Latest news with #Salina
Daily Mail
05-07-2025
- Daily Mail
'Everything here is just right': TOM PARKER BOWLES has lunch on the small Aeolian Island of Salina
It's just after 1pm on the small Aeolian Island of Salina, and not much is happening at all. A few tourists wander through the harbour, oblivious to the searing sun, while the locals, with one last cigarette and a final titbit of gossip, shut up shop in readiness for the siesta ahead. At Porto Bello, a small, elegant restaurant above the harbour, lunch is in full swing. We gaze down and watch the slow ferry from Naples disgorge its contents – cars, vans and small lorries – on to the quay, a spit of drab concrete in an otherwise pellucid sea. But it soon departs, and all is quiet once more, save for the clink of ice on glass, and the clatter of knife and fork. Everything moves slowly here, a life lived in thrall to the island's ancient rhythm. This is the land of volcanoes and obsidian, of Odysseus and Aeolus, of capers, swordfish and pungent wild herbs. We order wine – crisp, white and cool, the grapes grown on the lushly fertile slopes of Mount Etna – and eat raw grouper, sliced tracing-paper thin, mixed with shavings of parmesan and slivers of red onion. It may sound a little odd (fish! cheese!), but it's a dish of gentle elegance – a joyous symphony of the sweet, soft and salty. Tuna tartare is more robust, great chunks in various degrees of crimson, meaty but mellow, the acidity perfectly judged. There are pieces of celery and a handful of capers, all bathed in a slick of golden oil. When the raw ingredients are this fine there's little point in mucking them about. Spaghetti vongole next, the pasta tight and taut, a dash of pasta water added at the end to emulsify those juices into a sauce. A generous dusting of grated bottarga adds an extra blast of ocean depth. Frito misto arrives hot from the fryer, the squid wearing the very lightest of batters, the butterflied anchovies clad in a breadcrumb crust. Prawns, naked and fried for mere seconds, are incandescently fresh, delivered, like everything else, by the fisherman that morning. You will not eat better fish. Then coffee, joltingly strong, and a glass of local malvasia with homemade biscotti. We linger late into the afternoon, gazing out over the sea towards Lipari. Everything here is just right, seasoned with the exquisite ennui of nothing much to do. The afternoon ferry slides in, and out once more. The rest of the island sleeps.
Daily Mail
05-07-2025
- Daily Mail
‘Everything here is just right': TOM PARKER BOWLES has lunch on the small Aeolian Island of Salina
It's just after 1pm on the small Aeolian Island of Salina, and not much is happening at all. A few tourists wander through the harbour, oblivious to the searing sun, while the locals, with one last cigarette and a final titbit of gossip, shut up shop in readiness for the siesta ahead. At Porto Bello, a small, elegant restaurant above the harbour, lunch is in full swing. We gaze down and watch the slow ferry from Naples disgorge its contents – cars, vans and small lorries – on to the quay, a spit of drab concrete in an otherwise pellucid sea. But it soon departs, and all is quiet once more, save for the clink of ice on glass, and the clatter of knife and fork. Everything moves slowly here, a life lived in thrall to the island's ancient rhythm. This is the land of volcanoes and obsidian, of Odysseus and Aeolus, of capers, swordfish and pungent wild herbs. We order wine – crisp, white and cool, the grapes grown on the lushly fertile slopes of Mount Etna – and eat raw grouper, sliced tracing-paper thin, mixed with shavings of parmesan and slivers of red onion. It may sound a little odd (fish! cheese!), but it's a dish of gentle elegance – a joyous symphony of the sweet, soft and salty. Tuna tartare is more robust, great chunks in various degrees of crimson, meaty but mellow, the acidity perfectly judged. There are pieces of celery and a handful of capers, all bathed in a slick of golden oil. When the raw ingredients are this fine there's little point in mucking them about. Spaghetti vongole next, the pasta tight and taut, a dash of pasta water added at the end to emulsify those juices into a sauce. A generous dusting of grated bottarga adds an extra blast of ocean depth. Frito misto arrives hot from the fryer, the squid wearing the very lightest of batters, the butterflied anchovies clad in a breadcrumb crust. Prawns, naked and fried for mere seconds, are incandescently fresh, delivered, like everything else, by the fisherman that morning. You will not eat better fish. Then coffee, joltingly strong, and a glass of local malvasia with homemade biscotti. We linger late into the afternoon, gazing out over the sea towards Lipari. Everything here is just right, seasoned with the exquisite ennui of nothing much to do. The afternoon ferry slides in, and out once more. The rest of the island sleeps.
