Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Gurdian

[WTS] NEW Unopened In Box White Samsung Note 4

Gurdian — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 22:28:28 +0800

Sold.

HTC Desire -Support forum-

Gurdian — Thu, 27 May 2010 21:59:27 +0800

Okay people,

I opened this thread to start discussing regarding HTC Desire's technical questions.

I was trying really hard to get some answers on the main HTC Desire thread, but everyone has gone gaga about their new toy, so no luck there.

I'll start:

Does anyone feel that the sound quality of the speaker (ear speaker), is slightly lousy?

The person on the other line sounds 'metallic', 'robotic'

Feel free to bring up other issues as well. Yes, this is an awesome phone, but let's be realistic and address some issues about it and try to work it out.

Cheers

No more Port Dickson...THIS IS ARMY TOWN

Gurdian — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:58:13 +0800

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=...9750&sec=nation

QUOTE

PD now known as Army Town
By ZULKIFLI ABD RAHMAN

PORT DICKSON: This popular beach resort will be known as “Port Dickson — Army Town” in recognition of the services of the army in defending the country.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who made the announcement, said that as a beachfront town, Port Dickson also housed a large concentration of army camps and training centres, which had produced many recruits.

“The armed forces, especially the army, has made a lot of sacrifices for the sake of national peace. The new term Army Town should be given to Port Dickson, which houses tens of thousands of army personnel,” he said at the Hari Raya gathering at the Army Basic Training Centre (Pusasda) headquarters here yesterday.

Najib said the Government would implement a number of major development projects for the army in Port Dickson, to make the name Army Town more meaningful.

He called on Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the top brass in the army to provide ideas on how to develop the Army Town.

Najib said historically, as the largest partner in the armed forces, the army had carried out their duties well and exhibited professionalism in fighting off the threat of the communist terrorists and the Confrontation.

He reminded the people that the threat of communist terrorism still existed in countries such as the Philippines and Nepal, adding that the Government appreciated the army’s duties. Najib said he had been Defence Minister for 14 years and had implemented many programmes for the benefit of the armed forces — including increasing their remuneration and providing new equipment.

He hoped Ahmad Zahid would continue to provide his best service to the soldiers in his capacity as Defence Minister.

Spot the difference!

Gurdian — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:35:06 +0800

http://www.microsoft.com/businessproductivity/default.mspx

and

http://www.microsoft.com/poland/businesspr...ty/default.mspx

sauce:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10317763...g=2547-1_3-0-20

United International Pictures Malaysia

Gurdian — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:43:20 +0800

What's the work environment like?

Culture? Chinaman-like? MNC-like?

Any info will be much appreciated.

Many thanks!

Parents clear air over girl in sex video clip

Gurdian — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:24:06 +0800

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=...7108&sec=nation

QUOTE

GOPENG: It is a case of mistaken identity, and the parents of a 16-year-old girl who resembles a teen in a video clip of a couple having sex, want to clear her name.

K.K. Ng and M.H. Chai approached the Gopeng MCA division yesterday for assistance to clear their daughter’s name.

Ng, who works in a quarry here, said a friend informed him of the clip last week.

“My friend said the girl in the clip, which is being circulated on the Internet, looked like my daughter,” said the 47-year-old father of four.

Ng had questioned his daughter about it on Sunday and she denied that it was her in the video.

“I have to admit that the girl bears a strong resemblance to my daughter,” he added.

Chai, 43, said she had been receiving calls from friends saying that her daughter was a “porn star.”

“I want to make it clear that the girl in the clip is not my daughter. She is plump while the girl in the clip is taller and thinner,” Chai added.

MCA division chief Albert Chang said people should stop spreading rumours that the girl in the clip was the couple’s daughter.

“Please be fair to her as she wants to have her own family one day,” he added.

I lol'd

Large number of Chinese at homes

Gurdian — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:13:48 +0800

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=...0863&sec=nation

QUOTE

KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese make up a huge number of old folk abandoned at welfare homes.

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said 33% of the residents in government-run old folk homes were Chinese.

At the same time, the Chinese only make up about 25% of the 27 million Malaysians.

Last year, 125 of the 293 old folk abandoned at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital and 11 of those 24 dumped at the Tuanku Jaafar Hospital in Seremban were Chinese.

Chew, who is also Wanita MCA chief, said the statistics “certainly did not augur well” for a community in which filial piety was much revered as a traditional value.

