Hong Kong watchdog shell-shocked no crustacean in lobster meatballs - CNA

HONG KONG: It may look like lobster and taste like lobster, but Hong Kong's consumer watchdog is warning hungry hotpot fanatics that the shellfish-tasting meatballs do not, in fact, come from under the sea.

Meatballs are ubiquitous in food-obsessed Hong Kong - offered up on skewers by lunchtime food vendors and also a popular menu item in hotpot and barbeque restaurants.

But anyone with a hankering for lobster meatballs might get a little crabby with Monday's (Jan 17) press release from Hong Kong's Consumer Council, which said it conducted DNA tests on a variety of meatballs for the first time.

"All 10 samples of lobster balls were not detected with crustacean DNA, including a sample which listed lobster in the ingredients list," it said.

Only two samples tested had indicated they were not made from real lobster, calling their products "lobster-flavoured meatballs" and "imitation lobster balls".

The shell-shocking discovery still holds some mystery - specifically what exactly the so-called "lobster balls" contained, said Nora Tam Fung-yee, the chairwoman of the council's research and testing committee.

"We found some other ingredients ... that might be other seafood or even meat-type ingredients," she told the South China Morning Post.

"But our tests focused on lobster-related DNA so we only know that lobster balls to not contain crustacean DNA."

The Consumer Council also found that out of 20 beef and beef tendon balls tested, only seven were found to contain 100 per cent cow DNA - the rest had pig and chicken detected in parts of it.

"(Eight) samples even had a lower proportion of cow DNA as compared with pig and chicken DNA," it said, warning consumers with dietary or religious food restrictions to "pay extra heed".

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2022-01-17 13:20:00Z
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Djokovic 'extremely disappointed' with cancellation of visa - CNA

Djokovic had appealed Immigration Minister Alex Hawke's decision to cancel his visa on the grounds that he was a threat to public order because his presence would encourage anti-vaccination sentiment amid Australia's worst COVID-19 outbreak.

"I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this," the 34-year-old said in a statement after the court dismissed his case.

"I am extremely disappointed with the Court ruling to dismiss my application for judicial review of the Minister's decision to cancel my visa, which means I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open.

"I respect the Court's ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country."

Djokovic, who is not vaccinated against COVID-19, was granted a medical exemption to compete at the Melbourne Park major, a tournament he has won nine times including the last three editions.

The defending Australian Open champion flew into Melbourne on Jan 5 hoping to win the title for a 10th time, in the process becoming the first men's player in the history of the game to grab 21 Grand Slam titles.

In an 11-day battle over his lack of a COVID-19 vaccine that captured global attention, the tennis ace had his visa cancelled at Melbourne airport, reinstated on a procedural issue and then cancelled again by the government.

He spent his first few nights in Australia at a notorious Melbourne detention centre, walked free to practice on the Australian Open's courts for several days after he won back his visa, and then was returned into detention.

Rafa Nadal, who is tied with Djokovic on 20 major titles, said "too many questions" still needed to be answered concerning the Serb's bid to play the tournament, while other leading players lamented how Slam has been overshadowed by the saga.

"I am uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me and I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love," Djokovic said, while also thanking those that supported him.

"I would like to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans all the best for the tournament."

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2022-01-16 08:14:24Z
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Concerns mount for Tonga after tsunami triggered by underwater volcano - CNA

WELLINGTON: Pacific nations and humanitarian groups struggled to establish communications with Tonga on Sunday (Jan 16) after a tsunami triggered by a massive volcanic eruption cut telephone and Internet connections, raising concerns for the tiny island nation.

An underwater volcano off Tonga erupted on Saturday, triggering tsunami warnings and evacuation orders on the shores of Tonga as well as several South Pacific islands, where footage on social media showed waves crashing into coastal homes.

Internet and phone lines went down at about 6.40pm local time (1.40pm, Singapore time) on Saturday, leaving the 105,000 residents on the islands virtually uncontactable.

"The images of the volcanic eruption in close proximity to Tonga are hugely concerning," Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, located about 2,383km from Tonga, said in a statement on Instagram.