Sinar Daily
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
A. Samad Said, champion of national language, literature
The highly respected novelist and poet's love for books and writing has not faded one bit despite having turned 90 in April this year. 21 Jun 2025 03:01pm A. Samad Said's name reached its pinnacle with the official publication of his novel 'Salina' in 1961. The story revolves around the conflict and struggles of a woman named Salina, set against the backdrop of post-World War II society. - Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR - It has been a while since news last emerged about National Laureate Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Samad Mohamed Said, better known as A. Samad Said. He was last seen at the 2024 Merdeka Award ceremony here on Aug 28 last year, where Pak Samad - as he is also fondly referred to - was among seven persons conferred awards for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields. A. Samad Said's name reached its pinnacle with the official publication of his novel 'Salina' in 1961. The story revolves around the conflict and struggles of a woman named Salina, set against the backdrop of post-World War II society. - Bernama photo The highly respected novelist and poet's love for books and writing has not faded one bit despite having turned 90 in April this year. His musician/writer son Az Abdul Samad, 44, assisted Bernama with this interview to gain an insight into the life of a man widely regarded as one of the most influential personalities in modern Malay literary history. LOVE FOR BOOKS, WRITING A. Samad Said - one of whose earliest short stories 'Hari Ini Hari Gembira' was written way back in October 1954 - is also regarded as a voice of the people's conscience and a symbol of the resilience of the Malay language. Also known by several pen names, including Hilmy Isa, Isa Dahmuri, Jamil Kelana, Manja, Mesra and Shamsir, he has five children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Born on April 9, 1935, in Kampung Belimbing Dalam, Durian Tunggal, Melaka, he was raised in Singapore and received his early education at Kota Raja Malay School before continuing his education at Victoria Institution. He passed the Senior Cambridge Certificate examination in 1956. After completing his studies, he worked as a clerk at the Singapore General Hospital. A. Samad Said later moved to Kuala Lumpur where he joined a newspaper called 'Fikiran Rakyat' as a journalist. After several months, he returned to Singapore to work with 'Utusan Zaman' which, together with 'Utusan Melayu', was under the Utusan Group, led by prominent Malaysian poet, playwright and novelist Usman Awang. When the company relocated to Kuala Lumpur, A. Samad Said followed suit, assisting Usman Awang in managing 'Mastika', a magazine. Later, A. Samad Said served as the Head of Literary Development at the 'New Straits Times'. In 1987, he stepped down from his editorial position at 'Berita Harian' to fully dedicate himself to writing, focusing on essays and poetry. UNEXPECTED HONOUR Asked how he felt about being a recipient of the 2024 Merdeka Award, A. Samad Said responded, "Honestly, I didn't expect it and I never imagined it. But of course, I'm happy.' Reflecting on his over seven-decade-long literary career filled with many ups and downs, he said he has always enjoyed being a writer even though "one can't really rely on it for a steady monthly income… it's unpredictable. "Sometimes, you earn well and at other times, you get nothing at all. But because it's a path I chose from the beginning, I have no regrets.' On his achievements, he said he did not expect to become so popular, confessing that his success as a novelist surprised him. "After receiving praise and material rewards, I felt like it was an unexpected gift for which I'm truly grateful. "Every time I write something that receives a good response, I feel it's not only a personal gain but also benefits society. I believe it (such achievements) becomes part of the nation's treasure,' he said. He also said among the many highlights of his career, his most cherished experience was writing 'Al-Amin', a poem chronicling the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). "I never thought I would complete an entire anthology of Islamic poetry ('Al-Amin'). I'm proud of my other works too but not in the same way… 'Al-Amin' is the most challenging as it required my full sincerity, deepest knowledge and capability to write it,' he added. SALINA, A MASTERPIECE A. Samad Said's name reached its pinnacle with the official publication of his novel 'Salina' in 1961. The story revolves around the conflict and struggles of a woman named Salina, set against the backdrop of post-World War II society. Salina, a mistress, seeks to reclaim her dignity and find her place in a society that has marginalised her, following the loss of her true love and a life marked by sacrifice. Through Salina's character, the novel explores themes of poverty, morality, love and redemption, while also highlighting conflicts between traditional values and the changing times. With its realistic setting and poetic narrative style, 'Salina' is not only a landmark in modern Malay literature for its bold storytelling and aesthetic finesse but has also become an essential reading for every literature