Alpine skiing - Shiffrin may tweak schedule ahead of Olympics
(Reuters) - Mikaela Shiffrin said she may have to adjust her schedule to stay fit for next year's winter Olympics in Beijing after missing the start of this season due to a back injury. "We're definitely going to take that into account going into next season, not only for the Olympics but just for my longevity in my career," Shiffrin told reporters from Lenzerheide, where the World Cup Finals are taking place this week. "Because, for sure, the Olympics is a target, but a bigger target would be to say, not only I can compete at the Olympics, but I can just compete regularly." "I'm going to do everything I can to make sure I keep it under control... Hopefully, I'll be able to manage preparation throughout the summer and roll through the Olympics without having to adjust the schedule." (Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)
Source:The Star
March 18, 2021 19:30 UTC
EU's drug regulator backs AstraZeneca vaccine after safety investigation
AMSTERDAM, March 18 (Reuters) - The EU's drug watchdog said on Thursday it is still convinced the benefits of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the risks following an investigation into reports of blood disorders that prompted more than a dozen nations to suspend its use. Following are reactions after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) gave an update on its views on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. "It is important that public health bodies monitor the roll out of the vaccine, and safety has to be paramount with any new medicine. The approved COVID-19 vaccines in the UK have all been through this thorough process. “Over the last few days, a number of countries decided to pause the rollout of the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine to double check that having the vaccine is not linked to any cases of blood clots.
Source:The Star
March 18, 2021 16:45 UTC
Not winning but getting out of bubble the only goal, says Paire
"I lost in the first round, it's better, I will be able to get out of the bubble fairly quickly and enjoy a few days before Miami," Paire told L'Equipe in an interview. Getting out of the bubble is the only goal I have at every tournament." Last week he said playing matches in empty stadiums and following strict COVID-19 protocols has made the tour "sad, boring and ridiculous". Paire, who has career earnings of over $8.5 million in prize money, said he had stopped working with a coach. "I arrive, I take some money and I go to the next tournament: I do my job," he said.
Source:The Star
March 18, 2021 11:45 UTC
Singapore man posed as agent for 'sugar daddies' to dupe women into having sex with him
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): Unable to afford the services of sex workers, a man pretended to be an agent for rich "sugar daddies" and duped at least 11 women into having sex with him, so he could purportedly "test them out". He also told the pair that to stop him from doing so, they had to have sex with him again. In 2015, Wong looked through sex workers' advertisements online and realised that he could not afford to engage their services. The Singaporean then hatched a plan to create a post on online classifieds website Locanto, asking for paid escorts -- whom he referred to as "sugar babes" -- to supposedly provide sexual services to "sugar daddies" in exchange for cash. The conman then said that he would only do so if she agreed to "provide sexual services to him".
Source:The Star
March 18, 2021 09:03 UTC
Angelina Jolie claims she has ‘proof' of domestic violence against Brad Pitt
Angelina Jolie filed new court documents claiming she has proof of domestic violence against her ex-husband Brad Pitt, which may also include testimonies from their children. Jolie made it clear that she is willing to offer “proof and authority in support” of her allegations of domestic violence during her divorce trial with Pitt, The Blast reported on March 17. The Maleficent star filed for divorce from Pitt in 2016, citing irreconcilable differences, after two years of marriage. Custody of their children has been the primary source of friction between Jolie and Pitt. Jolie wants to get sole custody of their six children while Pitt is seeking joint custody.
Source:The Star
March 18, 2021 08:05 UTC
Star Foundation warns against misuse of donation photographs
In the post, dated March 15,2021, the original Star Foundation photograph was altered to insert the following text onto the cheque: "Bank Negara Malaysia (TRRF - Targeted Relief and Recovery Facility)". Star Media Group would like to reiterate that Star Foundation is not connected with any such Facebook page or grant. It pictures a Star Foundation contribution of RM50,000 towards a volunteer organisation’s efforts to complete boarding facilities for a kindergarten in a remote Penan village deep in Sarawak’s interior. The original photograph can be viewed here: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/05/26/funds-boost-for-charitable-groupAn official complaint has been lodged with Facebook regarding the misuse of Star Foundation’s photograph. For further inquiries, contact Star Foundation at +60379671388 or e-mail starfoundation@thestar.com.my.
Source:The Star
March 18, 2021 07:41 UTC
Can Myanmar's civil disobedience movement restore democracy?: Daily Star contributor
Based on 2020 election results, there may even be hints of support for the NLD within the military. The military has likely realised by now that the political system they had designed under the constitution does not guarantee its political victory. For over 70 years, the Myanmar military has failed to win a number of asymmetric internal armed conflicts. While Nepal provides an example of a federal transition following civil war and a people's movement, this process is complex and loaded with challenges. Ultimately, the people of Myanmar must choose their system of government - and thus, their fate-for it to be legitimate.
