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XPRESS

DAILY

Wednesday, December 17, 2008 VOL 1, NO 240 dailyxpress.net

An outraged – and hurt – Lydia vows to file criminal and civil lawsuits against celebrity astrologer ‘Mor Krit Confirm’ after he suggested she might be pregnant >PAGE 2

GOOD MORNING BANGKOK!

DAILY XPRESS/VIMOLPORN SANMAI

Iron man’s moment of truth

By Richie Cunningham Australian winner of this year’s Laguna Phuket Triathlon

MIS(S)FORTUNE

I

t was a fantastic race, and right to the end very hard to predict who would come out on top. With just 10 metres to go to the finish line, I was still fighting to get a lead. If I had looked over my shoulder at the crucial moment, I would have lost the race.

2 TODAY

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

THE CITY

7.25 million PEOPLE are expected to visit Thailand this year, half the number the country received in 2007

briefly

Astrologer ‘Mor Krit Confirm’ apologetically wais singer Lydia’s mother Sansanee Wisuttithada after she went on stage at a Siam Dara event on Monday to condemn his ‘groundless’ prediction that her daughter is pregnant.

Below: Mor Krit’s signature stance that follows each of his predictions.

Sukhumbhand’s Skytrain plan

Risky prediction Celebrity astrologer Mor Krit faces a future in court – ‘confirm’ – after forecasting singer Lydia is pregnant

By Veena Thoopkrajae, Wannapa Phetdee D A I LY X P R E S S

C

elebrity astrologer Supakrit Pathomsriviroj, aka “Mor Krit Confirm” is obviously so busy predicting others’ futures that he had no time to check his own before leaving home on Monday.

His fortunes turned bad at an event held by “Siam Dara” newspaper, where he was verbally attacked right on the stage

by Sansanee Wisutthithada – mother of singer Saranrat “Lydia” – after he suggested the singer might be pregnant.

“What duty are you doing, fortune-teller?” asked a furious Sansanee. “Who asked you to do this? I’m doing my duty, a mother’s duty.”

DAILY

XPRESS

DAILY XPRESS

Mor Krit hastily apologised, but Sansanee demanded he “kraab” at her feet.

Following up her mum’s “courageous” act, Lydia vowed she wouldn’t forgive the soothsayer. “I will file criminal and civil lawsuits,” she said.

Appearing on Channel 3’s “Rueng Den Yen Nee” hosted

by Sorrayuth Suthassanajinda, the tearful singer said the prediction of a pregnancy had left her very stressed.

Ruining reputations?

“Mor Krit Confirm”, so called because he ends his predictions with the word “confirm”, recently claimed that 50 out of his 53 forecasts on high-profile people are accurate. Critics point out that his predictions are

vague and can easily become true by chance.

Sansanee’s latest daring act has brought some angry responses. Sukhum Chaloeysap, director of Suan Dusit Poll, told Daily Xpress that Mor Krit had overstepped the mark. “Mor Krit has violated Lydia’s rights – even she is pregnant, he has no right to reveal it.”

Supensri Puengkoksoong of

the Friends of Women Foundation recommends taking the astrologer to court. “Krit has to take responsibility for ruining the reputations of people in the public eye.”

Word on the Web Websites and blogs were also abuzz with opinions.

“I don’t like Lydia but I think it’s disgusting that a guy can earn a living giving a bad name to women,” wrote an anonymous poster on the Manager newspaper’s website. “Shame on him”.

Pop, another contributor, said: “Fortune-telling is a private matter and she didn’t ask you to do it. I support Lydia’s mum.”

Some were not so approving of Sansanee’s “mother hen” act.

“Barbaric behaviour,” commented one poster. “She should have saved her anger for the courts.”

Bangkok-governor hopeful MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra plans to have the Skytrain extension route operational next year, if he wins the election. The extension stretches for 2.2 kilometres over the Chao Phya River from Saphan Taksin to Thon Buri.

On a visit to pay respect to the statue of King Taksin in Thon Buri yesterday, Sukhumbhand said: “The trial run for the extension route will run from May to August 13, during which passengers will enjoy free rides for this stretch.”

He also announced plans to speed up the project to extend the Skytrain route to Bang Wa. Sukhumbhand was joined yesterday by former Bangkok governor and fellow Democrat Apirak Kosayodhin.

Formula for gold Thai whiz kids have won six medals at South Korea’s 5th International Junior Science Olympiad.

Stepping off the plane yesterday were gold medallists Pawan Larpwisut and Chayakorn Pongsiri, and silver medalwinners Suwimon Siranart, Papop Sawasdee, Koravee Prueksanusak and Watcharawit Watchararuangwit. All of them are junior-secondary students.

Today, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will grant them an audience at Chitralada Palace.

The Princess chairs the Promotion of Academic Olympiads and Development of Science Education Foundation, which was previously under the patronage of her late aunt. – Daily Xpress

Editor: Tulsathit Taptim / Managing Editor: Thanong Khanthong / Deputy Managing Editors: Kumar Krishnan, Jintana Panyaarvudh / Design Editor: Leroy A Sylk Web Co-editors: Marisa Chimprabha, Paisal Chuenprasaeng / The City Editor: Chularat Saengpassa / The Fun Editor: Veena Thoopkrajae / Sport Editor: Preechachan Wiriyanupappong / Group Editor in Chief: Suthichai Yoon

>>DAILY XPRESS is edited by Tulsathit Taptim and published by NMG News Co Ltd, at 1854, Bang Na-Trat Road, Bangkok 10260, and printed by FOR DISPLAY ADVERTISING,PLEASE CALL (02) 338 3000 # 1 WPS (Thailand) Co Ltd, Tel (02) 338 3000, Fax (02) 338 3334. EDITORIAL: Tel (02) 338 3333. ON THE WEB: DAILYXPRESS.NET >>DAILY XPRESS is a supplement to subscriber copies of THE NATION with bonus distribution in selected areas of Bangkok and its environs every Monday to Saturday. The Sunday edition of DAILY XPRESS incorporates THE NATION. Subscription rates: one year Bt4,900 within regular delivery areas; please contact Customer Service on (02) 338 3000. For bulk copy subscription rates please call (02) 338 3532.

4

GLOBETROT

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

THE WORLD Ho, ho, ho!

DAILY XPRESS

300kph The speed of Italy’s new Red Arrow train that will travel from Rome to Milan

Madonna’s divorce settlement: over £50m A P , London

M

Vitamins C, E don’t protect against cancer: studies Vitamins C and E do not appear to reduce the risk of cancer, according to a pair of new studies which debunk earlier research suggesting supplements might provide some protection against the often deadly ailment.

Some 15,000 men aged 50 and older participated in the study, which included an eightyear follow-up period, but neither vitamin appeared to appreciably reduce their cancer risk, according to the studies appearing in the January 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The findings are disappointing news for millions of adults who take vitamin supplements – many in the hope of warding off illness.

They appear to refute earlier observational studies that linked use of vitamins E and C with reduced risk of certain forms of cancers, including cancer of the prostate.

AFP

Do you prefer surfing to sex?

Nearly 50% of women would rather go online than have intercourse for 2 weeks A F P , Washington

N

early one out of two women would rather give up sex for two weeks than go without the Internet, according to a survey released on Monday.

Far fewer men would choose to go without sex, according to the survey of 2,119 adults carried out by the online research firm Harris Interactive and sponsored by Intel Corp.

Forty-six per cent of the women polled said they would rather go without sex for two weeks than give up access to the Internet for the same peri-

ONLY 30 PER CENT OF MEN SAID THEY WOULD RATHER FORGO INTIMATE RELATIONS THAN CYBER ONES. od of time, according to the “Internet Reliance in Today’s Economy” survey.

Only 30 per cent of men said they would rather forgo intimate relations than cyber ones.

Ninety-five per cent of those surveyed said it is “very important, important or somewhat important” to be able to access the web.

Sixty-five per cent rated Internet access above other discretionary spending items such as cable TV (39 per cent), dining out (20 per cent), shopping for clothes (18 per cent) or a health club membership (10 per cent).

Sixty-one per cent of the women surveyed said they would rather give up watching television for two weeks than give up access to the Internet for one week.

EPA

AFP

Fourteen thrill-seeking Santa Clauses get into the spirit of summer by riding an Adrenalin high-speed boat around Sydney Harbour. Sydney residents traditionally celebrate the Christmas holidays on the beach or by the harbour.

adonna has settled her divorce with exhusband Guy Ritchie for at least £50 million pounds (Bt2.6 billion).

The pop star’s spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg said the settlement was in the range of £50 million to £60 million as part of their divorce agreement, a figure she said included the value of the couple’s country home, Ashcombe House, in western England.

Rosenberg said the couple’s west London pub the Punchbowl would also remain with Ritchie.

A representative for the British film-maker declined to comment.

