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    Keeping ’em crisp

      Ashif Ahmed Rudro

      ANN/ THE DAILY STAR – Reading books and collecting books are two very different passions. Whichever one is yours; you probably know by now that maintaining a healthy collection comes with certain demands. How difficult could it be? You just put them on a shelf, right? Believe it or not, it demands a little more attention than that.

      STORE THEM SAFELY
      Where to store your books? The obvious choice is to put them in a shelf. Getting the right shelf is important. Try to get a shelf with some sort of glass door. This will protect your books from dust and other environmental invasion. Open shelves will require dusting more frequently.

      REGULAR DUSTING
      Cleaning your books regularly is important. Dust them as often as possible. Try to ensure that they are not left in a humid environment. Ensure that insects and mites are not playing around your books.

      KEEP A DATABASE
      If you have started collecting books, you should start with your database as soon as possible. There are a number of free library management software available on the Internet.

      You can just build your own database with some basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel as well.

      Keeping an electronic database helps you track your books. If someone borrows a book, you can easily keep it in the database so you do not end up losing them. If an electronic database is too complicated for you, there’s always the option of keeping a book register like the good old days.

      GET THEM IN THE SUN (CAREFULLY)
      At least once every few years, one should get the books out in the sun. This is important to keep them in healthy condition considering the weather in a country.

      Moisture can really damage your book. However, direct sunlight exposure for a long time should be avoided. If you have collectible books, avoid getting them in the sun.

      REPAIR THEM
      Getting second hand books are perfectly fine. Some people prefer them because of the affordable price and because they usually have a history. But they are often damaged in some way. Sometimes, we damage new books by accident. If you damage a book, do not just leave it that way. Over time, it’s only going to get worse. Repair your damaged books as soon as possible. Whether you seek professional help for that or have repairing kits at home, that’s up to you but do not let damaged books sit idly.

      USE BOOKMARKS
      Most book lovers are very sensitive about their collection and any sort of mark or damage to the pages are equal to a stab in their heart. Folding the pages might not seem like a big issue, but they leave a mark and it lingers.

      If you want to protect your books, you should use a bookmark.

      Books are nothing short of portals to a whole new world. Such an object deserves all the love and reverence. You can show yours by caring for them properly.

      South Africa’s ruling party must regain support, says leader

      JOHANNESBURG (AP) – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), must work to regain popular support after being embroiled in corruption scandals and divided by bitter factional rivalries.

      Marking the ANC’s 110th anniversary on Saturday, Ramaphosa struck a somber note, emphasising that the party of Nelson Mandela which helped South Africa to achieve democracy, has lost voter backing.

      “We must be forthright in recognising, and deal decisively with, the reality that ANC structures are in a poor state,” Ramaphosa said.

      “Many of them are focussed on internal organisational conflicts, factionalism and furthering the self-interest of individual leaders rather than the aspirations of communities they are meant to serve.”

      The anniversary event held in Polokwane in the northern Limpopo province comes days after a state-backed judicial investigation revealed how some of the party’s top officials had benefited from corruption.

      An African National Congress party supporter argues with police. PHOTO: AP

      The ANC is also sharply divided between those backing Ramaphosa, who is also president of the party, and those loyal to former president Jacob Zuma, who has been embroiled in legal battles since he left office in 2018.

      Zuma’s refusal to appear before the commission of inquiry saw him sentenced to 15 months in prison in July last year, which sparked riots that descended into widespread looting and destruction of property in the KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces. More than 340 people died in the rioting.

      The ANC came to power in 1994 when the country’s first democratic elections were held and Mandela became the first Black president.

      However its support has declined in recent years and it received less than 50 per cent of votes cast in local elections in October, its worst-ever performance at the polls.

      Ramaphosa said many who supported the ANC had punished it by not voting.

      “Many citizens demonstrated their dissatisfaction with the ANC and its performance by staying away from the polls,” he said on Saturday.

      The ANC is set to hold its national elective conference later this year, where Ramaphosa is expected to seek a second term as the party’s leader. But he faces significant opposition from those still loyal to Zuma.

      The African National Congress was founded in 1912 to oppose white minority rule and to campaign for Black South Africans to have full democratic rights.

      Just 2,000 attended the ANC’s anniversary event as a result of COVID-19 measures which limit outdoor public gatherings to 2,000 people.

      Halep sends Australian Open warning with first title in 16 months

      MELBOURNE (AFP) – A fit-again Simona Halep stormed to her first title in 16 months when she downed Russian Veronika Kudermetova to clinch the Melbourne Summer Set crown yesterday in a timely return to form, saying she was confident and feeling good.

