WASHINGTON - Billionaire industrialist David Koch, a driving force behind conglomerate Koch Industries who as one of the world's richest people became a major financier of conservative causes and political candidates, has died at age 79, his brother said on Friday. Charles Koch, Koch Industries Inc's chairman, disclosed the death in a statement that touched on his younger brother's lengthy battle with prostate cancer and his philanthropic contributions to medical research, education and the arts. “He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten,” Koch said in a statement addressed to employees. "David was proud of the extraordinary work you all have done to make Koch Industries the successful company that it is today." Koch, a philanthropist and patron of cultural and medical institutions, amassed his vast wealth with a large ownership stake in Koch Industries, the Wichita, Kansas-based company he ran with Charles. With Charles as chairman and chief executive and David as … [Read more...] about Billionaire industrialist David Koch dies at 79
Shedding a tear
Cooking up a storm in heaven
Cooking up a storm in heaven A TASTE OF LIFE - Heny Sison (The Philippine Star) - August 15, 2019 - 12:00am She came at the right time, and fit just like a glove. No one could ever imagine what a wonderful surprise Vivian Basco Syyap was to me, the way she came into my life at a time when I was on the lookout for someone to complement my team at my culinary school. It was a careful decision I had to make, as I would need to mentor that person to become a vital part of the school that I love and built. It was challenging, to say the least, to even find someone who met my standards. However, just when I was about to give up, a good friend told me that she knew of someone I might want to consider. This chef was their family friend, so she knew her well. Vivian, the perfect candidate, came along highly skilled and educated at the Culinary Institute of America. Eventually, we invited her onboard for a trial. Vivian was the first … [Read more...] about Cooking up a storm in heaven
Korean tears at breaking goal duck at world water polo
GWANGJU, South Korea: South Korea's female water polo team have lost their first two games at the world championships by an eye-watering aggregate score of 94-1 - but they celebrated their goal as if they had won gold.After suffering a record 64-0 defeat by Hungary in their Group B opener at the weekend, the plucky hosts were battered 30-1 by 2017 bronze medallists Russia on Tuesday.But despite another lopsided result, goalscorer Kyung Da-seul was the toast of Gwangju after finding the net in the final quarter to trigger tearful scenes.The 18-year-old said she would cherish the memory but was sad not to keep the ball as a memento."I'd love to have the ball but I have no idea where it's gone," Kyung told local media."I'd be grateful if someone found it for me."Footballers get to keep the match ball when they score a hat-trick and baseball players often keep the ball they hit for their first career run or homer - if they can trade a signed bat or other memorabilia to get it back.Kyung … [Read more...] about Korean tears at breaking goal duck at world water polo
Karen Mok made me cry during her final concert in Singapore
Hong Kong diva Karen Mok had a mission to accomplish during The Ultimate Karen Mok Show last night (June 15) at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The effervescent 49-year-old had to entertain and bid farewell to the 6,000-strong crowd while putting on a show that not only served as an ending, but also the beginning of something new. After all, The Ultimate Karen Mok Show is meant to celebrate her 25th anniversary in the entertainment business and she is ready to close the curtains on her concert tours. Yes, this may be the last time she's gracing Singapore's stage as she will be retiring from concert touring and shifting her focus to developing the Chinese musical scene. And she succeeded on all fronts as she made this writer shed a tear despite never having been to any of her previous concerts. It was also apparent that Karen was really giving it her all and was working harder than a football squad captain in a final attempt to clinch that trophy. But what … [Read more...] about Karen Mok made me cry during her final concert in Singapore
A modern take on old traditions
Many forms of performing arts in Thailand are under threat today. Considered old-fashioned and irrelevant to the modern lifestyle, they fail to ignite young people’s interest. That started to change last year when the Dhipaya Art of Siam project was launched with the aim of bringing these art forms back to life and keeping them current. “I shed tears of pleasure when I saw the show,” recalls Watchanee Mesamarn, an expert in Thai dramatic arts at the College of Dramatic Arts for 45 years and senior adviser for this show. “I was surprised that Dr Somporn [Suebthawilkul, managing director of the main sponsor, Dhipaya Insurance] was so interested in Thai performing arts that he put on Hanuman’s costume and performed on stage between acts. Today I’m more confident than ever that these Thai performing arts will not completely disappear.” Nives “Nueng” Waewsamana, the founder of Baan Tookkatoon Hoonkrabok Thai, … [Read more...] about A modern take on old traditions