Women Graduates Association of Brunei Darussalam President Hajah
Hassanah binti Haji Awang Hassan in a group photo with members. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
Lyna Mohamad
More than 120 people attended the Women Graduates Association Brunei Darussalam’s (PSW) Khatam Al-Quran ceremony on Sunday.
The event at the multipurpose hall of Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam in Kampong Bengkurong also coincided with iftar with orphans, underprivileged families and Pusat Ehsan members.
A presentation of donations was also held.
The event began with the mass recitation of Ummul Kitab, led by PSW President Hajah Hassanah binti Haji Hassan, followed by welcoming remarks from PSW advisor Pengiran Hajah Zabaidah binti Pengiran Haji Kamaludin.
It was followed by the presentation of donations to orphans and single mothers from RPNm Kampong Panchor, Mukim Mentiri. Underprivileged families and students of Pusat Ehsan also received donations.
The event was enlivened by Khatam Al-Quran and the recitation of Takhtim, Doa Khatam, Tahlil and Doa Arwah. There was also a mass Dikir Marhaban, led by Nur Aizat Yatimi binti Haji Sahari and Siti Nurul Hamizah binti Awang Jaya before concluding with Doa Selamat and Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Women Graduates Association of Brunei Darussalam President Hajah Hassanah binti Haji Awang Hassan in a group photo with members. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
I recently drove past a prestigious hotel when I saw locals smoking in front of the main entrance. It was during the time when foreign dignitaries were in the country for a state visit.
Even if they were to indulge in their habit a distance away, the smoke would have eventually reached the door. I can only imagine how these foreign dignitaries must feel, arriving at the hotel reeking of cigarette smoke.
Is this the right way to greet VIPs from abroad?
It was profoundly embarrassing to know that there are locals who would ruin the image and reputation of our country like that. Thus, I would like to call on all hotels to ban smoking on their premises.
As a university student, who commutes between Brunei-Muara and Belait districts, it is not often possible to make multiple trips to the campus. So I’m usually careful not to misplace my belongings.
However, recently, I did just that. By the time it occurred to me that I was missing an item, I had already reached my home in Belait.
Since the last place I visited was the administrative office, I figured the easiest thing to do was to phone them. The only problem was the phone wasn’t in service.
I had been told a while back that the phones at the university hadn’t been working for a long time. I wanted to believe they had since been fixed. Sadly, it wasn’t the case. So I had no choice but to make a long trip back to the university, just so I could find out if I had left the item at the office.
The fact that it is a globally ranked university, utilities such as land lines ought to be a given. I hope the management would start taking basic maintenance works more seriously, before the good reputation of the university is completely tarnished.
Immigration officers escorting a tourist at the airport in Denpasar, Bali. PHOTO: AFP
DENPASAR, BALI (BLOOMBERG): Indonesia is considering a tourism levy for visitors to Bali, adding another potential hurdle for holidaymakers after the island cracked down on traffic and visa breaches.
The tax would raise funds for conservation projects including mangrove and coral reef replanting to ensure visitors would have a positive impact on the local environment, Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno said late on Monday. Indonesia is looking to Thailand’s example as a guide, said a deputy for strategic policy at the ministry Nia Niscaya.
The timing and magnitude of the tax is still under discussion, Uno added.
Dozens of tourists have been deported from Bali in the last few weeks as the government steps up law enforcement against foreigners who misuse their visas to work onshore, break traffic rules and violate religious sites.
Immigration officers escorting a tourist at the airport in Denpasar, Bali. PHOTO: AFP
The front of the Ben Jerry’s ice cream shop in Vermont, United States. PHOTO: AP
BURLINGTON, VERMONT (AP) – About 40 workers at the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop in the Vermont city of the United States where the company was founded announced on Monday that they plan to form a union.
“Collectively, we have come to embody Ben and Jerry’s slogan of ‘peace, love, and ice cream’,” they said they wrote to the management.
The so-called scoopers at the Burlington, Vermont, shop said they have formed an organising committee and petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for an election. They said they have the support of the upstate New York & Vermont chapter of Workers United, the union that started the Starbucks unionisation campaign in Buffalo, New York.
“I think of this union as a sign of respect for Ben & Jerry’s,” said shift manager and catering lead Rebeka Mendelsohn in a statement.
