economic upheaval, gathered pace in mid-April as public mourning for the reform-minded former party chief Hu Yaobang morphed into calls for political change and curbs on corruption.

Students began to pour into Tiananmen Square. Thousands later went on hunger strike and eventually erected a Goddess of Democracy resembling New York's Statue of Liberty facing the portrait of Mao Zedong hanging on the wall of the Forbidden City.

During a meeting between student leaders and politicians broadcast live on state television, Wuer publicly interrupted the hardline then-premier Li Peng, becoming an overnight celebrity.

"We apply pressure and we are hoping for the regime to make a positive choice," he said.

"The choice for them was also clear, they could dialogue and by doing so they would certainly be able to maintain a leading position in the Chinese further political development," he said.

"But instead they decided to take another choice – military crackdown."

The protests came under the global spotlight as foreign reporters flocked to Beijing to cover a May 15 visit by then-Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev – a historic event that was quickly overtaken by domestic turmoil.

China's Communist leaders were split over how to respond, with moderates led by party general secretary Zhao Ziyang eventually losing.

Zhao last appeared in public on May 19, pleading tearfully on the square for the students to go home before being ousted and confined under house arrest until his death in 2005.

Hardliners, among them China's supreme leader Deng Xiaoping, took charge, branded the protest a "counter-revolutionary rebellion" and declared martial law.

For two weeks they were unable to take control of the square, until the People's Liberation Army moved in to clear it on the night of June 3 to 4 while soldiers flanked by tanks opened fire elsewhere.

Fighting broke out with students who defended themselves with sticks and makeshift weapons.

"The bullets flying above your head, that is something you would never have learned in any movies or in any of the literature, until it actually happens in your life," Wuer said.

Authorities hunted down protest leaders, imprisoning many even as sympathisers in Hong Kong mobilised to smuggle students out and Western governments offered asylum.

"Wherever I go the people of China supported and helped us, helped me to escape. I managed to go all the way to the border, to the south," Wuer said, and supporters in Hong Kong helped him escape.

For years China remained an international pariah hamstrung by sanctions.

But as it has built its economy into the world's second largest, most other countries have embraced it, with many softening their criticism of rights abuses to avoid upsetting their giant trade partner.

The crackdown remains a strict taboo inside China, erased from textbooks, the media and Internet, leaving younger generations largely unaware of the nature of the momentous event.

In the beginning of his exile Wuer experienced sadness and misery, he said, "but then of course it's a situation that we have to endure".

The dynamic and eloquent activist went on to enjoy a career in finance and a role as a political commentator in Taiwan.

Yet the legacy of Tiananmen still haunts him – failing to see political change in his homeland, surviving when fellow protesters did not, living in exile from his country and family.

He has tried unsuccessfully to return to the mainland to visit his ageing parents, both Uighur intellectuals.

"It's a sad fact, sad fact for this person, for my family, but it's also a very sad fact for China," he said.

He is kept awake by the fact that many of his fellow students and protestors died that night, he said.

"I cannot make peace with the fact that I am in exile, I cannot make peace with the fact that I am being bullied by one of the biggest, most powerful totalitarian regimes," he said.

"I cannot make peace with the fact that I am a survivor of a massacre, I cannot make peace with that guilt, with that sense of mission." – AFP, May 26, 2014.

Older Australian teachers delaying retirement

Posted: 25 May 2014 09:52 PM PDT

May 26, 2014

More west Australian schoolteachers are working past retirement age making it harder for teaching graduates to find jobs, Xinhua news agency reports citing local media.

Data from the West Australia Education Department shows the number of teachers working past 65 has risen from 469 in 2010 to 803 this year, a jump of 71%.

The rise has boosted the overall number of teachers aged 55 and over to 6,540, a rise of 25%.

This senior group now makes up almost a third of the state's 20,600 public teachers.

Experts say older authority figures foster respect but the widening age gap between teachers and tech-savvy pupils presents challenges as the use of technology in classrooms increases.

The more teachers delay retirement, due to financial insecurity after the global financial crisis, the fewer jobs there will be for graduates.

University of Western Australia dean of education Professor Helen Wildy said the rate of retirement had slowed since the global financial crisis "and is getting slower".

"It means there is not as many opportunities for graduate teachers but there will be a time when this baby boomer generation will retire en masse, creating a big demand then for teachers to replace them," she was quoted by the West Australian as saying.

Wildy said older teachers brought knowledge and experience into the classroom but it was healthy for students to be taught by teachers of different ages.

West Australia State School Teachers Union president Pat Byrne said the federal government's plans to increase the retirement age to 70 meant the trend would continue.

"Most teaching is not dependent on physical health, it's not construction work. A good healthy person is able to teach well past their 60s," she said.

Department Workforce executive director Cliff Gillam said until recently most teachers had retired by age 62 but the global financial crisis and the attractiveness of increased wages had lengthened careers.