In Singapore, where 75% of the population are Chinese, a law has been enforced since 1996 to compel children to care for their aged parents.

Those parents aged above 60 years and who do not have the means of supporting themselves, can sue their children for upkeep under the Maintenance of Parents Act.

There were 127 new cases of parents suing their children for support last year, as compared to 109 in 2007 and 79 in 2006.

Datuk kidnaps spa worker to prove love for lover

Gurdian — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:24:01 +0800

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=...1844&sec=nation

QUOTE

A BUSINESSMAN with a “Datuk” title went to the extent of kidnapping a woman as proof of his love to a jealous girlfriend.

Harian Metro reported that the man, in his 30s, allegedly became involved in the kidnapping plot when he gave in to the demands of his girlfriend and illegally confined a spa worker.

The girlfriend is said to be “enemies” with the spa worker, a woman in her early 20s.

In the 5pm incident on Monday, the Datuk went to the spa in Rawang in an MPV, accompanied by four women and two men.

Two of the women went into the spa and came out with the worker, whom they later attacked, slapping and pulling her hair.

The victim was then taken away in the car.

Several spa workers who witnessed the incident reported to the police, who later managed to trace the woman to a house in Bukit Serdang.

When police raided the place, they found the businessman with two men and the two women who had earlier attacked the victim.

All the suspects were taken to the Gombak district police headquarters and have been remanded for four days.

Initial checks by the police found that the incident could have been prompted by jealousy.

Props to the datuk

Spot the odd one out

Gurdian — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:29:26 +0800

Sauce: http://gallery.thestar.com.my/default.asp?id=1234

Explosion in CCID chief's home, son killed

Gurdian — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:48:50 +0800

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=...2038&sec=nation

QUOTE

KUALA LUMPUR: A son of Federal Commercial Crimes Investigations Department director Comm Koh Hong Sun died of severe burns after an explosion at their Mont Kiara Bayu apartment.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said the 22-year old son was found at the balcony of their 32nd floor apartment shortly after the 9:30am incident.

The fire and rescue department is investigating the cause of the explosion.

Criminal Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Mohd Bakri Zinin was at the scene, with several other senior police officers, to supervise investigations.

Miss Singapore is Miss Slutty too

Gurdian — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:09:55 +0800

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=...1829&sec=nation

QUOTE

THERE have been calls for Miss Singapore, Rachel Kum, to be stripped of her title following suggestive photographs of her emerging over the Internet.

One of the pictures showed

her simulating oral sex with a birthday cake shaped like an erect penis.

Another photograph showed the beauty queen with her pants pulled down in a sexy pose with a rubber doll in the form of a scantily clad female.

In another photograph, she was seen in a skimpy top and hot pants with a friend wearing an outfit shaped like a penis.

These pictures appeared to be taken during private parties with her friends, Nanyang Siang Pau reported.

Kum, 25, was crowned Miss Singapore in May. She also walked away with two subsidiary titles –The Most Body Beautiful and Miss Personality.

She will be representing Singapore at the Miss Universe pageant in the Bahamas next month.

The photographs have attracted more than 20,000 views since they were uploaded on the Internet.

Pole dancer naked and dead

Gurdian — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:19:10 +0800

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=...4403&sec=nation

QUOTE

KUALA LUMPUR: Controversy surrounds the death of a 23-year-old pole dancer whose naked body was found on the road about an hour after she allegedly quarrelled with a boyfriend.

Yeap Teng Bee’s father, Hock Chuan, 51, is doubting the boyfriend’s traffic police report that claims his daughter was knocked down by a car near Kinrara, Puchong, 12 days ago.

Seeking justice: (From left) Hock Chuan and Toh showing their daughter’s photo to Chong and Ku after the press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Hock Chuan said according to witnesses his daughter’s body was naked when they went to the scene.

“If my daughter was knocked down from behind why was her body found in front of the boyfriend’s car? And why was his car not damaged?”

In the police report, the boyfriend claimed that he had to stop the car because Teng Bee (pic) wanted to throw up and that she was knocked down at that time.

Yeap Teng Bee

Hock Chuan, who met the press with MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong, also claimed that his family members were being threatened by people linked to the boyfriend right after his daughter’s funeral.

“They were told not to pursue the case, otherwise the family would face the consequences,” said the grieving father.

Teng Bee’s mother, Toh Lit Tooh, 48, who was also present, told reporters that she wanted justice served.