      The two-time Grand Slam champion used all of her big-match experience to pull through 6-2, 6-3 at the Rod Laver Arena in the ideal preparation for the Australian Open, which starts on January 17.

      There were two simultaneous WTA events as part of the Melbourne Summer Set, with Amanda Anisimova battling past Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich 7-5, 1-6, 6-4 to win the other.

      It was the 20-year-old American’s second WTA Tour crown, as she too heads into the opening Grand Slam of the year full of confidence.

      Former world number one Halep had not landed any silverware since Rome in September 2020, due largely to a calf tear that scuttled her mid-season in 2021 and saw her briefly fall outside the top 20 for the first time since 2013.

      But she is back to full fitness and proved too good for the 32nd-ranked Kudermetova to claim her 23rd career title.

      “Let’s keep winning because I like this feeling,” said Halep, who made the final at the 2018 Australian Open, losing to Caroline Wozniacki. “The body is great. I feel good. I had a tough five matches, and my body is good. I don’t feel that tired.”

      Simona Halep of Romania with the winner’s trophy. PHOTO: AP

      Tips for stress-free cooking

        Fariha Amber

        ANN/ THE DAILY STAR – Cooking is often labelled as therapeutic and enjoyable. However, it can become hectic, especially for busy bees who have to do such chores on a daily basis. With these simple tricks, you can work around your way in the kitchen to make cooking a hassle-free task.

        DECLUTTER AND ORGANISE
        A cluttered workstation equals spending an unnecessary amount of time looking for stuff in the kitchen than actually cooking. Whereas, an organised setup allows you to fully enjoy the cooking experience making it less time consuming.

        Although it may require time initially to organise the kitchen space, the benefits that follow are worth it. This includes organising everything from spice bottles to utensils, and cabinets, so that they are available at your hand’s reach when needed.

        KITCHEN HACKS 101
        Frozen food is another kitchen aide in the modern age, and so is canned.

        It is always handy to have frozen snacks and canned food in the freezer and pantry.
        Although not the healthiest of choices, but a quick fix for those days when we have other priorities.

        One-pan recipes are a cook’s best friend, making it possible to inject maximum flavour and spend more time eating than cleaning!

        Stir-fries and slow cooker recipes are great techniques to cook on the hob. Whereas for baking, sheet pan recipes or tray bakes are smart options.

        PREPPING IS KEY
        If you are somebody who prefers to schedule tasks beforehand, you may apply the same principle in terms of cooking.

        Prepping ingredients or meals in advance saves a lot of time during the actual cooking process.

        Chicago mayor, teachers still at odds over COVID protocols

        CHICAGO (AP) – Negotiations resumed on Saturday to resolve a standoff between Chicago school officials and the city’s teachers union over COVID-19 precautions that cancelled three days of classes, but the public war-of-words between union leaders and Chicago’s mayor showed little sign of easing.

        In a statement, Mayor Lori Lightfoot flatly rejected the union’s latest proposal that its leaders described as a solution. The union softened its prior demand for broad mandatory testing but maintained that teachers and kids shouldn’t return to classrooms until mid-January.

        “Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) leadership, you’re not listening,” Lightfoot said. “The best, safest place for kids to be is in school. Students need to be back in person as soon as possible. That’s what parents want. That’s what the science supports. We will not relent.”

        The blunt response came less than an hour after leaders of the CTU unveiled what they deemed a compromise seeking to resume remote instruction on Wednesday and in-person instruction on January 18. The union also backed a random screening programme that students could opt out of, rather than its initial preference for mandatory testing.

        CTU President Jesse Sharkey said Lightfoot’s repeated opposition to using remote learning district wide and to any testing programme that requires students to opt out rather than volunteering “doesn’t compute”.

        Teachers agree that in-person instruction is better for their students, but everyone is forced to make difficult decisions during a pandemic, Sharkey said.

        “As educators, we’re trying to use all the tools we have to make our community safe and to educate children,” he said, blasting anyone who suggests union members are showing a lack of concern for kids. “It’s hard to believe that the mayor really believes that. You know the way teachers see that? We see it as bullying.” The union, which voted this week to revert to online instruction, told teachers not to show up to schools starting on Wednesday while talks took place.