enthusiast. Although it only received a consolation prize in a 1958 competition organised by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, 'Salina' went on to be celebrated as the first-ever Malay novel and has been reprinted numerous times, including a special 60th anniversary edition in 2021. Other notable novels by A. Samad Said include 'Hujan Pagi', which portrays the psychological turmoil of a pre-war journalist struggling to adapt to the changing direction and environment of modern journalism. His other works such as 'Daerah Zeni', 'Sungai Mengalir Lesu', 'Di Hadapan Pulau' and 'Keledang' capture the experiences and anxieties of society from various dimensions. A. Samad Said also drew inspiration from his travels, turning each journey into literary material. For instance, his visit to India in 1965 inspired 'Bulan Tak Bermadu di Fatehpur Sikri' while his 1989 trip to Europe gave rise to 'Cinta Fansuri' and 'Warkah Eropah'. These works not only reflect his fascination with foreign cultures but also demonstrate his ability to transform personal experiences into universal narratives. His critical reflections on literature and the global writing scene are evident in his essay collections 'Tangan yang Simpatik', 'Antara Bulan dan Wira' and 'Ilham di Tepi Tasik'. One of his works resonating with the younger generation is the poem 'Gagak Parit', translated into English as 'The Dead Crow' by Harry Aveling. The poem was part of Malaysia's secondary school English curriculum from 2000 to 2009 and even became the focus of a visual art exhibition in Kuala Lumpur in 2017, a testament to its cross-generational impact. To strengthen the letter-writing genre in Malay literature, A. Samad Said penned 'Warkah Kepada Salmi Manja', addressed to his wife. He made his mark in drama as well, particularly through the play 'Lantai T. Pinkie', which was staged 17 times up to 2023. His poetry collections such as '68 Soneta Pohon Gingko', 'Balada Hilang Peta' and several of his translated works extended his literary reach internationally, including in South Korea. He also participated in numerous literary programmes, inspiring younger generations. In 2019, he was appointed Resident Literarian at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, which also houses the Pak Samad Gallery - a living archive of his works. Among the prestigious accolades he has received are: 'Pejuang Sastera' (1976), S.E.A. Write Award (1979), National Laureate (1985), 'Sasterawan Nusantara' (1999) and most recently, the Merdeka Award 2024. The Merdeka Award, given by the Merdeka Award Trust founded by PETRONAS and Shell, was established on Aug 27, 2007. This award celebrates the achievements and significant contributions of individuals and organisations within their respective fields. OVERCAME STUTTERING Sharing how he overcame his biggest handicap - stuttering - A. Samad Said said: "My biggest challenge has been my stutter. From the beginning, I had a dream of becoming a great orator. So, I would go to the seashore, wait for the big waves to crash and I would try to shout louder than the waves hitting the shore or rocks. "My role model was actually someone who also stuttered - I've forgotten his name - but I wanted to surpass him. He started off with a stutter but eventually overcame it and that inspired me.' On other challenges he faced in the past, he said while he could not recollect them, he, however, remembers that whenever he was inspired to create something and it took him a long time to complete it, he would get worried. "But once I overcome it (the challenges), there's a sense of relief.' A. Samad Said's wife Datin Seri Saleha Abdul Rashid, who he married in 1958, was a fellow poet and novelist, and a former journalist and one of the pioneering women writers advocating social justice and women's rights. She was better known as Salmi Manja. In 1979, he married his second wife Rashidah Md Dahan. Salmi Manja passed away on Dec 26, 2023, at the age of 86. When asked how he balanced his career and personal life, he replied: "I honestly can't separate the two. To me, every passing moment is meaningful. Reading is my only pastime… I feel at ease when I have a book on my right and left. "In my free time, I enjoy daydreaming and reminiscing the past,' he added. On his life philosophy, he said he always reminds people that the opportunity to come into this world is a gift and not everyone gets that chance. "But I did and I am grateful for it. Each person interprets life in their own way but it is something that must be cherished. As a writer, I try to do the best I can,' he said. He also said having gone through difficult phases in his life, his religious beliefs became even more significant to him. "Whenever I feel anxious, I find comfort in reading the Al-Quran,' he said, adding he considers his success at overcoming his stutter an "extraordinary achievement'. "I hope I made meaningful contributions to my people and my country through my presence in this world. And if this has happened, I am content.' NEVER TAKE WHAT BELONGS TO OTHERS In addition to being a literary figure, A. Samad Said was also actively involved in social and political activism. He played a key role in the 'Gerakan Mansuhkan PPSMI' (2009), which opposed the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English, and he participated in