2.4: Batman-theme Kia Optima unmasked

NEW YORK: For Batman fans out there, Kia Motors America (KMA) has teamed up with DC Entertainment and RIDES magazine to create a brooding, Batman-inspired Optima that goes on display this week at the Time Warner Centre. The custom vehicle also signals the beginning of Kia's ten-month super hero vehicle partnership based on the iconic characters that make up the Justice League. Besides Batman, other members of the Justice League line-up, among them Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg, have been matched to a Kia vehicle based on key attributes and character traits to create custom, one-of-a-kind rides to be unveiled over the next ten months at major auto shows and comic-cons across the US. Influenced by the artistry of comic book icon, Jim Lee, the Kia super hero vehicle programme will become a force for good in the world by raising awareness of DC Entertainment’s “We Can Be Heroes” giving campaign, a relief effort to fight hunger in the Horn of Africa (www.WeCanBeHeroes.org).

Fitting for the caped crusader’s dark and mysterious personality, Kia’s range-topping Optima SX Limited wraps cutting-edge technology and premium amenities in a sleek, aggressive design customized with several unique Batman elements.

The Batman-themed Optima gets an exterior with a matte- and piano-black paint scheme, a dramatically lowered coilover suspension and muscular ground effects kit, huge Ksport performance brakes for extreme stopping power, custom-designed 20-inch black wheels and a performance exhaust system.

Other exterior modifications include a custom front grille shaped like a batwing that took over 40 hours to create, yellow LED lighting accents throughout the vehicle and the iconic bat signal etched into the HID headlights.

Moving beneath, the Optima’s seating surfaces are costumed in custom black leather and suede with bold yellow accent stitching.

To add comicdom realism to the car, the Batman-themed Optima is ready for action at a moment’s notice with a Bat suit and cowl mounted in the trunk and utility throwing stars installed in the centre console.

“Batman is one of the most popular Super Heroes of all-time, and showcasing in a fun and creative way Kia’s top-of-the-line Optima SX Limited as a Batman-themed custom ride underscores this car’s potent combination of premium features and turbocharged performance,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing and communications, KMA.

“The Optima is our best-selling vehicle and has played a significant role in Kia becoming one of the fastest-growing automotive brands in the US over the last five years, and it is the perfect platform to introduce our partnership with DC Entertainment and the Justice League to benefit the ‘We Can Be Heroes’ campaign.

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News worthiness:
- Human interest, timeliness, proximity, possible future impact,

5H 1W:
Who?
- Kia Motors America (KMA)

 What?
- Create a brooding, Batman-inspired Optima that goes on display this week at the Time Warner Centre

Why?
- Batman is one of the most popular Super Heroes of all-time

When?
- 10th October 2012

Where?
- New York

How?
- To add comicdom realism to the car, the Batman-themed Optima is ready for action at a moment’s notice with a Bat suit and cowl mounted in the trunk and utility throwing stars installed in the centre console.

2.3: Doomsday wedding for Ekin Cheng and Yoyo Mung

Game, set, match!

Hong Kong star couple Ekin Cheng and Yoyo Mung are tying the knot on Friday 21st December, the last day of the world according the Mayan Prophecy.

Though early reports stated that the couple would wed in 2013, it looks like they may have been swayed by the prediction to bring their nuptials forward. So even if the apocalypse is true, Yoyo will still be Mrs Cheng for at least one day—better than none.

This probably explains why the 45-year-old actor, who's known to be vehemently against marriage, finally agreed to sign the wedding papers with his girlfriend of six years, who didn't make it a secret that she wanted be his wife. If anything goes wrong, he won't have to suffer long before the earth ends.

 Hong Kong's Oriental Sunday reported that the couple deliberately announced a misleading date to distract the media, so that they could have a "private and undisturbed" ceremony on the actual day.

 The weekly also said that Ekin and Yoyo would hold a 50-table wedding banquet at a five-star hotel in West Kowloon. The report added that Ekin has invited his Young And Dangerous buddies, including Michael Tse and Jerry Lamb, to be his best men.

 Reporters from the magazine spotted the couple trying out their wedding outfits at Kimberley Road, dubbed "Wedding Gown Street". Then together with Ekin's mother, they went for a food tasting session to sample the dishes for their banquet, and later shopped for wedding items at a mall.

 Source: Oriental Sunday

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News worthiness:
- Human interest, timeliness

5H 1W:
Who?
-  Ekin Cheng and Yoyo Mung, Hong Kong star

What?
-  Tying the knot on Friday 21st December, the last day of the world according the Mayan Prophecy

Why?
- So even if the apocalypse is true, Yoyo will still be Mrs Cheng for at least one day— better than none.

When?
- 10th October 2012

Where?
- Hong Kong

How?
- The couple deliberately announced a misleading date to distract the media, so that they could have a "private and undisturbed" ceremony on the actual day

2.2: Maroon 5 keeps 'Gangnam Style' at bay on US hit parade

A file picture of Maroon 5.