        Members of the Chicago Teachers Union and supporters stage a car caravan protest. PHOTO: AP

        17 youth feted for completing farming programme

        Azlan Othman

        Seventeen youth received certificates during a presentation in a closing ceremony for a Youth Farming programme at Horticulture Business Centre in Rimba recently. Acting Director of Agriculture and Agrifood Hajah Masliana Yuliah binti Abdullah attended.

        The programme, attended by 25 youth, aimed to encourage more youth to engage in agriculture and expose them to the profitable industry, especially in crops industry using high technology to boost production. It included briefings and study visits to local farms emphasising on various systems and production technology with the young farmers’ capabilities.

        The briefing covered training on non-seasonal vegetable and fruit farming using high technology such as fertigation system, financial management and investment opportunities in the crop industry.

        To date, five programmes have been carried out since its introduction in 2018, involving over 80 youth aged 18 to 45.

        The majority of the participants are undergraduates of foreign and local higher learning institutions such as Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) and Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA).

        The Youth Farming programme is hoped to foster interests among the youth to engage in agriculture and in turn, support and realise His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s aspiration to boost the nation’s standard of living and economy, while producing highly skilled people in the field of agriculture and agrifood in line with Brunei Vision 2035.

        Participants visiting a local farm as part of the Youth Farming programme. PHOTO: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND AGRIFOOD

        Newcastle stunned by Cambridge ‘dream’ in FA Cup

        LONDON (AFP) – Newcastle’s miserable season on the field sunk to a new low on Saturday as they were dumped out of the FA Cup 1-0 by third-tier Cambridge, while non-league sides Kidderminster and Boreham Wood also booked their places in the fourth round.

        Chelsea scored four times in the first 40 minutes in a 5-1 demolition of Chesterfield, while Everton avoided another damaging defeat for manager Rafael Benitez as they needed extra-time to see off Hull 3-2.

        England international Kieran Trippier made his debut as Newcastle’s first signing since a controversial takeover by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.

        But the Magpies have still won only one match all season and were embarrassed by a side two divisions below them in front of a furious full house at St James’ Park.

        Joe Ironside scored the only goal 11 minutes into the second half as he swivelled to fire home from close range after a goalmouth scramble.

        “It panned out how I dreamed about it last night,” said Ironside who grew up idolising Newcastle’s record goalscorer Alan Shearer.

        Newcastle United’s Matt Ritchie attempts to clear the ball. PHOTO: AP

        “Shearer was my hero,” he added. “Now I have scored the winner at St James’ Park.”
        Newcastle had two goals ruled out and Joelinton was thwarted by a great save by Dimitar Mitov deep into stoppage time.

        But they were shown no mercy by the disgruntled home fans at full-time as they now have to lift themselves to try and remain in the Premier League.

        “I don’t think there was anything wrong with our attitude, we just couldn’t deliver the quality to score,” said Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.

        Sixth-tier Kidderminster overcame the 79 places separating them from Reading in the English football pyramid to beat the Championship side 2-1.

        George Puscas put the Royals ahead at the Aggborough Stadium, but Sam Austin levelled before Amari Morgan-Smith struck the winner eight minutes from time.

        The full-time whistle sparked a pitch invasion from fans of both sides with some angry Reading fans confronting their own manager Veljko Paunovic.

        Boreham Wood also upset a side two divisions above them with a 2-0 win over AFC Wimbledon.

        Goals from Tyrone Marsh and Adrian Clifton either side of half-time took the National League side into the fourth round for the first time.

        But there was no such fairytale for non-league Chesterfield against the European champions at Stamford Bridge.

        Timo Werner, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Andreas Christensen, Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech were on target as Chelsea’s strength in depth shone through.

        “We trust our players and we had to manage the load, to not overload the players with the next four games and the upcoming two weeks,” said Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel. “We started well and decided the game early.”

        Everton fell behind just a minute in at Hull to Tyler Smith’s header, but bounced back to lead at half-time through Demarai Gray and Andre Gomes.

        Ryan Longman equalised with a stunning strike and Hull nearly snatched the tie when Keane Lewis-Potter hit the post late on.

        However, Andros Townsend’s long-range effort ensured the Premier League side prevailed and eased the pressure on Benitez.

        Holders Leicester saw off an injury crisis and a power cut at the King Power to thrash Watford 4-1 with Youri Tielemans, James Maddison, Harvey Barnes and Marc Albrighton on target.

        Crystal Palace came from behind to beat Millwall 2-1 in a South London derby marred by the home fans booing when the Eagles took a knee before kick-off.

        “We as a football club are against any kind of discrimination and of course this is not something we want to see on the field,” said Palace manager Patrick Vieira.