"Communication as a result of the eruption has been difficult, but our defence force team and Ministry of Foreign Affairs are working as we speak to establish what's needed and how we can help," she said.

The New Zealand foreign ministry said there were no reports of injuries or deaths as yet but communications were limited.

Ardern will address the media at 3pm New Zealand time (10am, Singapore time) to give an update on the situation.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Pacific Office in Suva, Fiji said it was monitoring the situation and had no updates on damages or casualties.

Tongan churches in New Zealand organised prayers for their families back home.

"We pray God will help our country at this sad moment. We hope everybody is safe," Maikeli Atiola, the secretary of the Wesleyan Church of Tonga in Auckland said, Radio New Zealand reported.

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2022-01-16 02:16:45Z
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Indonesian student's selfies fetch US$1 million in NFT sales - The Straits Times

SEMARANG (AFP, THE JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - An Indonesian college student has become an Internet sensation after trade in the digital rights to his selfies fetched more than US$1 million (S$1.3 million) on a platform for non-fungible tokens (NFT).

Mr Sultan Gustaf Al Ghozali, who studies computer science at a university in the central city of Semarang, has taken a picture of himself sitting in front of his computer almost every day for the last five years.

He intended to use the collection of nearly 1,000 selfies to create a timelapse video for his graduation day.

But after learning about blockchain technology, the 22-year-old decided to upload the photos to NFT trading platform OpenSea under the title “Ghozali Everyday”.

“I was thinking it might be funny if one of the collectors collected my face,” Mr Ghozali told reporters at his university’s campus on Thursday (Jan 13).

“I never thought anybody would want to buy the selfies, which is why I only priced them at $3,” he said.

But on Friday, one selfie was available for 0.247 of the cryptocurrency ether (S$1,086) after demand shot up.

NFTs have transformed digital items ranging from illustrations to memes into virtual collectors’ items that cannot be duplicated.

Mr Ghozali started to upload his selfies in late December, but it was not until a celebrity chef snapped some up last week and promoted Mr Ghozali on his social media account that sales took off.

In the next few days more than 400 people bought ownership of his expressionless photos.

As of Friday afternoon, Mr Ghozali’s collection had reached a total trade volume of 317 ether, equivalent to more than US$1 million.

“To be honest I still haven’t got the courage to tell my parents, they would be wondering where I got the money from,” Mr Ghozali laughed.

On his Twitter account, where he has more than 16,000 followers, the student often offers updates on his OpenSea statistics.

“Today (I) sold more than 230+ (selfies) and until now I don’t understand why you want to buy #NFT photos of me !!! but i thank you guys for 5 years of effort paid off,” he tweeted on Tuesday.

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2022-01-15 08:45:00Z
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Reaction to Australian government cancelling Djokovic visa again - CNA

MELBOURNE : Following are reactions to Australia cancelling Novak Djokovic's visa for a second time on Friday on the grounds that the world tennis number one, who has not been vaccinated against COVID-19, may pose a health risk.

The move effectively ends his bid for a record 21st Grand Slam title at the Jan. 17-30 Australian Open.

AUSTRALIAN PM SCOTT MORRISON

"I note the Minister for Immigration's decision in relation to Mr Novak Djokovic's visa.

"I understand that following careful consideration, action has been taken by the Minister to cancel Mr Djokovic's visa held on health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so.

"This pandemic has been incredibly difficult for every Australian but we have stuck together and saved lives and livelihoods."

FORMER AUSTRALIAN PM KEVIN RUDD

"What a surprise! Morrison's govt cancels Djokovic's visa to win the weekend media cycle - showing us all how hairy chested he is. Why on earth did they issue the visa in the first place? One big political distraction from empty shelves & the national shortage of boosters & RATs."

THREE-TIMES GRAND SLAM CHAMPION ANDY MURRAY

"It's unfortunate that it's ended up in this sort of situation, and who knows? I don't know what route he goes down, if he can appeal that and, you know, how long that takes, and can he still be out practicing whilst that process is going on or still competing in the tournament?

