Location: UBDMakeup Artist: Ash
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Friday, 29 October 2010
Brunei Public Holiday For 2011
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Thursday, 28 October 2010
Christopher Nolan reveals title of third Batman film
In an interview with Hero Complex, Christopher Nolan revealed that the title for his third Batman movie will be The Dark Knight Rises. He added that the villain "won't be the Riddler." Since Nolan had previously eliminated Mr. Freeze as a possible villain, that leaves the Penguin, Bane and Catwoman as the most famous baddies left in the Batman universe.
"We'll use many of the same characters as we have all along, and we'll be introducing some new ones," Nolan said cryptically. He also said that the studio has agreed with him not to shoot the film in 3D. but that he'll be experimenting with the scope of IMAX in unprecedented ways.
”We’re looking to do something technologically that’s never been done before," Nolan explained.
The filmmaker also reiterated that The Dark Knight Rises will close out his trilogy.
"Our ambition for the third movie is to complete a story that has begun," he said, "This is not starting over. This not rebooting. We’re finishing something and keeping a consistency with what’s come before has real value.”
The Dark Knight Rises is scheduled for a July 20, 2012 release.
Source: Hero Complex
Smarter centre needs own building to survive
SMARTER Brunei cannot survive without generating revenue, despite receiving encouraging contributions from the public since announcing that it was on the verge of closing down, its president said.
Malai Hj Abdullah Malai Hj Othman said that the public's contributions have helped the centre for autistic individuals to stay afloat, but this does not guarantee its long-term existence until it has a permanent building to earn an income.
Realising that relying on donations is not a long-term solution, Smarter had planned programmes that could provide them with regular income.
However, carrying out the plans is only possible with a permanent building, the president said during yesterday's event which saw the Universiti Brunei Darussalam Volunteering and Charity Club handing over donations to the centre.
Malai Hj Abdullah said Smarter was hoping to open a few businesses which could help the centre generate income with a permanent building.
The current Smarter building in Sengkurong was lent by the Ministry of Health. "We don't know how long we can stay in this building," he said.
He said that Smarter understands that they will have to move out if the government decided to take back the building.
Not knowing how long they would be able to keep the building, it is possible that they could be asked to move within six months, the president added.
Malai Hj Abdullah explained that renting would add extra costs to Smarter's budget, adding more financial woes to the centre given its unstable situation.
He hoped that relevant agencies could help them, "if not in the form of money, but at least in the form of a building", to accommodate the children and ensure the continuation of their activities.
He expressed concerns that the children at Smarter were growing up and members will increase."We have 21 adults already out of 85. The other 60 will be adults soon that is why we need to have our own building and bigger building."
Students at the Kuala Belait centre, Brunei Autism Centre for Adults (Baca) were mostly ready for employment.
Smarter hoped that with a new building, students at its Kuala Belait centre, the Brunei Autism Centre for Adults, could run the businesses to generate their own income.
Having other agencies employ the students "may not benefit them at all because they may not be given the option to show their potential," Malai Hj Abdullah said.
"I don't want them to be asked to just sit and be paid," he added. It was important for the autistic individuals to gain job satisfaction and learn how to manage their finances, he added. — Nurhamiza Roslan
Source: The Brunei Times
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Facebook Sultan Melaka?
Got this from a friend's Facebook wall post... what if Facebook had existed more than 500 years ago... huhuhu...
Click HERE if you want to know about the legend of Puteri Gunung Ledang.
Royal concern over rundown facilities
Awang Semaun Secondary School (SMAS) came under royal scrutiny when His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam took a detour from his working visit, as part of the keys presentation ceremony at Wasan Vocational School in Kampong Limau Manis, and made a surprise visit to the 27-year-old school yesterday.
Situated in Kampong Sungai Kebun, by the side of the Brunei River, SMAS is the only secondary school at present in the Kampong Ayer area.
His Majesty, who visited the school in 2007, was concerned over metal beams used as safety barricade at the school, holes in classroom ceilings, broken faucets in science laboratories and cracked walkways.
His Majesty raised his concern over the current state of the school building and the premises in general.
The monarch spent a good hour at the school asking questions to students and teachers on various aspects such as adequate textbooks, sufficient amenities, security of the school compound and safety.
During His Majesty's visited to the school on August 6, 2007, the Bulletin had reported, "The school's mini stadium and football ground, which are in a sorry state, came under close scrutiny." The ruler had enquired whether the matter had been reported to the relevant authority and when it was reported.
Currently, the school has 1,178 students from Year Seven to Secondary Five (Year 12). The school building consists 17 blocks. These include the Administration Block, Arts Rooms, Canteen, Store Room, Science Lab, English Language Lab, Computer Room, Surau, Geography Room and about 60 classrooms. There are also two separate blocks for Woodwork and Technical Drawings.
His Majesty toured most of the school blocks and accompanying the ruler was Minister of Development Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman and senior officials from the Ministry of Education.
The Bulletin was told that the school's administration has lodged complaints to the relevant authorities on the deteriorating conditions of the school.
