Latest news with #Marilyn
Barnama
2 days ago
- Health
- Barnama
Manulife Malaysia Champions New Era Of Health Protection
KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- Manulife Malaysia (Manulife) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the health and well-being of Malaysians through a comprehensive, people-first approach to health insurance. Manulife chief marketing officer Marilyn Wang said this commitment is reflected in its expanding range of health solutions, including Manulife Health Saver Enrich (MHSE) and Beyond Critical Cover (BCC), both designed to provide support at every stage of care. 'These products aim not only to ease the financial burden of serious illnesses but also to promote healthier lifestyles for long-term well-being,' she said during a speech at an exclusive session with Manulife Malaysia and Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) on Cancer, Prevention & Protection here, today. She said that, according to The Asia Care Survey 2024 conducted by Manulife, about 45 per cent of Malaysians worry about cancer as a major future health risk. 'They also report a 29 per cent perceived increase in healthcare costs, the second highest in Asia, and 71 per cent say employer health benefits alone are not enough to protect their long-term well-being,' she said. Marilyn said MHSE offers practical benefits such as coverage for essential vaccinations, mental wellness, and generous post-hospitalisation recovery support for up to 365 days. 'MHSE also provides post-cancer follow-up care for up to five years after remission, helping monitor for recurrence and manage ongoing needs. 'MHSE also rewards customers with a no-claims discount of up to 40 per cent on insurance charges for every claim-free year,' she said, adding that families benefit from an annual limit of RM20 million, with the flexibility to cover a spouse and up to five children under a single policy, plus a special family discount for added affordability. On Manulife's BCC, she said it protects against 48 critical illnesses, including cancer.
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
‘You've got to have dreams' - EastEnders star in Fringe show
But when she reveals she's set to walk away from EastEnders to appear at the Fringe for a fee that would barely keep her in pie and mash for a few days, the eyebrows still soar skyward. You're trading in a glossy, glam studio Michelle, for a dressing room the size of a Sindy doll's shoebox? In August, the north Londoner is set to appear in Edinburgh in Motorhome Marilyn. She explains the premise of the one-woman play, and the compulsion to create the role. 'Back in the day, I used to go back and forwards to Los Angeles quite a bit. Then, about seven years ago, I was outside the Chinese Theatre where the lookalikes hang around and I saw this woman dressed as Marilyn, wearing the white iconic halter neck dress, the platinum hair, the lot. But she was getting out of an old American motorhome – and was putting money in the meter. Read more: 'And I thought to myself 'Wow, that's a great visual!' And as I watched her, she turned and waved, but I realised she was as old as me, not at all like the rest of the young Marilyn lookalikes in the area. Later, I was told she lived around the area. But this woman really stuck in my mind. How did she come to live this life? What was her backstory?' Collins never managed to find out the woman's tale, but having developed her own theatre projects in the past she commissioned writer friend Stewart Permutt to come up with a script to match the visual she had witnessed. The result is beguiling; Denise is an English girl who headed to Hollywood years ago with her boyfriend to try her luck in the movies. But things didn't work out as planned. And the result was she becomes a Marilyn impersonator, working the convention centre and parties, eking out a living while sleeping in her campervan in parking lots. That's all tragic enough, but Collins illustrates that the play asks the deeper question; what is the true cost of failure? And what is Denise's secret that she keeps? However, the 'Marilyn' story Collins helped construct didn't slide onto the Fringe stage effortlessly at all. Five years ago, the venue was booked, the posters drawn – and then Covid attacked. 'And Stewart contracted Covid, and never wrote again,' says the actor, in soft voice. 'And he died last year.' Permutt had insisted however the play should appear at some point and writer Ben Wetherill was brought in to re-draft the tragi-comedy survival story. Collins reveals it has another theme. 'We do judge people in this world,' she explains. 'But we have to consider that no one sets out to become a Marilyn impersonator and live in a run-down campervan. She's also eccentric, but someone who ran away from home and we learn what happened to her.' Are there echoes of Alan Bennett's Lady in The Van and mental health issues? 'Do you know what, I think you're right. I'd forgotten about that play. This is also about someone who's homeless, and eccentric, but once had a very different life. The difference (from Lady in the Van) is Denise is obsessed with Marilyn and her home is a shrine to the legend.' Michelle Collins (Image: Agency) Michelle Collins, who also starred in Coronation Street, was never obsessed with Monroe but admits that her fascination has amplified hugely during research. 