The couple were reportedly worth some US$525 million (Bt18.2 billion), the vast majority of which belonged to Madonna.

Ritchie had an estimated $35-million fortune.

Their settlement is about twice the size paid out in Britain’s latest highprofile celebrity divorce, that of former Beatle Paul McCartney and model Heather Mills.

“I’d assume it’s one of the largest pay-outs ever in a divorce settlement,” Rosenberg said.

Madonna’s divorce pay-out is one of the largest ever.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

THE WORLD 5

DAILY XPRESS

UK’S QUEEN REINS IN EXTRAVAGANCE Monarch warns William, Harry that all ostentatious signs of living it up would be inappropriate A F P , London

lways concerned about staying in touch with her subjects, Queen Elizabeth II has invited Britain’s royal family to follow her example and tighten the purse strings during the financial downturn.

The 82-year-old monarch has warned her grandsons Princes William, 26, and Harry, 24 – third and fourth in line to the throne – that all ostentatious signs of living it up would be inappropriate.

British subjects are apparently in no mood to see the young royals partying in exclusive London nightclubs while the kingdom sinks into recession.

“Whatever is the mood of the nation, she [Queen Elizabeth] tries to go along with that mood,” said Nicholas

AFP

A

Davies, an author of several books on the monarchy.

The sovereign has a personal fortune of £320 million (Bt17 billion), according to The Sunday Times newspaper’s 2008 Rich List, but is not a spendthrift.

“She is not someone who has gone and spoiled her children, because she doesn’t believe in

spoiling them. She would expect them all [the other royals] to follow her example this Christmas.”

Adapting to the credit crunch should not be difficult for Queen Elizabeth. For example, she insists that the Buckingham Palace lights are turned off when rooms are vacated and left-overs from banquets be re-used.

In mid-October during her state visit to Slovakia and Slovenia, she showed how she had cut back her wardrobe expenditure. For a state banquet in Ljubljana, the queen asked her dressmakers to make her a gown out of material she was given more than 20 years ago.

Queen Elizabeth avoids voicing her opinion on political matters. But during a recent visit to the London School of Economics, she called the situation “awful” and asked: “Why did nobody notice it?”

briefly Spy to the stars gets 15 years in jail Former private eye Anthony Pellicano, who counted Hollywood stars among his clients and victims, was sentenced to 15 years in jail for 78 counts of wiretapping, computer fraud and wire fraud.

The sentence came at the end of a six-year saga that began when a journalist investigating former talent agent Michael Ovitz found a rose, a dead fish and a note saying “Stop” inside the smashed window of her car.

Among Pellicano’s clients were Tom Cruise, Michael Jackson and Chris Rock, though they were never directly linked to any of his criminal activities. – DPA

A new Miss Asia?

A Hong Kong television company behind the annual “Miss Asia” beauty contest has admitted the final outcome did not match the real tally of public votes.

The “Miss Asia Pageant” held earlier this month used public

voting instead of the traditional panel of judges, and people sent in their choice via text message and on the Internet.

But Asia Television (ATV) has said the tally of public votes was different from the figures given at the contest, which was won by 23-year-old Hong Kong student Eunis Yao. ATV has announced an investigation. – AFP

Let it snow...

A study of two Rocky Mountain ski resorts says climate change will mean shorter seasons and less snow on lower slopes.

The study by two Colorado researchers says Aspen Mountain in Colorado and Park City in Utah will see dramatic changes.

University of Colorado-Boulder geography professor Mark Williams said the resorts should be in fairly good shape for the next 25 years, but after that there will be less snowpack – or no snow at all – at the base areas, and the season will be shorter because snow will accumulate later and melt earlier. – AP

6 ENTERTAINMENT

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

THE FUN

DAILY XPRESS

OPRAH WINFREY, TV HOST, ON BALLOONING TO 90 KILOGRAMS.

“I look at my thinner self and think, ‘How did I let this happen again?’ ... I’m embarrassed. I’m mad at myself.”

MUSIC

A CELEBRATION OF ALBUMS Festive sounds for holiday season are overflowing from under the Christmas tree D A I LY X P R E S S

C

DAILY XPRESS/KRIANGSAK TANGJERDJARAD

hristmas Day is just a week away and despite the economic blues, singers the world over are crooning carols and festive tunes with a less religious slant.

Enya’s “And Winter Came”(Reprise) is an enchanting evocation of the changing landscape of winter, and features only two traditional hymns, one of them being “Oiche Chuin”, the Irish version of “Silent Night”. A big surprise is “My! My! Time Flies” is a ’70sinspired pop song with blues guitar.

Sarah Brightman’s “A Winter Symphony” (Manhattan) is a great album and her beautiful voice means you can listen to it after the holidays too. Best tracks are “Ave Maria”, with its different arrangement, and the operatic “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”.

Faith Hill’s “Joy to the World” (Warner Bros) is her first holiday album featuring new versions of traditional and modern classics with horns, strings, woodwinds, percussion and chorales.

Elvis Presley’s “Christmas Duets” (Sony) has a plethora of cherished holiday classics reinterpreted by today’s biggest female stars with Elvis Presley including Martina McBride on “Blue Christmas” and Carrie Underwood in “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”.

Al Jarreau’s “Christmas” (Rhino) is not for non-jazz or even nonJarreau fans, “Winter

Wonderland”, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and “White Christmas” are fun.

Grandma will love Dean Martin’s “Christmas with Dino” (Capitol), which features the holiday cuts from “The Dean Martin Christmas Album”. Sip a brandy and chill.

Harry Connick Jr’s “What A Night!” is a surprise, especially the duet with his 11-year-old daughter Sarah Kate on “Winter Wonderland”.

Yo-Yo Ma’s “Songs of Joy & Peace” (Sony) is a stunning winter album celebrating hopes and dreams from around the world.

Compilations include “The Very Best of Christmas Album” (USM) comprising 32 tracks featuring classics by Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Cosby, Engelbert Humperdinck and Hanson, and “This Warm December: Brushfire Holiday Vol 1” (Universal), a collection of songs from Jack Johnson, G Love, Mason Jenning, and Matt Costa.

“The Hotel Cafe Presents Winter Songs” (Sony) is an all-female singer-songwriter holiday album featuring a collection of the classics as well as brand new originals including a duet by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson.

“Verve Remixed Christmas” (Verve) is the successful groundbreaking series that marries holiday favourites by Louis Armstrong, Dinah Washington, Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald with today’s beat-makers.

Last but not least is a Decca’s soundtrack to the romantic comedy “Four Christmases” featuring Sarah McLachlan, Martina McBride, Perry Como, and Bing Crosby.

Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

31

ENTERTAINMENT 7

DAILY XPRESS

KNOCK THE KNOCK

YEARS AGO the Sex Pistols were scheduled as musical guests on ‘Saturday Night Live’. However, the British punk rockers were denied US visas.

The Musikaboonlert brothers form a new pop-rock duo. > Page 8

A slipper

soopsip

that fits “Cinderella” is playing at Muangthai Ratchadalai Theatre at the Esplanade until Sunday, with award-winning actress Lea Salonga in the title role. Tickets run from Bt1,000 to Bt4,000 at Thaiticketmajor. Call (02) 262 3456.

Coveting your own property

COURTESY OF BROADWAY ASIA ENTERTAINMENT

Liquor tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi collects dirt. He owns property all over the country and people keep offering to sell him more.

But sometimes Charoen just happens to spot a beautiful piece of land while driving around. He once noticed a choice chunk of Earth with nothing on it and asked his secretary to track down the owner.

It wasn’t easy, but finally she rooted out the answer: It belonged to Charoen.

Shop with the stars

CELEBRITY

SET TIME ASIDE ON SATURDAY to go along to the Gift Fair 3 at Magic Land opposite Central Lat Phrao and snap up a few souvenirs created by some of Thailand’s leading celebrities.

Organised by 103.5 FM One Happy Station, the fair runs from midday to midnight. Along with more than 100 stalls offering hand-made gifts from such artists as Big Ass, Tor Saksit, Potato, Zeal, Soul Out, Jo-Pop, Lula, Black Vanilla, Chin Chinawut, Stamp, Herspective and Yui Noparpa. There will also be performances by the Sincharoen Brothers, Bangkok Jugglers, Scottish Pipes and the Silpakorn University Orchestra.

Proceeds will be donated to Ban Huayku School in Chiang Rai.

Didgeridon’t

Going crazy for country IF YOU’RE A FAN of the heartbreaking sounds of luk thung – Thai country music – and would like to get up close and personal with like-minded people, then Radio OK’s online station – OK Luk Thung – will welcome you with open arms. The station has just launched the OK Luk Thung fan club and is looking for members.

“We’re aiming to build up a community,” explains Chokchai Jiacharoen, managing director of GenX Production.