“We’re a company that stands for social justice rights and equity, and I want to ensure that this message is translated to all levels of employment.”
Ben & Jerry’s, now owned by consumer goods giant Unilever, said organisers just presented the plan to the company on Sunday night.
It’s “an important issue to us, we’re aware of it, and we’re actively working on it”, Ben & Jerry’s spokesman Sean Greenwood wrote in an email.
The shop employees’ letter to management said they want a voice in key decisions over issues such as salaries and health care costs.
“We are taught from the beginning of our employment that equality and justice are integral rights of ours as people. But what happens when Vermont’s Finest are continuously left out of these conversations?”
The front of the Ben Jerry’s ice cream shop in Vermont, United States. PHOTO: AP
The FBI works on the scene of a shooting in north Houston,
United States. PHOTO: AP
HOUSTON (AP) – A second teenager has been charged with kidnapping several migrants and allegedly holding them captive for several days at a Houston hotel before they were rescued by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents during a confrontation that ended with the fatal shooting of another suspect, authorities said on Monday.
Demarcus Celestine, 17, was charged on Saturday with three counts of aggravated kidnapping, according to court records.
His arrest was made public on Monday by a tweet from the FBI’s Houston office, which said Celestine had been arrested by FBI agents and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in Houston.
Celestine, who appeared in court on Monday, remained jailed on bonds totalling USD300,000.An attorney for Celestine didn’t immediately return a call or an e-mail seeking comment.
Authorities allege the kidnapping began on March 18 in neighbouring Waller County when three migrants who had been travelling on Interstate 10 were stopped and forced from a vehicle. The migrants’ driver might have called 911 and informed the Waller County Sheriff’s Office about the kidnapping, authorities said. The sheriff’s office later worked with the FBI to find the migrants.
Prosecutors allege Celestine took the migrants – two women and one man – at gunpoint to the north Houston hotel, “where he held (them) under threat of death by firearm, sending messages to family members to bring money in exchange for their release”, according to court records.
Celestine is accused, along with two other suspects, of “using physical violence” against the migrants as they were held for several days.
Another suspect, Josiah Jackson, 17, has been charged with two counts of aggravated kidnapping. Jackson remained jailed on bonds totalling USD200,000.
The FBI works on the scene of a shooting in north Houston, United States. PHOTO: AP
The world of men’s fragrances is set to take another exciting turn, with new scents and trends emerging. PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA
Khayr Zakariyya
Perfumes for men have come a long way in recent years. From fresh and citrusy scents to bold and musky fragrances, men’s perfumes now offer a wide range of options to suit every taste and occasion. As we head further into 2023, the world of men’s fragrances is set to take another exciting turn, with new scents and trends emerging.
Delving deeper into the world of men’s fragrances, we can explore the history and evolution of men’s perfumes. In ancient times, fragrances were used as a symbol of status and power, with the wealthy and elite having access to the most luxurious and exotic fragrances.
As time went on, fragrances became more accessible to the masses, with new scents and combinations emerging. In the 20th Century, men’s fragrances became more mainstream, with classic scents such as Old Spice and Brut becoming household names.
Today, men’s fragrances have evolved even further, with a wide range of scents and trends emerging.
One of the key trends in men’s fragrances for this year is the use of natural and sustainable ingredients.
As consumers become increasingly conscious of their impact on the environment, many fragrance brands are turning to natural and eco-friendly ingredients. Expect to see more fragrances that feature sustainably sourced ingredients such as sandalwood, vetiver, and bergamot.
Another trend that is set to dominate the world of men’s fragrances in 2023 is the use of unique and unexpected scent combinations.
The world of men’s fragrances is set to take another exciting turn, with new scents and trends emerging. PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA
Fragrance brands are constantly experimenting with new combinations of scents to create fragrances that are both bold and intriguing. Some examples of the emerging scent combinations for men’s perfumes this year include jasmine and leather, and lavender and vanilla.
In terms of individual fragrances, there are several scents that are likely to be popular among men in 2023. Dior Homme Eau de Toilette is one fragrance that is set to be a hit, featuring a blend of bergamot, lavender, iris, amber, cedar, and vetiver, resulting in a fresh and sophisticated scent that is perfect for any occasion.