Source: Borneo Bulletin
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Paul the Octopus dies
Paul the Octopus, the cephalopod who became a global sensation after successfully predicting matches at the World Cup, has died peacefully in his sleep aged two.
Stefan Porwoll, general manager of the Oberhausen Sea Life centre in Germany - where Paul made his predictions - confirmed the news.
"He died last night, a peaceful and natural death," Porwoll said.
Paul, who was born in January 2008 in Weymouth, correctly predicted the winner of all seven of Germany's matches at this summer's World Cup in South Africa. He then correctly chose Spain over the Netherlands before the final.
Paul made his predictions by choosing between two feed boxes which bore the flags of the two nations involved in the next match.
Time and again his predictions came true, transforming him into a global sensation who attracted big-money transfer offers after the tournament.
Yet the Oberhausen Sea Life centre insisted on keeping their star attraction - and are now devastated at the news of his passing.
"We all loved him and we will all truly miss him," added Porwoll.
Source: Eurosport
Monday, 25 October 2010
Appeal To Save SMARTER
Taken from Borneo Bulletin Weekend Opinion Page dated 23th October 2010Who will rescue Brunei's SMARTER?
I salute SMARTER for your quest to help autistic children in Brunei. Not many of us can actually endure all the hardships and problems that your society has faced for the past years. Your dedication and perseverance is truly remarkable.
I am one with you in saying that relevant agencies should work hand in hand in helping these children.
It is a fact that a lot of knocking on doors has been made in the past at various agencies. But if at this point, the only thing they can provide you still is the promise of making policies that will guide and protect the rights of these children, then they are only looking at the future. But, what about the present?
It is like visiting their house and just only asking for a glass of water because you are tired and thirsty but their response is for you to sit and wait as they also want to serve you a feast.
Isn't it right to serve the water first while waiting for the preparation of the feast rather than let the person die of thirst?
Time is running out. Action is needed immediately to address the needs of these children without delay.
It is the same in an accident situation wherein "first aid" should be given immediately to the victim to stabilise his condition in the accident site before transporting him to the hospital where further assistance will be given. Various relevant agencies should understand that at this point SMARTER is facing a crucial situation.
Any plans that the relevant agencies will make for the future will be useless if nothing is done in the present - immediate help.
I have been following your journey for the past few years. I have seen how you have struggled and still able to surface in the end. However, it is saddening to know that you have reached the verge of closing your centre.
If that happens, where would these children go? Who would help them?
For a wealthy and developing country like our beloved Brunei, it shouldn't be difficult to seek assistance from the government especially since SMARTER has done nothing but to bring recognition to what Brunei has to offer - a society that provides a world class quality service for autistic children.
Wouldn't it be of concern if other countries gets to know about the struggles SMARTER Brunei has to go through, just to sustain its mere existence?
It is futile for me to point fingers at various agencies on what they should be doing. I am only expressing my empathy to you, SMARTER, and voicing out my concerns regarding this alarming situation that you are facing right now wherein the children are the ones that will suffer the most in this predicament.
It has been announced by a Senior Government officer that a committee for special needs individuals will be formed, a big round of applause I should say and congratulations.
It needs to be speed up but alas a bigger picture needs to be attend first perhaps as more bigger issues will have to be resolved .
Perhaps maybe the relevant agencies should visit the NGO that needs the required assistance like SMARTER. Is our country too big for such agency to step up to the doors of the NGO?.
It would be a move needed to seek for themselves what have they done so far, to inquire what is the success so far and to give assistance to improve things further .
For an NGO like SMARTER I am sure as a family oriented organisation, needs and deserves the support in various areas especially financial support .
I also came to understand that almost half of the families or parents in SMARTER work in various government agencies and they have toiled hard to serve the people of the nation and they would be happy and appreciate very much if help for the individuals with Autism in SMARTER is given right now, since these special children need it to live
- In Support of Special Individuals
Appealing for help to save Brunei's autistic people
It will be sad day indeed if SMARTER were to close down just because they have no money to go on. Yes maybe the public can say they can go to other NGOs that provide the same services, but it will be taking time for these individuals to adapt and settle in another environment. It's just not the same like children changing schools. It will also be a waste of their past nine years if they were to fold. Where will my brother and the rest get suitable support?
I am also to understand that every month a new autistic individual wants to register but the place was too small and therefore had a long waiting list.
The programme conducted has been very beneficial and my brother has improved and gained a lot especially as it is tailored for his needs.
SMARTER has done a lot since it began years back , a lots of charitable activities to raise funds and we the siblings have been involved in offering our fullest support . My deepest appreciation to the public for their contributions .
I have seen various new officers and senior government officers promoted in various Ministries in the past years and policies and new rules and regulations drawn out.
I hope there will be a difference in the way autism is treated as well. Hopefully they too will see a change.
A previous writer in your Opinion pages recently said he/she was sad a developed country like Brunei who has modern medical infrastructure does not have expertise to tackle Autism related issues, maybe apparently there is on the pipeline to engage one.