the Bersih 2.0 and 3.0 rallies, advocating for electoral reforms in Malaysia. His sincerity and perseverance, as well as his struggles and diverse experiences, shaped his thinking and personality, establishing him as one of Malaysia's most respected literary figures. These days, he finds comfort in reading classic literature - books he never had time to finish earlier in life. "Now, I spend more time reading classics I didn't manage to finish before. For example, I enjoy reading works by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy and Ernest Hemingway… I didn't finish reading their books in the past but now I'm taking it slow, savouring every moment and 'gathering' wisdom,' he said. His message to the public is simple and profound: "Do good… contribute to your people and your country. Young people should ask themselves, 'What do I really want to become?' Then pursue it. Serve others. And never steal… never take what rightfully belongs to someone else.' - BERNAMA More Like This
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Public urged to have domestic pets microchipped
PETALING JAYA: The Veterinary Services Department (VSD) is calling on pet owners to microchip their animals, describing it as a vital step in addressing the stray population and protecting domestic pets. As of May, over 25,800 pets have been microchipped nationwide. Under Malaysian law, all pets – specifically dogs and cats – must be identified and registered. VSD confirmed that microchipping remains the standard method, with every registered pet issued an Animal Identification Card under the Animal Passport System. 'Microchipping is more than a safety measure; it's a sign of responsible ownership,' said VSD veterinary officer Dr Salina Amad Bugis. 'It helps reunite lost pets with their families and supports broader efforts to manage animal welfare in our communities.' While any registered veterinarian can carry out the procedure, only VSD officers and authorised vets are permitted to issue the official ID card. The procedure is quick, minimally invasive and carries rare health risks. To increase accessibility, VSD regularly offers subsidised microchipping programmes during national events such as World Rabies Day, World Veterinary Day and the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show as well as state-level initiatives. In May, Malacca VSD conducted an outreach campaign in Sungai Udang, offering rabies awareness and microchipping services for household pets. VSD is also working with certified clinics to provide microchipping during regular vet visits, aiming to simplify registration for pet owners. 'Although microchipping alone won't eliminate the stray issue, it is a key part of a broader strategy involving vaccination, education and animal control,' Salina said. Globally and locally, microchipping has proven effective in reducing lost pet cases and improving reunification rates. 'As responsible pet owners, it is our duty to ensure the safety, health and well-being of our animals,' she added. 'Get your pet microchipped and registered at your nearest VSD office or authorised veterinary clinic. Together, we can build a more compassionate and accountable pet-owning community.' Meanwhile, an animal welfare advocate warned that gaps in enforcement and registration are limiting the effectiveness of the system. Malaysian Animal Welfare Association president Mukunnan Sugumaran described microchipping as essential yet underutilised due to a lack of central oversight. 'Microchipping is a simple, safe procedure that costs about RM100 and should be seen as part of responsible pet ownership. But I've personally rescued dogs with microchips only to find their data missing from any registry,' he said. Mukunnan noted that not all shelters or adoption centres microchip the animals they release, which can lead to abandonment cases in which owners deny responsibility. 'Too often, when pets are dumped, there's no way to trace the owner. The law can't act if there's no evidence,' he said, pointing to Section 29(1)(d) of the Animal Welfare Act, which makes abandonment a punishable offence. To date, no one has been charged under the clause due to the lack of traceable records. Mukunnan called for a unified national registration system, better enforcement and clearer legal frameworks. 'Microchipping should be mandatory, not optional. Every shelter, rescue group and pet owner has a role to play in proper registration,' he said. He urged government agencies, local councils and NGOs to collaborate in building a more structured and enforceable microchipping system.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pick-up truck crashes into motorcycle after running red light
TOWN OF SALINA, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The passenger riding on a motorcycle was thrown off the bike after being hit by a pickup truck. According to New York State Police, just before 3 p.m. on May 30, Rickey Belcamino was driving south on Factory Avenue in his pickup truck when he ran a red light and struck a motorcycle driving on Lemoyne Avenue. The passenger on the motorcycle was ejected and hit a parked SUV. She was unconscious and taken to Upstate Hospital by ambulance. No one else involved in the crash was hurt. Belcamino received a ticket for Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
