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PY O C E FRE EXCITING TRAVEL PACKAGES PAGE 18

XPRESS

DAILY

Monday, January 12, 2009 VOL 2, NO 255 dailyxpress.net

GOOD MORNING BANGKOK!

DAILY XPRESS/VORAWIT PUMPUANG

FIRST LADY’S

PLIGHT

Abhisit’s wife Pimpen has been receiving threats like the prime minister, but both of them remain in good spirits... >PAGE 2

Smile – and be happy!

By Patcha Anekayuwat Singer

I

believe that it’s best to begin your day with a smile. Smiling every day can certainly cheer you up. It’s even better to share your smiles with others. It surely makes the day beautiful!

2 TODAY

Monday, January 12, 2009

THE CITY

MR SUKHUMBHAND PARIBATRA: THE

15th

BANGKOK GOVERNOR

Sukhumbhand vows to serve all sections Nattakorn said the votes he earned demonstrated a group of people’s willingness to welcome a new breed of politicians, though most tended to vote for candidates of established political parties.

He added that he would spend the next few years strengthening his political background before entering the field again.

For his part, Kaewsan plans to establish the New Bangkok Group to seek help for communities and the city.

Regarding the low number of votes, he said that voters chose to pay less attention to “integrated” and “complete” policies than to political parties, hence they voted with parties in mind rather than solely concentrating on the individual’s policies.

D A I LY X P R E S S

DAILY XPRESS/VORAWIT PUMPUANG

D

Pimpen and Prang, wife and daughter of Prime Minister Abhisit, vote in the Bangkok govenor election in Wattana district yesterday.

FEAR NO EVIL The PM and his wife remain undaunted despite receiving a number of threats D A I LY X P R E S S

P

rime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is not alone in facing telephone threats: his wife Pimpen, too, has received threats, but of a different kind – through letters sent to her office at Chulalongkorn University. Yet both are undaunted.

In a rare interview, Pimpen reveals that she received a number of threatening letters at her office. “You can say at first glimpse that it’s that kind of letter, thanks to the obvious bull’s-eyes decoration on the envelopes. But I just throw them into the bin,” she says.

“First, it started with threatening phone calls, and he [Abhisit] answered all of them.

DAILY

XPRESS

It was as if his number had been publicised. The calls started to fade, but later the threats have come to me in the form of letters.”

Pimpen, known for her privacy, talked to the press for the first time since Abhisit became prime minister.

Playing safe She admits she has lost her privacy to a certain extent, but that’s okay. Her concern is more for her husband’s safety, she says. But she trusts his security team.

“It would be okay if eggs are thrown at him because all they do are make a big mess. What I’m afraid of is something worse,” Pimpen says.

She says Abhisit is in good spirits. “He doesn’t feel threatened by those calls; I, too, am not when I receive those letters,” she says.

As for her daughter Prang, the premier’s wife says that she wouldn’t want her to go anywhere alone. “If she wants to go out, I’ll make sure her friends are with her. If not, I’ll find someone to accompany her. It’s not safe nowadays – not because she is the premier’s daughter, but because our society is not so safe for a girl.”

With Prang, the eldest child of Abhisit and Pimpen, having turned 18 in November, yesterday’s Bangkok governor election gave her the opportunity to vote for the first time.

“My father has guided me on how to vote as this is my first time,” Prang says.

DAILY XPRESS

emocrat Party candidate MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra humbly accepted congratulations yesterday on his possible victory in the Bangkok governor elections after exit polls showed he was ahead of other candidates.

He said he would like to wait for the official count before making any comment.

But if he wins the election, he would serve all sections of society as Bangkok governor, he said.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai candidate Yuranan Pamornmontri thanked all those who voted for him. He vowed to continue playing a political role even if he lost the battle.

Yuranan was placed second in exit polls, followed by ML Nattakorn Devakula and Kaewsan Atibhodi.

EXIT POLLS Exit polls show MR SRIPATHUM UNIVERSITY Sukhumbhand Paribatra of the Democrat Party Yuranan sweeping the gubernatorial 28.48% election.

Sukhumbhand Yuranan Pamornmontri of Nattakorn Pheu Thai Party, and 45.06% 16.55% independent candidates Nattakorn Devakula and Kaewsan Kaewsan Atibodhi are in 5.66% second, third and fourth places respectively.

RAMKHAMHAENG SUAN DUSIT POLL UNIVERSITY Sukhumbhand

46.75%

Yuranan 26.92% Sukhumbhand

44.74%

Nattakorn 18.5% Kaewsan 6.37%

Yuranan 28.11% Nattakorn 15.89% Kaewsan 7.06% DAILI XPRESS GRAPHICS

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

Monday, January 12, 2009

THE WORLD

DAILY XPRESS

635g The weight of Sony’s new Vaio notebook, making it the lightest laptop ever

Shooting

straight

AFP

Members of Japan’s Self-Defence Force hang off a helicopter and shoot with automatic rifles during a drill at Narashino city in suburban Tokyo yesterday.

Some 400 personnel and 20 aircraft joined the annual open exercise at the Narashino training ground.

WASHINGTON SET FOR GRAND OBAMA BALL Millions are expected to attend his historic swearing-in on January 20 A F P , Washington

T

he US capital is preparing to swirl with silk and sparkle with rhinestones as everyone from soldiers to Hollywood stars fete Barack Obama’s swearing-in at a bevy of inaugural balls.

Ten of the hundreds of galas will be official balls hosted by Obama as he takes up the presidency on his inauguration day on January 20.

They include invitation-only soirees for guests from different US regions and Obama’s two home states of Illinois and

Hawaii, members of the military, and young Americans, who were a key force in propelling him to his historic win on November 4.

Neighbourhood ball And as part of his pledge to make his inauguration accessible to all Americans, Obama is also hosting a “neighbourhood ball”, offering cheap or free tickets to residents of Washington – his new neighbourhood – and featuring technology that will link the festivities to other people’s events.

Obama’s transition team said the neighbourhood ball broke with tradition, as past inaugural fetes have catered exclusively to a powerful, wealthy elite.

Tickets to the official balls are as rare as pixie-dust, and those who are able to land one will have to work out what to wear and how to get to the dance without the aid of a fairy godmother to transform a pumpkin into a carriage.

“It’s going to be almost impossible to get around the city that day unless you walk or take the metro, so a big, pouffy dress with a long train probably isn’t a good idea,” said stylist Lana Orloff, who is busy helping sev-

eral clients to clinch the right look for the big night.

“There are going to be a gazillion people. Most, if not all, of them will be going to the ball by metro, and none of them are going to care about your shoes or your gown,” she said.

Talk show diva Oprah Winfrey has none of those worries and bought her inaugural gown before Obama had even clinched his historic victory.

British rockers Elvis Costello and Sting will headline the entertainment at the Creative Coalition ball, and celebrity guests include Spike Lee and Susan Sarandon.

Galaxy of stars Never mind the Oscars, Grammys or Golden Globes: the red-carpet extravaganza that every discerning celebrity wants to be seen at this year is Barack Obama’s inauguration as US president.

An unprecedented galaxy of stars is poised to light up festivities surrounding the inauguration, giving a highvoltage jolt of glamour to the serious business of swearing-in the leader of the free world.

Some stars, such as Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, will be performing.

Others, such as two-time Oscar-winner Tom Hanks, are planning to watch proceedings from among the crowd.

But there seems little doubt that dozens of entertainment industry figures will descend on the nation’s capital for what is described as possibly the “most star-spangled” inauguration in history.

AFP

Monday, January 12, 2009

GLOBETROT

DAILY XPRESS

HOLLYWOOD STAR Nicole Kidman admits she squirmed while watching her latest film ‘Australia.’ The movie, expected to save the tourist industry Down Under, was a flop in her eyes.

SARAH PALIN ON HOW SHE WAS TREATED

BY THE MEDIA

“I’ve been interested to see how Caroline Kennedy will be handled and if she will be handled with kid gloves or if she will be under such a microscope.”

‘Slumdog’ favourite as Globes launch Oscars countdown

AFP

briefly ‘Hellishly hot’sauce dedicated to Madoff AP

The race for honours at next month’s Oscars cranked into overdrive yesterday as a galaxy of stars descended on Beverly Hills for the 66th Golden Globes.

Brad Pitt, Kate Winslet, Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, Clint Eastwood, Leonardo DiCaprio and Meryl Streep are just a few of the Hollywood heavyweights vying for awards at the Globes.

Pitt is up for best actor for his performance as a man who ages in reverse in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, which along with “Frost/Nixon” and “Doubt” goes into the event with five nominations.

However, awards season pundits believe “Benjamin Button” could be pipped for best drama honours by “Slumdog Millionaire”.

British director Danny Boyle’s riotous feel-good flick tells the story of a boy who rises from crushing poverty in Mumbai to find fame and fortune on India’s version of the television quiz show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?”

The film’s Oscar campaign picked up valuable momentum when it swept the board at the Critics Choice Awards.

“I think it’s a real close race between ‘Benjamin Button’ and ‘Slumdog Millionaire’,” said Pete Hammond, Maxim film critic.

Unlike the Oscars, the Golden Globes – which are chosen by around 80 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association – have separate best picture awards for dramas and musicals.

In the past four years the Globes have failed to accurately predict the best picture winner at the Academy Awards, but overall two-thirds of best picture Oscar winners had first received a Golden Globe.

5

Britain’s Prince Harry listens as his brother Prince William delivers a speech in London last week.

Harry apologises for racist language A F P , London

B

ritain’s Prince Harry has apologised for using racist language after a Sunday newspaper reported he had filmed himself calling an army colleague a “Paki” and telling another he looked like a “raghead”.

The video obtained by the News of the World plunges the 24-year-old prince, the third in line to the throne, into fresh controversy four years after he sparked outcry by wearing a Nazi swastika at a fancy dress party.

The newspaper posted the video on its website and said it was made in 2006 when the prince was still an officer cadet.

It begins as he is waiting with his platoon in an airport departure lounge for a flight to a training exercise in Cyprus.

Touring the room with a video camera as his colleagues snooze, he spots an Asian cadet and says: “Anybody else around here?... Ah, our little Paki friend, Ahmed.”