"Just want it to get resolved. I think it would be good for everyone if that was the case. It just seems like it's dragged on for quite a long time now, and yeah, not great for the tennis, not great for the Australian Open, not great for Novak."

OPPOSITION LABOUR LEADER ANTHONY ALBANESE

"(Scott Morrison) has been using this Novak Djokovic saga as a distraction from the shortages in our supermarkets, the shortages in our chemists, the shortages of workers, the uncertainty that people have had over kids' boosters and the return to school and all the rest of it.

"But what we have from a government is day after day after day not making a decision where it is now almost 60 days since his visa was granted."

SEVEN-TIMES GRAND SLAM CHAMPION JUSTINE HENIN

"I think it's the best thing he doesn't play at the moment.

"When something is so complicated, I don't say that Djokovic doesn't have to fight, because he thought it was the right thing to do, but I think now it's been proved that so many Australian people don't want him to play.

"So maybe it's better for everyone, for tennis, for the tournament, and maybe for him, that he doesn't play the tournament."

DARREN CAHILL, COACH AND FORMER PLAYER

"Fault lies everywhere here. It's been a mess. Novak, TA, Vic Gov, Federal Gov. It should've been a hard rule entering this country considering what the folks have been thru. Get vaccinated and come play the AO, or if not maybe see you in 23'. No wiggle room."

FORMER SERBIAN TENNIS PLAYER JANKO TIPSAREVIC

"Toxic Shame on each and everyone involved in this process..."

LOU RICCIARDI, FAN AT MELBOURNE PARK TOLD REUTERS

"I do agree with what the government has done. Rules are rules. If you break the rules there are a lot of consequences.

"It's unfortunate for the Open but ... the Open is bigger than just one man. The other players have got to just put up with what's happened and hope there's no distractions.

"I feel the government did the right thing to keep us healthy and safe."

(Compiled by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Chopra, William Maclean, Catherine Evans)

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2022-01-14 09:19:52Z
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Japanese PM’s call to drink more milk successful, mass disposal averted - SoraNews24

We did it!

Late last year, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addressed the nation and talked about various measure to deal with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He not only discussed measures to prevent the spread of the virus but also ways to mitigate its effect on the economy.

It was then that he issued an urgent call to arms that may define his entire term as Prime Minister…in my mind at least.

“I am asking the people of Japan to use milk in cooking and to drink cups of milk always through the New Year’s holiday in order to prevent a mass disposal.”

According to the prime minister’s plea, the milk producers of Japan were sitting on a huge 5,000-ton glut of white crude caused mainly by canceled school lunches throughout the pandemic. If this milk could find no home, it would have to be spilled, and despite our best efforts to tell people not to, some were sure to cry over it.

Online reaction to the news was initially lukewarm, with many demanding they lower the price first or just use it to make butter and yogurt. However, it turned out the silent majority had stepped up and drank milk like there was no tomorrow, because on 12 January the Japan Dairy Association, also known as J-Milk, announced that the crisis had been adverted and the mass disposal milk was no longer necessary. And since kids have recently gone back to school after the holidays, the demand for milk as a part of their lunches has returned to its normal balance.

▼ J-Milk issued a thank you to the entire country for the support.

Image: J-Milk

In addition, it turned out that the dairy industry was indeed going full-tilt to process as much of the milk as possible into products like butter and cheese. So we should give them all a big hand for their roles too, especially if it results in some cheaper stuff from them down the line.

We all worked hard. How about some butter sushi for everyone?

Image: ©SoraNews24

Many of the cynical online comments attached to the initial news of the surplus seem to have given way to sighs of relief and people declaring that they had pitched in over the holidays.

“I was a little worried and bought an extra carton over the holidays. I’m glad it worked out!”
“I like Lawson hot milks, but could only drink about a liter myself.”
“Great! My kids love milk so I bought a lot at the end of the year.”
“My whole family likes milk so we got more than usual and drank it all when we got together.”
“I drank so much milk.”
“Happy Nyu Year! [‘gyunyu’ is the Japanese word for cow’s milk]“
“I don’t drink milk but I put it in my coffee so I’m grateful for this.”