Just write your name, address, background, the online channel you listen to the most and the name of your favourite presenter on a postcard and mail it to OK Luk Thung, PO Box 55, Monterey Tower, Bangkok 10323.

Check out www.RadioOK.co.th.

Aboriginal leader warns Nicole Kidman about the consequences of breaking a cultural taboo

Lydia smells better

A F P , Sydney

A

ctress Nicole Kidman will have no more children after breaking a taboo against women playing the didgeridoo, an Aboriginal cultural leader has warned.

Kidman, who gave birth to her first child in July at the age of 41, blew into the traditional instrument while promoting her latest movie on a German television show.

“People are going to see Nicole playing it and think it’s all right,” actor, screenwriter and Aboriginal language teacher Richard Green was quoted as saying in yesterSydney Morning day’s Herald. “It bastardises our culture. I will guarantee she has no more children. It is not meant to be played by women as it will make them barren.”

Kidman, who suffered an ectopic pregnancy and a miscarriage during her former marriage to Tom Cruise, gave

Soopsip is old enough to

AFP

Call (02) 641 5393 or visit www.ThisIsClick.com.

Lydia’s new nose, right, is sharper, but it isn’t the result of surgery, she says.

Nicole Kidman plays the didgeridoo on the German television show ‘Wetten, Dass ...?’ birth to daughter Sunday Rose after marrying singer Keith Urban in 2006.

The actress “blew feebly” into a didgeridoo – a long wooden instrument – on the show “Wetten, Dass..?” on Saturday while promoting the Baz Luhrmann film “Australia” with fellow star Hugh Jackman.

remember when people didn’t brag about having their bodies artificially altered.

But there was singer Saanrat “Lydia” Wisutthithada last week happily admitting to reporters that, yes, her nose is “sharper” now thanks to an injection.

“Everybody seems to do it now,” she said. “I just want to be prettier. I just tried it, and the new shape will last for six months. If it turns out to be permanent and I decide I don’t like it, that’ll just be too bad.”

She hastily added though that, contrary to rumours, she’s never had cosmetic surgery.

Not yet anyway.

Contact Soopsip at veenxpress@gmail.com.

8

ENTERTAINMENT

sound bytes

By Mr Badboy

The Script The Script (RCA)

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

NEW RELEASE

Like a rolling stone The Musikaboonlert brothers say they intend to be every bit as famous as Mick Jagger’s gang

By Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul D A I LY X P R E S S

A

sound was partly Brit-rock, but less guitar-driven than Siam Secret Service or even Knock the Knock,” he says.

While Knock the Knock call themselves pop rock, the music is inspired by the alternative rock of the ’70s through the ’90s.

“Pup’s songwriting style is similar to a comic book,” says the 32-year-old Beam.

“When we’re in the studio, it’s like we’re painting on a canvas with our favourite colours.”

The first two cuts, “Wan Wela Thi Hai Pai” and “Hak Ther Tong Pai”, are already favourite spins on Fat Radio, and the title of the former seems to hark back to Lucy Suicide’s “Klangwan Thi Hai Pai”.

“The name is similar,” Pup

XTRA WHO’S THERE? >> Knock the Knock will be

playing at Hob Bar on RCA this Saturday at 10pm. >> They expect to be

touring countrywide next year. >> Check them out at

www.SpicyDisc.com.

agrees. “But the melody is a lot heavier.”

Are the boys going to stick together for more records?

“We’ve almost completed our second album,” says Beam with a grin.

“My idea is to make our songs as memorable as say those of the Rolling Stones or the Beatles.”

COURTESY OF SPICY DISC

The Dublin trio is riding a big wave following the success of their radio-friendly two singles, “We Cry” and “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved”. Danny O’Donoghue’s vocals reminded me of a mix of Bono and Sting on several occasions while listening to this debut self-titled album, and especially on “Rusty Halo”. It’s an interesting outing, with lots of strong pop numbers closing out with the acoustic balled “I’m Yours” which works surprisingly well.

fter several years of doing their own thing in the music industry, brothers Pakorn and Karn Musikaboonlert have joined forces, forming a pop-rock duo called Knock the Knock and coming out with a self-titled debut album.

“The new album is very different from my last CD with Siam Secret Service: it’s looser, especially in the guitar parts,” says older brother Pakorn, who goes by the name Beam, and who produced Lucy Suicide’s EP “Missing Daytime”, Apartment Khunpa’s “Romantic Comedy” and “Somros Lae Para”, as well as Momoko Motion’s “Punk in a Coma”.

Karn, or “PupPup”, founded the now defunct Lucy Suicide. “Lucy Suicide’s

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

EVENTS 9

DAILY XPRESS

WHAT’S ON/WHAT’S UP bout a g n i k l a T ation ring r e n e g r u o (SSE), featu g Ensemble d

n Sunrise Strin ged between seven a a s n a ci si e 50 mu es at th s festive tun ” 50, perform ed “Christmas Concert ost n a -h vi e g d n ra a S tt e f S Pro t at 7.30 at Friday nigh . Poonchok s, m u ri o it d u A on ya ja vi Indare or reservati conducts. F g 323. n 9 o 1 w 9 9 rb ) lla 9 Ku 60 or (08 82 10 call (02) 6

do it!

Energy for life EGGO Group, the Thailand’s first independent Power Producer and Doi Inthanon National Park hosting the photo contest “Electricity…Energy for Life”.

The competitions is open to all shutterbugs between the ages of 14 and 18 and the deadline is January 31. The winners will have a chance to join a youth camp in Chiang Mai during the next summer vacation. For details on how to enter, call (02) 998 5137 or (081) 240 6798.

Bargain books B2S celebrates the festive season with a “Feel Gift Feel Good” promotion offering discounts of up to 20 per cent on stationary and books.

Highlights include the latest JK Rowling title “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” (Bt396) as well as the Thai translation “Nitarn Khong Beedle Yod Kavi” (Bt176). The promotion continues through January 6 at all branches except Magazine Corner and Stock Market. Call (02) 101 7133-4.

Star Warsy TV on

lit Join the stars of rea ct Arena, pa Im at January 31 i, as Muang Thong Than atanon, ch Te uj” “R uj ar Supp season of 08 winner of the 20 er-up nn ru d an “The Star” winners e th th wi n joi “Kam”, e three th and runners-up of he Star “T r fo earlier seasons . ert War” conc m Bt500 to Tickets ranging fro on Friday Bt2,500 go on sale m. .co jor at ThaiTicketMa

Fighting fit Amrita Fitness at Swissotel Nai Lert Park Bangkok offers a healthy start to 2009 with a special monthly membership fee of Bt6,000. Benefits include discounts on food, laundry, accommodation and massage plus assistance from special trainers.

.

Call (02) 262 3456

Call (02) 253 0123 extension Amrita Fitness.

Sax at Seri Jazz saxo phonist Metawat “Tewan” Sapsamy ako to the loc rn returns al music s cene this Sund ay up with sp , teaming ec Nadda Viy ial guest akarn from to 5 at Se 3 ri C floor Activ entre’s first ity Tickets at Zone.

Bt100 and Bt200 are av counter se ailable at rvice.

Call

(02) 746 0668 extensio n 303.

We love ice cream!

Teddy, the forest and me The Landmark Hotel invites everyone to fight climate change by coming along to its lobby and taking part in its Landmark Goes Green 2008 project. Part of the initiative is a nine-storey Xmas tree decorated with thousands of “Nong Green” limited edition white teddy bears wearing green t-shirts with the message “I Plant trees – I Save the World”. Donate Bt250 for a teddy bear and in return the hotel will arrange for 10 seedlings to be planted in a Royal Forestry Reserve.

Call (02) 254 0404 extension 7777.

Baskin-Robbin’s welcomes the New Year with its BR Extreme Moment Member Card 2009 for Bt129. Old members can renew their member cards for Bt99. The promotion includes free birthday menu, 2009 calendar plus lots of discounts.

Apply before December 31.

Call (02) 635 7930 extension 669.

10

SOCIETY

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

people traffickers ed over the Rockers thrown at mission James F Entwistle, standing centre, prekosidk 20 08” at Siam puty chief of king Live in Bang The US Embassy’s de Exploitation and Traffic Simon Goff, and the groups d En it: Ex TV “M ce recent press conferen Smitthi Hiraleus, and ay at Parc Paragon. o pictured are MTV’s Paragon’s Lifestyle. Als t Machine. The concert took place on Sund Slo d BrandNew Sunset an

Graduating as docto r of dance

Her Royal Highness Pri nc recently conferred an ess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn honorary doctorate de gree on Khunying Phornthip Na rongdej, vice chairma n Group, in a ceremony at the Thamrong Buasr of KPN i Building, Burapha University, Ch on Phornthip is the found Buri province. Khunying er of the Kingdom’s firs t private music school and the organiser of the celeb rated KPN Singing Contest.