“Paki” is a racist term for Indians or Pakistanis.

The royal family issued an apology, but insisted the prince had used the term without malice.

“Prince Harry fully understands how offensive this term can be, and is extremely sorry for any offence his words might cause,” a spokesman said.

,,

THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT PRINCE HARRY WAS IN ANY WAY SEEKING TO INSULT HIS FRIEND. Royal family statement

“However, on this occasion three years ago, Prince Harry used the term without any malice and as a nickname about a highly popular member of his platoon.

“There is no question that Prince Harry was in any way seeking to insult his friend.”

The report said Harry made the “raghead” remark – a racist term for Arabs – while on the exercise.

Once again he is behind the camera when he spots one of his comrades with camouflage netting over his head and as he looks up at the lens, Harry says: “It’s Dan the Man... F**** me, you look like a raghead.”

Careful with this hot sauce: It will definitely burn.

New York City artist Alex Gardega is selling US$10 (Bt348) bottles of habanero hot sauce dedMadoff icated to disgraced Wall Street financier Bernard Madoff. He calls it “Bernie in hell”.

But Gardega says he doesn’t really want people to put the condiment on food. He warns on his website that it’s “hellishly hot”.

Instead, Gardega says, he’s making a statement about Madoff, who has been accused of bilking investors out of $50 billion. – AP

Man throws toddler to death; kills self Police in Hong Kong are investigating a murder-suicide case in which a 27-year-old man threw his toddler niece to her death from a high-rise apartment block.

The two-year-old girl and her uncle were found dead at the foot of the block of flats after falling from a ninth-floor balcony.

The girl’s mother told police that her husband’s brother snatched the girl and threw her from the balcony before jumping to his death. Police believe he may have suffered a mental breakdown. – DPA

Surviving a big bite An Australian surfer survived a shark attack yesterday after shaking off the animal and paddling back to shore despite the agony of a giant bite wound.

The shark attacked the 31-year-old as he sat on his surfboard at Fingal Beach in New South Wales.

Lifeguard coordinator Steven Lay said the man had no warning a shark was in the area.

“He tells us that there was a group of dolphins nearby and then the next thing he realised was that he received a large bite to the top of his leg,” Lay said.

Rescue doctor Kang Lim said the surfer was fortunate one of his friends had used the leg rope attaching the surfboard to the surfer to compress the wound and stem the bleeding. – AFP

Sticking to his guns A man arrested at Los Angeles International Airport with a trunk full of guns and nearly 1,000 rounds of ammunition said he is a law-abiding weapons enthusiast who had no idea he might be breaking the law.

Airport police saw it a little differently. “He just made a very bad decision, and should not have been carrying those weapons,” airport police Seargeant Jim Holcomb said.

Phillip Dominguez said he wasn’t breaking any laws since the weapons and ammunition were in separate, locked boxes.

Dominguez said he was handcuffed, taken to a jail and held for six hours before he was booked. He was released on US$50,000 (Bt1.7-million) bail.

“I’m contacting their worst nightmare – an attorney,” he said. – AP

Low-cost wedding Wedding bells meant the Mexican fast-food chain Taco Bell for Paul and Caragh Brooks.

Customers inside the fastfood restaurant continued to order tacos and burritos as the couple sat in an orange Taco Bell booth and exchanged vows.

“It’s appropriate,” groom Paul Brooks said. “It’s an offbeat relationship.”

The bride wore a US$15 (Bt520) hot pink dress and the entire wedding cost about $200.

– AP

6 ENTERTAINMENT

Monday, January 12, 2009

THE FUN

DAILY XPRESS

PATRICK SWAYZE, ON HIS BATTLE AGAINST CANCER.

“You can bet that I’m going through hell. I’m at the beginning of my battle.

And I expect it to be a long, hard battle, one that I’m gonna win according to certain rules and the rule that the cancer isn’t going away.”

CINEMA PREVIEW

THE YEAR OF THE SEQUEL ‘Ong Bak 3’ and ‘King Naresuan 3’ are just the beginning for Thai movie releases in 2009

By Wise Kwai D A I LY X P R E S S

S

equels, sequels and more sequels are planned for 2009 by Thai film studios.

“Ong Bak 3” and “King Naresuan 3” are among them, but there’s also “Ha Phrang”, “The Holy Man 3”, “Yam Yasothon 2”, “Khan Kluay II”, “Buppah Rahtree 3” and “14”, the follow-up to “13 Beloved”.

Sahamongkol Film brings on the action, planning the release of the long-shelved, controversial robbers-turned-monks drama “Shadow of the Naga”, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year.

There will be kiddie kicks in “Power Kids”, coming on February 5, and a project for “Chocolate” star Jeeja Yanin.

Another heroine will be introduced in “Suay Samurai” (“The Vanquisher”), directed

by Manop Udomdej and starring Jacqueline Apithananont.

That was a project that was

originally to feature Chotiros “Amy” Suriyawong, until the young actress wore a too-revealing dress at the Subhanahongsa Awards in 2007.

There’s also muay thai basketball action in Bangkok Film’s “Fireball” on January 29, by director Thanakorn Pongsuwan.

And foreign stuntmen take things into their own hands with “Bangkok Adrenaline”.

Love stories For romance, there’s love and comedy communist style in “Blue Sky of Love”, opening on Thursday; tearful 1970s heartbreak in “A Moment in June” on February 12; and Yongyuth Thongkongtoon directs “Best of Time”, about a veterinarian (Arak “Pae” Amornsupasiri) in love on March 5.

Five Star has “Before Valentine” on February 5, and there’s teens travelling in Europe with “Dear Galileo” by GMM Tai Hub’s Nithiwat Tharatorn.

Also from Five Star, veteran director Bhandit Rittakol is at work on “A-Nueng Kidthueng Pen Yang Ying” (“Miss You Once More”), a reboot of his 1990s romance series that began in 1992 with “A-nueng Kidthueng Por Sangkeb” (“I Miss You”) then “I Miss You 2” in 1996.

The horror Thrills and chills from Five Star will come from acclaimed director Pen-ek Ratanaruang, who is at work in the jungle filming “Nymph”. Meanwhile, Kongkiat Khomsiri and Wisit Sasanatieng will serve “Slice”.

There’s also “Red Eagle”, Wisit’s re-imagining of the 1960s masked-crimefighter series that starred Mitr Chaibancha and Petchara Chaowarat. Ananda Everingham is donning the mask.

More horror comes with the Thai-Taiwanese co-production “The Fatality” on Thursday, and Phranakorn has “Kiew

Tiew Nua Kon” (“Meat Grinder”) on February 12. Both are directed by Thiwa Meyathaisong.

Sahamongkol deals in horror comedy with “Luang Phi Kab Phi Kanun” on February 19 and blood-stained university uniforms in “Mahalai Sayong Kwan”.

RS Film has criminal hijinks in “Hod Na Hiew” on January 29 and Poj Arnon directs the gay teen football story “Taew Nak Te Teen Rabert” on March 12 for Phranakorn.

With a vengeance And back to those sequels, which Thailand’s cinema operators are banking heavily on.

“Tamnan Somdej Nareasuan Maharaj Pak Yutthahatti” – the third part of MC Chatrichalerm Yukol’s “King Naresuan” historical epic – is expected to be in cinemas by April 30.

“Buppah Rahtree 3”, further tales of the vengeful female

ghost by Yuthlert Sippapak, is due on April 2.

No specific release date is given for Tony Jaa’s “Ong Bak 3”. Nor is there one for Mum Jokmok’s “Yam Yasothon 2”, the follow-up to his 2005 country comedy.

Chukiat Sakveerakul has been working on “14” since 2006’s gore-filled social satire “13 Beloved”.

GTH plans a followup of its four-segment horror “See Phrang” (“4Bia”) with five fears in “Ha Phrang”.

“Khan Kluay II”, the followup to the first Thai computeranimated feature in 2006, is planned for release around March. The sequel comes in the wake of the first film – reworked, appended and dubbed in Hindi – being released in India three weeks ago as “Jumbo”.

And Phranakorn plans to cash in with another sequel to their smash-hit “Luang Phee Teng” (“The Holy Man”) franchise.

Monday, January 12, 2009

ENTERTAINMENT 7

DAILY XPRESS

400

DOCKERS’ ORDERS

ELVIS LOOKALIKES took a train on Friday from Sydney to Parkes, New South Wales, for the King of Rock festival, commemorating Elvis Presley’s January 8 birthday.

Neat new places to put your iPod are among the latest cool gadgets. > Page 13

Deep-mind

soopsip

diving Video artist Noraset Vaisayakul explores the “Subsconsciouscape”, where nothing is as it seems, this Wednesday through February 14 at Gallery Ver on the second floor of Soi Klongsarn Plaza.

Call (02) 861 0933 or head to www.VerVer.info.

The astronaut from Yorkshire LEARN WHAT’S IT LIKE to look down on earth from the heavens by spending tomorrow evening with Nasa mission specialist Nicholas Patrick at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand.

You’ll hear all about the exhilaration of space travel first-hand from Patrick, a British astronaut who spent 306 hours on the SS-116 mission in 2006 and will be aboard the space shuttle Endeavour for mission STS-130 when it blasts off next December.

Endeavour will deliver a third connecting module to the International Space Station and a seven-windowed cupola to be used as a control room for robotics. The mission will also install research and science experiment equipment, a new sleeping area, and re-supply the station using a special logistics module stored in the payload bay.

Members get in free; non-members pay Bt300. Dinner costs Bt350 and starts at 7pm. The talk kicks off at 8. Call (02) 652 0580-1.

It’s all in the strategy EVER WONDERED WHY THAIS don’t go to museums?

Michael Day may be able to explain, and also suggest how to attract larger numbers. The chief executive of Historic Royal Palaces, the education and conservation charity responsible for the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace and other royal properties, will be sharing his experiences tomorrow between 9 and noon at Museum Siam.

Reservations are required. Call the British Council at (02) 657 5601.