"The department encourages teachers to stay in the workforce so students can benefit from the skills and experience of older teachers," he said. – Bernama, May 26, 2014.

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Tintin sets comic strip record at auction

Posted: 25 May 2014 05:35 PM PDT

May 26, 2014

'Tintin in America' by late Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi aka Herge held the world record for most expensive comic ever sold until Saturday. – AFP/Relaxnews pic, May 26, 2014.'Tintin in America' by late Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi aka Herge held the world record for most expensive comic ever sold until Saturday. – AFP/Relaxnews pic, May 26, 2014.An original page of drawings featuring the intrepid boy reporter Tintin sold at auction Saturday for more than two million euros (RM8.76 million), a new world record for a comic strip.

The piece, dating from 1937 and signed by the creator Herge, went to an American collector after 15 minutes of furious bidding at the Artcurial auction in Paris.

Experts said the sum, 2.5 million euros including fees, or 2.1 million euros without, reflects the new enthusiasm for cartoon items, which have seen prices soar in a decade.

The piece sold Saturday is a double page ink drawing created by the Belgian artist for the inside cover of the Tintin adventures published between 1937 and 1958, featuring images drawn from the various albums.

Tintin appears with his dog Snowy in different situations, as a cowboy, an explorer, a knight in shining armour, on a horse or in the desert.

The previously highest-selling comic piece, also by Herge – the cover for "Tintin in America" created in 1932 – sold for 1.3 million euros to a "Tintinophile" last June.

"I thought only these inside cover pages could beat the record set by 'Tintin in America' in 2012. This has happened today with this exceptional drawing," said Artcurial's cartoon expert Eric Leroy.

"This new world record confirms the place of cartoon art as a major art form," he said.

The gallery owner Daniel Maghen, who also works with comic art, estimates that prices for cartoon art have multiplied tenfold in the last 10 years.

The sale on Saturday was entirely dedicated to the Belgian designer and his blonde-haired creation. – AFP/Relaxnews, May 26, 2014.

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Rempuh DUN: Siasatan polis 95% selesai

Posted: 26 May 2014 03:33 AM PDT

May 26, 2014

Siasatan berhubung insiden rempuhan Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Pulau Pinang Rabu lepas hampir selesai, kata Ketua Polis Daerah Timur Laut ACP Mior Faridalatrash Wahid.

Beliau berkata kertas siasatan dibuka mengikut Seksyen 448 dan Seksyen 147 Kanun Keseksaan dan laporan lengkap akan diserah kepada Timbalan Pendakwa Raya dalam tempoh terdekat.

"Setakat ini 95% dah selesai. Polis menyiasat kes ini dari pelbagai sudut dan setakat ini telah merekodkan keterangan 27 orang saksi," katanya kepada pemberita di George Town hari ini.

Beliau meminta orang ramai berhenti membuat spekulasi liar sehingga siasatan selesai dijalankan.

Rabu lepas sekumpulan lelaki menyerbu masuk DUN sebagai membantah tindakan Anggota Dewan Undangan Negeri Seri Delima R.S.N Rayer menggelarkan "Umno celaka" ketika membahaskan usul ucapan Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas pada Selasa.

Sementara itu, Mior Faridalatrash berkata polis menerima 19 laporan berhubung kes salah laku sepanjang pilihan raya kecil Parlimen Bukit Gelugor yang berakhir semalam.

Beliau berkata lima kertas siasatan yang dibuka telah diserah kepada Jabatan Peguam Negara untuk proses seterusnya.

"Pilihan raya berlangsung dalam keadaan aman dan kebanyakan kes adalah berkaitan rasa tidak puas hati calon bertanding," katanya. – Bernama, 26 Mei, 2014.

Premis jual coklat dengan DNA babi boleh didenda RM100,000 atau penjara

Posted: 26 May 2014 03:19 AM PDT

May 26, 2014

Premis yang masih menjual dua jenis coklat Cadbury yang mengandungi DNA khinzir (porcine), boleh didenda RM100,000 atau penjara tiga tahun atau kedua-duanya sekali.

Pengarah Penguatkuasa Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, Koperasi dan Kepenggunaan (KPDNKK) Mohd Roslan Mahayudin berkata hukuman itu, di bawah Akta Perihal Dagangan 2011, tidak kira sama ada penjual di peringkat runcit, pengedar atau pengilang.

"Bagi sesebuah pertubuhan perbadanan pula mereka boleh didenda tidak melebihi RM 250,000.

"Bagaimanapun kadar hukuman itu akan ditentutan di mahkamah sama ada wajar mengenakan RM250,000 atau RM100,000 dan sebagainya," katanya pada sidang akhbar di Putrajaya hari ini.

Beliau berkata mana-mana pihak yang masih menjual coklat berkenaan sewajarnya memulangkan kembali kepada pihak pembekal dan pengilang.