Wedding bells

ob, right in Jeeranda Santiprap ughter of da e th , the front row national former senator and gets in, th police chief Pra Wichian au be r he to engaged ional dit Nimmolrat in a tra e th at y Thai ceremon tel early Mandarin Oriental Ho yesterday.

Beauty secrets co me

in b

ottles Global pharmaceu tical product leade r, Ba yer Schering Pharma, recently ho sted “30 Years of Be auty Secret & Quality of Life” at the Plaza Athenee Hotel, in the presen of the Drug Store ce Club of Thailand, Th ai Pharmacies Association, Comm unity Pharmacy As sociation and key customers. Photo shows Uwe Dalicho w, second right, Kritpot Tananupraw at, right, Mataya Bh andhukanonda, second left, and Jit tawut Limsirisretha kul, left.

WHISPERS IN THE WIND

DAILY XPRESS/ EKKARAT SUKPETCH

Canon Thailand celebrates 15 years in the Kingdom next year with the “White Power Library”, donating 15 windmills created by Thonburi Rajamongkol Technology Institute to generate electricity for libraries in remote schools throughout the country.

The first project was launched at Baan Nongplub School in Prachuap Khiri Khan on November 21 with Canon also donating more than 200 books for the library. The project continues through December 2009.

From left: Thongbai Thongnack, Deputy Director, Educational Service Area Office 2, Prachuap Khiri Khan,

Nittaya Ritin, Principal Baan Nongplub School, Panchai Bowarnrattanapran, Provincial Governor, Wataru Nishioka, Somkiat Phaphon and Sutthipan Chantapatima

Happy students at Baan Nongplub School

Wataru Nishioka, president and CEO of Canon (Thailand),

and Somkiat Phaphon, director of the Corporate Planning Division, with the students of Baan Nongplub School.

EAT IN

12

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

Bakers, get out those spices Whip up some holiday treats with a

nod to those old explorers who sailed all over the world

By Betty Hallock LOS ANGELES TIMES

N

LOS ANGELES TIMES PHOTO

utmeg is a holiday staple, sprinkled over eggnog, half a teaspoon for mulled cider, or a quarter teaspoon in a pumpkin pie.

But when a recipe calls for one and a half whole nutmegs, that’s a lot of nutmeg. Five minutes of elbow work yields just a small handful.

And in the meantime the other spices are accumulating on the kitchen counter – cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, coriander.

Now’s the time to raid the spice rack and get baking – gingerbread, German cookies such as pfeffernusse, speculaas and springerle, and panforte, the dense, spicy confection that’s available in every bakery in Italy during the holidays.

There’s also a spice renaissance among restaurant menus, with items like za’tar,

berber and vadouvan, and the exaltation of hand-harvested vanilla beans, organic allspice, sun-dried cloves, woody Egyptian coriander and Chinese black cardamom.

You might find musky Hungarian moula and zesty, peppery grains of paradise from Ghana, and pungent white Muntok peppercorns from Indonesia.

Spice guru Aaron Isaacson says pastry chefs lately have been enamoured with ground, powdered Madagascar vanilla beans and sumac, the

tangy Middle Eastern spice that has been showing up, daringly, in cakes and pies.

You can track down Grenadian mace, East and West Indian nutmeg, and four types of cinnamon: Ceylon, China Cassia, Korintje Cassia and Vietnamese.

There are few recipes that make better use of these spices than panforte, which is essentially dried and candied fruits and nuts mixed with aromatic spices, and just a little bit of flour to hold it all together.

The translation is “strong bread”, a reference to the pungency of the spices in a dessert that dates to 13th-century Siena.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

AUTOMOBILE

DAILY XPRESS

13

,, Riding the screaming Eagles

THERE’S A LAYER OF ARAMID FIBRES,OF THE SORT NASA USES, IN THE INNER SIDEWALL TO REINFORCE COMPRESSION DURING CORNERING.

Goodyear gets a grip with hi-tech tyres

By Vijo Varghese D A I LY X P R E S S

T

yres are important! No matter how much horsepower an engine produces or how advanced the suspension, if contact with the road isn’t up to par, pretty much everything goes to waste.

To prove that its tyres are tops, Goodyear got the press out to test its new Eagle F1 Ultra high-performance brand at the Holden driving centre on Australia’s Gold Coast.

Goodyear claims the Eagle F1 Asymmetric is the best on the market thanks to three technological components.

First is active corner gripping. There’s a layer of aramid fibres, of the sort

Nasa uses, in the inner sidewall to reinforce compression during cornering.

The result is a more even distribution of pressure

across the contact patch, which consequently provides more grip.

Second is “racing compound technology”. The

properties of the tread compound influence the grip.

Silica is combined with a racing carbon black, and with new-generation polymers for maximum safety in wet conditions.

Third is the “open tread zone”. The deep central grooves channel surface water to achieve highly responsive steering.

“Evacuation channels" on the inside of the tyre are aided by the additional downward pressure. This pressure disperses the water out from under the tyre and away from the contact surface.

Goodyear seems to give more importance to wet handling: Throughout the testing the journalists were shown

how the Eagle F1 handles when the road is soaked.

Goodyear claims that Eagle F1s can bring a vehicle to a halt from 80kph within 37 metres, while competitors need about 40 metres.

A dry stretch of track was used to test high-speed performance. Topping 160kph, the tyres seemed to come through on long, sweeping corners.

Here once again the Eagle F1s seemed to show signs of less under-steering, giving the driver more confidence while cornering.

The Eagle F1 went on sale in Thailand last month, in sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches and prices from Bt6,000 to Bt20,000.

14

THE SCREEN

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

DAILY XPRESS

TO SEE on tv

Death Wish 3 Charles Bronson plays a vigilante who’s vowed to wipe out the psychopaths who killed his family.

Cinemax (TrueVisions), 10pm

The Out-ofTowners Goldie Hawn and Steve Martin star in this comedy about a clueless couple from Ohio on their first visit to the Big Apple. John Cleese also stars.

HBO (TrueVisions), 8pm

Ong Bak

After witnes 2 sin nobleman (T g his parents’ death, th e so on young warrio y Jaa) grows up to beco n of a me a fierce r, skilled in m any martial who has on arts, and ly a taste fo r vengeance subtitles a . With Engli t some cin emas. ★★★ ★

Twilight A teenage girl (Kristen Stewart) risks everything when she falls in love with a vampire (Robert Pattinson).

Tokyo Sonata Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s dark drama is about a Japanese family that disintegrates after its patriarch loses his job. In

A volcano erupts in downtown LA, threatening to destroy the city in this 1997 thriller starring Tommy Lee Jones and Anne Hecht.

Star Movies (TrueVisions), 8pm

Japanese with Thai and English subtitles at House and the Siam. ★★★★

Traitor Don Cheadle stars as a conflicted secret operative whose ties to terrorist organisations lead to his being doggedly tracked by an FBI agent (Guy Pearce). ★★★

In this black comedy by the Coen brothers, a disk containing the memoirs of a fired CIA agent (John Malkovich) ends up in the hands of two unscrupulous gym employees (Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand). At the Lido. ★★★★

Teeradet “Ken” Wongpuapan, Taksaorn “Aff” Paksukcharern, Sunisa “Vicky” Jett and Worarit “Nott” Fueng-Arom from the hit soap “Jai Rao” are guests of night’s show.

Channel 3, 11pm

www.NationChannel.com Channel 3 – www.ThaiTV3.com Channel 5 – www.TV5.co.th Channel 7 – www.CH7.com Modernine – www.MCOT.net NBT – TV11.prd.go.th Thai PBS – www.ThaiPBS.or.th True – www.TrueVisionsTV.com

The House Bunny Anna Faris plays a former bunny determined to turn her life around after being expelled from the Playboy mansion. ★★★

Burn After Reading

Ratree Samosorn

Channel links

Director Pongpat Wachirabunjong’s follow up to “Me … Myself” stars Ananda Everingham as Ten, a photographer who becomes close to Pao (Chayanan Manomaisantiphap) while working on a travel book. The two vow to stay together until do them part and when Pao falls into a coma, Ten proves he is a man of his word. In nightly sneak previews; opens in wide release tomorrow. With English subtitles.

★★★

Volcano

sh

Happy Birthday

Beverly H ills Chihua hua A pampere d Beverly

Hills lap do Chloe (voic g name ed self acciden by Drew Barrymore) fi d n tally lost in the mean st ds herMexico. ★★ reets of

‘Twilight’ is adapted from the first book in a four-novel series about teenage vampires, written

by Stephenie Meyer.