Blockbuster wedding Here’s why Kob and Brooke’s wedding on Friday was bigger than the Oscars: Absolutely everyone has been waiting forever for handsome politician Danupon “Brooke” Punnakan to tie the knot with popularity-queen actress Suvanan “Kob” Kongying. They’ve been courting since she was 19 – and she’s 30 now!

TECHNOLOGY

Making life e-easy The Thailand Internet Expo kicks off at the end of this month – it’s a must for cybernauts D A I LY X P R E S S

XTRA

I

f you find it hard to tear yourself away from chatting on MSN, you won’t want to miss the Thailand Internet Expo 2009.

It’s where you’ll learn all about the latest technologies as well as promotions that should make life a lot easier.

Service providers CAT, TOT, Inet, True, KSC and CS Loxinfo will all be there, encouraging more Internet use among the cyber-obsessed, and explaining how the wonders of modern technology can enhance business through e-auctions and e-conferencing.

The Communications Authority of Thailand will take a step back in time and give visitors the history of the Net in Thailand.

And there’ll be seminars on such topics as “How to Make Your Website a Top 20 on Google”, “E-commerce

GET ONLINE >> The Thailand Internet Expo 2009 will be held from January 30 to February 1 at Siam Paragon’s Royal Paragon Hall. >> Admission is free. It’s open from 10am to 8pm. >> There’s more on the Web at www.Thailand InternetExpo.com.

Trends in 2009” and “Seven Easy Steps to Start an E-commerce Business”.

Both Channel 7 and 3 had their mobile-broadcast units at the Centara Grand for the ceremony, and True Inside (Channel 17) broadcast the entire wedding live.

Politicians aren’t welcome on Oscar’s stage (unless you count Al Gore, and he was just “An Inconvenient Truth”). But Kob and Brooke drew a slew of bigwigs from both the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties.

The groom’s brother Putthipong is a Democrat MP, even though Brooke is a Pheu Thai MP. Between them (and Kob), they lured Yingluck Shinawatra, Sudarat Keyuraphan and Apirak Kosayothin.

Contact Soopsip at veenxpress@gmail.com.

LIFE

8

Monday, January 12, 2009

DAILY XPRESS

ATHOME

The three tiers of wooden decking beneath a shady banyan tree have been

converted from a meditation platform into a rustic but comfy lounging area

O U T D O O R I N S P I R AT I O N

The roots of beauty Mother Nature inspires a garden resort flourishing with green ideas

By Sirinia

Branching out

D A I LY X P R E S S

There are surprises too, like the living area perched high up in the branches of a tree.

“I see it and I do it,” she says of her spontaneous visions.

Walking through the garden recently she noticed a hidden corner beneath the tree house.

A few days later, a hand-made wooden chair swing had appeared to fill the space. More swings, outdoor tables and other flourishes pop up regularly around the resort.

I

don’t read decor magazines,” says Phajongkit Laorauvirodge, owner of Supanniga Home Resort in Khon Kaen. She’s afraid that the tips from professionals would cramp her style. “It’s not really me!”

Phajongkit’s decorating ideas have nothing to do with fashion; she prefers to be guided by simplicity and instinct, adding touches to her resort whenever the mood takes her.

The place has been converted from summerhouses that were once used for meditation retreats.

The layout is simple: three houses - two of wood plus a more contemporary cement building with an airy design that was thought up by Phajongkit’s children. Each is shaded by trees in a garden dotted with decorative items carved from the woody surroundings.

Recycling traditions Her designs often take leftovers of old traditions and give them new lives. The three tiers of wooden decking beneath a shady banyan tree have been converted from a meditation platform into a rustic but comfy lounging area.

On it stands another of her

transformations: shelves made from a cartwheel cut in two.

“I had the basic idea, but my craftsmen did a beautiful job turning it into the real thing.”

Dazzling decor may make jaws drop, says Phajongkit, but the impact doesn’t last very long. The more a place is spiced up with colours and designs, the faster it’s forgotten.

Her blend of green surroundings and harmonising ideas doesn’t stimulate excitement, but gives you the chance to gradually appreciate nature’s serenity and simplicity.

“It’s the raw beauty without the seasoning,” she says.

The living area perched high up

in the branches of a tree

STATIONERY SETS UP FOR GRABS!

Designed for students who want attractive

quality stationery at affordable prices, Tesco Lotus is now offering three new collections.

“Chic” comes in black-and-white; “Floral” features green and blue flowers, while “Novelty” sports orange and pink graphics. Products include pencils, pens, notebooks, pencil boxes, diaries and boxes ranging in price from Bt6 to Bt350. The basic pattern starts at just Bt4.

To get a taste of Tesco Lotus stationery, answer the following questions and you could win one of seven stationery sets, each worth Bt1,000.

Q: How many stationery collections has Tesco Lotus launched?

Q: What are they called?

Email your answers to xpressquiz@gmail.com by Thursday January 15.

Monday, January 12, 2009

EVENTS 9

DAILY XPRESS

WHAT’S ON/WHAT’S UP see it! tive Conserva crafts City today

Heaven on Earth Until January 31, Italian artist Arianna Caroli presents “Days of Heaven”, a fusion of European classicism and modernism, which she enriches with the spirit of the East, at H Gallery. The gallery at 201 Sathorn Road Soi 12 is open daily except Tuesday from 10 to 6. Call (081) 310

River Get over to d 8 and you can an between 11 nity to ue opportu iq n enjoy a u afts at h quality cr snap up hig andicraft”. The nH “Bangkokia sale is being held nd a n exhibitio x’s grand ing comple p p o sh in the l models ra tures seve a fe d n a ll ha t bowls, ts, stone-se , of Thai boa ts l instrumen Thai musica uppets, and modi-p masks, min ditional houses. a tr i a onstraels of Th lso see dem rk as a n ca rs o Visito iw d n Thai ha tions of such d delicate garlands an the refined itional way. ad tr e th t servmade shuttle boa S e e fr a ’s re The e BT City from th ice to River . n o ti a st ksin Saphan Ta

4428 or visit www.HGalleryBkk.com.

Seascapes and flowers Pam Sripian’s showcases small and medium-size oil paintings of dreamlike flowers and seascapes in her debut solo show at Rotunda and Garden Galleries until February 1. The gallery is part of the Neilson Hays Library and is open daily except Saturday from 9.30 to 5. Call (02) 233 1731 or visit www.NeilsonHaysLibrary.com.

A little night music Leading Japanese horn master, Mizuno Nobuyuki, accompanied by pianist Mie Matsuoka and violinist Kyoko Saburi, entertain with evergreen classical music pieces and Japanese folk instrumentals tonight from 8 at the Thailand Cultural Centre’s Small Hall. Tickets cost Bt500 and Bt300 at www.ThaiTicketMajor.com.

ones paintings depicting rocks tranaddicptieobn- ” t s g n i l k r Spa aengprom latest collectiononofshow in “The Graceful Con

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Isaanbe g n i z a m A rtheast will ce in the No

g Every provin wares at the Amazin s it g n e si th showca runs at 009, which Isaan Fair 2 ational Convention heck it N Queen Sirik hursday to Sunday. C T nd a m s o fr ct produ Centre fruit, fresh l ca se e lo r in h fo C t s it ou ch a , odstuffs su processed fo ell as handwoven cloth r w o s F a s. , e ft ndicra sausag are and ha 0. w 8 n 8 e 9 h 2 rt 8 a e 6 silk, call (02) , n o ti a rm more info

ats Sweetdont’trmeiss “Gift

s, ocolate” Chocoholic e Star of Ch here h T : d n a rl e Wond Phrao w Central Lat avours, festival at fl t n re of diffe chocolates lours have turned the co nderland. shapes and a sweet wo us to in ll a h vast famo day, world Until Thurs ecial price sp t a le on sa brands are ose as presents or for o for you to ch onal delight. rs e p your own

The woven word On Saturday at 10.30, the Thai

Textile Society and the Siam Society hold a lecture on “Textile Texts, or the Woven Word: Burmese Manuscript Binding Tapes” by Ralph Isaacs.

The lecture will be in English and will be delivered in the Siam Society's fourth floor lecture room.

Isaacs will describe and celebrate a craft extinct in Burma since 1970 – the tablet weaving of text-woven tapes for winding around bundles of palm-leaf manuscripts called sazigyo. He also invites attendees to bring their sazigyo for display and discussion. Price is Bt200 for nonmembers. Contact info@thaitextilesociety.org.

10 EVENTS

Monday, January 12, 2009

DAILY XPRESS

WHAT’S ON/WHAT’S UP do it! music Relaxingic Edwucatitionhand Music Therapy,

Concentrating the mind

us ol of Arts, The Division of M ic and Dance, Scho t of us M of t en rtm Depa he Ar as is organising “T University of Kans Therapy” today at usic Applications in M ’s Salaya Campus. ty rsi ive Un ol Mahid ) s Bt4,000 (public Registration cost 2) (0 ll Ca dents). and Bt2,000 (stu

Focus your mind and help your children develop their skills by signing up for a course with Bangkok’s IWICA Chess Academy. Classes are offered in both English and Thai and range from beginner to advanced levels for both children and adults. Admissions are now open for new courses commencing Saturday at both Silom and Sukhumvit centres. Call (081) 699

nsion 144.

800 2525 exte

Serene like Santi Santi Thongsuk displays his latest paintings in “The Rhythm of the Heart” at D Gallery in Royal Phuket Marina until Saturday. San ti conveys his thoughts for keeping the mind calm and ste ady, a strategy for maintaining a perfect life. Call (076) 36 0

867 or visit www.DGallery.co.th.

2038, (02) 6302 802 for free introductory class and more information or e-mail iwicaclub@hotmail.com or iwicaclub@gmail.com.

The wonders of DoiTung Spend between Bt2,000 and Bt5,000 at the DoiTung Lifestyle shops before the end of January and you’ll be rewarded with vouchers worth up to Bt500.

There’s plenty on offer for those still searching for gifts for friends and family including hampers, gift sets, produce, ceramics, handwoven neckties and silk scarves. The promotion is available at all branches. You’ll find them on the fourth floor of Siam Discovery, Suan Lum Night Bazaar, Bon Marche markets as well as at Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai airports.

For more information, call (02) 2527114 extension 209.

