“PRESS DIGEST - Malaysia - Oct 9 - Forbes” plus 4 more

PRESS DIGEST - Malaysia - Oct 9 - Forbes
Mourners remember George and Theresa Canni - Newsday
Hachette's - Mediabistro.com
Nissan Electric Vehicle Tilts Into Corners - Denver Channel
Photo Gallery: Road rally on the Strip kicks off Barrett-Jackson ... - Las Vegas Sun

PRESS DIGEST - Malaysia - Oct 9 - Forbes

Posted: 08 Oct 2009 06:08 PM PDT

Following are the main stories in Malaysian newspapers. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

THE STAR (www.thestar.com.my)

- The sale of 18 types of dried plum and prune from China, Taiwan and other Asian countries has been restricted by the Health Ministry after high degrees of lead was detected.

- The battle for control of Proton Holdings Bhd has taken a new twist after the company's chairman indicated his willingness to participate in a management buyout of the national carmaker, said Proton chairman Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh.

NEW STRAITS TIMES (www.nst.com.my)

- Local authorities will now approve planning applications for projects under the Works Ministry within two weeks instead of three to five months previously, Works Minister Shaziman Abu Mansor said.

- France has given green light for AirAsia Bhd to land in Paris, Prime Minister Najib Razak said.

BUSINESS TIMES (www.btimes.com.my)

- Naza Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd will roll out a new entry-level Peugeot car for the domestic and export markets by the third quarter of next year, group executive chairman SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin said.

- Pelabuhan Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd plans to raise some 1.5 billion ringgit from the sale of government-guaranteed Islamic bons, a source said.

THE EDGE FINANCIAL DAILY (www.theedgedaily.com.my)

- National carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd is in talks with India's Hero Group, the world's largest motorcycle maker by volume, to build small passenger cars for the Indian market, sources said.

THE MALAYSIAN RESERVE (www.themalaysianreserve.com)

- Genting Bhd will establish a 1.6 billion ringgit medium-term note programme that may be utilised to refinance a loan taken up to subscribe for its entitlement for the $1.2 billion (4.07 billion ringgit) rights issue by Genting Singapore plc, Genting said in a statement.

- Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd received a composite licence to write retakaful business and has opened a so-called dedicated operatin in Kuala Lumpur, Swiss Re said in a statement.

THE SUN (www.sun2surf.com)

- The Port Klang Authority (PKA) on Thursday filed a fourth civil suit over the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) multi-billion ringgit fiasco - this time against its former general manager Phang Oi Choo (OC Phang) for alleged breaches of her fiduciary, contractual and common law duties to PKA.

- International medical devices company, B Braun, plans to further enlarge its presence in Penang with a reinvestment of 100 million euros (500 million ringgit) to expand its research and development facility, B Braun chairman Ludwig Georg Braun said.

- Petgas Trading (UK) Ltd, a UK subsidiary of Malaysian oil and gas multinational, Petronas, announced on Thursday that it has entered into a number of collaborative ventures with Gazprom Marketing & Trading Ltd, a UK subsidiary of the Russian gas giant, OAO Gazprom, the company said in a statement.

** Looking for more information from local sources? Reuters Business Briefing has 13 Malaysian sources including Business Times Malaysia. For details of the product please call your local help desk (PHONE/HELP).

($1=3.464 Malaysian Ringgit)

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Mourners remember George and Theresa Canni - Newsday

Posted: 08 Oct 2009 06:37 PM PDT

October 8, 2009 By BILL BLEYER bill.bleyer@newsday.com

Photo credit: Handout | Theresa Maniaci-Canni, left, and George Canni on their wedding day, Sept. 13, 2003. George Canni and his wife were killed Oct. 4, 2009, when the powerboat he was driving crashed into a marsh.