Source:The Star
March 18, 2021 05:37 UTC
China’s third richest person cedes control of e-commerce phenom
Pinduoduo Inc.’s billionaire chairman has stepped down from the board, relinquishing control of China’s fastest-growing e-commerce company the same day it announced its user base had surpassed Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.’s. Founder Colin Huang will be replaced by Lei Chen, who keeps his chief executive officer title, the company said in a statement Wednesday. The move cements Huang’s retreat from the corporation that has helped him become China’s third-richest man, after he handed over the role of CEO last year. Sales in the December quarter climbed 146% to 26.5bil yuan (RM16.86bil), beating the average 19.3 billion yuan forecast. After stepping down from the role of chairman, Huang will give up the 1:10 super voting rights attached to his shares in Pinduoduo.
Source:The Star
March 18, 2021 05:00 UTC
Prosecutors close Sekijang MP's RM10mil bribery case
“After investigating the matter, we have determined that no RM10mil was offered to her. On March 4, Natrah claimed that she had been approached and offered to switch parties and support the Perikatan Nasional government. Natrah had said in a statement that she was approached by two individuals on March 3, including one with a Datuk Seri title. Statements of four individuals, including Natrah, had been recorded in connection with the case by MACC Johor. Natrah had said in a statement that she was approached by two people on March 3, including one with a Datuk Seri title.
Source:The Star
March 18, 2021 03:22 UTC
Print media still relevant
ONE would argue that the end of print media is nigh. But I would urge everyone to not write off the print media. There is still a lot that the print media can offer. Please remember that the print media is a credible source of information. I have faith in the print media as its reputation relies heavily on its credibility.
Source:The Star
March 18, 2021 01:18 UTC
Malaysia is home now for Syrian chef with royal support
His life changed when he accepted a job offer and served as a personal chef to the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V, for about five years. Recalling his arrival in Malaysia in 2010, Mahmoun said he came to Kuala Lumpur to meet up with friends. “One day, after a few months of working at the restaurant, Tuanku, who was then the Crown Prince, came to the premises and ate my food. “Then, one of Tuanku’s aides contacted me and told me that Tuanku wanted me to work at Istana Telipot. Tuanku also sponsored my wedding, which was held at Istana Kota Lama because I had no house then, ” he added.
Source:The Star
March 18, 2021 00:50 UTC
Hidden gem in the forest
One such attraction is Tree Top Walk Sungai Sedim, one of the country’s best-kept travel secrets. At its highest point, the canopy walk rises to 26m from forest level. The canopy walk provides a bird’s eye view of the forest and the structure does not damage the trees since it is not attached to any of them. The entrance to the canopy walk in Sungai Sedim. For more details about the Tree Top Walk Sungai Sedim and other attractions in Sedim, Kedah, call 04-4901588 or visit http://treetopwalk.com.my/
Source:The Star
March 18, 2021 00:11 UTC
Covid-19: Time to retrain inactive pilots to fly again
Since planes are carrying lighter loads these days, pilots can miscalculate the speed and thrust needed for a landing. Aviation experts and airline representatives acknowledge that when pilots are inactive for several months, their skills and proficiency deteriorate. In federal documents, the FAA defended the grace periods, saying that putting pilots into cockpits or simulators to practice flying increases the risk of spreading Covid-19. James Belton, a captain of Boeing 767 planes and spokesman for the union that represents United Airlines pilots, said United pilots have met the FAA’s 90-day proficiency policy before going back to work and have not used the grace periods. “Our pilots only leave our training centre when they are fully trained, comfortable and ready to fly, ” he said.
Source:The Star
March 18, 2021 00:00 UTC
Music to their ears
Meanwhile, Malaysian singer Sherman Tan, 48, was performing at summer music festivals in Vilnius, Lithuania, when the pandemic hit. Tan streams live on Sessions three times a week from a rented studio near his home. “I don’t think too much about the mechanism because I don’t want to spoil the music experience when I play for my audience. “It is a good platform to garner a new following, albeit at a snail’s pace, but it’s better than nothing. Gerard enjoys his weekly live streams, as he has garnered more attention on social media from new fans.
Source:The Star
March 17, 2021 23:54 UTC
Recognising our non-listed firms
PETALING JAYA: The Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) 2020 programme came to an end with resounding success at its Gala Night, as it unveiled Malaysia’s top-performing non-listed companies last night. Senheng topped the charts with a total of 10 awards, including Malaysian Business of the Year (above RM25mil annual turnover). It was awarded platinum for Best in Marketing, Best Brand, Best Employer, Best Innovation, Best Use of Technology and Best in Retail, Best in Customer Service, as well as silver for Best Green Initiative. This year, his eponymous clinic emerged as the winner of five awards in the up to RM25mil annual turnover tier. My heartiest congratulations to all the deserving winners and those who have participated in the Star Outstanding Business Awards, ” he said.
Source:The Star
March 17, 2021 23:37 UTC