        Southampton survived playing for 90 minutes with 10 men to beat Swansea 3-2 after extra-time.

        Brighton also had to come from a goal down to beat Championship opposition as they saw off West Brom 2-1 after extra-time.

        Brentford thrashed Port Vale 4-1, but Burnley were the first top-flight side to bow out after a 2-1 home defeat to Huddersfield.

        Essential toolbox: Be your own handyman

          Tahmid Azad Sohan

          ANN/ THE DAILY STAR – For a lot of small home issues, with the right tools, any rookie handyman is enough on their own. Why shell out good money to the handymen to perform jobs that could have been done by a screwdriver or a pair of pliers.

          A pile of unread books, Netflix or hobbies might purr at you when you have a leisure, but then again, your home creaks, leaks and breaks frequently. Just a box of tools is all you need to have your every hassle settled and enjoy your leisure at peace.

          A reasonable investment can save you big time from high expenses of hiring a contractor for home improvement projects which you can perform very easily in no time. We often call for technicians for certain home repair tasks, for instance, tightening nuts and bolts, hanging a new picture frame or caulking around the bathroom sink.

          Just a basic toolbox is what’s holding you back from becoming your house’s own handyman, the DIY-er. Pay a visit to your nearby hardware stores and bring the gift of joy home.

          Racking them all up at once might be an expensive run. The smartest course would be to go for the basic ones at the outset.

          A good starter tool kit might include a claw hammer, screwdriver set, pliers, tape measures, adjustable wrench, utility knife and so on. Give your toolbox a makeover and set your DIY goals right away. Completion of a do-it-yourself job is highly satisfying and the feeling is unparalleled.

          You will be surprised when you realise how often you reach for just a screwdriver in a month.

          From tightening up a knob to drilling, it comes handy everywhere. And we all know what a hammer does – it smashes. Drive nails into wood or shape metals. You can hang your favourite picture through pounding wire nails into the wall for picture hangers.

          An adjustable wrench could come handy in changing out a shower head or to tighten plumbing fixtures.

          Buying a new home or getting into a new apartment is always an exciting milestone. But who’s going to fix that running toilet or leaky faucet for you? You are the landlord this time.

          Here’s the upside of having a toolbox; you can fix this right away with few essentials tools and a bit of knowledge about how to use them. In the world of Internet and YouTube, this would barely stand as an obstacle.

          Some tragedies in the house might require immediate action which, with home tools, would assist you in repairing the damage and set you free. The claw hammer would help you removing stuck nails; a ladder would assist you reaching for higher places to perform jobs that need a quick fix.

          Having the right tool at the right time would help you in carrying out your projects efficiently and eases the burden of calling a professional handyman. It would set your neighbours free because you do not have to borrow anymore. You can save your money and time.

          So, grab yourself a toolbox, set your DIY goals and be your own handyman. Who knows the acquisition of this toolbox might be one of your favourite life stories?

          Politician’s supporters storm party headquarters in Albania

          TIRANA, ALBANIA (AP) – Police in Albania used a water cannon trick and tear gas to disperse protests who broke into the headquarters of the country’s main opposition party in an internal squabble over the party’s leadership.

          Scores of officers pushed back hundreds of protesters who had stormed the ground floor of the centre-right Democratic Party’s headquarters. They detained 25 of the trespassers and eight party staff members as the two sides clashed, authorities said.

          A group led by former party leader Sali Berisha used iron bars and hammers to break open the main doors of the building. Employees fired tear gas to try to prevent them breaking in before the police intervened at the party’s request.

          At least one civilian and one police officer were “slightly wounded,” according to the head of police in Tirana Lorenc Panganika. Television coverage showed more civilians who appeared to recovering from the tear gas or clashes.

          Berisha is trying to remove the Democrats’ leader, Lulzim Basha, whom he accuses of being a “traitor’ and a “hostage” of Prime Minister Edi Rama of the left-wing Socialist Party. Basha threw Berisha out of the party’s parliamentary caucus in September.

          Riot police gather near the headquarters of Democrats’ Party during clashes in Tirana. PHOTO: AP

          In a statement, the Democratic Party said, “Today’s acts of violence against the Democratic Party mark Sali Berisha’s final isolation and a shameful move out of the political scene.”

          Berisha closed the demonstration after three hours, saying it was part of an “unstoppable revolution”. He said he and his supporters would embark on a nationwide campaign “to dismantle the narco-government”. Prosecutors opened an investigation of the protest violence. United States (US) Ambassador to Albania Yuri Kim expressed concern at the “rising tensions” at the Democrats’ building and called on protesters “to reject violence and exercise calm”.