As friends and family of George Canni and his wife, Theresa Maniaci-Canni, gathered for their funeral, scheduled for Saturday, they recalled the couple's love of the freedom afforded by skimming across the wavetops in their 40-foot Hustler speedboat and rolling down the blacktop on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

PHOTOS: Powerboat crashes off Wantagh

"They enjoyed their life to the fullest," Theresa's sister, Jo Ann Freeman of Indialantic, Fla., said of the couple killed Sunday night when their boat crashed into a marsh island off Seaford. A third person on the boat, Joseph Sugamele, 50, of Massapequa, also died. "They spent their time boating, biking and entertaining their friends at their home" in Copiague.

Those close to the couple talk of their generosity. "No matter what time and what you needed, they were there for you," longtime friend Jim Feynman said.

George, who owned an automotive business, met Theresa about 15 years ago when she did his nails at a Rockville Centre salon. Their love of the water created an instant bond, recalled her mother, Ann Maniaci-Miller of Merrick. Although George had already owned boats for about 20 years, the sport was new to Theresa. But "she absolutely loved it," her mother said. She felt the same way about climbing on behind George on his Harley Road King.

George, 65, was born in Brooklyn and raised in Little Neck, Queens, where he graduated from Bayside High School. Later he lived in Douglaston, Massapequa and then Copiague for about 15 years. He started A1 Transmission in Baldwin 40 years ago.

Theresa, 46, lived in Centereach before her family moved to Merrick, where she graduated from Calhoun High School. She took classes at Nassau Community College. She worked at several salons before marrying George six years ago. "She loved animals," her mother said, and helped dog breeders with grooming as a hobby.

Joe Logiudice, who heads Hustler Powerboats in Calverton and had been friends with George for 40 years, said "George and Theresa really loved the water. When we built their boat, Theresa would come out and pick out colors for the interior and George would come out and pick out colors for the outside."

Every year for the large Miami boat show, Logiudice said, "he would take off from work and come down to Miami for like 10 days and he would take people out for demo rides and work the booth with me. It's hard to find that kind of friend. He brought out the best in other people."

While the Cannis loved their high-performance boat and powerful Harley, relatives and friends said they weren't reckless speeders. "He was very cautious and knowledgeable about what he did," said a sister, Martina Koenig of Seaford. "That's why none of us can understand what happened" Sunday night.

In addition to her mother and sister, Theresa is survived by an aunt, Madeline Ross of Maspeth, Queens, and an uncle, Angelo LaMotto of Massapequa.

In addition to Koenig, George is survived by two sons, Todd of Washington, D.C., and George of Orange Park, Fla.; two sisters, Linda Johnston of Fort Myers, Fla., and Patricia Palmer of Marmora, N.J.; and two grandchildren.

A wake is scheduled for Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Massapequa Funeral Home, 4980 Merrick Rd., Massapequa Park. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday at St. Barnabas Church in Bellmore, with burial at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

The family asks that donations be made to the North Shore Animal League, where a fund has been set up in the couple's name.

PHOTOS: Powerboat crashes off Wantagh

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Hachette's - Mediabistro.com

Posted: 08 Oct 2009 10:15 AM PDT

cycle world.jpg Hachette Filipacchi-owned Cycle World Brand Group today announced a reorganization that would create a more brand-centric team.

Under the reorganization, Chief Brand Officer and SVP Larry Little promoted Executive Editor Mark Hoyer to the position of VP, brand content and editor-in-chief of Cycle World. The publication's current editor-in-chief, David Edwards, is leaving Hachette.

National Advertising Director Paul LaBella has also been promoted to VP, brand publisher and Marketing Director Corey Eastman is now VP, brand development.

The moves are the latest in President & CEO Alain Lemarchand's plan to reorganize the company into brands led by Chief Brand Officers. He has already implemented similar changes at Hachette's women's titles, shelter group and automotive pubs.

Cycle World also announced some improvements, like expanded Web site features and better paper stock.