Katanya arahan juga telah dikeluarkan kepada pejabat-pejabat cawangan KPDNKK di seluruh negara untuk bergerak memantau penjualan coklat itu termasuk di kedai-kedai bebas cukai di lapangan terbang.

Menurutnya KPDNKK akan bekerjasama dengan Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim) untuk membuat pemeriksaan.

"Kami menurunkan kuasa kepada 212 pegawai Jakim di seluruh negara dan Jabatan Agama Islam Negeri-negeri untuk penguatkuasaan berhubung halal ini," katanya.

Sabtu lepas, Kementerian Kesihatan mendedahkan dua sampel coklat Cadbury, iaitu Coklat Susu dengan Kacang Hazel dan Coklat Susu dengan Buah Badam, dikesan mengandungi DNA (Asid Deoksiribonukliek) khinzir.

Jakim menggantung serta-merta sijil pengesahan halal dua produk coklat itu. – Bernama, 26 Mei, 2014.

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Dyana akan tewas?

Posted: 25 May 2014 04:28 PM PDT

May 26, 2014

Penulis adalah seorang jurutera semikonduktor, wartawan freelance, penerbit dan editor buku motivasi yang suka mengikuti perkembangan politik Malaysia

31 Mei 2014 – Apakah Dyana Sofya akan menang? Meskipun berbekalkan majoriti 7,000 di Mei 2013, DAP masih beranggapan mereka masih di belakang berbanding BN.

Di sebelah BN, mereka juga menganggap calon mereka, Presiden Gerakan Mah Siew Keong sebagai 'underdog'. Tetapi gerak-geri Umno-BN memberikan isyarat jelas bahawa mereka terbau ada peluang keemasan untuk merampas kerusi Teluk Intan.

Pengundi Cina

DAP sebenarnya berdepan dengan dua masalah yang tidak dijangkakan di kalangan pengundi Cina.

Pertama, DAP mungkin menghadapi kemerosatan undi Cina kerana sabotaj dalaman sendiri.

Pencalonan Dyana tidak diterima baik oleh DAP Perak. Namun, perkara ini ditutup dengan rapi oleh serangan bertubi-tubi pada peribadi Dyana.

Ada yang merasakan para pemimpin tertinggi DAP perlu diberi pengajaran untuk menyedarkan mereka bahawa mereka perlu menghormati hasrat akar umbi. "You just cannot do it the way you like and as you wish."

Bagi golongan ini, mereka merasakan tiada apa yang perlu dikesalkan jika kerusi ini jatuh ke tangan Gerakan.

Malah daripada sudut politik dalaman, kekalahan di Teluk Intan akan menyebabkan para pemimpin tertinggi DAP berfikir dua kali sebelum campur tangan di bahagian negeri.

Selain itu, DAP juga berdepan dengan permainan perkauman daripada pengundi Cina sendiri.

Persoalan yang berlegar di minda para pengundi Cina konservatif ialah apakah jaminan kerusi ini jatuh kembali ke tangan wakil rakyat berbangsa Cina sekiranya ia bertukar tangan ke bangsa lain?

Sentimen ini semakin mendalam apabila PRK Teluk Intan terpaksa diadakan tidak lama selepas PRK Kajang yang memperlihatkan kerusi Cina jatuh di tangan Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Api ini sudahpun ditiup dan merebak di kedai kopi, dan DAP semestinya sedar kewujudan sentimen ini.

Perlu diingat golongan yang terkesan dengan sentimen ini ialah warga Cina yang duduk di Teluk Intan dan bukan daripada kalangan muda-mudi yang sudah berhijrah di bandar.

Oleh itu, DAP sudahpun memulakan gerakerja 'Jom Balik Mengundi'.

Gerakerja ini pula disusulkan dengan kenyataan yang memberikan gambaran kedudukan DAP kini berada dalam keadaan bahaya di Teluk Intan sebagai 'galakan' untuk memotivasikan golongan muda-mudi yang sering berlegar di ruang Internet ini untuk balik mengundi.

Kemerosotan undi Cina sudah pasti berlaku, yang diharapkan DAP ialah kejatuhan itu tidaklah sehingga menjejaskan peluang Dyana untuk meraih kemenangan.

Ini Gerakan, bukan MCA

Empat tahun lagi sebelum PRU14 akan berlangsung. Untuk empat tahun ini, apa kata kita berbaik dengan BN dan mendapat segala apa yang diperlukan di PRK Teluk Intan kali ini sebelum memberikan undi kembali kepada DAP di PRU14 nanti.

Pemikiran itu kini berlegar di minda para pengundi Teluk Intan yang masih tinggal di kawasan parlimen tersebut.

Hakikatnya, di peringkat kawasan, kekalahan DAP di sini tidak merugikan para pengundi di Teluk Intan.

Malah, sebenarnya kekalahan DAP boeh memberikan banyak keuntungan kepada penduduk Teluk Intan dalam jangka masa pendek kerana BN akan memberikan segalanya kerana mereka sangat dahagakan kemenangan.