Kids

Haa Thaew

Asato (Teppei Koike) has the power to transfer other people’s wounds to his own body. His strange healing powers lead to a friendship with the troubled Takeo. In Japanese

Produced by the man who etched the tiger on Angelina Jolie’s back, spiritual tattoo master Noo Kanpai, this action drama tells the story of a man empowered by an inked alphabet. With

with Thai and English subtitles at House and the Lido. ★★★★

English subtitles at some cinemas.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

THE SCREEN 15

DAILY XPRESS

TO SEE on dvd REGION 1

Saw V

in aps live on his grisly tr t . u e b is , d ch a n e a d fr orn ht be Jigsaw mig lment of the torture-p ying to piece e tr sta this fifth in s a detectiv ylor stars a mas. ★ d n a M s a st Co Cine ther. At SF things toge

Teeth After she is sexually assaulted, a young woman (Jess Weixler) is shocked to discover that her vagina actually has teeth. ★★★

Quantum of Solace James Bond is back – and this time it’s personal. The world’s most famous spy sets out to stop an environmentalist from taking control of a country’s water supply. ★★★

This Christmas

The Day the Earth Stood Still In this update of the 1951 sci-fi classic, Keanu Reeves plays an alien who comes to warn Earthlings of their impending doom. Jennifer Connelly also stars. Also at Krungsri IMAX.

Sex Drive Josh Zuckerman plays a high school graduate desperate to lose his virginity in this all American sex romp. ★★★

Into the Faraway Sky Though marketed as a children’s fantasy, this

Japanese family drama with an environmental message centres on the friendship between three children in a small town.

In Japanese with English and Thai subtitles at House.

20th Century Boys

winning Japanese manga series, this live action epic follows Kenji (Toshiaki Karasawa), Otcho (Etsushi Toyokawa) and Yukiji (Takako Tokiwa) as they race against time to stop a mysterious new cult led by “Friend”. In Japanese with English and Thai subtitles at the Lido. ★★★

Based on the award-

The Whitfield siblings gather for the holiday, emotional baggage in tow. Sounds predictable, but critic Stephen Hunter was charmed, calling it “a big, gushy, emotional, secret-driven, family-obsessive casserole, perhaps facile in some of its resolutions, but so full of good heart and love – the real kind, which is scratchy, awkward, difficult to express and doesn’t conquer all – that [it is] difficult to resist.” Extras include cast commentary, a music video and extended scenes. – Washington Post

Apex Lido: (02) 252 6498 Siam: (02) 251 3508 Scala: (02) 251 2861 www.ApexSiam-Square.com

Century – The Movie Plaza (02) 247 9940 www.CenturyTheMoviePlaza.com

House (02) 641 5913-4 www.HouseRama.com

Major Cineplex/EGV Bangkok: (02) 515 5555 Chiang Mai: (053) 283 939 www.MajorCineplex.com

Major Hollywood Bangkok: (02) 718 7999 www.MajorHollywood.co.th

Paragon Cineplex (02) 129 4635 IMAX: (02) 129 4631 www.ParagonCineplex.com

SF Cinemas

The Duche ss

Keira Knigh tley plays G eo and clever woman wh rgiana Cavendish (Ke ira Knightle o becomes she marries y), a beauti a ce the Duke o ful f Devonshir lebrity of British high e. At the Lid society whe n o. ★ ★★

Bangkok: (02) 268 8888 Phuket: (076) 209 000 www.SFCinemaCity.com

Vista Chiang Mai: (053) 894 415 www.ChiangMaiVista.com

16

Close to Home

By John McPherson

LEISURE

Pooch Cafe

The Buckets

Adam

Calvin and Hobbes

By Brian Basset

By Paul Gilligan

By Scott Stantis

By Bryan Basset

By Bill Watterson

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Comics&Games

Red and Rover

DAILY XPRESS

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

LEISURE

DAILY XPRESS

Games&YourStars SUDOKU

The last word in

ASTROLOGY

By Eugenia Last

Today’s Birthday: It’s time for you to explore new people, places and activities. Adapt to the current atmosphere and you will prove your ability to rise to the top and take over when the time is right. Your steady appeal coupled with your ability to see outside the normal guidelines will enable you to mastermind your way through turbulence, bringing order out of chaos.

Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

ARIES *** March 21-April 19 You may feel like having fun, but tidy up loose ends and focus on business first. You will get help from someone you love if you ask. A change in a business relationship will take you by surprise.

TAURUS ***** April 20-May 20 Take control before someone else does. You can’t let love interfere with what needs to be done. You can get ahead but only if you are serious, practical and budget-minded.

GEMINI ** May 21-June 20 You may feel torn between two people or two choices. Look at the long-term effects before you decide - it will be well worth the effort. There will be no turning back once you have made your choice.

DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★

CANCER **** June 21-July 22 You can make someone who needs help feel useful by including him or her in your preparations.

Added responsibilities needn’t be of a hindrance if you handle everyone involved with dignity.

LEO *** July 23-Aug. 22 Impulse buying or decisions will set you back. Be smart, even if you are torn by emotional situations. This is not the time to play favourites or to be overly generous. Stay within your means.

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY

VIRGO *** Aug. 23-Sept. 22 You’ll find it difficult to keep your emotions out of the situations you face today. Tempers will escalate if you disagree but backing down will also lead to anguish and stress. Find common ground.

LIBRA **** Sept. 23-Oct. 22 You appear to have everything under control but someone you know will give you a difficult time, regardless of your well-thought-out plans. Follow your heart and stick to your game plan.

SCORPIO ** Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Stick to what you know best and avoid anyone who is trying to get something from you. This is a great day to make some personal changes but not the best time to share with others.

SAGITTARIUS ** Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Someone may tug on your heartstrings but be strong. This is no time to make impulsive moves or to put yourself in a precarious position. Focus on the ones you love.

CAPRICORN ***** Dec. 22-Jan. 19 You can sign a deal, finish a settlement or make positive changes to your investments. There is money or a gift in the mix. Don’t be afraid to make an offer to someone you want on your team.

Milla Jovovich

Singer Tommy Steele is 72.

Singer Paul Rodgers (Bad Company) is 59.

Actor Bill Pullman is 55.

Musician Mike Mills (R.E.M.) is 50.

Actor Sean Patrick Thomas is 38.

Actress Laurie Holden is 36.

Actor Giovanni Ribisi is 34.

Actress Milla Jovovich is 33.

Tennis player Arnaud Clement is 31.

Actress Vanessa Zima is 22.

AQUARIUS *** Jan. 20-Feb. 18 A partnership will come into play, allowing you to do more than you thought possible. Let your intentions be known and put things in place. Once your plans are in order, the rest will be easy.

PISCES *** Feb. 19-March 20 Times are changing quickly and you have to keep up with the crowd. Don’t let your emotions get the better of you. You may have to compromise to get what you want. Someone may question your motives.

17

For For sale sale & & Lease Lease 1) 675-3,330 sq.m.

2) 1,200 sq.m.

3) 1,620 sq.m.

4) 2.3 rais Raw land 5) 700-1,000 sq.m.

6) 1,620 sq.m.

7) 2,500-5,000 sq.m.

8) 1,000-8,500 sq.m.

WAREHOUSE FOR RENT Suitable for Store or Business/SMEs

Tel:

: Laem Chabang Industrial Estate, Chonburi (EPZ) : Amata Industrial Estate, Chonburi : Lard Krabang Industrial Estate, (EPZ) : Lard Krabang Industrial Estate, (EPZ) : King Kaew Project, km.12 : Hi-Tech Industrial Estate, Ayuthaya : Tonglow Industrial Land, Chonburi : Samutprakarn Factory

02-676-4031-5, 081-732-8242 http://www.tfd-factory.com

Special Price - Ramintra outer Ring Rd., Km. 9 350-2,500 sq.m.

- Near by Rama V Bridge, Nontaburi - Tiwanon Rd., (Soi Tiwanon 27) - Tiwanon Rd., (beside Soi Tiwanon 43)

Ramintra Factory Co., Ltd. Tel. 02-914-2022, 02-914-2311, 081-806-1975 www.thailandfactoryrental.i8.com

Land near Natural Creek 7 Rai and 11 Rai

Surrounded by mountains of Khaoyai, cold weather during winter, with natural creek on the rear side, Amphur Kaengkoy, 100 km. from Bangkok, near community and agricultural areas, suitable for fruit plantation and resort, ready to transfer

1,400 Baht/sq.w. Khun Mol 081-907-9783, 081-860-1442

Bangkok Bank, the career partner you can rely on to bring out your best With our 60-year track record of success, and our reputation as Thailandís leading bank, we offer a secure employment environment with great opportunities for career advancement.

To create your great future career, Bangkok Bank - opening the door to new opportunities.

