Peter Jackson, Christopher Nolan eye ‘Ready Player One’ film adaptation (VIDEO) |
- Peter Jackson, Christopher Nolan eye ‘Ready Player One’ film adaptation (VIDEO)
- Mighty Bayern march on after CSKA rout
- Che Guevara’s youngest son offers ‘Motorcycle Diaries’ Cuba edition
- Cover Media Video: Peter Jackson to helm film adaptation of Sci-Fi epic ‘Ready Player One’?
- Listing what is important — Audrey Edwards
- Champions League: Chelsea down Sporting Lisbon to make last 16
| Peter Jackson, Christopher Nolan eye ‘Ready Player One’ film adaptation (VIDEO) Posted: 10 Dec 2014 04:59 PM PST NEW YORK, Dec 11 — Fresh off the the set of the final Middle Earth movie, 'The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies', Peter Jackson is reportedly in talks to direct the upcoming sci-fi flick 'Ready Player One'. — Cover Media  |
| Mighty Bayern march on after CSKA rout Posted: 10 Dec 2014 04:59 PM PST
The Russians were outplayed in every department and it was a surprise that only Thomas Mueller's first-half penalty separated the sides before late strikes by Sebastian Rode and Mario Goetze put a more realistic hue on the final scoreline. With Manchester City beating Roma 2-0 in the Italian capital, it spelt the end of the road for CSKA in Group E and they did not even have the consolation of a Europa League place. Bayern coach Pep Guardiola commented: "We took this game very seriously and all the players were up to the mark." He added: "I'm very proud of the whole team, we've only lost one Champions League match but in each game we were better than the opposition." With influential German midfielder Bastien Schweinsteiger making his first start of the season, and his first since the World Cup final in Brazil, Bayern came out of the starting blocks with a vengeance. CSKA were pegged back in their own half for most of the match and the statistics showed that Bayern were so much in control that the Russians saw barely 30 per cent of possession. Even so, CSKA's prolific Ivorian striker Seydou Doumbia squandered a clearcut early chance to give the visitors the lead, when he rose well to meet Roman Eremenko's cross from the right but his header flashed wide of the far post. With CSKA packing their penalty area, Bayern made the crucial breakthrough in the 17th minute after Betras Natchko felled French winger Franck Ribery in the box and after some hesitation, Portuguese referee Olegário Benquerenca pointed to the spot. Mueller, as cool as ever, stepped up and fired the ball low to the right of CSKA 'keeper Igor Akinfeev, just as he had in the corresponding fixture in Moscow earlier in the competition. CSKA should have levelled five minutes later and again Doumbia was the culprit, after wriggling his way through the Bayern defence, shooting tamely at goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's legs. The introduction of Arjen Robben and Robert Lewandowski at the break, for Mueller and Ribery, served only to underline Bayern's superiorty as they continued to take the game to CSKA. But the Russians were not done yet, and Ahmed Musa carved out a glorious chance to level on 68 minutes as he broke clear on the left but his final touch was recklessly wide of Neuer's right post. Bayern finally put the game beyond CSKA in the 83rd minute with the second goal they had been threatening for most of the second half, as Roder had the easy task of tapping in Schweinsteiger's cross after a deft back-heel from Jerome Boateng. At the death, World Cup-winning goalscorer Goetze rounded it off a minute from time when he ghosted in and slid the ball home into an empty net. Schweinsteiger, who played his first full game of the campaign, said: "Obviously I'm delighted to have played from the start and it was a joy to play in front of our fans again." — AFP |
| Che Guevara’s youngest son offers ‘Motorcycle Diaries’ Cuba edition Posted: 10 Dec 2014 04:54 PM PST
The Marxist guerrilla's storied motorbike journey through South America was immortalized in the 2004 film "Motorcycle Diaries," directed by Brazil's Walter Salles and starring Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal. The trip, spanning from December 1951 to July 1952, took the 23-year-old revolutionary to Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela. Now, Che's son Ernesto Guevara wants to honour his father's famous ride by giving visitors to Cuba a "unique" trip through the country on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Prices start at US$3,000 (RM10,380) per person and go up to US$5,800 for six or nine day trips. Airline costs are not included. The itineraries give visitors a glimpse of "the varied landscapes of this beautiful island," while also offering "intimate contact with a part of the history of a unique revolution," according to the website of La Poderosa Tours, run by 49-year-old Ernesto, who is also a lawyer. The company promises a luxury visit, including stays at five-star hotels and a visit to Che's mausoleum. "We will make your trip a unique experience, an unforgettable memoir. We will personally take care of every detail during your journey," the website says. The company's name comes from Che's own moniker for the British Norton 500 motorbike he rode through South America with Argentine companion Alberto Granado. That trip left a strong impression on the young guerrilla, who was preparing to graduate from medical school at the time. The tour company goes to lengths to emphasize its revolutionary roots. One of the guides is Camilo Sanchez — son of Cuban guerrilla Antonio Sanchez Diaz, also known as "Marcos" — a fighter killed during a 1967 battle. The tour also includes a visit to Che's base in colonial Havana and a trip to Santa Clara, a city 270 kilometres (168 miles) east of Havana that was the site of a key 1958 battle. — AFP |