Apatah lagi, kerajaan Perak adalah di bawah BN dan bukannya Pakatan Rakyat.

Ini masalah terbesar DAP di peringkat kawasan.

Bukan itu sahaja, di peringkat nasional pula, para pengundi Cina mula bertanya apakah faedahnya untuk membunuh parti komponen BN, terutamanya mereka merasakan harapan untuk Pakatan Rakyat menawan Putrajaya semakin malap kerana pertelingkahan dalaman parti dan antara parti yang tidak habis-habis.

MCA sudahpun membunuh diri. Apakah faedahnya jika mereka turut membunuh Gerakan dengan membiarkan presidennya kalah di Teluk Intan?

Semua tekanan ini memaksa DAP untuk bergantung kepada isu nasional dan berkempen ke arah menjadikan PRK Teluk Intan ini sebagai referendum untuk isu-isu nasional, termasuklah terhadap tindakan celaka segelintir ahli Umno yang bertindak di luar batasan undang-undang dalam konfrontasi 'Umno celaka.'

Pengundi Melayu

Dilema orang Melayu selalunya adalah antara memilih antara Umno dengan PAS.

Keberanian DAP meletakkan Dyana di Teluk Intan membuka dinamik baru. Namun, Dyana tidak patut menyentuh mengenai isu hudud di PRK Teluk Intan.

Meskipun Gerakan dan DAP menolak pelaksanaan hudud di Malaysia, tetapi di mata pengundi Melayu ada perbezaan ketara seorang wanita Islam menolak hudud berbanding seorang bukan Islam menolak hudud.

Untuk lima hari terakhir kempen ini, hudud perlu dikeluarkan daripada sebarang ceramah Dyana.

Kerana takutnya jika ini berterusan akan ada golongan pengundi Melayu yang tidak akan mengundi langsung kerana serba-salah untuk memilih.

Mengekalkan sokongan Melayu yang diperolehi di Mei 2013 sudah cukup untuk Dyana.

Pengundi luar

Inilah kunci kepada kemenangan DAP. Majoriti lebih 7,000 yang dikira amat besar di Mei 2013 adalah penghalang sebenar kepada pengundi luar untuk pulang mengundi.

Sesiapa yang berlegar di Internet akan mendapat persepsi bahawa Dyana adalah calon 'favourite' di Teluk Intan.

Ini membahayakan kedudukan DAP jika pengundi luar Teluk Intan berfikiran sama.

Pengundi luar akan mengambil sikap seperti para pengundi di Bukit Gelugor jika beranggapan parti yang mereka sokong sudah pasti menang.

DAP perlu menyakinkan bahawa kelompok pengundi ini bahawa Dyana di dalam bahaya dan memerlukan undi mereka untuk menang. Jika tidak, Dyana betul-betul dalam bahaya.

Penamat

DAP tahu Dyana kini menghadapi kemerosotan undi Cina dan juga undi Melayu. Sekarang sasaran DAP hanyalah 'asalkan menang.' Majoriti 1 undi pun tidak apa.

Jika Dyana tewas, DAP bakal pergolakan dalaman. Lebih teruk lagi, DAP akan hilang keberanian untuk mencuba nasib dengan calon Melayu di kerusi Cina.

Lebih menyayatkan lagi, hasrat untuk melahirkan lebih banyak Dyana di Malaysia juga akan terbantut.

Kepada Dyana, berusahalah sehingga ke saat akhir. Semoga Dyana berjaya. – 26 Mei, 2014.

* Ini adalah pendapat peribadi penulis dan tidak semestinya mewakili pandangan The Malaysian Insider.

Meneroka minda si ultra kiasu

Posted: 25 May 2014 04:17 PM PDT

May 26, 2014

Uthaya Sankar SB berkarya dalam Bahasa Malaysia. Beliau adalah presiden Kumpulan Sasterawan Kavyan (Kavyan) dan pemilik tunggal Perunding Media, Motivasi dan Penerbitan Uthaya. Selain menulis, membaca dan bercakap, beliau juga suka menonton filem.

Ridhuan Tee pernah menimbulkan kemarahan orang Hindu pada Februari 2013. – Gambar ihsan Uthaya Sankar, 26 Mei, 2014. Ridhuan Tee pernah menimbulkan kemarahan orang Hindu pada Februari 2013. – Gambar ihsan Uthaya Sankar, 26 Mei, 2014. Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, tokoh yang dikatakan bakal menjadi legenda. Dia juga memenuhi hampir semua "corak pemikiran Melayu" yang dihuraikan oleh AB Sulaiman menerusi buku "Sensitive Truths in Malaysia: A Critical Appraisal of the Malay Problem (2013)".

Bagaimanapun, tokoh ultra kiasu ini seolah-olah berperang dalam diri, menghadapi dilema identiti diri serta gangguan psikologi yang agak ketara.