I too did my part for the cause by having a large box of The Elf on the Shelf cereal airlifted in, and many a crepe was made throughout the holidays as well. I even took to dunking my Oreos in tall glasses of milk, which was difficult as I converted to eating them exclusively in spam-Oreo sandwiches back in 2020.

It goes to show that we all have to make sacrifices sometimes, but when the chips are down and the challenge is mildly enjoyable, together we really can make a difference.

Source: FNN, Hachima Kiko
Top image: ©SoraNews24
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2022-01-14 06:00:13Z
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UK's Prince Andrew loses royal and military links - CNA

LONDON: The Royal Family removed Prince Andrew's military links and royal patronages on Thursday (Jan 13) and said he will no longer be known as "His Royal Highness", as the son of Queen Elizabeth fights a US lawsuit in which he is accused of sex abuse.

Andrew, 61, the Duke of York, was forced to step down from public duties in 2019 because of his connections to convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and after a disastrous BBC TV interview which the prince had hoped would clear his name.

Thursday's move by the royal family means he will now lose all his royal connections.

"With the queen's approval and agreement, The Duke of York’s military affiliations and royal patronages have been returned to the queen," Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

"The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen."

On Wednesday, Andrew's lawyers failed to persuade a US judge to dismiss a civil lawsuit in which Virginia Giuffre accuses him of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager.

US District Judge Lewis Kaplan said Giuffre, 38, could pursue claims that Andrew battered her and intentionally caused her emotional distress while Epstein - a financier who killed himself in jail in August 2019 while awaiting his sex trafficking trial - was trafficking her.

The prince, the 95-year-old queen's second son, has denied Giuffre's accusations that he forced her to have sex more than two decades ago at a London home of former Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, and abused her at two Epstein properties.

The judge's decision means Andrew could be forced to give evidence at a trial which could begin between September and December 2022 if no settlement were reached.

'MARATHON NOT A SPRINT'

"Given the robustness with which Judge Kaplan greeted our arguments, we are unsurprised by the ruling," a source close to Andrew said.

"However, it was not a judgement on the merits of Ms Giuffre's allegations. This is a marathon not a sprint and the Duke will continue to defend himself against these claims."

A representative for Giuffre did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Andrew's links to Epstein had led to a swathe of damaging media reports, leading the prince to decide to do an TV interview in November 2019 which he hoped would resolve the matter.

It instead led to ridicule and further questions, and as the controversy grew, Buckingham Palace had increasingly distanced itself from the prince, declining to comment and referring all questions to his lawyers.

"This is now about the protection of the royal family's reputation. This is likely to do, and is already doing, considerable reputational damage - it's being followed around the world," the BBC's royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said.

The US conviction last month of his friend Ghislaine Maxwell on sex trafficking and other charges of recruiting and grooming underage girls for Epstein to abuse, together with his own case, had left his reputation in the British media in tatters.

A royal source said the decision over Andrew came after wide discussions among the Windsors, and that his military affiliations and patronages would be redistributed to other members of the family.

Earlier, an open letter to the queen, signed by more than 150 veterans calling for Andrew too have his military titles taken away and "if necessary, that he be dishonourably discharged", was published by the anti-monarchy campaign group Republic.

They called for Elizabeth to take immediate action because her son had been "uncooperative and less than truthful" about his relationship with Epstein, and had brought the armed services he represented into disrepute.

"Regardless of the result of Virginia Giuffre’s civil case against Prince Andrew, his position in Britain's armed forces is now untenable," the veterans' letter said.

The scandal surrounding Andrew comes on the heels of the damage caused after the queen's grandson Prince Harry and his American wife Meghan quit royal duties to forge new careers in Los Angeles, later accusing the royal household of racism.

They too were stripped of all their patronages, the 'His and Her Royal Highness' titles, and Harry also lost his prized military roles.

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2022-01-13 18:39:00Z
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