| Cover Media Video: Peter Jackson to helm film adaptation of Sci-Fi epic ‘Ready Player One’? Posted: 10 Dec 2014 04:54 PM PST Duration: 00:57, Published 11 Dec 2014 Fresh off the the set of the final Middle Earth movie, 'The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies', Peter Jackson is reportedly in talks to direct the upcoming sci-fi flick 'Ready Player One'. — Cover Media |
| Listing what is important — Audrey Edwards Posted: 10 Dec 2014 04:49 PM PST
The Top 10, 20, 30 (fill in the blank here) of the year. In fact, Facebook and YouTube released its respective Top Lists around the same time and both were done in a catchy way. While Facebook had lists catered for the taste buds of its US Facebookers, it also had one that more or less covered hot topics for the year internationally. It poignantly ended its slideshow with the words: "The moments we shared in 2014 affected us all. They shocked, moved and entertained us. They connected us. Together, let's make 2015 amazing."
Malaysia made it to Facebook's Top 10 by way of its twin aviation tragedies. The topic "Malaysia Airlines" came in at No. 7 with the note that the world took notice when the MAS planes were "lost within months of each other". But the top global topic for FB was the World Cup and this was followed by the Ebola virus outbreak. Others that were deigned to be hot topics included Robin Wiliams, the Ice Bucket Challenge and Gaza conflict. YouTube on the other hand issued a video clip "YouTube Rewind" and included hot talking points such as the selfie and Ice Bucket Challenge while the songs of "Happy" and "Let It Go" blared as background music. With the roller coaster year that the world has had, 2014 seems spoilt for choice when it comes to picking the most notable moments or comments. Come on, I'm sure you have, more than once this year read something and mouthed silently: "What the **** (insert profanity if you choose to) is he/she talking about?" And that isn't just limited to celebrities hoping to make the news with their "shock" comments or antics (Question: Is it just me or has Lindsay Lohan gone silent for this year? Besides, don't you just wish a week would go by without something about Kim K?) Although with the way Mrs West has "owned" social media this year, it probably wouldn't come as a surprise that she has a whole Top 10 list dedicated to her. If it hasn't been done already. Now, when it comes to being closer to home, Malaysians, it would seem has been wrung to the bone when it comes to several categories. Several came to mind as I was driving to work and in no particular order, here are a few that was thought up during the morning drive. 1. Malaysian road users. Having had this light bulb moment while driving, this, nevertheless, would make my list any time of the year. Why do we drive the way we do? That blinking light? It's called an indicator. It is NOT an accessory. Use it if you are planning to change lanes. And no, please do not drive in between lanes while trying to decide which one will be a better bet to get you ahead in KL traffic. Oh and could you pretty please stop cutting in front of other cars just before the tollgate? It's really quite rude. Ditto for overtaking in basement car parks. The bottom-line is everyone is trying to get to his or her destination. Your appointment does not make you the most important person on earth that you have to flout rules and throw courtesy out of the car window in order to get there. 2. Hospitality staff (be it at the mamak or high-end restaurant) No, they are not your servants so it's really so "not happening" to scold them when they get a bit behind their service. Yes, while I can sense some indignance over this suggestion, raised voices in an already busy restaurant can actually make one look rather stupid. Try instead a smile and having some kind words. My sister, of course, think I am somewhat flippy when I say I am going to make that grumpy salesperson smile. But it's fun (especially with that Famous Amos lady and Dunkin Donuts guy). Plus, they tend to remember your orders if you go often enough after that. Try it sometime. On the other side, staff at outlets could try to remember that they are being paid to do a job that includes not sporting a glum face. It works both ways. 3. Us versus Them Really, seriously? The year in review will show that there has been a whole lot of hateful statements being spewed against certain quarters. I won't list them here because there is just too many statements made that gives the perception that the country is on its way to slowly unravelling at the seams. Google it if you really want to rile yourself up. Or develop depression is how there are those who seem bent on making a distinction over who is better and who is right. This is our country, regardless of whatever has been hurled at us. Embrace the diversity while not allowing ourselves to be torn apart. 