Hal ini tidak pula bermakna dia "gila", tetapi analisis terhadap tulisannya seolah-olah menunjukkan elemen-elemen gangguan mental yang mungkin tidak disedari sesiapa.

Bagaikan wujud personaliti berbelah (split personality) berikutan jati diri dan identiti diri yang bercelaru.

Semua itu terpancar menerusi minda bawah sedar dalam tulisannya, khususnya yang disiarkan secara penuh akur dan setia oleh akhbar Sinar Harian terbitan Kumpulan Media Karangkraf.

Perkara yang diketahui umum adalah bahawa selain daripada gelaran Tokoh Ultra Kiasu, lelaki mualaf itu juga dikenali sebagai individu yang amat fanatik, rasis, pentaksub, malah pelampau. Kita hanya perlu melayari ruang siber untuk mengetahui perkara ini.

Agak menarik untuk diperhatikan bahawa walaupun dia keturunan Cina, Ridhuan Tee lebih ketara menonjolkan dirinya (menerusi tulisan dan pakaian) sebagai juara etnosentrik bagi "kita orang Melayu".

Nama asalnya ialah Tee Chuan Seng dan dia mengaku "pernah menjadi Kristian" (Sinar Harian, 31 Oktober 2011) sebelum "murtad" (meninggalkan agama asal).

Mungkin juga peruntukan Perlembagaan Persekutuan menerusi Perkara 160 membuatkan dia layak mengisytiharkan dirinya Melayu.

Sedangkan Tun Mahathir, seorang keturunan India-Malayali, boleh menjadi Melayu, mengapa tidak saya? Mungkin demikian fikirnya.

Syukurlah saya tidak mengenali Ridhuan Tee secara peribadi dan dengan izin Tuhan, saya juga tidak berminat untuk mengenalinya.

Sebaliknya, analisis psikologi secara amat asas dan objektif ini adalah berdasarkan beberapa tulisannya di akhbar Sinar Harian atas permintaan beberapa kenalan.

Dia masuk Islam atau masuk Melayu?

Pensyarah ini dikatakan memplagiat tesis orang lain untuk naik pangkat. – Gambar ihsan Uthaya Sankar, 26 Mei, 2014. Pensyarah ini dikatakan memplagiat tesis orang lain untuk naik pangkat. – Gambar ihsan Uthaya Sankar, 26 Mei, 2014. Watak Raja dalam cerpen "Kita Sudah Gagal, Raja" (Rudra Avatara, 2008) menampilkan watak split personality yang langsung tidak menyedari penyakit mental yang dialaminya.

Faksyen itu berdasarkan kisah seorang penulis kaum India yang benar-benar wujud.

Dalam cerpen "Persubahatan Encik Limau" (Kisah dari Siru Kambam, 2013), ada watak Encik Limau yang juga digelar "Musang Berbulu Ayam" dan "Tokoh Lidah Bercabang" kerana demikianlah sikap dan peribadinya. Faksyen ini juga berdasarkan individu yang hidup.

Apabila saya berpeluang membaca dan meneliti sejumlah tulisan Ridhuan Tee di akhbar Sinar Harian, saya terpaksa mengakui bahawa dia juga sudah cukup syarat untuk diberikan kedua-dua gelaran di atas.

Ini bukanlah tuduhan atau fitnah tetapi "label" berdasarkan analisis karya/tulisan.

"Dia sebenarnya memeluk agama Islam dan menjadi orang Islam, atau sudah menjadi orang Melayu?"

Demikian tanya seorang rakan (guru) menerusi komen di Facebook. Beliau ternyata menyampah dengan sikap Ridhuan Tee yang menganggap dirinya "Melayu" apabila memeluk agama Islam.

Saya pernah menulis beberapa makalah yang secara khusus menyentuh Perkara 153 (Kedudukan Istimewa Orang Melayu) dan Perkara 160 (definisi "orang Melayu") dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan.

Beberapa makalah pada 2013 turut menyentuh mengenai Wasiat Raja-raja Melayu yang ditandatangani pada 5 Ogos 1957, di mana wasiat itu turut menggariskan perkara berkaitan status agama Islam, tanah simpanan Melayu serta kedudukan istimewa orang Melayu.

Makalah "Takkan Melayu Hilang di Malaysia" (The Malaysian Insider, 25 Februari 2013) dan "Kami Tidak Masuk Melayu" (The Malaysian Insider, 4 Mac 2013) misalnya membantu menjelaskan bahawa apabila seseorang memeluk agama Islam (atau mana-mana agama), kaum dan keturunannya tetap tidak berubah.

Sinar Harian terpaksa memohon maaf

Ridhuan Tee pula seolah-olah diberikan hak istimewa oleh kuasawan dan politikus.

Dia bagaikan sudah menjadi lebih Melayu daripada orang Melayu, serta sudah diberikan watikah lantikan rasmi untuk menghina kaum dan agama lain tanpa dikenakan apa-apa tindakan.