'She was far more intelligent than is suggested- she started her own production company way before others were doing it. She was political and felt strongly about civil rights and took the major studios to court. And the way she was treated was terrible. Hollywood at the time was brutal.' It's not hard to discern the commitment in Collins' voice to taking on the Marilyn role. And she wanted to take on the sort of role that is so often denied to females in the business. 'We are living in a world that's obsessed with youth. It's all about Netflix and sexy young things. But I don't think people want to see that all the time. They want to see older people perform. And that's why I think EastEnders is particularly good for having older people at the centre of the stories.' She adds; 'But when you hit your 40s the lead roles don't come as often as they did. So, you have to fight for them.' Or create them. But wasn't there a risk in asking the TV soap for a leave of absence to take to the stage? 'I was determined I wanted to do it,' she says smiling. 'Thankfully, after a sharp intake of breath the producer agreed.' She adds; 'But I've always been creative. I like to go out of my comfort zone, and I've never conformed really.' That's so true. Collins was prepared to leave the comfort and wage joy of EastEnders to take her chances. And bold enough to return after a 25-year break. Particularly when her character Cindy, incidentally, was dead. 'Yes!' she declares. 'When I went back, I felt very much an alien and an outsider. I was scared to go back for many reasons. I worried if people would be interested in Cindy anymore. Would I still be able to play her? Would I be accepted (by the cast). And of course, yes, she was dead.' The actor laughs. 'But thankfully people have now forgotten she was away for all those years in a witness protection scheme.' Collins' voice becomes more animated as she talks of performing at the Fringe for the very first time, after years of being an audience member. 'You know, I don't believe in failure anymore. I'm going to make sure I enjoy this. And blimey, I'm in the third act of my life now, (she's 63) but I've got a lot of energy. And you've got to keep trying new things.' The actor adds; 'I needed to do this. And you've got to have dreams, haven't you. Mine is to make this play success.' Motorhome Marilyn, the Gilded Balloon Patter House, Edinburgh, July 30 to August 25, at 5.30pm. To purchase tickets for the Fringe, please click here
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
From ‘In the Heat of the Night' to ‘E.T,' Streisand to ‘Severance': How Alan Bergman soundtracked Hollywood
Four Emmys. Three Oscars. Two Grammys. One-half of a legendary songwriting team who made an enduring impact on the soundtrack of Hollywood. Alan Bergman — whose collaboration with wife Marilyn resulted in dozens of indelible songs performed from everyone from Frank Sinatra to Barbra Streisand to Michael Jackson, and soundtracked everything from In the Heat of the Night to Severance — died Thursday at the age of 99. (Marilyn died in 2002.) More from Gold Derby How 'Smurfs' points to the dire straits of the Best Animated Feature Oscar race 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' features shocking cameos by 2 award winners (spoilers!) The Bergmans formed a formidable lyric-writing duo, teaming with several of the greatest composers of the 20th century, including Quincy Jones, John Williams, Ennio Morricone, Henry Mancini, and Marvin Hamlisch. They received the Trustees Award from the Grammys in 2013 and were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1980; the couple also received the organization's highest honor, the Johnny Mercer Award, in 1997. Here are 10 must-hear classics from their award-worthy songbook. 'Nice 'n' Easy' (1960) Cowritten with Lew Spence, the swinging lead single from Frank Sinatra's hit album was a breakout smash for the young songwriting tandem. It also earned them their first Song of the Year Grammy nomination. 'In the Heat of the Night' (1967) With music by Jones, this is the song that put the Bergmans on Hollywood's radar. From the Best Picture-winning film of the same name, the track — which played over the opening titles — featured a soulful performance by Ray Charles. 'The Windmills of Your Mind' (1968) The Bergmans had a fruitful partnership with French composer Michel Legrand. Their first team-up resulted in this classic from The Thomas Crown Affair, and earned them their first Oscar for Best Original Song. Originally performed by Noel Harrison, it was later recorded by the likes of Dusty Springfield, José Feliciano, Johnny Mathis, Don Knotts (in a manic rendition for The Muppet Show), and Mel Tormé — whose version memorably underscored the final scene of Season 2 of Severance as Mark and Helly race off into an uncertain future. 'The Way We Were' (1973) The Bergmans won their second Oscar by teaming up with Hamlisch for the theme to the hit Streisand-Robert Redford romance. The track was sung by Streisand, who became a frequent interpreter of the couple's songs. The tune also earned the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy Award for Song of the Year, and the Bergmans won a second Grammy for the soundtrack album. 