Positions available: Management Level ● ●

● ●

●

Relationship Managers-Overseas Branch Credit Analysis Managers-Credit Acceptance Unit Card Marketing Manager Product Managers (Reward/Retention) -Credit Card Assistant Vice President-Product Development, Global Payment Services

Senior Level ● ●

Accounting Specialists Product Development Specialists

Officer Level ●

● ●

Relationship Officers-Corporate Banking Division Marketing Officers-Credit Card Programmers

If you recognize yourself in any of these profiles, please apply online via www.bangkokbank.com/careers

Black & Veatch, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, with numerous offices worldwide, is a leading engineering and construction firm specializing in the fields of power generation, power delivery and water/infrastructure. We currently have opening for the following position based in Bangkok :

Senior Business Analyst - Asia Pacific Region Job Description: Responsible for providing complete, concise and timely financial analyses in addition to supporting the planning process. Analyst is to provide alternatives through scenario planning in addition to recommendations that enhance the decision making process.

Planning responsibilities will include management of compilation, consolidation and review of the annual budgets and quarterly forecasts.

Primary Job Responsibilities: ● Coordination and preparation of the annual budgets, quarterly forecasts and strategic plan financial statement proformas for the Operating Divisions based in Asia. ● Provide complete, concise and timely financial analyses to enhance the decision making process (including scenario planning, breakeven/overhead rates, staffing analysis and other core business metrics). ● Lead and support special projects. ● Proactively identify trends to incorporate into the quarterly forecasts cycles. ● Process improvement and documentation; Moderate to complex tool development. ● This position reports to the Director of Finance, Black & Veatch Asia Pacific.

Qualifications: ● At least Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or similar discipline. ● 4 years of relevant experience (including financial analysis and model development). ● Certificated Public Accountant (CPA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA) is preferred. ● Knowledge of the engineering and construction industries. ● Good knowledge of computerized accounting system, Oracle is a plus. ● Good knowledge of MS Excel and Access. ● Good command of written & spoken English. ● Candidate should: Consider themselves to be a problem solver.

- Be team oriented; able to work across multiple cultures.

- Possess good writing and communication skills.

- Have the ability to multi-task and be flexible.

- Be detail-oriented.

- Enjoy new challenges.

Qualified applicants, please send resume with details of work experience, transcript and a recent photo by e-mail or mail to: Human Resources Department, Black & Veatch (Thailand) Ltd. 15th Floor, Rasa Tower I, 555 Phaholyothin Rd., Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 Tel: (662) 937-0113 Fax: (662) 937-0112 E-mail: hrthai@bv.com

Based out of Rayong, Dacon Inspection Services Co., Ltd. has over the last 15 years developed into one of Thailand and the region's leading inspection companies, specializing in advanced and high technology inspection services for the Oil & Gas, Petrochem and Power industry. The company has recently received ISO 9001 Certification, and expands into new high tech sectors, especially Advanced and Digital Radiographic Testing and X-ray services as well as high end Ultrasonic’s, while at the same time further expanding into ASEAN countries. The company has taken aim at going towards Public Listing in Thailand, so to further boost our team of young and dedicated professionals, we are looking for the following people to join us:

Level 3 Inspector - to develop new and market leading inspection services ◆ Thai or foreign nationality ◆ Degree in Engineering ◆ Must be NDT level 3 Certified in MT, PT, UT and/or RT ◆ Minimum 8 years of experience in the Oil & Gas industry ◆ Team Leadership experiences preferred ◆ Must have excellent communication and human relations skills ◆ Strong working knowledge of NDT ◆ Good knowledge of relevant Codes and Standards ◆ Be able to work in Rayong province

Inspection Engineers - to be in the team of inspectors ◆ Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Engineering ◆ Some years of experiences in Inspection would be a plus ◆ Dynamic, initiative and hard working ◆ Work for local and international projects ◆ Can work overtime and travel to the provinces and overseas ◆ Good in English for both speaking and writing ◆ Be able to work in Rayong province Remarks: ✬ Intensive and extensive trainings both local and overseas will be provided ✬ Career advancements and opportunity to grow in both local and overseas locations

Marketing/Salesperson ◆ Some years of experiences in Marketing/Sales to the Oil & Gas, Petrochem and Power industry ◆ Good command of spoken and written English ◆ Own car and driver’s license Send your application in English only to hr@dacon-inspection.com

Dacon Inspection Services Co., Ltd. 51/10 Moo 5, Sukhumvit Road, Ban Chang, Rayong 21130 Tel: 038-880788, Fax: 038-880727 www.dacon-inspection.com Email: hr@dacon-inspection.com

22

THE SPORT

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

THE SPORT

DAILY XPRESS

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS vs CLEVELAND BROWNS

30:10 Donovan McNabb threw for 290 yards and three TDs to boost the Eagles past the Browns, keeping pace in a tight American football play-off chase.

briefly Rondo runs red-hot Celtics to 15th win

GOLF

When the Utah Jazz visited the red-hot Boston Celtics, they were concerned with Boston’s “Big Three”. Instead, they were victimised by “The Other One.” Rajon Rondo had a career-high 25 points, nine rebounds and eight assists as the Celtics won their 15th-straight game, a 100-91 Rondo victory over the Jazz.

Kevin Garnett had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Kendrick Perkins added 15 and 14 for the Celtics. – DPA

Madrid to sign Pompey’s Diarra Real Madrid are on the verge of signing France midfielder Lassana Diarra. Madrid will reportedly pay US$13.7 million for Diarra, who plays at Premier League club Portsmouth. The deal could be closed within two days. The 23-year-old Diarra played under Madrid coach Juande Ramos at Tottenham after spells at Chelsea and Arsenal. He has made 16 appearances for the French national team. – AP

Schweinsteiger extends contract Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has extended his contract with Bayern Munich by three years and will stay with the German champions until the summer of 2012. Bayern are also seeking to extend the contracts of France international Franck Ribery, Ze Roberto and captain Mark van Bommel. – AP

Bradman’s cap feels the crunch The baggy green cap worn by Australian cricket legend Donald Bradman at his final Test sold for more than A$400,000, less than its vendor paid for it in 2003. Auctioneer Charles Leski would not reveal the exact price but said it was above $400,000 and below the $420,000 Tim

CADDY

FLACK

Serisier paid for it in England with the help of his winnings from the TV show “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”

The cap was given to the son of an English friend of Bradman’s after the Australian cricketer noticed the boy playing cricket in a substandard hat. “Sir Don said: ‘We can’t have that, we’d better get you a decent one’, and a short while later in the mail the 1948 baggy green arrived,” Leski said. – AFP

Tiger Woods makes a 12-foot birdie putt to force a play-off against Rocco Mediate in the US Open last June. Woods credited his caddy Steve Williams, right, for talking him into a 60-degree wedge out of the rough on the 18th hole.

But yesterday he criticised Williams for his outburst against Phil Mickelson.

French international shoots into jail French international midfielder Sidney Govou was held in a police station overnight Sunday after he was found to be over the limit while driving following the 00 draw with Marseille. The 29-year-old was found to have a level of 2.6 grammes per Govou litre of blood when the police stopped him. – AFP

Spurs unveil new stadium design Tottenham Hotspur gave their fans a glimpse of the future by revealing the first images of the club’s proposed new 60,000seater stadium. – AFP

Woods ‘disappointed’ in bag-man Williams’ ‘prickly’ words about Mickelson AP,Thousand Oaks, California

T

iger Woods’ caddy said he regrets his disparaging comment about Phil Mickelson at a New Zealand charity dinner, saying he was making light of the Ryder Cup and his dislike for him.

“I don’t deny that him and I don’t get along,” Steve Williams said from his home in New Zealand yesterday. “I shouldn’t have said it, but no harm was meant. I was just having some fun.”

Williams was quoted in the Taranaki Daily News as saying he wouldn’t call Mickelson a great player “because I think he’s a pr**k.” In an interview the next day with another New Zealand newspaper, the Sunday

Star Times, Williams confirmed making the comment and said it was no secret they don’t get along.

Woods criticised his caddy and said he would handle it privately.

“I was disappointed to read the comments attributed to Steve Williams about Phil Mickelson, a player that I respect,” Woods said. “It was inappropriate. The matter has been discussed and dealt with.”

Mickelson’s management company issued a statement to respond to what it called “grossly inaccurate and irresponsible statements” by Williams. It included a comment from Mickelson.

“After seeing Steve Williams’

comments, all I could think of was how lucky I am to have a class act like Bones [Jim Mackay] on my bag and representing me,” Mickelson said.

Williams, who is coming up on the 10-year anniversary of working for the world’s No 1 player, said he was speaking at a charity dinner for his foundation when he made the comment.

“I was on stage doing a Q and A with the crowd when the question came up about playing with Mickelson in the Ryder Cup,” Williams said, referring to the infamous Woods-Mickelson pairing at Oakland Hills in 2004.

“It was a lighthearted conversation. One guy asked me about the tee shot Phil hit on the final hole when I said it.”