"Pernahkah kita bersungut ketika perayaan Thaipusam? Seminggu sebelum perayaan, seluruh kawasan sekitar Batu Caves sesak. Kenderaan diparkir sesuka hati. Lautan manusia satu warna berhimpun, seolah-olah tidak ada warna lain lagi di negara ini.

"Saya cadangkan agar PRU13 (Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-13), jika kita mahukan sangat orang India bertanding di kawasan majoriti Melayu, carilah kalangan India Muslim seperti Kimma dan MIM, tetapi bukan mereka yang bukan Islam."

Demikian pensyarah kanan Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) yang berdepan tuduhan memplagiat tesis "menyalak" di Sinar Harian pada 18 Februari 2013 sehingga menyebabkan ramai orang Hindu membuat laporan polis terhadapnya.

"Saya mengakui saya melakukan kesilapan dan saya mohon maaf… Bagi pihak seluruh karyawan Sinar Harian saya mohon maaf atas keterlanjuran ini," kata penasihat editorial akhbar itu, Datuk Abdul Jalil Ali di hadapan sekumpulan penunjuk perasaan yang berhimpun di pintu masuk Kumpulan Media Karangkraf pada 22 Februari 2013.

Amat menarik untuk diperhatikan bahawa Ridhuan Tee yang cukup kebal itu sebenarnya sedar orang India yang memeluk Islam masih kaum India. Tetapi, sebagai individu yang seolah-olah mengalami masalah psikologi, dia dikatakan menganggap dirinya menjadi Melayu apabila memeluk Islam.

Pandangan Ridhuan Tee ternyata berciri anti-dakwah dan memberikan gambaran amat negatif mengenai agama Islam yang suci dan umat Islam di Malaysia secara keseluruhan.

Seolah-olah dalam keghairahan mengangkat dirinya sebagai pejuang Agenda Melayu, Ketuanan Melayu dan Agenda Islam, dia terlupa akan ajaran sebenar Islam.

Mahu sehebat "penceramah palsu" dari Indonesia

Ridhuan Tee bebas 'menyalak' seolah-olah dia kolumnis kesayangan Sinar Harian. – Gambar ihsan Uthaya Sankar, 26 Mei, 2014.Ridhuan Tee bebas 'menyalak' seolah-olah dia kolumnis kesayangan Sinar Harian. – Gambar ihsan Uthaya Sankar, 26 Mei, 2014.Seperti yang saya nyatakan dalam kenyataan media bertarikh 24 Februari 2013, harapan saya adalah agar Ridhuan Tee berhenti daripada mengeluarkan kenyataan-kenyataan yang kononnya mewakili "kita orang Melayu".

Apatah lagi apabila kata-kata yang keluar daripada mulut dan mata penanya berbaur anasir ultra kiasu, rasis, fanatik dan berciri anti-dakwah.

Entah kenapa, tokoh ultra kiasu itu juga nyata membawa agenda anti-Kristian. Sikap buruknya semakin jelas selepas masyarakat pelbagai kaum, agama, keturunan, kepercayaan, etnik dan mazhab mula bersuara menyelar "Seminar Kalimah Allah dan Kristologi Nusantara" di Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Shah Alam pada 6 Mei 2014.

Ridhuan Tee mungkin sedikit kecewa kerana seolah-olah tidak cukup kelayakan sebagai "pencetus kebencian" untuk diundang sebagai penceramah ke seminar anti-Kristian itu.

Sebaliknya "bekas paderi" palsu dan "bekas biarawati" palsu dari Indonesia dibawa oleh UiTM dan Majlis Agama Islam Selangor (Mais) untuk menghina, memperlekeh dan memfitnah ajaran Kristian dan penganut Kristian.

Dalam satu tulisan di Sinar Harian (24 Februari 2014), Ridhuan Tee menceritakan kisah seorang pastor India dari Singapura yang dijemput menyampaikan syarahan di sebuah gereja di Jalan Klang Lama, Kuala Lumpur.

"Peliknya bagaimana pastor tersebut boleh memberi syarahan sedemikian rupa di sini, sedangkan beliau adalah warga Singapura?" soal lelaki ultra kiasu itu yang memilih untuk berdiam diri pula dalam soal "penceramah palsu" yang diundang ke UiTM dari Indonesia.

Sesungguhnya psikologi kebencian Ridhuan Tee terhadap segala yang berciri bukan Islam dan bukan Melayu seolah-olah amat jelas menerusi tulisannya di Utusan Malaysia dan Sinar Harian.

Malah, kemudian dibukukan pula supaya "agenda kebencian" itu boleh disebarkan secara lebih meluas, seolah-olah demi menjayakan "agenda politik" pihak tertentu.

"Memang menjadi perancangan Kristian untuk bina gereja terbesar di Asia." Demikian katanya dalam tulisan di Sinar Harian pada 17 Oktober 2011. "Bagaimana populasi penduduk yang hanya 10% boleh membina sebuah gereja terbesar di Asia dalam sebuah negara Islam? Tidak cukupkah dengan pembinaan patung tertinggi di dunia di Batu Caves?"