New report from Amnesty Tomorrow morning at 11 at the

Aussie be a Thai twi ef with st Head to th

Broadway Bangkok in The mu

ch-loved m usical “Chic Bangkok n ago” come ext month s to wit running fro m February h 22 performances 12 to 22 at Thai Ratch Mua ada from Bt1,00 lai Theatre. Tickets co ng 0 to Bt4,00 sting 0a Thaiticketm ajor. Call (0 re available at 2) 262 3456 .

eR ice, deliciou embrandt Hotel’s Red s cuisine an Pepper for da invi this month , you can als terrific atmosphere. T ting servhroughou o enjoy Aust perfection. t Try ra and shallots it in a spicy salad wit lian beef cooked to h eggplant, or in a thick le rooms. For reservation paneang curry stuffed mongrass s, call (02) with mush 261 7100.

Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand, Amnesty International will present a new report, “Torture in counter-insurgency: Southern Thailand”, based on research conducted in 2008. The report contains background and context, along over 30 anonymous testimonies from the south. For more information e-mail Benjamin.Zawacki@amnesty.org or call (081) 138 1912.

Crushing the competition This one-day seminar presented by Mark McClure, author of the best-selling business book, “The Ruthless Entrepreneur System.” Focuses on how to get clients and close deals. It’s being held at the Radisson Hotel Bangkok on January 22 from 9. For tickets, visit www.ThaiTicketMajor.com.

Monday, January 12, 2009

SOCIETY 11

DAILY XPRESS

A token of a

ppreciation Air Chief Marsh al Kumthon Sint huwanont, Priv recently presen y Councillor, ted an award to Nichaya Chaivisu Amari Waterga th, of the te Hotel in reco gniti support to the Phradabos Foun on of the hotel’s outstanding dation.

erside reopens Ramada Plaza MenaympresRiv ided over the grand opening of the

HRH Princess Somsavali graciousl previously known as Menam Riverside Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside Bangkok, on, the Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside Hotel. Renovated at a cost of Bt800 milli evel standard resort with a new manBangkok is now a five-star international-l sin, left, managing director, and Ian agement team. Photo shows Daecha Tang .

Taylor Woodward, right, general manager

Down on the Isaan farm

brew First sip of a neleew, fift fourth left, and h left, Nicha Suebwonglee,

Dr Surapong Suebwong led “Body Shape h right, hosted an event cal sixt , lee ong bw Sue g pon Phu aimed at improving tant coffee with ingredients Coffee” to launch a new ins llanond, centre, Dr event were Worawanna Chi health. Also attending the s. ebr h right, and various cel itie Somchai Choonharas, sevent

Soccer star at Santiburi

Aleksei Berezutski, captain of the Russ ian National Football team, recently spent his vacation at the Santiburi Golf Resort and Spa on Samui, resting between important matches. Berezuts ki plays for the football club CSKA Moscow, which is now leading the H Grou p in the UEFA Cup competition.

Thongchai Popaiboon, third right, manager of Thai Silk Company’s Farm 2 and silk-farming promotion, and Chutima Dumsuwan, fourth right, brand man ager of the Thai Silk Company, welcome a pack of pres s hounds on their recent visit to Jim Thompson Farm in Pak Thong Chai, Nakhon Ratchasima.

The members of the media were given a guided tour of a field of giant pumpkins where more than 40 varieties are being cultivated. It was one of the many activitie s at this agricultural attraction, which also focuses on the con servation of Isaan culture.

inment! anaging director, and Somrasa That’s edhauisatal, se ), cond left, m Wyeth (Thailand

manager, Viriya Chongp s to , corporate affairs ht rig k, ue pr educational gift rm Pongpe y by presenting n, left, Da s no n’ ta re jit ild Ka Ch t l ru ht, and Su rig marked Nationa nd tal co se a, al an physical d men i Kantham th supports the Khunying Somsr ye W ie. nf m co Ho lfs se n’ and ildre s their creativity Thai Red Cross Ch youth and foster ai Th of t en pm develo dence.

12 LIFE

Monday, January 12, 2009

AT WORK 6,000

love scope

BC: THE YEAR THE FIRST BEER

was brewed in Mesopotamia by the Babylonians.

BY EUGENIA LAST

Bet on the bottle

It's called give-and-get-back. If you take part in a fund raiser or volunteer your time to a worthy cause, you will meet someone who interests you. Explore the possibilities and you will find you have common ground with this person.

A G E N T U R , Hong Kong

W

hen James Christie held his first auction in 1776, bottles of wine were among the lots to go under the hammer.

Even then, wine was more than just an accompaniment to fine food – it was a liquid asset.

More than 200 years later it’s a view shared by many Asian investors, particularly in Hong Kong, where collectors are believed to own around a million cases of rare or fine wines – as much as 20 per cent of the world’s total.

A sale last May fetched US$8.25 million, at the time a record for an Asian wine auction.

Interest boomed, and it seemed everybody was talking about wine as the safe haven for savings while the world headed for recession.

But the past few months have shown that even wine is not so immune to economic forces.

In October the Liv-ex, the leading fine wine exchange, recorded its largest monthly fall since it began in 2001, dropping by 12.4 per cent. Sales were also down.

Even Bordeaux, the wine considered to be the safest and most stable in price, took a tumble, dropping 25 per cent from a peak in August.

In November the Liv-ex fell again, adding to a 12-per-cent decline in a year.

Analysts blamed investors seeking to cash in on profits

accumulated over the year to compensate for heavy losses on the stock market.

“If you’re a high-flier with huge financial commitments and you’ve just lost your job,” one pointed out, “what are you going to sell – your house or your wine?”

TAURUS April 20-May 20

Love is looming but be careful, you may not be seeing all that clearly. Don’t let the chemistry you feel overshadow issues that are important to you - like the person’ marital, financial and spiritual status.

Mouton Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild, Latour and Margaux.

Bordeaux is such a good investment simply because of supply and demand, says Angelina Teh-Leong, the Hong Kong-based portfolio manager of Singaporean wine-brokerage

GEMINI May 21-June 20

Have fun and enjoy the company you are with but don’t make any promises you'll be sorry for later. As soon as anyone shows signs of becoming too clingy or possessive, call it quits, moving on immediately.

CANCER June 21-July 22

Have a little faith and let your Cancer charm do the rest. You are bound to meet someone through a friend, relative or neighbour who turns your world upside down and makes you realise what you've been missing. Love is on the rise.

LEO July 23-August 22

Money and love won't mix this week. Pay your own way and refrain from being too generous with anyone trying to latch on to you. There will be plenty of time for love and romance when the right person comes along.

VIRGO August 23-September 22

Say yes and before you know it, you’ll be involved with someone who has you spinning. Don’t deny yourself the pleasures being offered and the proposals that come your way. There are good things happening that can change your personal life.

LIBRA September 23-October 22

You’ll attract good and bad partners. Don't be fooled by looks and a smooth talker when the person you should be with is watching from afar. Take note of the quiet, unassuming, mysterious onlooker and make the first move.

SCORPIO October 23-November 21

PDA

DEUTSCHE PRESSE-

January 12 to 17, 2009

ARIES March 21-April 19

Wine sales have slipped with the economy, but this is one liquid asset that’s recession-proof

By Hazel Parry

DAILY XPRESS

Those involved in the sales are more optimistic, and point to the fact in the long-term wine has always proved its worth, gaining per annum in value and bouncing back after similar falls in past recessions, including the Asian financial crisis of 1997.

“Wine has always held its value,” says Acker, Merall & Condit auction director John Kapon. “In my 10 years of business it has only gone one way, and that is up. I think it’s always going to hold its own – it’s just a question of buying from the right producers and the right vintages.”

He means the long-established Bordeaux producers, the favourites being the chateaux

company Premium Liquid Assets.

“The supply is finite and strictly controlled by the EU and the French government,” she says. “These first-growth chateaux are not allowed to produce even one additional bottle from the quota they’re given.

“On the other hand, demand has grown exponentially. The market has boomed in Asia.

But the supply can’t be increased, so that’s why you see exponential increase in appreciation.”

As the supply decreases with bad harvests and consumption, demand grows, pushing up prices by around 12 per cent per annum, says Teh.

Don’t hold back. If you see someone who interests you, do everything in your power to make the connection. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain while you are in this rather auspicious cycle for love and romance.

SAGITTARIUS November 22-December 21

It’s a rocky road when it comes to your love life, so before you go making a commitment, consider whether or not you really want to be with the person in question, day in and day out. You may have a change of heart.

CAPRICORN December 22-January 19

Love is blossoming and a step toward commitment is looking very positive. Don’t fear the unknown; instead, rely on your instincts to lead you in the right direction. A partner who benefits you in every way is in the picture.

AQUARIUS January 20-February 18

Don’t move too fast. Impulsive action will get you into trouble time and time again. Slow down and let the person you are pursuing come to you. The end result will be more satisfying because you will truly know where you stand.

PISCES February 19-March 20

Uncertainty and a fickle attitude sums up your week romantically.

Avoid anyone who is complaining about a bad marriage or who wants an open relationship - both will lead to emotional drama, aggravation and a broken heart.

Monday, January 12, 2009

NEW GADGETS

DAILY XPRESS

TO DO buy it!

There are things we can’t do without, and some of them are here.

Getting the ’Net on TV With the HD EVA8000 box of tricks from Netgear you can play videos, music, radio and photos from your computer or the Internet on your TV and sound system. The EVA8000 hooks up to an LCD TV with an HDMI cable to play video at the full 1080p resolution. It supports MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, AVI, WMV and Xvid video formats; MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC and FLAC audio formats; and JPEG, BMP, PNG, TIFF photo formats. Hardware House is selling it for Bt17,830.

The iPod changes gear The HIPOD-C02 is a five-in-one car kit for iPods from Chinese manufacturer Hicence Technology. It recharges your iPod battery while siphoning its tunes to your car’s sound system – either through its AUX input or an FM transmitter. It also has a built-in jack for connecting to MP3 players. You can find it at Goodluck World Business for Bt1,200.

So go ahead and take your pick!