'Good Times' (1974) Two years after cowriting the theme song to "Maude," the Bergmans and Dave Grusin came up with an even more impactful opening number for "Good Times." While the show didn't earn any Emmy glory, the theme, performed by Jim Gilstrap and Blinky Williams, became an enduring piece of pop culture. That was due, in part, to the inscrutable lyrics, which were a subject of one of Dave Chappelle's "I Know Black People" sketches on Chappelle's Show. 'Fify Percent' (1978) The Bergmans and composer Billy Goldenberg earned an Emmy for their 1975 TV musical Queen of the Stardust Ballroom, starring Maureen Stapleton and Charles Durning. The production was adapted for Broadway in 1978 and retitled Ballroom, with Dorothy Loudon and Vincent Gardenia taking over the lead roles. Although it only ran for 116 performances, Ballroom earned Tony nomination for Best Musical and provided Loudon with a show-stopping number in "Fifty Percent." 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers' (1978) Cowritten by Neil Diamond for the Norman Lear sitcom All That Glitters, the song ultimately went unused when Lear changed the show's direction. Diamond and Streisand each subsequently released solo versions of the song, which several deejays spliced together to make an unauthorized duet. The artists decided to record an official version and saw it top the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978. It also won the songwriters the Grammy for Song of the Year. 'Someone in the Dark' (1982) With music by Rod Temperton, this Michael Jackson song was the big hit from the E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial album, which also included the iconic John Williams theme and an audiobook of the film narrated by Jackson. Jackson would go on to win a Grammy for Best Recording for Children. 'Papa, Can You Hear Me'/ 'The Way He Makes Me Feel' (1983) The Bergmans and Legrand received two Best Song nominations for these tracks from Barbra Streisand's Yentl and ultimately won for Best Original Song Score. Best of Gold Derby 'Five new life forms from distant planets': Everything to know about 'Alien: Earth' as new trailer drops Billboard 200: Chart-topping albums of 2025 Billboard Hot 100: Every No. 1 song of 2025 Click here to read the full article. Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Record
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scenic town where King Charles enjoyed fish and chips named Scotland's top coastal view
The town was ranked fourth in a UK poll for its stunning harbour and scenic coastal views A new study has named the scenic harbour town of Portree, on the Isle of Skye, as the location with the finest coastal view in Scotland. Ranked fourth overall in a national poll commissioned by Haven Holidays, Portree's picture-perfect harbour, colourful seafront and dramatic backdrop secured its spot among the most breathtaking coastal scenes in the UK. Portree is the largest settlement on Skye and is known for its charming pastel-painted buildings that line the waterfront, as well as its peaceful harbour, nestled beneath steep cliffs, Scottish Daily Express reports. The view from the quay stretches across Loch Portree towards Ben Tianavaig, a 413-metre hill classed as a "Marilyn" for its prominence. From its ridge, visitors often spot golden eagles or sea eagles soaring overhead in the blue Highland skies. The nationwide survey asked 2,000 people to name the most stunning seaside locations across Britain. Cornwall's St Ives took the top spot, followed by Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire, and Padstow, also in Cornwall. Tenby in South West Wales completed the top five behind Portree, whose inclusion in the list cements its reputation as one of the country's most beautiful and tranquil coastal spots. In September 2021, King Charles and Queen Camilla experienced the view for themselves during a visit to the town, where they enjoyed fish and chips from local fisherman Dan Corrgiall's harbourside shop. The royal couple, dressed in traditional tartan, were serenaded by Gaelic singer Robert Robertson, lead vocalist of folk-rock band Tide Lines. 'It just felt like a really nice conversation, and it was a real pleasure,' he recalled of meeting them. Simon Palethorpe, chief executive of Haven, said: 'You don't need to go far from home to get picture postcard views and scenery. "There's nothing better than starting and ending your day with a sunrise and sunset view over the sea, even more so when it's on home soil. Brits are still so surprised by the breathtaking coastline we have in the UK.' The poll also revealed that coastal surroundings remain a top priority for holidaymakers. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Some 87 per cent of respondents said a seaside setting was important when booking a staycation, with most willing to travel an average of 159 miles from home to reach it comfortably. In addition, 85 per cent of those surveyed said they would happily pay more to stay somewhere with a sea view. Relaxation (60%) and a sense of escapism (36%) were the top reasons given for choosing coastal locations, with many citing the mental and physical health benefits of being near the sea. According to the survey data, more than two thirds of people believe that the coastal views found across Britain easily rival those abroad.