Full release after the jump

Larry Little, SVP, Chief Brand Officer, Cycle World Brand Group, Announces Reorganization of his Management Team and Investment and Upgrades in the Magazine and Web Site

This Fully-Integrated and Brand-Centric Organization Will Improve Innovation and Engagement with Motorcycle Enthusiasts and In-Market Shoppers Across

Digital, Print, Radio, Events and Other Platforms

Newport Beach, CA, October 7, 2009 -- Larry Little, SVP, Chief Brand Officer, Cycle World Brand Group, owned by Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. (HFM U.S.), announced today the reorganization of his management team into a brand-centric structure that will maximize brand equity, integration, and strategic and revenue opportunities. Little promoted Executive Editor Mark Hoyer to Vice President, Brand Content and Editor-in-Chief, Cycle World; National Advertising Director Paul LaBella to Vice President, Brand Publisher; and Marketing Director Corey Eastman to Vice President, Brand Development. Hoyer, LaBella and Eastman will be responsible for the content creation, advertising sales and new business development of the Cycle World brand across all platforms.

David Edwards, who has served as Vice President, Editor-in-Chief, will be leaving the company.

"I want to thank David for his years of contribution to Cycle World," said Little. "His love and knowledge about every aspect of the motorcycling sport and industry has made a substantial contribution to sustain Cycle World's position as America's leading motorcycle enthusiasts' publication. I appreciate his hard work and dedication, and, on behalf of his many friends at the company, I want to wish him all the best in the future."

The new structure of the Cycle World brand is President & CEO Alain Lemarchand's most recent move in reorganizing the company's assets into brand centric groups led by Chief Brand Officers (CBO). Like other CBO's, Little has full responsibility for the Cycle World group including developing new revenue streams, setting brand and editorial content direction across platforms, and integrating print and digital advertising sales.

Lemarchand added, "Cycle World is a full fledged brand with successful extensions beyond the print magazine including digital platforms, radio and branded events. The key to continued success which the new structure supports is brand quality and investment as well as innovation across platforms. Under Larry's leadership, all resources will be focused on common goals with more opportunity for unleashed creativity."

Investment and Improvements in Cycle World Magazine and Web Site

Little also announced that starting with the November issue appearing on newsstands this week, consumers will begin to see and feel the first of many strategic investments in the Cycle World brand. The magazine will have improved paper stock, perfect binding, and restyled sections.

Little commented that "The cover and paper stock is heavier and glossier, and there is a fresh organization of content and more vibrant layouts that will allow for a much more dramatic use of Cycle World's excellent photography and art direction. It's important that we're investing in our magazine when others are cutting back."

He continued, "Print is the medium of maximum engagement, and the magazine's upgrades will enhance that experience. Online is about accessing information, and the web site is going to have greater functionality for the in-market buyer. Visitors leave the web site, which they consider a trusted source, incredibly informed."

"The expansion of our digital content is key," noted Little. "Cycle World is a primary source of credible information for people who are buying motorcycles. That group of buyers is poised to expand with a new segment of eco-minded consumers who view the transportation opportunity motorcycles represent because of fuel costs, commute times and concerns for the environment. We are developing content targeted to their needs as well as to the enthusiast."

The web site has an all-new, enhanced Cycle World Buyer's Guide for 2009 and complete guides going back to 2005. The Cycle World Twitter Newsfeed (@CycleworldMag) offers motorcycle-related updates throughout the day. Also new to the site is the Cycle World Two Wheel Inspired Secondary Transportation (TWIST) Initiative, an area devoted to promoting motorcycles as a green and fun form of alternative transportation.

During this year, Lemarchand announced similar structures for HFM U.S.'s women's titles (ELLE and Woman's Day), the shelter group (Luxury Design Group: ELLE DECOR and Metropolitan Home) and the automotive assets (Jumpstart Automotive Group including Car and Driver and Road & Track).

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Nissan Electric Vehicle Tilts Into Corners - Denver Channel

Posted: 08 Oct 2009 08:07 AM PDT

Photo Gallery: Road rally on the Strip kicks off Barrett-Jackson ... - Las Vegas Sun

Posted: 08 Oct 2009 12:57 AM PDT

Barrett-Jackson

The 1968 Pontiac Firebird.