LOS ANGELES - Thanks to Maroon 5's One More Night, South Korean rapper Psy's Gangnam Style must linger in second place on Billboard's Hot 100 hit parade for a third straight week.

Psy, 34, whose real name is Park Jae-Sang, rocketed to international fame when Gangnam Style and his signature pony dance went viral in July on YouTube, where it has notched up more than 400 million views.

But his dreams of conquering the most closely watched of all US pop music charts were dashed yet again as Night kept California pop-rockers Maroon 5 in first place on the strength of radio play.

"Again, the race was extremely close," said Billboard on its website Wednesday, adding that Psy remains a contender for the top spot next week despite strong new entries from the likes of Adele and Taylor Swift.

The Hot 100 reflects CD sales, digital downloads and radio play. - AFP

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News worthiness: 
- Human interest

 5H 1W:
 Who?
 - Maroon 5

 What?
- Keeps "Gangnam Style" at bay on US hit parade

 Why?
 - Rocketed international fame when Gangnam Style and his signature pony dance went viral 

When?
- Thursday, October 11, 2012

 Where?
 - Los Angeles

 How?
- Psy remains a contender for the top spot next week

2.1: Pasar malam trader gets five years jail for raping 13-year-old

JOHOR BARU: A pasar malam peddler was sent to five years' jail by a Seasion's Court Thursday for committing statutory rape on his then 13-year-old girlfriend.

Roslan Zakaria, 30, who has since married the victim in September 2012 pleaded guilty to two charges of the offence that took place at his house in Plentong between Aug 10 and 13 this year.

Roslan was charged under Section 376 of the Penal Code.

Judge Zamri Bakar sentenced Roslan to five years imprisonment for each of the charge to run concurrently.

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News worthiness: 
- conflict,

5W 1H:
Who? 
- Pasar malam peddler

What? 
- Sent to five years' jail- for committing statutory rape on his 13-year-old-girlfriend

Why? 
- Committing statutory

Where?
- Johor Baru

When? 
- Thursday, October 11

How?
- Pleaded guilty to two charges of the offenece that took place in his house 

1.5: Malaysian who killed Aussie surgeon to be deported soon

MELBOURNE: The Malaysian who was found guilty for the murder of cardiac surgeon Victor Chang will be released on parole, with the Supreme Court rejecting an attempt by New South Wales Attorney-General Greg Smith to keep him behind bars.

Liew Chiew Seng, who fired two fatal shots at Dr Chang in a failed extortion attempt in 1991, was granted parole by the State Parole Authority last month.

He was due to be deported to Malaysia by Wednesday, but Smith immediately appealed the decision.

Lawyers for Smith argued that to release Liew would "expunge" him of the remaining five years of his maximum sentence, because there would not be supervision for him in Malaysia.

Liew, 69, is suffering from Parkinson's disease and the parole authority was told earlier this year that time might be running out for him to leave Australia before he could no longer travel safely.

He has been kept in Sydney's Long Bay jail for more than a year past his 20-year minimum prison term. - Bernama

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Summary: 

The Malaysian who was found guilty for the murder of cardiac surgeon Victor Change will be released on parole. Lawyers for Smith argued to release Liew would “expunge” him of the remaining years of sentence, because there is no supervision for him in Malaysia. He has been kept in Sydney’s Long Bay jail.

1.4: Unfair charges the main grouse against taxi drivers

KUALA LUMPUR: Consumer associations say that most complaints received by them against taxi drivers was regarding their refusal to use meters.

National Consumer Complaints Centre deputy director Ravin Karu­­­-na­nidhi said he had received a “fair number of complaints” from dissatisfied customers about fare hiking.

“They refuse to use meters and charge high fares. We also received complaints about taxi drivers being rude and using inappropriate language,” Ravin said.

Klang Consumer Association president Devdass Anjan said some taxi drivers in Klang preyed on migrants.

“They take advantage of foreigners, who are not familiar with locations here. Sometimes they even double charge.” 

On the other hand, taxi drivers have their grouses over passengers.

A cabbie who only wanted to be known as Chan said he once pick­­­­ed up a woman passenger from Mid Valley who wanted to go to a condominium in OUG, Jalan Klang Lama.

Upon reaching her destination, the passenger rushed out of the cab and headed straight to her apartment without paying the fare.

“I went after her, but was prevented from entering by the guard.”

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Summary:

Consumer associations said most complaints received by them against taxi drivers are regarding their refusal to use meters. Foreigners who are not familiar with locations here are often taken advantage for higher fares. On the other hand, taxi drivers have their grouses over passengers.

1.3: Schumacher to retire at end of season

SUZUKA, Japan - Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher confirmed on Thursday that he will retire for the second time at the end of 2012.

"I have decided to retire at the end of the season," the German driver told a press conference in Suzuka.

"I still feel I am capable of competing against the best but the time sometimes comes to say goodbye and this time it might be forever."

He added: "During the past month I was not sure if I still had the motivation and energy which is necessary to go on. It is not my style to go on if I'm not 100 percent with it but with today's decision I feel relieved."

The 43-year-old's place at Mercedes will be taken by McLaren's Lewis Hamilton in 2013.