Woods and Mickelson lost both their matches, with Mickelson hitting a 3-wood off

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

THE SPORT 23

DAILY XPRESS

Sachin Tendulkar

Kevin Pietersen

ON HIS TON THAT WON THE TEST FOR INDIA

ENGLAND CRICKET CAPTAIN

“It’s a bitter pill to swallow. Seventy per cent of the Test was ours. But who can write Tendulkar’s scripts any better? He made a sensational hundred. If we had got Sachin out early, who knows what would have happened?”

“I would like to dedicate this hundred to all those people who have gone through such terrible times [in the terrorist attacks in Mumbai].”

Shocked Harmon slams caddy over jibe P

,, I DON’T LIKE THE GUY MYSELF.HE PAYS ME NO RESPECT AT ALL AND HENCE I DON’T PAY HIM ANY RESPECT. Steve Williams the 18th tee into an unplayable lie that cost them the foursomes match against Northern Ireland’s Darien Clark and Lee Westwood of England.

“There was never any conver-

AP

K sation about Tiger and Phil – it was me and Phil,” Williams said.

“The whole thing has been taken way out of context. I shouldn’t have said it; I agree with that.

People say funny things all the time at these things. It was not meant to be any harm. It was one of those lighthearted, funny things.”

Williams said he has spoken to Woods, but declined to discuss their conversation. He said he has not spoken to Mickelson, but would if he had his phone number.

“I’d just tell him the situation – that it was a charity event, a fun event, and it’s no secret me and you don’t get along,” Williams said.

The comments figure to bring even more intrigue to the Woods-Mickelson rivalry, and to a relationship that is hard to pin down.

You’re at a charity event and you have a bit of fun,” he told the Sunday Star-Times.

The candid comments were not welcomed by either Woods or Mickelson.

Woods issued a statement saying he was “disappointed,” while Mickelson called them “grossly inaccurate and irresponsible.”

Harmon said he could not understand why Williams lashed out at Mickelson, Woods’ former Ryder Cup team-mate.

“Phi Mickelson is one of the most popular players in the world, every bit as popular as Tiger Woods,” he said.

“He’s a nice guy, all the guys like Phil so I don’t know where Steve was coming from with that comment.

Personally, I would assume he would wish he’d never made it. “I would have loved to have heard a recording of the conversation between [Williams] and Tiger. I worked with Tiger for 10 years and I can tell you he wouldn’t have been very happy with that.”

Harmon is in the gambling enclave Macau to unveil the revamped Caesars Golf course, which includes Asia’s first Butch Harmon School of Golf.

Lin Wen Tang’s rise this year has been remarkable.

Lin eyes a place at the US Masters AFP

T

AFP

Y

hil Mickelson’s coach Butch Harmon yesterday said he was “shocked” after Tiger Woods’ caddy was caught in an extraordinary outburst against the world No 3.

Harmon, who has also coached Woods, described caddy Steve Williams’ comments as “deplorable” after the New Zealander called Mickelson a “prick” and questioned his relationship with the world’s top player.

“I can’t believe he said what he said. I think it’s deplorable he would say something like that,” said Harmon, adding that he was “extremely upset.”

“Golf is a game of honour and integrity and that was a very uncalled for remark. I don’t think it’s any reflection of what Tiger thinks of Phil Mickelson.”

Williams’ remarks, which included an anecdote disparaging Mickelson’s weight, were apparently made during a speech at a charity golf event. But he confirmed them later when approached by New Zealand media.

“I was simply honest and said they don’t get along.

You know what it’s like.

XPRESS

A F P , Macau

Phil Mickelson, left, with his coach Butch Harmon.

aiwan’s Lin Wen-tang has the chance to put the icing on the cake following his finest season with a good finish in this week’s season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia.

The 34-year-old is currently ranked 51 in the world and should he finish the week one place higher he will earn a place in next year’s US Masters for the first time.

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy is .01 points ahead of him and so Lin has him very much in his sights.

The Volvo Masters of Asia, which offers a winners’ cheque of US$135,000, tees-off tomorrow at Thai Country Club and is restricted to the top 65 players on the Merit list. India’s Jeev Milkha Singh starts as the hot favourite but Lin might well have some more magic up his sleeve.

For nearly 10 years, he was a run-of-the-mill touring professional who occasionally produced a top-15 finish.

It has been a remarkable and unexpected rise to the top.

“People ask me what happened? What did I change?

Well there are lots of things like clubs and better mental approach but this is also golf and everyone who plays the game knows you cannot make sense of it,” said Lin.

24

THE SPORT

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

FOOTBALL

Manager sings Milner’s praises

WORLD CHAMPS! Capello won’t rest until he makes England into world beaters AFP, London

,,

AP

F

abio Capello believes the hard work has only just begun as he tries to conquer England’s impossible job.

After a rough start to his reign, Capello has ended his first year as England coach with high approval ratings from the country’s notoriously hard to please football public.

The Italian arrived to find morale in the squad at rock bottom after England’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008, but he gradually managed to rebuild his players’ shattered morale to the extent that they won their first four World Cup qualifiers.

In the boom or bust world of English football that winning streak has been heralded as a noteworthy triumph for Capello’s management.

But transforming England from the widely derided underachievers into the cohesive unit who shattered Croatia’s unbeaten home record and defeated arch rivals Germany in Berlin was the easy part according to Capello. Now the former AC Milan and Real Madrid manager knows he has to build on the foundations laid in the past 12 months and raise England to a far higher level than they have reached at any time in the last decade.

Capello isn’t interested in merely taking part in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. For such a serial winner, only re-

David Beckham and the England squad listen to manager Fabio Capello. turning to London with the trophy itself will be enough.

“We started one year ago when all the people, all the journalists, they said it was the impossible job. The team was not very good after they missed out on qualification for the Euros but we worked a lot,” he said.

“It is easy to progress when you start at the bottom and go up. Now it is more difficult.

“When you start at the bottom it is easy to go forward.

Now we have to bond together to take the next step. It will be very difficult. We did good things and we arrived at a good level. But we have to consolidate and be even better.

“Sometimes when we play

BUT WE NEED GOOD PLAYERS TO WIN. GOOD PSYCHOLOGIST AND BAD PLAYERS IMPOSSIBLE TO WIN Fabio Capello on how he has transformed an English side low on confidence.

during the game I can see mistakes and we want to cancel out these mistakes. But I think we have a great spirit in the team and we play with confidence.

The most important work will be to keep this psychologically.”

To achieve success in South Africa, Capello will have to blend established stars like John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, with the emerging young talents who have made convincing cases for regular international action.

Gabriel Agbonlahor’s superb debut against Germany underlined his credentials and his Aston Villa team-mate Ashley Young is clearly capable of making an impact as well.

DAILY XPRESS

England manager Fabio Capello hinted that Villa boss Martin O’Neill has another potential England international on his hands as he sung the praises of winger James Milner.

“I’m very happy, because only Milner of the English players is not with us. He was close when he was a Newcastle player, but was injured before we put him in the squad,” Capello said.

“I saw a game against Liverpool for Newcastle but he was injured after half-an-hour.

“He was very, very interesting when we saw him play for the U21s at Southampton against the Republic of Ireland.

He scored two goals in the first game I saw.

“I remember this game because I thought he was a good player.

Agbonolahor and Young played before for the national team, but Milner is another interesting young player.”

While Capello is keen to harness the enthusiasm and energy of England’s young guns, he is more circumspect about the futures of David Beckham and Michael Owen.

“Michael Owen is one of the important players for England. But first of all he has to be fit when I decide the squad,” Capello said. “For Beckham and all the players it’s the same.”

AFP

Italian mind games put England on track AFP, London

AFP

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Fabio Capello erased the fear factor in the side.

ngland coach Fabio Capello admits he had to become a psychologist to rebuild his players’ shattered morale.

Capello inherited a squad desperately short of confidence when he took over from Steve McClaren last year.

Turning out for England, especially at the team’s Wembley Stadium home ground in London, where the crowd was

quick to criticise the side, had become a chore for players who are hero-worshipped at their clubs.

The Italian knew it was essential to erase the fear factor and spent time getting into his stars’ heads to convince them they could reproduce their club form for England.

“When we played the first game against Switzerland, during the training the players

were fantastic technically and physically. But when we played the match it was a disaster.

They were not the same players,” Capello said. “At that moment, I knew the problem was in their minds. It is important sometimes to be a psychologist.

“We started from the bottom and we’ve gone up, better and better every game, and we have arrived at a good level.

“We created a good group

and spirit. We have recovered their confidence and that is most important.

“The spirit of the squad. This is most important. Without the spirit and confidence it is impossible to win. Sometimes you can win one game because one player scores a goal but without spirit it is impossible.

“But we need good players to win. Good psychologist, bad players – impossible to win.”

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

THE SPORT 25

DAILY XPRESS

Somjit takes the honours

N AT I O N A L G A M E S

SMASH AND GRAB Bangkok leads but Chon Buri’s spirits weightlifted by awesome Pornchai DAILY XPRESS

eightlifter Pornchai Lopsri was in awesome form yesterday, grabbing three golds with new records in the men’s 69kg event in the 37th National Games in Phitsanulok.