She said her daughter had been working in the pub for about six months when she met the boyfriend.

Chong has asked City CID chief Datuk Ku Chin Wah to look into the case.

He urged eye-witnesses to come forward and assist the police investigation.

Farrah Fawcett Died before MJ

Gurdian — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:51:02 +0800

http://www.imdb.com/news/ns0000002/#ni0850665

QUOTE

Charlie's Angels actress Farrah Fawcett has died. She was 62. The five-time Golden Globe-nominated star passed away on Thursday morning at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California.

Her longtime partner Ryan O'Neal and best friend Alana Stewart were by her bedside when she passed away.

Her son Redmond, who is serving a jail sentence for drug charges, was not present.

Born Ferrah Leni Fawcett in Corpus Christi, Texas, the star started out as a model and actress in TV commercials, before getting her big break playing ass-kicking Jill Munroe in the hit TV series Charlie's Angels.

She quit the show after just one year, and attempted to reinvent herself as a serious actress in movies like 1986's big-screen adaptation of Broadway play Extremities and 1984's TV film The Burning Bed. That role, as a battered wife, earned her the first of three Emmy Award nods in her career. She was also praised for her work in Small Sacrifices in 1989, garnering her both an Emmy and a Golden Globe nomination.

Fawcett later went on to make guest appearances in popular U.S. programmes like Ally McBeal, Spin City and The Guardian.

She was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1995.

The actress was also a popular fashion icon and became a pin-up in the 1970s and '80s, with her tousled hairstyle sparking an international trend.

But her career wasn't without controversy - she was heavily criticised in 1995 when she agreed to pose nude for men's magazine Playboy, aged 48, despite previously refusing to appear naked in any film or publication. The raunchy spread went on to become the best-selling issue of the 1990s, selling over 4 million copies worldwide, and Fawcett graced its pages again in 1997.

Her love life was rarely out of the limelight either. She wed The Six Million Dollar Man star Lee Majors in 1973, but the couple separated six years later, finalising their divorce in 1982. That same year, she embarked on a romance with actor Ryan O'Neal. They went on to have a son, Redmond, in 1985, but split in 1997.

Fawcett also dated producer James Orr, but the relationship turned sour in 1998 when he physically abused her after she turned down his marriage proposal. The star has since reunited with O'Neal and enjoyed an on/off relationship.

Fawcett suffered a health setback in October 2006 when she revealed she had been diagnosed with anal cancer. She underwent treatment, including chemotherapy, and the disease appeared to be in remission by her 60th birthday in February 2007.

A statement released at the time read, "This is an extraordinarily happy day for me and my family. I hope that my news might offer some level of inspiration to others who unfortunately must continue to fight the disease."

However, the illness returned just three months later in May, when a malignant polyp was found in the area where she had been treated for anal cancer. She decided to travel to Germany to undergo revolutionary new treatment that has yet to be made available in the U.S.

Fawcett, who turned her battle with cancer into the documentary series A Wing and a Prayer, suffered another health setback in April this year when it emerged the cancer had spread to her liver.

The extent of her illness was discovered during a stay in a Los Angeles hospital in early April as she underwent treatment for complications resulting from an undisclosed medical procedure. The surgery had left her with abdominal bleeding and a hematoma (internal sac of blood), but her doctor Lawrence Pinto insisted the operation was not directly linked to her cancer.

O'Neal recently revealed he had proposed to Fawcett as she fought for her life and that she had accepted, but the couple never made it down the aisle.

It emerged on Wednesday that Fawcett was nearing the end of her cancer battle and had a Catholic priest read her her last rites as family and friends prepared for the worst.

She is survived by O'Neal and their son Redmond, now 24.

Supercop with bleeding legs to get more 'benefits'

Gurdian — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:20:32 +0800

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=...6100&sec=nation

QUOTE

PUTRAJAYA: Despite being shot twice, police officer Ang Weai Leoong refused medical aid until he had arrested members of an armed robbery syndicate.

And yesterday, for his courage and putting duty before self, the former Chief Inspector with the Kuala Lumpur special investigation unit was promoted to acting Assistant Superintendent by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan.

The 31-year-old father of two was shot twice in both his legs when leading six officers in a raid at a condominium in Sungai Long on Nov 5 last year to bust the Ah Tok Gang, a syndicate that specialised in robbing luxury cars in the Klang Valley.