Another potentially popular fragrance is Bleu de Chanel. This classic fragrance has been a favourite among men for years, thanks to its combination of grapefruit, ginger, cedar, and sandalwood. It’s a timeless scent that never goes out of style and is perfect for any occasion.
For the man who wants to make a statement, Gucci Guilty Absolute is a bold and unique fragrance that is sure to turn heads. This fragrance features a combination of leather, patchouli, and vetiver, resulting in a bold and masculine scent that is perfect for a night out on the town.
Tom Ford Noir Extreme is another fragrance that is set to be a hit in 2023. This luxurious and sensual fragrance features a blend of amber, vanilla, and woody notes, creating a warm and inviting scent that is perfect for a special occasion.
An additional example is Prada Luna Rossa Black, a sophisticated and modern fragrance that is perfect for the stylish man. This fragrance features top notes of bergamot and angelica, middle notes of patchouli and coumarin, and base notes of amber and musk. The result is a fresh and masculine scent that is perfect for any occasion.
Fragrance brands are exploring new territories to find unique and interesting scents, such as oud, saffron, and myrrh. These ingredients are often associated with luxury and exclusivity, and are sure to appeal to men who want to stand out from the crowd.
Moreover, the rise of social media and influencer marketing has also contributed to the growth of men’s fragrances. Influencers and celebrities are often seen promoting and endorsing fragrances, making it easier for consumers to discover and try new scents.
When it comes to choosing the perfect fragrance, it’s important to consider your personal taste and style. Some men prefer fresh and citrusy scents, while others prefer bold and musky fragrances.
Additionally, the occasion and setting also play a role in selecting the right fragrance. A fresh and light scent may be more appropriate for daytime wear, while a bold and sensual fragrance may be better suited for a night out.
The world of men’s fragrances is set to take another exciting turn in 2023. From natural and sustainable ingredients to unique scent combinations, there are plenty of new trends and scents to look forward to.
Whether you prefer a fresh and inviting scent or a bold and masculine fragrance, there’s something for everyone in the world of men’s perfumes.
Trucks wait in line to deliver liquid oxygen to refuel the SpaceX Starship following a launch delay of the SpaceX Starship flight test from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas in the United States. PHOTO: AFP
STARBASE, UNITED STATES (AFP) – SpaceX has rescheduled for tomorrow the first test flight of Starship, the most powerful rocket ever built, designed to send astronauts to the Moon, Mars and beyond, after a technical glitch forced a halt to the countdown.
A planned liftoff on Monday of the gigantic rocket was called off less than 10 minutes ahead of the scheduled launch because of a pressurisation issue in the first-stage booster, SpaceX said.
The private space company continued with the countdown in what it called a “wet dress rehearsal”, stopping the clock with 10 seconds to go, just before the massive engines on the booster were to have been ignited.
SpaceX founder Elon Musk said a frozen pressure valve forced a scrub of the launch, which had been planned for 8.20am Central Time (1320 GMT) from Starbase, the SpaceX spaceport in Boca Chica, Texas.
“Learned a lot today, now offloading propellant, retrying in a few day,” Musk tweeted. Before announcing tomorrow as the new target for liftoff, SpaceX had said the inaugural flight would be delayed for at least 48 hours to recycle the liquid methane and liquid oxygen that fuels the rocket.
The new launch window opens tomorrow at 8.28am (1328 GMT) and lasts 62 minutes, SpaceX said on Twitter.
The US space agency NASA has picked the Starship spacecraft to ferry astronauts to the Moon in late 2025 – a mission known as Artemis III – for the first time since the Apollo program ended in 1972.
Trucks wait in line to deliver liquid oxygen to refuel the SpaceX Starship following a launch delay of the SpaceX Starship flight test from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas in the United States. PHOTO: AFP
Starship consists of a 164-foot tall spacecraft designed to carry crew and cargo that sits atop a 230-foot tall first-stage Super Heavy booster rocket. SpaceX conducted a successful test-firing of the 33 Raptor engines on the first-stage booster in February but the Starship spacecraft and the Super Heavy rocket have never flown together.
The integrated test flight is intended to assess their performance in combination.
Musk had warned ahead of the launch that a delay was likely.
“It’s a very risky flight,” he said earlier. “It’s the first launch of a very complicated, gigantic rocket.