Hubungan "benci tapi rindu" dengan Kristian

Dalam tulisan lain, katanya, tidak salah jika orang Islam menerima bantuan dan pertolongan daripada gereja dan orang Kristian.

Tetapi, tegasnya dengan penuh prejudis, perkara pokok adalah apakah agenda tersembunyi yang tersurat dan tersirat di sebalik bantuan tersebut.

"Kristian tahu jika sekadar berdakyah kepada yang bukan Kristian (bukan Melayu), impaknya tidak seberapa. Justeru, mahu tidak mahu mereka mesti berdakyah kepada orang Melayu yakni Peribumi, walaupun dilindungi Perlembagaan. Sokongan Melayu amat penting untuk mendapatkan Melayu yang lain," katanya pada 31 Oktober 2011.

Nah! Ternyata seorang individu dengan minda yang bercelaru dan jiwa penuh kebencian seperti ini sesuai diundang menyampaikan ceramah anti-Kristian di UiTM.

Ridhuan Tee juga sering masuk campur "mewakili" orang Melayu dalam isu kalimah Allah semata-mata untuk menghina orang Bukan Islam.

"Saya amat hairan, kenapa Kristian di Semenanjung ini, yang rata-rata baru masuk Kristian, termasuk perempuan yang berada dalam parti ultra kiasu, begitu obses menggunakan kalimah Allah ini.

"Panggil semua bukan Islam yang begitu obses dengan kalimah Allah, suruh sebut Allah dengan betul. Saya yakin yang keluar adalah allaaa," selar tokoh ultra kiasu itu dalam tulisan bertarikh 28 Oktober 2013 sambil mengakui: "Semakin ramai Melayu liberal hari ini."

Pada 2 Mac 2014, Ridhuan Tee – tidak pasti split personality yang mana satu – mengatakan bahawa "tidak salah masuk gereja" sedangkan seminggu sebelum itu, dia mengutuk tindakan tersebut.

"Dahulu orang Melayu usahkan hendak masuk gereja atau kuil, lalu sahaja di luar pun kalau boleh, cuba elakkan… Kini, tidak lagi. Melayu tanpa segan silu masuk ke rumah ibadat orang bukan Islam demi kepentingan politik.

"Tidak mustahil satu hari nanti, mereka akan bersama-sama menimbang khinzir," katanya menerusi Sinar Harian (24 Februari 2014) dan ditujukannya khas kepada Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) menjelang Pilihan Raya Kecil (PRK) DUN Kajang.

Ridhuan Tee perlu didakwah

Minda yang bercelaru, ketiadaan jati diri serta masalah psikologi dapat diperhatikan jika kita meluangkan masa meneliti kata-kata yang dirakamkan menerusi tulisannya setiap minggu di Sinar Harian.

Akhbar itu mengaku "menyunting artikel supaya lebih jelas dan ringkas untuk memudahkan kefahaman pembaca" selain menegaskan bahawa "semua pandangan yang dikemukakan adalah pendapat peribadi penulis."

"Rumah ibadat di negara ini sudah tidak nampak macam negara Islam, tetapi sudah jadi negara bukan Islam, dengan lambakan kuil, tokong dan gereja yang melebihi berbanding surau dan masjid." Demikian rungutan Ridhuan Tee pada 5 Mei 2014.

Kemudian, pada 19 Mei 2014, selepas UiTM sudah dibuktikan menganjurkan seminar anti-Kristian, lelaki tidak bermaruah itu berkata: "Sayangnya umat Islam tidak pergi ke gereja… Saya harap ada umat Islam yang boleh menyamar masuk ke gereja dan dengar apa yang dibincangkan."

Demikian realiti pemikiran bercelaru Tokoh Ultra Kiasu yang dikatakan bakal menjadi legenda dalam kalangan orang Melayu di Semenanjung Malaysia; mengatasi ketokohan para pemimpin dalam Isma, Umno dan Perkasa. Pendirian saya masih sama: Ridhuan Tee perlu didakwah (Tamil Nesan, 25 Februari 2013).

Untuk rekod, apa-apa yang dicatatkan di sini tidak bermaksud untuk menuduh, melabel atau memfitnah Ridhuan Tee sebagai gila, menghidap penyakit mental dan seumpamanya.

Bukan juga untuk mengatakan minda bawah sedar tokoh pembodek ini masih "benci tetapi rindu" pada agama asal.

Sebaliknya sekadar membuka ruang kepada masyarakat untuk memahami, simpati dan empati terhadap kecelaruan minda yang mungkin dialaminya berikutan kekurangan pelukan dan kasih-sayang daripada orang tersayang sejak meninggalkan ajaran Kristian. – 26 Mei, 2014.