Harbouring deep bass Anchor your iPod to Philips’ DCM230 Docking Entertainment System and you’ll get stereo sound courtesy of two 15-watt speakers, as well as a recharge. It also has a connection for USB MP3 players. The DCM230 plays MP3/WMA-CD, CD and CD-RW discs. The suggested retail price is Bt8,990.

Clock your world records The Citizen Promaster Super Chronograph is great for sportsmen. It measures time in 1/1000s of a second, in split time or lap time and speed with 20-lap memos to check previous results and recall the best lap. It can also display the time in 43 cities and is water-resistant to 200 metres. It comes in a titanium case with a sapphire KG glass dial and LED light. Its “Eco-Drive” technology reserves energy for 240 days. Pick one up from C Thong Panich for Bt45,500.

Shots with raw power The PowerShot G10 is the latest model in Canon’s Prosumer G series. It features 14.7 mega-pixels of resolution and uses Canon’s latest DIGIC 4 imaging processor. It comes with a 5x zoom lens, sensitivity rates of ISO 80/ 100/ 200/ 400/ 800/ 1600 and a shutter-speed range of 15 to 1/4000 seconds There’s also a three-inch LCD screen, a Hot Shoe adapter for attaching an flash and the capability to record RAW files. Vital statistics are 109.1 x 77.7 x 45.9mm and 350g, and the suggested retail price is Bt18,900.

13

14

THE SCREEN

Monday, January 12, 2009

DAILY XPRESS

TO SEE on tv

Bare Witness Angie Everhart, Catalina Larranaga and Daniel Baldwin star in this thriller about a stripper determined to find the man who murdered her roommate.

Cinemax (TrueVisions), 8pm

Soi Cowbo y

Avant-garde Bri enigmatic lo tish director Thomas C lay offers an ok at Thaila nd, drum, mono chromatic lif featuring the humeo Thai couple and fratricid f a mismatched farang e in the colo side. Somlu urful countr ck Kamsing ystars. At P ★★★★ ★

aragon Cin eplex.

Summer of Sam Spike Lee’s sizzling interpretation of the summer of 1977 in New York, when thermometers shattered and a serial killer terrorised the city.

Star Movies (TrueVisions), 8pm

Adventure Wanted

Khwamsuk Khong Kati The beloved SeaWrite Award-winning youth novel by Ngarmphan Vejjajiva comes to the big screen. It’s about a nine-year-old girl who lives an idyllic life along a rural canal with her grandparents. Her life changes when she’s taken to the seaside to visit her terminally ill mother. With English subtitles at some cinemas.

Bal Ganesh This Indian animated feature focuses on the childhood of the Hindu elephant god. With Hindi sountrack with English subtitle at Paragon Cineplex, elsewhere Thai-dubbed.

Mike Leigh directs this comedy about a 30year-old Londoner (Sally

National Geographic (TrueVisions), 8pm

Taking Lives Angelina Jolie plays an FBI profiler called in by the police in Canada to catch a serial killer. Ethan Hawke and Kiefer Sutherland also star.

True Movie Hits (TrueVisions), 10.40pm

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

The Orpha nage The pa

st haunts a couple afte spooky old r they orphanage . In Spanis buy a English

★★★★

Jim Carrey stars as a negative guy whose boring life is turned around after he meets a self-help guru (Terence Stamp) who convinces him to say yes to everything. Luis Guzman also stars. ★★★ Hawkins) who has an irrepressibly bright outlook on life. At the Lido and House. ★★★★

Super Hap The latest heartthrob (Film Rattapoom) is lipsynching, while the actual talent (Kiatisak “Sena Hoy” Udomnak)

lacks the looks of a superstar. With English subtitles at some cinemas. ★★

Patiharn Rak Tang Phan A secret agent (Jessadaporn Pholdee) falls in love with a

Happy-GoLucky

Joby Ogwyn joins two teammates in the ultimate two-day adventure competition known as the Rat Race in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Channel links

Yes Man

and Thai su h with btitles at the Lido.

‘Kwamsuk Khong Kati’ (‘The Happiness of Kati’) stars Patsorn Kongmeesook and Sa-aad Peampongsans.

woman (Ploy Jindachot) who is actually a giant snake. With English subtitles at some cinemas. ★★★

Mutant Chronicles Earth’s resources are exhausted, and four cor-

Monday, January 12, 2009

THE SCREEN 15

DAILY XPRESS

TO SEE on dvd REGION 3

The Coffin

tories Bedtime S in this family-friendly coemfaendtay s-

ler stars that th Adam Sand handyman who finds d nephew are l an te o ce h ie a s his n about ories he tell st e m ti d e tic b e. ★★★ coming tru

porations are at war over what remains. Based on a role-playing game.

Diary of the Dead A film crew making a mummy movie decides to make a documentary when they chance upon

Fun Waan Aai Joop Chukiat Sakveerakul, Prachya Pinkaew, Bhandit Thongdee and Rashane Limtrakul each direct a short love story, exploring different styles, including action-comedy, melodrama, psychological thriller and animated fantasy. Mario Maurer stars. With English subtitles at some cinemas. ★★★

the dead rising from their graves.

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

Burn After Reading

Australia

Escaped zoo animals make their way to the African mainland, where they encounter species of their own kind for the first time. Also at

Two bumbling gym employees (Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand) try to blackmail a fired CIA agent (John Malkovich).

Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman star in Baz Luhrmann’s sweeping epic set in the Land Down Under at the outbreak of World War II. ★★★

Julie Depardieu and Marion Cotillard star in this comedy as sisters trying to deal in various ways with romance. In

Phanom “Tony Jaa” Yeerum stars as a fierce warrior who has only a taste for vengeance.

With English subtitles at some cinemas.

At the Lido. ★★★★

★★★★

Apex

Pride and Glory

Transporter 3

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

Krungsri IMAX. ★★★

Toi et Moi

Ong Bak 2

Chris (Ananda Everingham) and Sue (Karen Mok) start having horrifying visions after they go through the ritual of lying in a coffin to get rid of their bad karma. Ekkachai Uekrongtham directs this tale, which is inspired by an actual Thai ritual. Extras include deleted scenes, actors’ interviews and a photo book. This has the Thai-dubbed soundtrack and no English subtitles.

A release in Singapore has the original Thai-English soundtrack with English and Chinese subtitles. – DAILY XPRESS

A family of New York City Police officers are pitted against each other. Stars Edward Norton, Colin Farrell, Noah Emmerich and Jon Voight. ★★★

Driver Frank Martin (Jason Statham) is fitted with a bracelet that will explode if he fails to make his deliver on time.

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

★★

French with English and Thai subtitles at House.

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

Happy Birthday

Krungsri IMAX Siam Paragon: (02) 129 4631 www.imaxthai.com

A photographer (Ananda Everingham) and a tour guide (Chayanan Manomai-santiphap) fall in love. Then tragedy strikes. With English

Major Cineplex/EGV Bangkok: (02) 515 5555 www.MajorCineplex.com

subtitles at some cinemas. ★★★★

Major Hollywood

Ikigami

Paragon Cineplex

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

The government issues death messages. With

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

English and Thai subtitles at the Lido.

SF Cinemas

Tokyo Sonata A family disintegrates after its patriarch loses his job. With Thai and English subtitles at House and the Lido. ★★★★

Quarantin e

In this rema ke of the Sp anish thrille firefighters r and a TV cr ew are trap “[REC]”, apartment ped inside a building th n at is home bies. to rabid zom -

Bangkok: (02) 268 8888 www.SFCinemaCity.com

Critical consensus ★★★★★ = Must see! ★★★★ = Solidly entertaining ★★★ = It’s okay ★★ = Barely watchable ★ = Don’t bother No star rating means no reviews were available.

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

Monday, January 12, 2009

Comics&Games

Red and Rover

DAILY XPRESS

Monday, January 12, 2009

LEISURE

DAILY XPRESS

Games&YourStars SUDOKU

The last word in

ASTROLOGY

Saturday’s Puzzle Answer

By Eugenia Last

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

Today’s Birthday: Love can be great as long as you don’t let your heart rule your head in important matters. You will be able to do extremely well if you concentrate on building slow and protecting what you already have. Don’t be afraid of the unfamiliar but do your research and find out how best to profit.

ARIES ***** March 21-April 19 You have to stay in control - don’t let your anger get the better of you. You can dodge a potentially difficult situation by doing your own thing and being true to your own needs. Put yourself first.

TAURUS ** April 20-May 20 Do your research or you won’t stand a chance when it comes to getting your way. Love is in the picture but don’t let it interfere with what you have to do. Emotional interference will cause mistakes.

DIFFICULTY RATING ★

GEMINI **** May 21-June 20 Put your time and effort into your home, your position and your future. You can make decisions and changes that will help to ease any stress you’ve been feeling. Be honest what you can afford.

CANCER *** June 21-July 22 You’ll be faced with money issues due to unexpected expenses. You can overcome any stress by adding a second job to your plans for the upcoming months.

LEO *** July 23-Aug. 22 Don’t let your emotions cause you to do something foolish. If you think big, you will make a costly mistake. Don’t let your generosity turn into your downfall. Budget to be successful.

VIRGO *** Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Not everyone will be open with you about what is required. Your drive and ability to push the envelope will be impressive. Don’t let emotional blackmail stand in your way or lead you astray.

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY

LIBRA *** Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Now is not the time to be lazy if you want to get ahead. Deception regarding an emotional matter will cause you to lose sight of your goals. Shake it off and move on quickly.

SCORPIO ** Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Don’t wait for others to do things for you. Fend for yourself and refuse to let anyone take advantage of your abilities. Attend to your own interests or you will not get ahead.

SAGITTARIUS ***** Nov. 22-Dec. 21 There may be a deal on the table or an opportunity to collect extra cash but be careful that you aren’t hurting someone in the process.

Be upfront. You will learn from someone with experience.

Paul Henri Marhieu TV presenter Des O’Connor is 77.

Boxer Joe Frazier is 65.

Singer Maggie Bell (Stone the Crows) is 64.

Musician Cynthia Robinson (Sly & the Family Stone) is 63.

Actress Kirstie Alley is 58.

Radio personality Howard S is 55.

Actor Oliver Platt is 49.

Actor Olivier Martinez is 43.