“Even in such a critical situation, he was still able to stand up, with the will to continue his duty, to arrest two members of the gang,” Musa said at the award-presentation ceremony here yesterday.

Ang suffered from broken bones and was bleeding profusely and was taken for medical treatment at the Kajang Hospital, he added.

Musa said Ang and his team should be given due recognition for their sacrifice and commitment.

Ang, who is still on medical leave, said he was thankful and proud for the recognition. “Criminals these days are very different. They are willing to do anything to escape from the police,” he said.

“However, I will not give up but will continue to work hard to improve the image of the police force.”

Ang’s wife Lim Koon Teem, who accompanied him, said she knew about her husband’s occupation when they first met seven years ago.

“It is his love for the country that I admire.”

Recalling the morning when she first heard of Ang’s injury, Lim said: “I was very glad that it was him (Ang) and not any of his colleagues who called me up and told me about the injury.”

She said she was worried and sad after visiting her husband at the hospital.

“However, I did not dare shed tears in front of him because that would make him feel bad.

“I went to some corner of the hospital to cry,” she recalled, adding that she was very proud of her husband’s commitment.

Ppl with Blackberry Storm so lcly

Gurdian — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:35:57 +0800

this morning in the lrt there was this dude using his fancy Blackberry Storm.

He was so engrossed in his new toy that he didn't realize he was blocking everyone from going in or out of the lrt by standing in front of the door.

I had to squeeze through him to get inside the lrt and he went "TSK!". Prolly didn't hear me say 'excuse me' cuz he had headphones on.

Later a guy stood nxt to him and looked at Mr. Blackberry's new toy. He looked back at him as if he was so offended.

As I exited at my stop, I glanced and saw his screen. He was chatting with someone and said:

"I really don't like it when ugly people look at what I am typing. What a loser. Get lost."

Seriously lar...it's just a goddamn phone.

Furthermore he was a pretty young fellow, I'm pretty sure he didn't pay for the Storm with his own money.

We Malaysians are so awesome.

The Ah Beng has gone global

Gurdian — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:01:22 +0800

http://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story....8&sec=lifefocus

QUOTE

The Ah Beng has gone global and is now internationally recognised as a cultural figure in Malaysia and Singapore.

HOW many times have you and your friends sat at the neighbourhood mamak stall, and a souped-up car with a thumping stereo passed by, and your friends remarked: “Wah, so Ah Beng!”

The poor Ah Beng. Much maligned, misunderstood, hated, derided, feared. But who is the Ah Beng, anyway?

Squatter: The Ah Beng stereotype is seen as someone who tends to overdress or dresses sloppily, complete with loud bling-bling and accessories, always with a handphone. He also tends to squat by the roadside.
There are a few traits associated with the Ah Beng. Perhaps the most visible and readily identifiable is the dyed hair. Then there’s the abovementioned souped-up car with a loud stereo blasting “feng tau” music.

He also has strange habits, such as squatting by the roadside, at the bus-stop, outside shops; and mixing his brandy, even wine, with soda.

His habits and traits seem to rile some people up. Take, for example, a guy I spoke to about what an Ah Beng is. With an expression of contempt, he said: “You just have to attend a big wedding dinner, and see how an Ah Beng mixes his Otard with F&N Orange, or his red wine with 7-Up. I mean, that’s the wrong way to appreciate a good drink!”

Yes, the Ah Beng stirs some pretty volatile emotions in some people, for some reason. While researching for this story, I asked several people if they have friends who fit the Ah Beng profile, and at every turn, I was met with a loud, vehement “NO!”

One guy who loudly proclaimed to be in with the cool crowd and far from the Ah Bengs, has a very telling hairstyle and loves Canto-pop band Beyond. It seems that not only do people not want to be identified as an Ah Beng, they do not want to be seen as associating with one either.

So who is the Ah Beng?

From Jinjang Joe to Ah Beng

Believe it or not, there is even a Wikipedia entry on Ah Beng. Yes, he has gone global, now internationally recognised as a familiar cultural figure in Malaysia and Singapore. He was formerly known as Jinjang Joe. Ah Beng’s popularity and origin can perhaps be attributed to Singapore. But now there is increased frequency of its use in our country as well.