Pornchai from Chon Buri eclipsed Pramote Petcharat’s previous snatch record of 129kg by lifting 136kg.

He continued his recordsmashing performance by lifting 174kg in the clean and jerk for an aggregate 310kg in the Olympic Total, smashing Suriya Dutthuyawat’s 297kg mark which stood for nine years.

In the women’s 53kg division, Asian champion and Nakhon

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Nakhon Ratchasima’s Achiraya Sriprom returns a forehand during her match against Saratchanthorn Anginant of Phetchaburi yesterday. Achiraya won the game 6-0 6-3.

Ratchasima-native Suda Chaleephay, who snatched the gold-medal with a 93kg effort in this year’s Asian meet, lifted only 80kg in her pet snatch event to finish a disappointing fourth.

Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Oranuch Chantho and Si Sa Ket’s Rakniyom Ruenrerng also snatched 80kg but claimed silver and bronze medals owing to lighter body weight. The gold medal went to Nakhon

Sawan’s Kanchana Kongto, who lifted 82kg.

Suda claimed the remaining two golds after lifting 102kg in the clean and jerk for a combined 182kg in the Olympic Total.

Bangkok and Chon Buri fought a hard-fought duel yesterday, with the former ruling the pool with five golds and the latter dominating weightlifting with six golds. Bangkok also ruled the roost in the shooting events by claiming three golds.

Bangkok’s Radomyos Madjua shattered Natthapol Chawanavanichavudh’s 11-yearold record of 56.53 seconds in the men’s 100m butterfly with a 56.48 swim.

At press time, Bangkok lead the medals table with 12 golds, followed closely by Chon Buri who’ve bagged 11 golds.

Chiang Mai are in third spot with five golds.

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apan’s Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru cars, said yesterday it would withdraw from the world rally championship at the end of the 2008 season because of the global financial crisis.

“Our business environment has rapidly deteriorated. In order to protect the Subaru brand we were forced to make this decision,” Fuji Heavy President Ikuo Mori said.

Mori fought back tears as he

announced the decision at a press conference here, thanking Subaru fans.

He cited the global economic slump and falling car sales as major reasons.

The company had already decided to pull out of the rally at the end of 2009 but brought forward the timing due to the severity of the business environment, he said.

The announcement came a day after Suzuki said it would not compete in the 2009 world rally championship.

XPRESS

Subaru skids out

Suntorn Sureeleungkajorn, third from the left, the Mall Group’s Sports Mall golf procurement senior manager, and executives from Srixon, Taylormade , Golfer Online and Beverly Hills Polo Club pose for a shot at the recent Emporium & Paragon Golf Society Tournament at President Country Club. The event is conducted to pick 18 amateur golfers, who will try and qualify for the final to be held at Ria Bintan Golf Course in Indonesia.

lyweight boxer Somjit Jongjorhor and weightlifter Prapawadee Charoenrattanatarakoon won the best male and female amateur athletes awards at the National Sports Day ceremony at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium yesterday.

The National Sports Day is held annually to commemorate HM the King’s sporting achievements. In 1967, His Majesty together with HRH Princess Ubon Ratana won the gold medal in sailing in the 4th Southeast Asian Peninsula (now SEA) Games.

Somjit and Prapawadee made the country proud by claiming gold in the Beijing Olympic Games in August, with Somjit sending Cuban challenger Andry Laffita Hernandez packing in the final.

Runners-up in the best male amateur athlete award were light-middleweight boxer Manus Boonjumnong, silver medallist at the Beijing Games, and snooker’s Thepchaiya Oonnoo, while skeet and trap shooter Suthiya Jewchalermmit and ballroom dancer ML Warakorn Chumpol finished runners-up in the female award.

Veteran golfer Prayad Maksaeng won the best professional athlete award, while the best men’s and women’s junior athlete awards went to taekwondo exponents Sorawis Laohanimit and Buttree Puedpong.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

THE SPORT 27

DAILY XPRESS

Ince sacked as Blackburn manager after run of 11 matches without a victory Premier League strugglers Blackburn Rovers announced yesterday they had sacked Paul Ince as their manager – just six months after appointing the former Manchester United and England midfielder.

Rovers are currently second bottom in the table and on course for relegation from English football’s lucrative top flight after winning just three of their 17 league games so far this season.“It is with great

sadness the board announce that Paul Ince is to leave the club,” said a statement on Blackburn’s official website.

“After a board meeting yesterday [Monday] it was decided to relieve Paul of his duties.

“The board, having selected Paul back in June, were desperate for him to succeed and wanted to give him as much time as possible in the unforgiving environment of Premier League management,

Paul Ince has been sacked six months into a three-year contract. where time is such a precious commodity.”

But now Ince, 41, appoint-

ed after former United teammate Mark Hughes took over at Premier League rivals Manchester City, has been sacked six months into a three-year contract. Rovers chairman John Williams said the north-west club had been left with little option as they sought to preserve their Premier League status.

“Three wins in 17 games has seen a squad, which finished seventh last season, fall

to 19th position,” Williams said. “We are currently in real danger of becoming detached from the pack,” added the chairman, whose team are five points adrift of safety.

“The survival of the club in the Premier League is paramount and our focus is on finding a replacement who will be able to maintain our top division status.”

AFP

Snooker body probes betting

FOOTBALL

NO 39TH MATCH Ferguson boots out the idea of EPL tie in Asia

AP, London

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AP, Yokohama, Japan

lex Ferguson is okay with his Manchester United line-up travelling abroad when a world championship is at stake, but he’s against the idea playing an additional Premier League match on foreign soil.

Manchester United arrived in Japan three days ahead of tomorrow’s Club World Cup semi-final against Asian champions Gamba Osaka of Japan.

The trip to Japan comes at a busy time of the season for Manchester United, who trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by six points heading into the congested winter schedule.

The Red Devils were held to a scoreless draw by Tottenham on Saturday and next play Stoke City on December 26, five days after the Club World Cup final.

But Ferguson refused to be critical of the demands being placed on his team.

“The main point is that this is a chance to win a world title,” Ferguson said. “We can become world champions in December, but we can’t win the Premier League title in December. It’s a little bit of a handicap, but that’s what happens when you are a world-class club.”

The Premier League has proposed holding an additional “39th round” of matches outside of England – particularly in the major Asian cities of Hong Kong, Shanghai and Seoul – as part of plan to broaden its glob-

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AFP

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Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson looks on during a training session in Yokohama, where the Red Devils will take on Gamba Osaka of Japan in the Club World Cup tomorrow. al reach. The idea received recent impetus when Asian Football Confederation president Mohammed bin Hammam met with Premier League chief Richard Scudamore and announced the organisations would work at an administrative and club-to-club level to close the gap between Asian and European football.

“I don’t think there’ll be a 39th game. Sorry,” Ferguson said when asked which city he’d prefer to play in. “I’m not in favour of it. If you look at our domestic schedule, with all those cup competitions, I think it’s impossible. I don’t think there will ever be a 39th game and I don’t think there should be.”

IN 20 YEARS TIME TO LOOK BACK AND SEE THAT UNITED WERE WORLD CHAMPIONS WOULD BE FANTASTIC. Alex Ferguson

Gamba beat Australia’s Adelaide United 1-0 on Sunday to reach the semi-finals, and Ferguson singled out Osaka’s midfielder Yasuhito Endo and Brazilian forward Lucas as the biggest threats to his team.

“It’s a very difficult tournament, there are many good teams here,” Ferguson said. “In 20 years time to look back and see that Manchester United were world champions would be fantastic, and that’s why we’ve come here to win it.

“We are here as champions of Europe and I hope to be here again in Abu Dhabi next year.”

The Club World Cup moves to the United Arab Emirates next year for two years before returning to Japan in 2011.

nooker’s governing body is investigating a match at the UK Championship after British bookmakers reported suspicious betting patterns.

Three firms suspended betting on Stephen Maguire’s win over Jamie Burnett in the first round on Monday after noticing unusually heavy betting on a score of 9-3 in Maguire’s favour.

The No 2-ranked Maguire eventually won by the predicted score, but only after his fellow Scot missed a black in the 12th frame that would have made it 8-4.

The players have acknowledged that they were aware of speculation on the score before the match, but Burnett has denied any wrongdoing.

“In the last frame, I have never felt more pressure in my life,” Burnett told the British Broadcasting Corp.

“On the black, I said to myself, ‘I need to get this, I need to get this,’ in case some people start talking.

“I just felt so under pressure, probably the most pressure I have felt in my life. Then to come off was the lowest feeling, I felt terrible.”

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association did not comment on the case but reiterated its stance on matchfixing. “The match in question is carefully monitored,” it said.