Singer Melanie Chisholm is 35.

Tennis player Paul-Henri Mathieu is 27.

Actor Andrew Lawrence is 21.

CAPRICORN *** Dec. 22-Jan. 19 You have to be smart about the future and the direction you take when so much is at stake. Now is not the time to expand but rather to structure your assets for long-term success.

AQUARIUS *** Jan. 20-Feb. 18 A partnership issue will drive you into emotional turmoil. You can make a deal that works for you if you are fair and conservative regarding money, duties and responsibilities.

PISCES *** Feb. 19-March 20 There is a lot pending that needs to be resolved in order to move forward. Uncertainty regarding a partnership must be dealt with. Clear the air so you know where you stand.

17

We are the Asia's largest renowned and experienced manufacturer & distributor of plastic bag and packaging products. Currently, we are expanding and looking for qualified candidates to join us in the following positions:

1. Financial and Accounting Manager ● ● ●

Male/Female, age 35 years up, Bachelor's degree or higher in related field At least 5 years experience Able to analyze and close the financial statement

2. Marketing Manager ● ● ● ●

Male/Female, age not over 35 years Bachelor's degree or higher in related field At least 5 years experience in marketing analysis, marketing strategic planning, product R&D and public relation Knowledge of plastic and packaging will be an advantage

3. Sales Manager ● ● ● ●

Male/Female, age not over 35 years Bachelor's degree or higher in related field At least 5 years experience in sales analysis, sales strategic planning Knowledge of plastic and packaging will be an advantage

4. Sales Manager - Cash Sale Mobile Unit ● ● ● ●

Male/Female, age not over 35 years, personal guarantor required Bachelor's degree or higher in related field Experience in cash sale mobile unit, able to travel upcountry Knowledge of plastic and packaging will be an advantage All positions require English language and computer skills

Please apply at

DPAC Inter Corporation Co., Ltd. 444/1 Moo 4, T. Nongmaidaeng, A. Muang, Chonburi 20000 Tel. 038-458333 or apply via E-mail: hrf@dpac-intl.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

Home Product Center Public Company Limited was founded on June 27, 1995 with the initial registered capital of Baht 150 million. The Company is a joint venture between Land and Houses Group, American International Assurance Co., Ltd. and the Sarasin family. The Company was listed in the Stock Exchange of Thailand on October 30, 2001.

The Company was established with an objective to operate a retail business by selling goods and providing complete services relating to construction, improvement, decoration and renovation of buildings, houses and residence places under the trade name "HomePro".

Management Trainee - District Manager / GM Store Qualifications: • Age 35-45 years old • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Business Administration or related field • Prior experience in sales team management, sales target management, customer management, inventory management or overall knowledge of retail operation business / department store will be an advantage • Good English communication skill, good personality and good leadership, Able to work upcountry

Management Trainee - Sale / Administration / Customer Service Qualifications: • Age 28-35 years • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in any field • Minimum 3 years experience in logistics management, sales team management, product delivery management areas or customer services • Willing to work on rotating shift schedules • Experience in retails business or department stores will be an advantage • Able to work upcountry

Advertising Division Manager (Head Office)

Data Analyst (Head Office)

Qualifications: • Age 28-35 years old • Bachelor's Degree in Marketing or Communication Arts • At least 4 years experience in marketing and advertising management • Good English communication skill, good personality and good leadership, Good computer skill

Qualifications: • Age 22-35 years old • Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Marketing, Business Administration, Economics or related field • At least 2 years experience in sales analysis, inventory, gross profit analysis • Good analytical skill and expertise in MS Excel (such as Pivot table, Macro) • Experience in retail business is a preferable

Buyer Division Manager / Buyer (Head Office)

To join our team, please send your resume and recent photograph to:

Qualifications: • Age 22-35 years old (for the division manager over 27 years old) • Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Management, Economics, Statistics or related field • 3-5 experience in retails business or department stores at least 2 years will be an advantage • Good personality, confident, and good negotiation skill • Good computer skill especially in MS Excel

Home Product Center Public Co., Ltd. Head Office 96/27 M. 9 Bangkhen, Muang, Nonthaburi 11000 (Beside of The Mall Ngamwongwan) Download Map: http://www.homepro.co.th/map/pr.asp Tel. 0-2832-1000 ext. 1364, 1399, 1681 Fax: 0-2832-1299 E-mail: job@homepro.co.th or thanapolw@homepro.co.th Website: www.homepro.co.th

∫√‘…∑— ‡¡‚∑√ µ“√å æ√ÁÕæ‡æÕ√åµ’È ®”°—¥ (¡À“™π) METROSTAR PROPERTY PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED

∫√‘…—∑ ‡¡‚∑√ µ“√å æ√ÁÕæ‡æÕ√åµ’È ®”°—¥ (¡À“™π) ‡ªìπ∫√‘…—∑œ æ—≤π“ Õ —ßÀ“√‘¡∑√—æ¬å ∑’Ë®¥∑–‡∫’¬π„πµ≈“¥À≈—°∑√—æ¬å ·Ààߪ√–‡∑»‰∑¬ ‚§√ß°“√ à«π„À≠à¢Õß ∫√‘…—∑ µ—ÈßÕ¬Ÿà„π¬à“π„®°≈“߇¡◊Õß∫√‘‡«≥∂ππ ’≈¡ “∑√ √—™‚¬∏‘π ·≈– ÿ¢ÿ¡«‘∑‡æ◊ËÕ√Õß√—∫°“√ ¢¬“¬∏ÿ√°‘® ∫√‘…—∑¡’§«“¡ª√– ߧå√—∫ ¡—§√ºŸâ√à«¡ß“π¥—ßπ’È

ºŸ™â «à ¬ºŸÕâ ”π«¬°“√ΩÉ“¬°ÆÀ¡“We are an established and rapidly growing in Cosmetics and Toiletries Company, with Headquarters in Japan and subsidiaries worldwide under brand Gatsby, Lucido, Lucido-L, Pucelle, Lovillea and Style up. In Thailand, we have been established since 1989.

We are also an distributor in skin care products under brand RoC. To support the growth and expansion of our busines, we would like to invite qualified professionals to fill in here challenging position.

Assistant Sales Manager (RoC Skin Care) • • • • •

Female, aged 30-35 years, Bachelor's degree or higher At least 3 years experience in cosmetics or skin/health care business Strong interpersonal and communication skills Result oriented, enthusiastic, proactive, creative and good team player Good command of English To join us, please send your resume with photo to: HR Department 3366, 3366/1-5 Traffic Building, 3rd-4th Floor, Soi Manorom, Rama 4 Road, Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 E-mail address: Rungchomdhorn@mandom.co.th Tel: 02-249 9891-7 Fax: 02-249 9888

- ‡æ»™“¬/À≠‘ß Õ“¬ÿ 32-40 ªï - «ÿ≤‘ª√‘≠≠“µ√’¢÷Èπ‰ª “¢“𑵑»“ µ√å - ¡’ª√– ∫°“√≥å„πß“π∏ÿ√°‘®Õ —ßÀ“√‘¡∑√—æ¬å Õ¬à“ßπâÕ¬ 5 ªï - √Õ∫√Ÿ°â ÆÀ¡“¬ ®—¥ √√ Õ“§“√ º—߇¡◊Õß ·≈–°ÆÀ¡“¬Õ◊πË Ê ∑’‡Ë °’ˬ«¢âÕß - ¡’ª√– ∫°“√≥å„πß“π°ÆÀ¡“¬À≈—°∑√—æ¬å¢Õß∫√‘…∑— ®¥∑–‡∫’¬π - “¡“√∂„™â ‚ª√·°√¡§Õ¡æ‘«‡µÕ√å MS.Word ‰¥â‡ªìπÕ¬à“ߥ’

ºŸ®â ¥— °“√ à«π°ÆÀ¡“- ‡æ»™“¬/À≠‘ß Õ“¬ÿ 30-40 ªï - «ÿ≤ª‘ √‘≠≠“µ√’ “¢“π‘µ»‘ “ µ√å - ¡’ª√– ∫°“√≥å„πß“π∏ÿ√°‘®Õ —ßÀ“√‘¡∑√—æ¬å Õ¬à“ßπâÕ¬ 5 ªï - √Õ∫√Ÿ°â ÆÀ¡“¬ ®—¥ √√ Õ“§“√ º—߇¡◊ËÕß ·≈–°ÆÀ¡“¬Õ◊ËπÊ ∑’ˇ°’ˬ«¢âÕß - ¡’ª√– ∫°“√≥◊„πß“π°ÆÀ¡“¬À≈—°∑√—æ¬å¢Õß∫√‘…—∑®¥∑–‡∫’¬π®–æ‘®“√≥“‡ªìπ摇»…

- “¡“√∂„™â ‚ª√·°√¡§Õ¡æ‘«‡µÕ√å MS. Word ‰¥â‡ªìπÕ¬à“ߥ’ àߪ√–«—µ°‘ “√»÷°…“°“√∑”ß“π·≈–√Ÿª∂à“¬æ√âÕ¡À≈—°∞“πÕ◊πË Ê ∂÷ß

"ΩÉ“¬∫ÿ§§≈·≈–∏ÿ√°“√"

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1758/4 ∂ππ ÿ¢¡ÿ «‘∑ ·¢«ß∫“ß®“° ‡¢µæ√–‚¢πß °√ÿ߇∑æœ 10260 ‚∑√. 02-742-7887 À√◊Õ E-Mail:metro.hr@metrostarprop.com

22

THE SPORT

Monday January 12, 2009

DAILY XPRESS

THE SPORT ASIA ON AUXERRE vs MARSEILLE

0-2

Marseille’s victory at Auxerre earned the three points their club president would have happily given away on a Saturday where temperatures plunged below freezing and brought three postponements.

briefly

Rockets bring Knicks’ offence to a crawl

CLOUD 9

The Houston Rockets made the run-and-gun offense of the New York Knicks look like slowand-no. Argentina’s Luis Scola had 18 points and 11 rebounds and the hosts Rockets held the Knicks to their lowest total of the season in a 9676 victory, their third straight win. Yao Ming scored 14 points in just 25 minutes for the Scola Rockets, who were without injured stars Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest but still shut down the Knicks – DPA

Valencia pay for defensive lapses

United covet Benzema

Valencia were left kicking themselves at surrendering a twogoal lead as Villarreal stormed back to claim a point in a topsyturvy 3-3 derby draw at the Mestalla Stadium on Saturday.