“There’s a million ways this rocket could fail,” Musk said. “We’re going to be very careful and if we see anything that gives us concern, we’ll postpone.”
NASA will take astronauts to lunar orbit itself in November 2024 using its own heavy rocket called the Space Launch System (SLS), which has been in development for more than a decade.
Starship is both bigger and more powerful than SLS and capable of lifting a payload of more than 100 metric tonnes into orbit.
It generates 17 million pounds of thrust, more than twice that of the Saturn V rockets used to send Apollo astronauts to the Moon.
The plan for the integrated test flight is for the Super Heavy booster to separate from Starship about three minutes after launch and splash down in the Gulf of Mexico.
Starship, which has six engines of its own, will continue to an altitude of nearly 150 miles, completing a near-circle of the Earth before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean about 90 minutes after launch.
“If it gets to orbit, that’s a massive success,” Musk said. “If we get far enough away from the launchpad before something goes wrong then I think I would consider that to be a success,” he said.
“Just don’t blow up the launchpad.”
SpaceX foresees eventually putting a Starship into orbit, and then refueling it with another Starship so it can continue on a journey to Mars or beyond.
Philadelphia 76ers’ Paul Reed dunks the ball during a game against the Brooklyn Nets. PHOTO: AP
PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Joel Embiid pumped his fist in the air and exhorted the Philly crowd to get louder as Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey hit game-changing threes and stymied Brooklyn runs with clutch boards.
“It’s as happy as I’ve ever seen him since I’ve been here with other guys making shots,” third-year coach Doc Rivers said. “He was really celebrating his teammates tonight.”
With good reason. For a franchise player who was raised in the organisation to Trust the Process, Embiid has finally come around to learning how to trust his teammates.
Maxey hit six three-pointers and scored 33 points, Embiid and Harris had 20 apiece, and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Brooklyn Nets 96-84 yesterday to take a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference playoff series.
Embiid, the two-time NBA scoring champion, was quiet offensively, going six of 11 from the floor, but he did just about everything else. The MVP finalist had 19 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks.
Embiid’s increased faith in his teammates is one reason the third-seeded Sixers expect a deep run in the playoffs.
Harris had 12 rebounds. James Harden scored only eight points on three-of-13 shooting for the Sixers after a sensational Game 1 effort.
Philadelphia 76ers’ Paul Reed dunks the ball during a game against the Brooklyn Nets. PHOTO: AP
Cam Johnson led the Nets with 28 points. Johnson sent Embiid stumbling on a one-handed dunk down the right side that posterised the seven-footer. Johnson stared down Embiid as the Nets forward backpedaled on defence in the first half. “I don’t remember getting dunked on,” Embiid tried to say with a straight face.
The slam was Brooklyn’s last GIF-worthy highlight.
Maybe the 76ers just needed to listen to their coach more as they chase their first NBA championship since 1983.
After Brooklyn scored the first bucket of the second half, Rivers called a quick timeout.
Maxey, who kept the Sixers alive with 15 points in the first half, was stuffed by the rim on a fast break but Harris followed for the bucket and the 76ers finally tied the game at 55-all.
Maxey didn’t miss on the next possession – a corner three that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Then PJ Tucker missed a three, grabbed his own rebound, dished to Harden and the Beard buried his first three of the game. Harris came right back and connected on a three that had him hopping and waving his arms off the court headed into a timeout.
Embiid then erupted in celebration with the Sixers ahead 64-56.
Philly’s scoring spurt was about it for the Nets, who shot 35 per cent in the second half.
The Sixers needed the spark after they spiraled from Game 1 dominance to Game 2 disaster in the first half.
No Sixer represented that fall more than Harden. His seven 3s steadied the Sixers in the opener but the aging vet – who battled left Achilles tendon soreness down the stretch of the regular season – was overwhelmed in Game 2. He missed 6 of 7 shots in the first half and all four three-point attempts. Throw in two fouls and five turnovers and it was a marvel the Sixers only trailed 49-44 at the break.
Holding only a slim lead had to distress the Nets. Johnson scored 22 points in the half but – much like in Game 1 – the Nets got crushed on the boards and in the paint. Embiid scored eight points but grabbed 15 boards, 13 defensive.