Borneo Post
11-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
SME Corp's BEEP Plus propels Sarawak-based SSK Resources to greater heights
Marilyn, SSK Resources' Project Development Executive, during a presentation about the company. KUCHING (July 11): Sarawak-based engineering firm, SSK Resources (M) Sdn Bhd, has experienced significant growth and transformation since participating in the Bumiputera Enterprise Enhancement Programme (BEEP) Plus implemented by SME Corp. Malaysia. In 2023, the company which involved primarily in the oil and gas industry, received assistance through the BEEP Plus programme with grant amounting to RM248,680.00 under the Productivity and Automation Enhancement component. The programme has enabled the company to achieve critical improvements across operations and service delivery, thus positioning them as a leading player in the regional market and strengthening its long-term growth potential and international competitiveness. SSK Resources Project Development Executive, Marilyn Awing Jaton said the company recorded a 35 per cent increase in sales for areas related to Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) and design since joining the BEEP Plus programme. 'Joining the programme gave our company the confidence and encouragement to move forward,' she told The Borneo Post. BEEP Plus provides assistance in the form of a matching grant for micro enterprises in Sabah and Sarawak. It was first introduced in 2023 under the Program Pengukuhan Mikro MADANI , following the launch of the MADANI Economic Framework by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. As of June 2025, a total of RM15.69 million in grants has been approved for 184 micro enterprises across Sabah and Sarawak. The programme offers matching grants of up to 70 per cent of project cost or a maximum of RM250,000.00 disbursed on a reimbursement basis. Reverse engineering works using Geomagic Design X and Geomagic Control X software , funded under the BEEP Plus. SSK Resources provides expertise in reverse engineering, renewable energy, turbo machinery and subsea technology project consultancy. Following its establishment in 2006, SSK Resources expanded its operations by opening three branches – its headquarters in Kuching, a branch office in Bintulu, and an operations office in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. While the company's primary focus has been on the domestic market, it is now gearing up for regional expansion into neighbouring countries. In addition, SSK Resources has forged strategic alliances with internationally renowned companies from Germany, China, India and the United States — partnerships that bring cutting-edge technological expertise and deep technical know-how to the table. However, the journey was not without obstacles. One of the main hurdles was securing financial support, in addition to training and development and marketing assistance. 'Out of determination to keep the business afloat, we searched for various support mechanisms and eventually discovered SME Corp. Malaysia's BEEP Plus through the internet,' she revealed. Marilyn noted that BEEP Plus stood out because of its focus on technology and automation, which helped SSK Resources increase operational efficiency. 'We found it appealing and highly relevant to our needs. It improved our operations, reduced reliance on external equipment, and sped up our engineering and design processes,' she said. SSK Resources has since taken a leap forward in 3D technology by developing an innovative product called WISTERIA, a customised 3D-printed insole designed based on an individual's foot structure assessment. The product has received positive feedback from medical professionals, public and private hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and teaching hospitals in Sarawak. Another notable benefit gained from the programme, Marilyn said, was the greater flexibility for on-site 3D scanning, which significantly enhanced project execution. Marilyn with SSK Resources director Fatimah Abdul Latip. Looking to the future, the company is planning to expand its marine services into Vietnam and Singapore and introduce WISTERIA in Brunei and Thailand besides the domestic market. When asked whether SSK Resources would recommend BEEP Plus to other businesses, the answer was an unequivocal yes. 'This programme has helped us increase productivity, reduce costs and access international markets through improved service delivery,' said Marilyn. Eligible expenses under BEEP Plus include product packaging improvement; productivity and automation; brand development and promotion; online applications; e-commerce; e-payment and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems; product development and innovation; purchase of raw material and equipment; rental of business premises; renovation works; and export-related training, courses, seminars or conferences. BEEP Plus SME Corp SSK Resources