Giuseppe Rossi struck a penalty seven minutes from time to rescue a point for Villarreal who came from 2-0 and 3-2 down to end a run of three consecutive defeats. Valencia stay third, a point behind second-placed Sevilla, but 10 points behind leaders Barcelona who are in action at bottom side Osasuna.

Earlier, ten-man Sevilla nudged Valencia from second when they defeated Deportivo La Coruna for the second time in a week with a 3-1 victory. – AFP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has pinpointed Lyon’s French international striker Karim Benzema as his chief summer target, suggesting the European champions will let Carlos Tevez go in the summer.

Britain’s News of the World suggested Lyon would want around £40 million for their man – club president Jean-Michel Aulas last year asked, albeit tongue in cheek, for 45 million as well as Cristiano Ronaldo.

The English Premiership giants view Benzema as a better option if they are to splash the cash than paying the Benzema 32 million asking price for Argentine international Tevez. – AFP

Boston bolster bullpen with Saito Takashi Saito agreed to a oneyear deal with Boston on Saturday, giving the Red Sox another veteran arm in their bullpen. Saito, who had 18 saves and a 2.49 ERA last season despite being limited by an elbow injury, became a free agent when the Los Angeles Dodgers failed to offer him a contract by the December 12 deadline. The Japanese righthander would have been eligible for salary arbitration and a raise from $2 million if he was tendered a contract. – AP

Lee wins Super Series Finals World No 1 Lee Chong Wei won the Super Series Finals in Malaysia when he outclassed South Korea’s Park Sung Hwan in just 39 minutes. The Malaysian, who last month emerged victorious in the World Super Series Masters Finals, was hardly troubled in beating his rival 21-14 2113 to take home the US$15,000 winner’s cheque. – AFP

Dream come true, says captain Ozaki as hosts become winners on third attempt Lerpong Amsa-ngiam D A I L Y X P R E S S , Chonburi

I

t was third time lucky for Asia as they completed their domination over Europe from start to finish to claim their maiden Royal Trophy title at the Amata Spring Country Club yesterday.

The three-year long wait for Naomichi Ozaki’s side was finally over when Asia, who had to eat humble pie on two occasions on their home course in 2006 and 2007, beat Europe 10– 6 despite the latter fighting back with 4 1/2 points in yesterday’s eight singles matches.

With a big 6 1/2– 1 1/2 lead from the Foursomes and Fourballs, Asia needed just two points to assure themselves of a

famous victory. Their wish was granted when Prayad Marksaeng put it across a moody and sulking Pablo Larrazabal of Spain 5 and 4 and Japan’s Toru Taniguchi defeated Sweden’s Niclas Fasth 7 and 6. Asia’s captain Naomichi Ozaki was on cloud nine as he danced to celebrate the team’s victory but refused to be thrown into the pool as his team-mates had initially planned.

“Before I flew here, I was strongly determined to win.

The team knew what I had in mind and they responded in a great fashion,” said Ozaki who was captaining the team for the second time.

“I’m very happy right now. I

will never forget this week. It’s a dream come true. I love team Asia,” said the captain who was not sure whether he would lead the team again next year.

Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal had to swallow the bitter pill of losing on his first assignment as captain. Asia’s fightback sent a stark warning to their European counterparts that it would no longer be a stroll in the park.

“The Asian team has raised the bar and we are going to have to come back angrier and more determined to really beat these guys,” said Olly, who consoled his team that the experience would make them better players.

The two-time champions, Europe, put up some fight when Scot Paul Lawrie outplayed Chinese Liang Wenchong 3 and 2 in the first match

Monday January 12, 2009

THE SPORT 23

DAILY XPRESS

Michael Phelps

Mohammad Asif

ON RETURNING TO CHINA

CRICKETER BANNED FOR DOPING

“The pool at the hotel is closed right now, so I can’t swim. There are some memories, some flashbacks of that time when I landed and was first going to the Olympic Village. Driving around today on the roads – sort of seeing some landmarks I saw – really just brings back more and more memories.”

“I think it’s a herbal dark substance found with me which I use for energy... to reduce blood pressure and gain energy. I have obtained it from one of the public curers in Pakistan. I started using it once every year, by one small piece each time when necessary.”

Ogilvy seizes control at PGA Tour opener G

Naomichi Ozaki

to trim down the deficit to 2 1/2 – 6 1/2. But the European revival halted when Prayad sank five birdies to widen the Asian lead to 7 1/2 before Tanaguchi sent home a 10-foot birdie on the 12th hole for 81/2 -2 1/2 and for the trophy

“It was a team effort, a threeday effort. I knew everyone was playing well in the matches and I knew I had to win my match to bring the Royal Trophy to Asia,” said Tanaguchi.

Prayad was cruising almost the entire day except on the 11th hole when he sent the ball for a drink. Larrazabal argued heatedly about the location of the drop shot. But soon the matter was resolved.

“I was confident from the first hole. I was cool and calm.

If I had become emotional, he would have liked it and played better,” said Prayad.

Japan’s celebrity Ryo Ishikawa was up and down all day before squaring with Denmark’s Soren Hansen. The 17-year-old collapsed on the green in disappointment after missing a chance to win with a birdie attempt on the 18th hole.

only par 5 he failed to birdie in the third round.

He was at 19-under 200, and had the second-largest 54-hole lead at Kapalua behind David Duval in 1999.

“It’s never over until the last hole,” Ogilvy said. “I’ve never had a lead like this going into Sunday, so it will be a new experience for me.”

It might be a new course, too.

While the Kona wind brought significant change in club selection, the forecast includes a big thunderstorm approaching the islands, leading the tour to move the starting times up some three hours.

Even so, this is Ogilvy’s to lose.

Camilo Villegas had to scramble for a double bogey on the opening hole, rattled off eight birdies in a 10-hole span and somehow scraped together a 66. That still left him seven shots behind, along with Davis Love III, Kenny Perry and Anthony Kim, who each had 68s.

No one was more frustrated than Ernie Els. He had a pair of threeputts on the front nine, missed a birdie putt inside 4 feet and finished with 34 putts for a 73. The Big Easy started the day two shots out of the lead, and goes into the final round as an also-ran, 10 shots behind.

Nicklas Bendtner applauds the crowd after scoring.

Nick back on track: Wenger A F P , London

A

AP

I AM VERY HAPPY.I WILL NEVER FORGET THIS WEEK.IT’S A DREAM COME TRUE.I LOVE TEAM ASIA

AP

,,

Ryo Ishikawa of Asia after missing his putt on the 18th hole during the Royal Trophy at the Amata Spring Country Club.

eoff Ogilvy ran off three straight birdies on the back nine and shot an 8-under 65 yesterday to make the rest of the winners-only field at the Mercedes-Benz Championship feel as though they were playing for second.

The wind switched directions, making Kapalua play entirely different. What didn’t change was the guy atop the leaderboard.

Leading by one shot to start the third round, Ogilvy played bogey-free for the second time in three rounds and wound up with a six-shot lead over Justin Leonard and DJ Trahan as he tries to win the US PGA Tour’s seasonopening event.

Leonard made eight birdies over his final 14 holes on his way to a 65, the kind of round that he thought would give him a chance to win. But he never had a good look at the leaderboard until he walked onto the 18th green and saw that Ogilvy was at 19 under.

“It was a little deflating, to say the least,” Leonard said.

Trahan was one shot behind Ogilvy and simply couldn’t keep up and shot a 70.

About the only thing Ogilvy did wrong was fail to convert three reasonable birdie chances on the closing holes, including the 18th, the

AP

AP, Kapalua, Hawaii

Geoff Ogilvy follows his drive from the first tee of the Plantation Course during the third round.

rsene Wenger believes Nicklas Bendtner is back on track after the under-fire Arsenal striker sealed a precious 1-0 win over Bolton.

Just five minutes remained at the Emirates stadium on Saturday when Bendtner slid in to convert Robin van Persie’s chipped cross and ensure Arsenal remained just three points behind thirdplaced Aston Villa in the Premier League table.

The goal capped an eccentric cameo from Bendtner, who had come on as a 75thminute substitute.

The Dane has never been the most popular of figures in north London and he further tested the patience of the Arsenal faithful by missing a straightforward header and producing a string of misplaced passes.

But his adroit late finish thrilled Wenger, who blamed Bendtner’s previous shortcomings on the freezing conditions in north London.

“Nicklas didn’t have the best passing game but he could have scored twice and that is what strikers are all about,” he said.

“But it’s so cold for the subs that when you come on it’s not easy. It takes time to get in the game and he had no time for that.”

24

THE SPORT

Monday, January 12, 2009

DAILY XPRESS

AMERICAN FOOTBALL

CARDS CONQUER DEMONS Arizona stun Panthers to reach NFC title game AP, Charlotte, NC

he Arizona Cardinals were expected by most to be easy prey in another futile trip to the East Coast. Instead, Kurt Warner has the Cardinals within a victory of their first Super Bowl appearance – with a big assist from Jake Delhomme and the bumbling Carolina Panthers.

The once discarded Warner was steady in a 33-13 rout of the Panthers yesterday, throwing two touchdown passes, while Delhomme threw five interceptions and lost a fumble.

The target of jokes for years with their history of ineptitude, the Cardinals became the last NFC team to reach the conference championship since the 1970 merger with a win few saw coming.

Entering as a 10-point underdog and ridiculed for their 0-5 record in the Eastern time zone this season, Arizona (11-7) raced to a 27-7 half-time lead and cruised past the mistake-prone Panthers (12-5), who were the league’s only unbeaten team at home in the regular season.

“It’s a group of guys that put their mind to going out and playing great football,” Warner said. “Everybody that needed to step up, stepped up. Everybody that needed to make a play, made a play and that’s what it’s all about.”