          Speaking at a news conference Basha condemned what he called “Sali Berisha’s criminal organisation that, with terrorist tools, tried to violently usurp the Democrats’ headquarters to be protected from his non grata designation”.

          In December Berisha’s parliamentary grouping claimed to have held a referendum removing Basha from his post, but the move was not recognised by the Democratic Party.

          Berisha, 77, served as Albania’s prime minister from 2005 until 2013 and as president from 1992-1997. He was reelected as a lawmaker for the Democratic Party in an April 2021 parliamentary election.

          Towards tourism recovery

          Azlan Othman

          Cambodia is set to host the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Preah Sihanoukville, which will be held from January 16 to 22, 2022. It carries the theme ‘ASEAN – A Community of Peace and Shared Future’ toward tourism recovery and re-opening our region in a more resilient, sustainable and responsible future, according to its official website.

          Cambodia Bay and Preah Sihanouk Province are well known as the rising star in the Southwest by the Most Beautiful Bays in the World organisation. Furthermore, it is one of the fastest developing tourism attractions and investment cities in the country. The organisers have shared that, as the smooth implementation of COVID-19 vaccination and new normal protocols are in place, Preah Sihanoukville will be a safe venue.

          The ATF provides a platform to encourage collaboration between ASEAN member states and to holistically promote the region as one destination, with diverse culture, cuisine and communities.

          The Forum is made up of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meetings, ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) Meetings and other associated meetings.

          Programmes for the ATF include Preparatory Meetings for the 21st ASEAN +3 Tourism Ministers meeting, Preparatory Meetings for the 9th ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers Meeting, Preparatory Meetings for the 1st ASEAN-Russian Federation Ministers Meeting, Forum on Reopening of ASEAN Tourism: Perspectives and Opportunities.

          Brunei Darussalam along with other ASEAN member countries will also give a National Tourism Organisation (NTO) briefing. In addition, itineraries also include the 25th ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting, the 21st ASEAN +3 Tourism Ministers Meeting, the 9th ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers Meeting, the 1st ASEAN-Russian Federation Ministers Meeting and ASEAN Tourism Awards presentation.

          The theme ‘ASEAN – A Community of Peace and Shared Future’ articulates Cambodia’s commitment as a key stakeholder in the region’s tourism eco-system.

          ATF 2022 aims to connect key stakeholders in the travel industry, which includes tourism ministers and officials, and will be attended by over 100 sellers, 100 buyers, and 50 national and international media.

          TRAVEX is a platform for the selling and buying of regional and individual tourism products of each ASEAN member state.

          This is a specialised event, which aims to provide convenient business-matching opportunities for the suppliers of tourism products and services in ASEAN, and for international buyers to meet and foster business relationships. ATF TRAVEX provides a unique and specialised platform for buyers from around the world to source for ASEAN tourism products and services, establish new business connections while strengthening existing business relationships and learn about the latest trends in the leisure travel and tourism industry.

          Cambodia media Khmer Times reported that the meeting confirmed that the preparation work for ATF 2022 has been about 90 per cent completed, with the preparation of venues for tourism exhibitions (booths), opening and closing ceremonies, and other related programmes having been identified and organised gradually in accordance with safety rules.

          In addition, so far, there has been confirmation of the direct participation of all ASEAN Tourism Ministers and senior officials from the 10 ASEAN member states to attend the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings, including international delegations. There were 114 meetings for the TRAVEX, with 187 vendors, 107 buyers from 35 countries, including 100 international buyers and seven local buyers.

          The ATF 2021, originally scheduled to take place in Cambodia from January 17-23, 2021 was postponed following resurgence in COVID-19 cases. The last ATF was hosted by Brunei Darussalam in 2020. The Tourism Development Department at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism hosted the 39th ATF 2020, under the theme ‘ASEAN – Together Towards a Next Generation of Travel’.

          The ATF was established in 1981 as a cooperative regional effort to promote ASEAN as a single tourist destination. This annual event involves all the tourism industry sectors of the 10 member states of ASEAN, and each year, the hosting of ATF is rotated among the member countries in alphabetical order.

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          Borneo Bulletin is the leading English daily in the country. It was first published by Brunei Press. Today, Borneo Bulletin has become the foremost source of information on local and foreign affairs, and the region’s business news.

          © 2013 Borneo Bulletin Online - The Independent Newspaper in Brunei Darussalam, Sabah and Sarawak