According to Wikipedia, the Ah Beng usually speaks Hokkien or Cantonese, or Manglish or Singlish. “They are often stereotypically portrayed to be anti-intellectual, superficial, materialistic and shallow ... and are seen as being excessively flashy and show-offs,” says the online entry. “Ah Bengs are often seen decked out in gaudy floral shirts, tight jeans and sneakers, and often carry around plastic combs.”

The trademark long fingernail on the pinkie is often associated with the Ah Beng, as is the handphone with a loud, cheesy ringtone.
Quite simply, the Ah Beng is a social stereotype, often associated with the lower-income group and seen as uncouth and uncultured. He is usually identified as having a low-paying job, and sprinkles his speech with Chinese swear words.

The floral and loud clothing may not be as ubiquitous nowadays, and the Ah Beng is now more interested in Japanese street fashion; rather than kapchais, it’s souped-up Mitsubishis inspired by Initial D.

Some observers have even identified this male bravado as a symptom of socio-economic frustrations, much like the Mat Rempit culture. In Singapore, the Ah Beng is also seen as an anti-thesis and a reaction to the prim-and-proper, Anglicised form of education of the middle and upper classes.

Singapore seems to have a more pronounced obsession with the Ah Beng, as he appears in many TV sitcoms and movies there. The latest Singapore film to portray Ah Beng characters is The Days, about two brothers involved with a gang of delinquents.

Singapore actor Mark Lee, well-known in the island state for his various Ah Beng roles, was quoted in a Straits Times report: “Singaporeans like to watch them because some people think they are gangsters and do not dare look at them directly. So we like to see them in the movies. They do things (other) people cannot do.”

In the same report, Adrian Pang, another familiar face on Singapore TV and in movies, said: “He’s an easy target for mirth and merriment on the one hand, and a symbol of Singapore gritty ‘realism’ on the other.”

Are you Beng?

But the question is, is it really fair to label anyone with dyed hair, long fingernail on the last finger and a loud, brash way of talking, as an uncouth Ah Beng?

Fortunately, not everyone complains about the unrefined Ah Beng. There are those who do not buy into the stereotype.

Thomas, a publicist in his late 30s, says: “I have quite a few Ah Beng friends, and contrary to popular belief, most of them are smart and decent people. It’s just that they don’t know how to dress or just happen to like the ‘style’.

“One of my friends, a 19-year-old Ah Beng, is an award-winning entrepreneur.”

Eileen, a businesswoman in her 40s, remembers how she was rescued by an Ah Beng when she was harassed by a stranger at a bus-stop. “Despite what people say, I think Ah Bengs are a respectable bunch,” said Eileen.

A literate Beng

Take the case of Ming, in his late 20s, who works in broadcast. He loves karaoke, is a regular participant in singing contests, has a penchant for Canto-pop by the likes of Eason Chan, and once even sported blond hair. The only thing he doesn’t do is drive a souped-up car. So, with all these traits, he is an Ah Beng, right?

Well, think again.

Ming doesn’t mind being called an Ah Beng, but he prefers the term “literate Beng”. To him, it simply means he’s more literate than most people, is very fluent in English, but doesn’t forget his Chinese side.

“I identify a lot with how a Beng is, deep down – the values of friendship, loyalty, the dislike of authority figures, the inability to tolerate people who are full of crap,” said Ming.

Ming added that he used to be more Beng in appearance, in terms of hairstyle, rather than clothing. But he has since toned down because, well, he’s getting older. For him, it was a way to express himself.

Like Jason – the blond-haired VCD seller who is into Tagore’s poetry – in the movie Sepet, Ming has fine tastes in music and movies. Apart from Stephen Chow movies, he also likes Pulp Fiction, No Country for Old Men, Little Miss Sunshine and Million Dollar Baby. His music preference is wide-ranging, from Canto-pop to Don McLean and the Beach Boys. Ironically, he can’t stand techno.

Victim of ignorance

Stereotypes are never good, and stem from a negative perception. From an anthropological standpoint, it is simply that in trying to define ourselves, we also reject the Other. Prof Datuk Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, director of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Institute of Ethnic Studies, agrees.

“Stereotypes develop over time as a result of ignorance or half-knowledge about the Other. What makes it worse is when it is repeated many times by many groups or individuals. What is myth, perception or illusion becomes reality.

“There is a lot of judgment based on first impression, and it is difficult to stem this kind of perception because it is disseminated at a private level – people discussing on blogs, in coffeeshops, between friends,” said Prof Shamsul.