4. Rising cost of everything Surely the prices of goods and services need not increase every time there is a slight shift in petrol prices or anything else that can be used to justify it. Yes, we all have to make a living but spare a thought for those you are charging just to make an extra one per cent profit. Customers will only go so far to patronise your outlet time and again. Loyalty has its limits. And the buck stops when the pricing gets too high. It's either that or they just move on to a cheaper shop that serves teh tarik at a reasonable price. 5. The less fortunate That means anyone who's been having a bad day at the office for such a long time that it has led them to fall on hard times. There is no telling how the future may turn out and one day, by some turn in luck, that homeless person can be you. Or me. Really, there is no need to want to discriminate them or deprive them of a hot meal. At the end of the day, everyone has worth. Even the homeless. Plus, guess what? They even have jobs albeit it doesn't pay enough to have a roof over their heads. So, sure a huge number of "likes", "shares" and "hits" go a long way to increase one's ranking, but perhaps the list that matters is one that is based on how we treat other people and that what goes around comes around. * Audrey Edwards is news editor at Malay Mail. She can be reached at audrey@mmail.com.my. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or organisation and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online. |
| Champions League: Chelsea down Sporting Lisbon to make last 16 Posted: 10 Dec 2014 04:47 PM PST
Jose Mourinho's side had suffered their first defeat of the season at Newcastle on Saturday and they wasted little time erasing the bitter taste of that Premier League loss with a dominant display in their Group G finale at Stamford Bridge. The Blues were already certain of qualifying for the last 16 as group winners, but Sporting needed a point to be sure of progressing in second place and they weren't up to the task. Cesc Fabregas opened the scoring with an early penalty and Andre Schuerrle extended Chelsea's lead. Jonathan Silva reduced the deficit for Sporting in the second half, only for John Obi Mikel to net Chelsea's third. Sporting's defeat, combined with Schalke's win against Maribor, meant the Portuguese club were consigned to the Europa League as Chelsea did a big favour for their old boss Roberto di Matteo, who led the Blues to their first Champions League title in 2012 and is now in charge at Schalke. "We were very focussed and serious. I'm happy with that, but I feel sorry for Sporting. I would have liked them to qualify," Mourinho said. "The win was important. It was a good reaction to losing at Newcastle and a good chance for players to have more minutes. I'm happy with many things we did." With Chelsea already through, Mourinho was able to rest Eden Hazard, John Terry and Oscar among others, as he made six changes from the loss at Newcastle. There was no opportunity for Diego Costa to indulge in some Christmas shopping, however, as Mourinho, concerned about the Chelsea striker's spluttering displays following a series of injury problems, named his team's leading scorer in what was still a strong starting line-up. While Chelsea ostensibly had nothing to play for, losing to Newcastle had stung Mourinho and it was no surprise to see his players start as though they had a point to prove. Filipe Luis was the catalyst for Chelsea's eighth minute opener as the Brazilian left-back, finding himself in an advanced position, kept his composure to win a penalty with a clever nutmeg of Ricardo Esgaio that provoked a flustered trip from the embarrassed Sporting defender. It was a clear foul and Fabregas stepped up to calmly stroke his spot-kick down the middle as Rui Patricio dived the wrong way. Do-or-die Sporting's hesitant, nerve-ridden start was at odds with the do-or-die nature of their task and Chelsea took full advantage to double their lead in the 16th minute. Nemanja Matic clipped a pass into Schurrle and the Germany winger took one touch before turning and driving a fine, low strike past Patricio from the edge of the penalty area. Islam Slimani headed narrowly wide as Sporting finally mustered an attack of note, but Chelsea were soon back on the front foot and Schurrle's strike was pushed away by Patricio. Sporting had 45 minutes to save their Champions League campaign and they made the perfect start to the second half when Silva struck in the 50th minute. Andre Carrillo's cross was headed away by Schurrle, but the ball fell to Silva on the edge of the area and he fired a clinical finish into the bottom corner. But Mourinho's men killed off Sporting for good in the 57th minute when Gary Cahill glanced a Fabregas free-kick to the far post where Nigerian midfielder Mikel tapped in for his first goal since January. Midway through the half, news filtered through that Schalke had taken the lead against Maribor, meaning Sporting were heading for elimination. They responded by throwing bodies forward and Slimani drew a good stop from Petr Cech with a powerful header. But Chelsea were never seriously threatened and there was time for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, an 18-year-old midfielder, to make a lively seven-minute debut as a late substitute. — AFP |
| You are subscribed to email updates from The Malay Mail Online | All To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States | |