* Ini adalah pendapat peribadi penulis dan tidak semestinya mewakili pandangan The Malaysian Insider.

Kredit: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com

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Argentina’s Torrontes grape conquers global palate

Posted: 25 May 2014 05:45 PM PDT

May 26, 2014

Torrontes includes fruity notes such as peach, and sometimes florals such as jasmine. – AFP/Relaxnews pic, May 26, 2014.Torrontes includes fruity notes such as peach, and sometimes florals such as jasmine. – AFP/Relaxnews pic, May 26, 2014.Made for centuries in the highest vineyards in the world, wines from Argentina's Torrontes grape have become an unexpected hit in the United States and locals are now targeting the vast Asian market.

In parched, mountainous Salta province, Torrontes – known for its moderate acidity and floral or fruity notes – is grown in the Calchaquies valleys at 3,000 metres.

But unlike other types of grapes grown here – such as Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay – which all are from Europe, Torrontes is touted as locally bred.

Its origins are thought to lie in the Spanish colonial era, when European missionaries crossed Muscat of Alexandria, which they brought from the Old World, and a local grape called Criollas.

"When you talk about missionaries, of course you are talking about the church and then of course you are talking wine. They planted all over the place to get wine for Mass," said Thibaut Delmotte.

Delmotte, a French wine expert, has been working for years with Colome Vineyards in Molinos, a town in Salta province in the far northwest of Argentina in the foothills of the Andes.

But what remains a mystery is whether Torrontes was developed intentionally – artfully so – or accidentally, by cross–fertilisation in vineyards.

To get to Colome vineyards you have to take the road in, and give yourself plenty of time. The world's highest vineyards are planted at between 2,300 and 3,100 metres in the Calchaquies Valley.

And – in terms of marketing in the crowded, sometimes confusing wine world – if that doesn't help set the wine apart, the fact it is only grown in Argentina may do the trick.

Torrontes – which has become a surprise export hit in the United States and Britain - has complex fruity notes, such as peach, and sometimes florals such as jasmine, according to Delmotte.

"Days here have plenty of sun, but with temperatures that do not top 28, 30 degrees Celsius so the notes do not get burned off. And nights are very cold, which helps keep the acidity solid and the wine itself fresh," he explained.

Except for perhaps some very small-scale, isolated production in Chile and Uruguay, Argentina is the only country growing Torrontes. And it does so overwhelmingly in Salta province.

The variety has three types: riojano, the most famous and seen as the best; mendocino and sanjuanino.

The grapes produce a varietal – a type of wine dominated by the grape it is named after – that is meant to be enjoyed young - within two years. Foodies pair it with fish, sushi and ceviche.

Though well-known in the domestic market, Torrontes has seen many years of increasing success, in particular after a decade of government-led promotion starting in 2000.

Last year Argentina exported 8.6 million litres of Torrontes, almost doubling trade since 2005, the local winemakers association says.

The top markets are in North America – 28% goes to the United States and 15% to Canada.

And considerable new interest has been seen from Asia - from China, to Taiwan and Singapore.

While Malbec exports far outstrip Torrontes with 114 million litres in 2013 and even Chardonnay it 15 million, promoters hope it will win market share as a smaller-scale, higher-price item.

"Everyone is trying to be unique in the wine world," said Mario Giordano, director of Wines of Argentina. "Torrontes really gives us that chance to set ourselves apart." – AFP/Relaxnews, May 26, 2014.

‘Oscars’ of the food world to move to Chicago next year

Posted: 25 May 2014 05:24 PM PDT

May 26, 2014

One of Chicago's most famous chefs is Grant Achatz of Michelin-starred Alinea. – AFP/Relaxnews pic, May 26, 2014.One of Chicago's most famous chefs is Grant Achatz of Michelin-starred Alinea. – AFP/Relaxnews pic, May 26, 2014.When the food event known as the 'Oscars' of the US culinary world fetes their 25th anniversary next year, the gala evening will take place in Chicago, marking the first time the awards take place outside its birthplace of New York.

The move – literally and figuratively – aims to take the event on the road and highlight the wide array of America's gastronomy culture beyond New York.

The Windy City has delivered 23 restaurant and chef winners over the course of the James Beard Foundation's 24-year history.

It's also home to some of the country's most decorated and popular chefs, including Grant Achatz and his triple Michelin-starred eatery Alinea, Rick Bayless for his authentic Mexican restaurant Frontera Grill and Paul Kahan for Blackbird and Publican.

"The James Beard Foundation has enjoyed a special friendship with the city of Chicago for decades," said JFB president Susan Ungaro in a statement.

"It's a city that boasts over 40 James Beard Award winners as well as a special community of chefs and restaurateurs who have always supported the work of our Foundation. We believe celebrating our 2015 Awards in Chicago is consistent with our mission to honor excellence all across America."

The James Beard Foundation Awards will mark their silver anniversary at a gala event next year on May 4. – AFP/Relaxnews, May 26, 2014.

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