It doesn’t help that the media and movies help to reinforce the stereotype of the Ah Beng. The Ah Beng is most prominently found in Singaporean movies and sitcoms. Actors such as Adrian Pang and Mark Lee have played Bengs just for laughs; most famously, Gurmit Singh’s yellow-booted contractor Phua Chu Kang has become a pop icon.

While the Ah Beng may be portrayed as a lovable goon in movies, it is still a stereotype that is looked down upon.

“The stereotypical Ah Beng exists partly because of the gap between the classes, and the differences in lifestyles,” said Prof Shamsul. “One doesn’t know what the other’s lifestyle is like, and perceive it as unusual and deviant. People only choose to see what they want to see. This is the danger of ‘half-knowledge’. They don’t bother to find out what the reality is.”

For Ming, he does not really care about being stereotyped. “Stereotypes will always exist because people like to classify things,” said Ming.

He added that some people do underestimate him, but he had proven them wrong time and again. However, after he stopped dyeing his hair, he was no longer looked upon as an Ah Beng.

“But who knows, I might go back to dyeing, Maybe next year. Maybe next month. Maybe tomorrow,” quipped Ming.

I dare you to tase me

Gurdian — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:50:58 +0800

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=...305&sec=apworld

QUOTE

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - A 72-year-old woman who refused to sign her speeding ticket got out of her truck and dared a deputy to shock her with a Taser.

So he did.

Video released by a Travis County Constable's Office shows Kathryn Winkfein hitting the ground and moaning while the shocks jolted through her body after the May 11 confrontation with Travis County Sheriff's Deputy Chris Bieze.

Winkfein was stopped for driving 60 mph (96 kilometer) in a 45-mph (72-kilometer) zone just west of Austin. A dashboard camera in the deputy's car shows the 4-foot-11 (1.5 meters) Winkfein refusing to sign her speeding ticket, getting out of her white pickup truck and cursing at the deputy constable.

Bieze then pushes her to get her away from traffic.

"You're gonna shove a 72-year-old woman," Winkfein says angrily, standing inches from the deputy.

"If you don't step back, you're going to get Tased," Bieze says.

"Go ahead, Tase me," Winkfein says. "I dare you."

The video shows Bieze using the Taser and Winkfein hitting the ground and moaning in pain.

"Put your hands behind your back or you're going to be Tased again," Bieze yells, and then hits her with another jolt.

Travis County Sheriff Greg Hamilton, whose office does not oversee the constables, issued a statement Wednesday saying:

"I do not personally agree with the actions of the deputy constable as they are shown in the video. When I look at the video I am in awe of what happened."

Winkfein was eventually charged with resisting arrest, a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and fines up to $4,000.

A telephone message left with Constable Sgt. Maj. Gary Griffin of the constable's office was not immediately returned Wednesday. Telephone calls to a number listed for Kathryn Winkfein in Marble Falls, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of Austin, went unanswered.

Griffin has defended Bieze's actions and said that Winkfein was belligerent and difficult to handle.

Winkfein previously told Austin television station KTBC that she didn't believe she deserved to be shocked.

"I wasn't argumentative, I was not combative. This is a lie," she told the station.-AP

[YOUTUBE]Dn2IpEC2cBU[/YOUTUBE]

Teacher loses RM138,000 in well-organised scam

Gurdian — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:19:53 +0800

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?f...7176&sec=nation

QUOTE

KUALA LUMPUR: A teacher lost about RM138,000 to a Black Money scam syndicate after she helped a widow “save” her money.

Noraini Ahmad, 39, from Ipoh said she was approached by a woman who identified herself as Mrs M. Sulak on Jan 18, asking her for help over US$22mil (RM81mil) in cash left behind by her late husband in his will.

She said that Sulak, supposedly from England, claimed that she was all alone and needed someone to “take care” of the money.

“I was genuinely concerned for her and gave her my particulars and photograph which she later forwarded to her lawyers.

“I did not know then that I had allowed myself to be conned in the scam,” said Noraini when met at the Commercial Crime Investigations Department (CCID) office in Bukit Perdana.

She said she was later contacted by a man claiming to be Sulak’s lawyer who told her that she was to inherit US$22mil left behind by Sulak, who had died of cancer.

The man, who called himself Mr Steven Graham from a law firm in London, contacted her several times.

“He said that to sort out some paperwork, I had to bank in RM35,500 to a CIMB bank account under Steven Graham’s name which I did in several payments,” she said.