By Robin Leach · October 7, 2009 · 8:56 AM

The star power-fueled excitement at the second Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Collector Car Auction begins today when a 100-car Strip road rally race kicks off the four-day festival at Mandalay Bay. Bruce Willis and Don Johnson will sell vehicles from their private collections, and the "Father of the Mustang," Lee Iacocca, will provide an exclusive opportunity to own one of only 45 limited-edition Ford Mustangs.

In a special charity auction, Jay Leno will donate proceeds from the sale of his one-of-a kind Yamaha motorcycle to Bailey's Cafe, an arts education program based in Brooklyn, N.Y. From a Lincoln Limousine used during the filming of Die Hard to a powerful off-road SUV, six vehicles from the celebrities will sell at no reserve from tomorrow through Saturday.

No collector car auction in Las Vegas would be complete without a nod to the King of Rock and Roll, so Elvis Presley fans also will have the chance to own a racecar used in his 1964 film Viva Las Vegas.

"Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, is the perfect city to offer some of the most exciting celebrity vehicles we've ever had," said Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson.

Barrett-Jackson Cars and Celebrity Rides

Bruce will sell his 1967 Chevrolet Corvette convertible, 1968 Pontiac Firebird 400 and 1988 Lincoln Limousine. Bruce purchased the Corvette in El Paso, Texas, while filming Last Man Standing. Originally used to take Bruce to the set of his TV series Moonlighting, his dark blue 1988 Lincoln Limousine also was used during the filming of Die Hard.

"Bruce Willis has owned some great American iron," Craig said. "Cars like his 1967 Corvette and '68 Firebird helped define an era of motoring in this country that was built around power. The Lincoln Limo also tells a story, as it was used during Bruce's most iconic film."

Lee presented the Ford Mustang to the world during a press conference at the 1964 New York World's Fair. During his time as Ford Division president and general manager, Lee made the Mustang a household name. Now, he is selling one of the most anticipated limited-edition versions of this iconic classic, the No. 5 Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang.

"This is a stunning modern-day muscle car from the visionary who started it all," said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. "It's hard to imagine where collector car enthusiasts would be if Lee Iacocca hadn't championed the Ford Mustang project 45 years ago. Now, he has teamed up with some of the top automotive talent in the world to produce the 45th Anniversary model. It's an instant collectible."

Check out this Lee Iacocca video on YouTube:

Movie star car and celebrated racer the 1961 Ol' Yaller VIII is one of only nine Ol' Yallers built by road racing icon Max Balchowsky from 1956 to 1963 and appeared in Viva Las Vegas with Elvis. Assembled with spare components from fairly humble production automobiles, Ol' Yallers became famous for their triumphs in the 1950s and early '60s.

Don will sell his 1994 Land Rover Defender 90, a specialized vehicle for trips off the beaten path. The two-door yellow-on-black SUV features a 4.0 Liter V8 engine with a five-speed manual transmission and comes fully loaded with front winch, headlamps and hardtop and convertible softtop. There are only 14,687 original miles, and the vehicle has been stored in Aspen, Colo., since it was purchased new from the dealer.

Last year's inaugural Las Vegas auction hosted more than 50,000 and sold more than 500 cars for a total of $29 million. The Speed cable TV network will provide live TV coverage of the four auction days.

"Our return to Las Vegas is a testament to the celebration of the hobby, the resiliency of the collector car market and the quality of bidders and consigners we attract," Craig said. "Attendance exceeded our expectations last year, and we know this weekend's action will be even bigger and better. We are back with a bang! "

Here's the ROYAL ROBIN RUNDOWN for the next four days:

Today

1:30 p.m.: Some 100 classic and collector vehicles will depart the Las Vegas Convention Center and head south down the Strip to wind up at Mandalay Bay. The Barrett-Jackson car show is from 2 to 5 p.m.

Tomorrow through Saturday

Gates open each day at 8 a.m., with the automobile auction at 9 a.m. The collector car auction begins each morning at 11.

Tomorrow night

The official party is at Blush in the Wynn.

Check back to Vegas DeLuxe over the next few days as we report the daily activities, the celebrities, the extraordinary cars and the amazing sales.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world's premier platinum playground. Read more of Robin's stories at VegasDeLuxe.com.

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