Schumacher won 91 races between 1991 and 2006 - two world titles with Benetton in 1994 and 1995 and five with Ferrari who he joined in 1996 - from 2000 to 2004.

The German retired for the first time in 2006 before returning to the sport in 2010 on a three-year contract with Mercedes. - AFP

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Summary: 

Schumacher has decided to retire at the end of the season. He has won 91 races between 1991 and 2006 - two world titles with Benetton in 1994 and 1995 and five with Ferrari who he joined in 1996 - from 2000 to 2004.

1.2: Salesgirl, boyfriend nabbed for staging 'kidnap'

SHAH ALAM: A salesgirl's plan to dupe her mother into parting with RM10,000 in 'ransom' by allegedly faking her own kidnap, went awry when the police saw through her ruse.

The 20-year-old and her 18-year-old boyfriend, believed to be her accomplice, were caught napping at a hotel room in the Genting Highlands Theme Park.

The police went to the hotel at about 11.30pm on Monday, following a report lodged by the woman's cousin, seven hours earlier, after the salesgirl's mother received a call from a 'kidnapper'.

The 'kidnapper' reportedly told the mother that the salesgirl had been kidnapped and that the family should bank in RM10,000 into her daughter's account to secure her release.

The police did not buy that.

Selangor CID chief SAC Mohd Adnan Abdullah said a police team went to the hotel at the theme park and caught the duo.

"The suspects were believed to have planned to extort the money from the girl's family by hatching a fake kidnap," he said, adding that the money was not handed over to couple.

He said the suspects have been remanded until next Saturday. - Bernama

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Summary: 

 A salesgirl's plan to cheat her mother into a RM10,0000 'ransom' allegedly faking her own kidnap, became a havoc when the police saw through her ruse. She was caught napping at a hotel room in Genting Highlands. She was suspected to have planned to extort the money by faking a kidnap.

1.1: Kate’s ‘brave and handsome’ Zakwan dies of leukaemia

PETALING JAYA: Teenager Zakwan Anuar whose poignant meeting with the Duchess of Cambridge Catherine Middleton made international news during her visit here, has died of leukaemia.

The Britain-based daily The Sun quoted a palace spokesman as saying that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were saddened to hear of Zakwan's death and that their thoughts were with his family.

It also said that the royal couple were told of Zakwan's death after his mother Norizan Sulong contacted the paper that ran the story, Farewell to the boy who gave Kate his last smile.

memories: Kate interacting with Zakwan during her visit to Hospis Malaysia last month. — AFP

Kate, as she is affectionately known, had visited Zakwan, 15, at Hospis Malaysia during her tour with Prince William here last month and said that he was “very brave” and “very handsome”.

Norizan, 47, was quoted by The Sun as saying: “We were next to him when he had his last moment. He was surrounded by his brother, sister, father, grandfather, grandmothers and schoolmates. I miss him terribly.”

During the royal visit, Kate also signed Zakwan's birthday card.

Zakwan had postponed a scheduled blood transfusion to meet the royal couple.

Doctors had expected Zakwan to pass away within 48 hours of their meeting, but his 15-minute chat with the Duchess gave him the strength to battle on for two more weeks.

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Summary:

A salesgirl's plan to cheat her mother into a RM10,0000 'ransom' allegedly faking her own kidnap, became a havoc when the police saw through her ruse. She was caught napping at a hotel room in Genting Highlands. She was suspected to have planned to extort the money by faking a kidnap.

Me, myself and I

I'm Sarah Koh and I'm eighteen years old in year 2012.

I have a passion for writing and web designing. I grew up having my own personal diary and then a blog on blogspot since I was 12. From then on I always update my blog every single day. It's like a daily routine to update about how I spent my day on my blog. Slowly, I soon began to discover the fun of changing blogskins and using photoshop (AI/PS) to edit blog headers, sidebars, titles and more to be added in the blogskin. I also learned how to use HTML codes on my own. From then on I created my own blogskin account on www. blogskins.com and edited more blogskins, and it's free for anyone to use! Soon as time goes by, I got better in writing and designing by taking baby steps.

That's how I discover my love for writing and designing.

Let aside my passion, I also enjoy cooking. During my free time at home I’d help my mom prepare meals for my family. Sometimes I also bake with my mother and sister. We go according to festivals, such as during Mid-Autumn Festival we will bake mooncakes, during Christmas we bake Christmas-themed cupcakes, on birthdays we bake any type of cakes and so on.

 I take up part time event jobs when I have the time to work. Somehow I enjoy working as a part-timer for event jobs. So far I’ve worked for PC fairs, the Formula 1 race in year 2010, Proton Power of 1, and a few more event jobs I barely remember. 

Back then, I used to study in SK USJ 20 and SMK USJ 13. All my life I never liked the education system in my country. Honesty, I hate learning Science and Mathematics. I currently undergoing the Diploma in Mass Communication course at INTI International University, in semester 2. I look forward to ace and do the best I can in this course. After I graduate I’d love to persue a job relating to Advertising and Design.