Noraini met up with two men, purportedly from London on March 14, one of whom claimed to be an officer from Abbey National Bank and the other a “diplomat” from the United Nations Security Unit in London who was checking on the “authenticity” of transfer.

They told her that the cash was kept in a security vault in Ampang and to have it released, Noraini had to pay another RM27,500.

“They also told me that the notes were special and needed to be washed with a special liquid cleaner,” she said.

“Later the same day, they demonstrated to me by “washing” several US currency notes and gave me US$300 (RM1,050). They said to change the notes at any moneychanger,” she added.

Noraini said she was convinced that the deal was genuine after she changed the notes. So, when the men asked her for another RM75,000, she paid them.

Later, they told Noraini that due to some complications at the vault, the money had been ‘frozen’ and that they had to buy new liquid from Singapore.

“They also asked me to pay another RM75,000 to buy the liquid as there was something wrong with the previous purchase,” she said.

“It was then that it struck me that I had been tricked.

“It was a well-organised scam in which they had baited me from the very beginning,” Noraini said.

She urged Malaysians to be careful, saying: “I am a teacher and yet I was tricked out my life savings.

“They can be very convincing but from this experience, I have learnt that we cannot let ourselves be fooled.

“We must always check with the authorities for verification,” she added.

The Star frontpaged a report yesterday that Malaysians had been conned of as much as RM20mil by African tricksters in the past few years in at least 11 internationally-known scams ranging from Black Money to inheritances which promise non-existent wealth.

Shouldn't be a teacher.

Being a minister’s daughter doesn’t guarantee priv

Gurdian — Thu, 28 May 2009 09:10:51 +0800

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?f...8976&sec=nation

QUOTE

SHAH ALAM: Being the daughter of a Cabinet minister is not a ticket to a privileged in life, and certainly not an assurance to a better future without having to work hard.

With this principle in mind, Sabrina Mohd Shafie, daughter of Rural and Regional Development Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal, strived to prove her ability.

Proud parents: Mohd Shafie and Shuryani congratulating their daughter on her graduation during the convocation at Shah Alam yesterday. — Bernama

And today, all her hard work paid off when she was conferred the Vice-Chancellor’s Award at Universiti Teknologi Mara’s 70th convocation here.

Sabrina, 22, graduated with a Diploma in Business Studies with a cumulative grade point average of 3.84.

“I never felt that I’m special. My main focus was to study hard and I’m grateful that both my parents had given me the freedom to pursue my tertiary education at my preferred university,” said Sabriana, who will be pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Queen Mary University in Britain.

Meanwhile, Mohd Shafie, who was by his daughter’s side throughout the interview, also expressed his confidence in Sabrina’s ability to excel further in education due to her strong determination.

“I’m very proud of her. Today is indeed her day,” he said.

His wife, Datin Seri Shuryani Shuaib, also said Sabrina, who scored nine As in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination, was a very hardworking and excellent student

“At first, she did call me and in tears, complained about being under stress. Thank God, today she has accomplished such an excellent achievement,” she said. — Bernama

O RLY?

Beautician reveals ugly side of queue jumping

Gurdian — Fri, 22 May 2009 10:22:07 +0800

From http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?f...6667&sec=nation

QUOTE

KUALA LUMPUR: A beautician who boarded a bus at KL Sentral claimed that the driver ordered her to get down after she was assaulted by a man for jumping queue.

Ong Leh Kian, 54, from Cheras, said the driver ordered her and the man to get down and “continue our squabble”. However, she said the driver drove off with the man still on board.

She said the incident happened at about 2pm on May 11 when she was standing in line to board the bus to Mont Kiara to visit a client.

“Having waited for almost an hour, I was anxious to get onto the bus as I was already running late and seeing that those ahead of me were not boarding the bus, I weaved through to get inside.

“It was then that the man grabbed me from behind and yelled at me for not queuing up,” she told a press conference at the MCA headquarters yesterday.

Ong said this caused her to fall, adding that the man also punched her face, causing her upper lip to swell and bleed.

She also suffered injuries on her face, arm and leg.

Ong, who sought the help of MCA’s Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong, said those who witnessed the incident just watched.

Ong, who lodged a report at the KL Sentral police beat base, said she did not take down the registration number of the bus.

Chong urged anyone with information on the incident to assist in investigations by calling the department at 03-2161 5678.

While I don't agree with the punching, but srsly, justice is served.