The commenter only mentioned Ministry of Health to look into such matters pertaining to specials individuals. I would like to add in the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Welfare should also be tasked to help them .
I also salute the President of SMARTER for all his tireless hard work to help form the society.
He fights for the rights of Autistic individuals.
I as a sibling of an Autistic individual am sure members of SMARTER would humbly appreciate the help and assistance given to prevent and avoid SMARTER from shutting down .
I humbly hope and pray His Majesty's Government will extend the necessary support for these Autistic people of Brunei and am sure our beloved Monarch will listen and give the required support for his citizens .
- A Humble Sibling of a Special Individual, BSB
Sunday, 24 October 2010
Saturday, 23 October 2010
Radcliffe channels Twilight for The Simpsons
Daniel Radcliffe has traded Harry Potter for Twilight by appearing as a vampire in a new Halloween episode of The Simpsons.
The actor makes a cameo appearance in an upcoming broadcast of the hit cartoon comedy in a plot which pokes fun at the bloodsucker movie series.
In the spooky episode - part of The Simpsons' annual Halloween 'Treehouse of Horror' shows - Radcliffe plays a mysterious youngster called Edmund, a reference to Robert Pattinson's Edward in Twilight.
Edmund falls in love with Lisa but his vampire ways are said to be foiled when he takes a bite out of Simpsons patriarch Homer and becomes ill from the large amounts of cholesterol in his blood.
The episode is set to air in the US in the coming weeks as part of the Halloween holiday at the end of the month.
Source: Yahoo! News
Friday, 22 October 2010
Rooney signs new contract with United
Wayne Rooney has signed a new five-year contract with Manchester United in a dramatic U-turn that will keep him at the club until 2015.
Rooney had announced on Wednesday that he intended to leave the club due to a perceived lack of ambition but meetings with the club has seen him change his mind.
"I’m delighted to sign another deal at United. In the last couple of days, I’ve talked to the manager and the owners and they’ve convinced me this is where I belong. I said on Wednesday the Manager’s a genius and it’s his belief and support that have convinced me to stay," he said.
Sir Alex Ferguson added: “It’s been a difficult week, but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United. I said to the boy that the door is always open and I’m delighted Wayne has agreed to stay.
“Sometimes, when you’re in a club, it can be hard to realise just how big it is and it takes something like the events of the last few days to make you understand. I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester United is.
“I’m pleased he has accepted the challenge to guide the younger players and establish himself as one of United’s great players. It shows character and belief in what we stand for.
“I’m sure everyone involved with the club will now get behind Wayne and show him the support he needs to produce the performances we know he is capable of.”
Source: Eurosport
Thursday, 21 October 2010
His Majesty inspects Ripas Hospital in surprise visit
PATIENTS and staff of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (Ripas) Hospital were taken by surprise yesterday when His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam made an unscheduled visit to the hospital.
The compassionate side of the benevolent ruler was demonstrated in the visit as he took the chance to mingle with patients and advised them to be patient and pray to Allah (SWT) for a speedy recovery.
Accompanying the monarch were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, His Royal Highness Prince Hj 'Abdul 'Azim and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik.
As he was greeted by a host of hospital staff, employees and the public, His Majesty first made his way to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit where 16 critically ill patients are currently treated.
The royal entourage then proceeded to Ward Eight and Nine, where male and female patients have undergone neuro-surgical operations and plastic surgeries.
The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Coronary Care Unit (CCU), were then next on the monarch's half-day programme.
It was at these two points that the monarch clearly displayed his affections for patients who are critically ill and are enduring hardships from their ailments.
To be faithful to the Almighty when in sickness is an important ingredient of recovery, and thus, the devout king ensured that this is not neglected as he visited the Ripas Religious Unit and ensured all are in practice.
Among the functions of the unit include reciting the Azan and Iqamat (prayer calls) to welcome newborns, conduct and offer advices as well as prayers to patients who are critically ill.
The unit is also responsible for delivering guidance talks, courses and motivational talks to staff of the hospital.
His Majesty then moved on to visit patients who are suffering from diabetes, hypertension and intestinal problems.
The Accident and Emergency Unit was also part of the itinerary where the monarch had a closer look at how most emergency cases are being handled and if facilities at the unit were efficient and up-to-date.
His Majesty continued his tour to the Radiology and Pharmaceutical units and were briefed on their functions and roles.
The Cardiology Outpatient Block also went under royal scrutiny due to its importance to the nation's healthcare services.
The cardiology section was established due to the increasing need for coronary diseases specialist care.
His Majesty also made time to visit the Diabetes Centre, various sections of the ground floor of the hospital complex, specialist clinics as well as therapy clinics before concluding his visit.
The monarch also had a meeting with senior government officials at the Ministry of Health after the visit at Ripas Hospital. Also present at the meeting was the Minister of Health, Second Minister of Finance and Minister of Communications.
Source: The Brunei Times
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