They got plenty of help from Delhomme, who turned in a brutal performance on his 34th birthday. Just one shy of the NFL playoff record for inter-

,,

AFP

T

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, No 11, and quarterback Kurt Warner, No 13, of the Arizona Cardinals look at the scoreboard during the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers.

ceptions, Delhomme became the first player to have five picks in the playoffs since Oakland’s Rich Gannon in the 2003 Super Bowl against Tampa Bay. He completed only 17 of 34 passes for 205 yards and one touchdown. His woes made Steve Smith a non-factor. The Pro Bowl receiver didn’t have his first catch until the final minute of the third quarter.

“I’m at a loss for words,” Delhomme said. “Usually I’m not. For one reason or another, I didn’t give us a chance tonight.”

Smith caught a meaningless 8-yard touchdown pass from

IT’S A GROUP OF GUYS THAT PUT THEIR MIND TO GOING OUT AND PLAYING GREAT FOOTBALL. Kurt Warner

Delhomme with 50 seconds left, when the Cardinals had already begun looking forward to either visiting the New York Giants or hosting Philadelphia on January 18. “I’m putting on my Philly hat right now,” said Larry Fitzgerald, who had eight catches for 166 yards. “We would love to have a home game.”

Arizona had been embarrassed when they ventured far from home, but the closest they came was a 27-23 loss here in October when the Cardinals blew a two-touchdown lead.

There would be no suspense this time.

While Pro Bowl receiver

Anquan Boldin (hamstring) sat out, Fitzgerald more than made up for the loss. The 6-foot-3 receiver set a team playoff-record for yards receiving while shredding the Panthers’ leaky secondary.

The Cardinals’ defence stopped Carolina’s potent running game, too. A week after shutting down Atlanta’s Michael Turner, DeAngelo Williams was held to 63 yards in a crushing loss for the Panthers, the No. 2 seed in the NFC who had visions of reaching their third NFC title game in six years.

Instead, Warner stole the stage. A decade after his storybook MVP season in winning the Super Bowl with St Louis a year after he was team-mates with Delhomme in NFL Europe, the 37-year-old Warner has another team on the brink of a most unlikely title.

And it was a stunningly ugly performance by Delhomme.

Entering with a 5-2 post-season record, Delhomme’s 95.0 play-off passer rating coming in was better than any other quarterback in this season’s playoffs.

But Delhomme threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in the first half, making poor reads, holding the ball too long and giving the Cardinals great field position.

Delhomme started hearing boos when he was intercepted

by Gerald Hayes midway through the second quarter.

Warner turned that into another touchdown, finding a streaking Fitzgerald for a 29-yard pass for a stunning 27-7 halftime lead that silenced the once towelwaving crowd.

Flacco proves no ordinary Joe in Ravens wild ride AP, Nashville, Tenn

EPA

A

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, centre, throws under pressure from theTitans’ William Hayes.

not-so-raw rookie and a trustworthy veteran lifted the Baltimore Ravens to the brink of the Super Bowl.

With the help of a brutal defence that knocks opponents silly, of course.

After all, these are the Ravens, who love nothing more than to win grudge matches.

And, this one was worthy of the WWE. Baltimore survived 13-10 yes-

terday against the Tennessee Titans thanks to Matt Stover’s 43-yard field goal with 53 seconds remaining.

The unflappable Joe Flacco was certain the 40-year-old kicker would get his team into next weekend’s AFC title game at either Pittsburgh or San Diego.

“I just watched on the big screen,” said the first rookie quarterback to win two play-off games.

“I didn’t watch it live for whatever reason.”

Maybe Flacco’s reason was simply that he never flinches.

Nor does his team, which took the wild-card route to the NFL championship in 2000 and just might do it again.

“We’ve been confident in ourselves all year,” the firstround draft pick from Delaware said. “It seems like we’ve been on the road for the longest time.

It doesn’t matter to us. We’re

going to go out there and battle the crowd, battle the other team, and give it our best.”

Their best has them at 13-5 after Stover, the last member of the Ravens who played when the franchise was in Cleveland, nailed his field goal. “I would say this would be the No 1 [kick in my career],” Stover said, then added, “but we’ve got some more kicks, too. So let’s just be humble about that.”

Humble after a rumble.

Monday, January 12, 2009

THE SPORT 25

DAILY XPRESS

FOOTBALL

RAFA HAS NO REGRETS

Ibra helps Inter draw A F P , Rome

Benitez keeps up Fergie assault after Stoke draw AFP, Stoke, England

iverpool manager Rafael Benitez stoked his simmering row with Sir Alex Ferguson after his side played out a goalless draw at Stoke.

The Reds passed up the chance to move six points clear of Chelsea ahead of Luis Felipe Scolari’s team’s trip to Manchester United and even though Benitez’s sustained attack on Ferguson on Friday is now being investigated by the Football Association, the Spaniard stood by his claims.

He used his pre-match press conference to claim that Ferguson is never punished over his criticism of referees, was wrong to complain about fixtures and that his staff intimidate referees at Old Trafford.

But despite his team struggling against Stoke, Benitez was happy to reiterate his view on Ferguson.

EPA

L

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard rues his failed attempt to score that hit the Stoke City post in the dying minutes of their game.

He said: “Maybe in 20 years nobody has said these things.

Maybe a lot of people are thinking the same but they didn’t want to say it. I don’t regret saying it and I don’t think it had any effect on the players.

“I’ve known him for five years now and people say that he was playing mind games but

it’s too early. To talk too much about Liverpool isn’t fair so he has to think about his own team, the problems they have and all the things they’ve been doing for the last 15 or 20 years, maybe they will think the same as me.

“He started talking when we won at Chelsea and we’d done a

favour to United because we are not contenders so maybe he’s a little bit scared. I have a lot of respect for him because I think he’s a great manager but he was talking too much about Liverpool so he has to stop.

“He started talking a long time ago. It won’t have the same effect on me because if he talks too much and too quickly then I won’t understand so I will be happy.”

Although Liverpool passed up the chance to build a significant lead at the top of the Premier League, Benitez insists he is happy with his team’s position.

“It’s a point, we’re still at the top of the table and in a fantastic position,” he said.

“I’ve said to my players it will be a long race and at the end of the season maybe we will be in a similar situation.”

Stoke assistant manager Dave Kemp admits his side’s home form could be crucial in keeping them in the Premier League.

“No-one coming here gets an easy game,” said Kemp.

D

efending champions Inter Milan endured a disappointing start to 2009 when they were forced to come from a goal down to salvage a 1-1 draw against Cagliari at the San Siro on Saturday.

The result gave Jose Mourinho’s side a sevenpoint lead over Juventus, who were facing Siena yesterday, at the top of Serie A. Inter needed Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s 77th minute strike, his 11th of the season, to level Robert Acquafresca’s 65th-minute opener for Cagliari.

The champions, who were chasing a ninth successive win, welcomed Luis Figo back for his first start since September, but scoring opportunities were scarce in the first half with Javier Zanetti wasting the best openings.

“It was not a positive first half and we played our best football when Cagliari scored,” said Mourinho.

“Cagliari did well and threatened on the counter-attack. It was a bit of a strange match.”

Hot Bellamy shows his real worth AFP, Newcastle, England

AFP

W

Craig Bellamy of West Ham celebrates scoring.

est Ham United’s supporters didn’t know whether to laugh or cry when Craig Bellamy scored his third goal in three games to start the fightback which almost earned his club all three points against ex-employers Newcastle.

A smartly taken effort, borne out of the Wales international’s

characteristic pace and quick thinking may have been just the boost the Hammers required before half-time.

However, it was yet another finish bound to increase the resolve of Manchester City manager Mark Hughes as he bids to become reunited with the player whose career he reignited during their time together at

Blackburn. Of course Bellamy was not alone in producing the kind of eye-catching performance sure to impress those clubs with money – and put pressure on a club without any.

Scott Parker, another City target, and the England defender Matthew Upson both showed why they are viewed as prime assets in the Premier League. In

the cases of Bellamy and Parker the rumours surrounding their immediate futures appear to have had the opposite effect.

“There are three players at the centre of transfer speculation right now,” admitted Zola.

“But those individuals have been very focused. Craig is an example of professionalism,” he said.

26

THE SPORT

Monday, January 12, 2009

TENNIS

RADEK ‘CZECHMATE’ Stepanek upsets Verdasco to claim Brisbane crown A F P , Brisbane, Australia

he Czech Republic’s Radek Stepanek came from a set down to upset second seed Fernando Verdasco 3-6 6-3 6-4 in the final of the Brisbane International tennis tournament yesterday.

The high-quality match lasted two and a quarter hours and was a fitting climax to the first tournament played at the new Queensland Tennis Centre.

It was the third match in a row that Stepanek had to recover from a first set deficit to defeat a higher-ranked opponent following three-set wins over Robin Soderling in the quarter-finals and Richard Gasquet in the semis.

He used the drop shot with great effect, bringing Verdasco forward at almost every opportunity.

AFP

T

Radek Stepanek, right, of the Czech Republic and Fernando Verdasco of Spain after the men’s final.

“Part of the game plan today was to move him around the court and it worked pretty well,” the 30-year-old Stepanek said.

“Since I was young I’ve loved to play drop shots and move people around the court.

“I’ve been destroying the rhythm of my opponents since

I was a kid and I’m still doing that today.”

Serena dazzles Serena Will iams produced a dazzling performance off the court at the Sydney International on yesterday, sporting a US$2.5 million diamond necklace.

The American world No 2 was well below her best in a stuttering 6-3 6-7 (4/7) 7-5 first round win over Australian Samantha Stosur, but it was her sparkling necklace, replete with 427 diamonds, that sent the press photographers into a snapping frenzy.

The nine times grand slam champion made friends with a Sydney diamond designer in a visit to his boutique store over the weekend and was loaned the necklace to wear on the court. But the thought of being entrusted with the multi-million dollar jewellery made the 27-year-old Williams nervous and she decided to only wear it at her post-match press conference away from the gaze of the fans.

“I told the jeweller that I would wear it at the press conference because I didn’t have the cash to be losing a three and a half million dollar necklace,” Williams said with a laugh.

DAILY XPRESS

Tamarine falls at the 1st hurdle Tamarine Tanasugarn kicked off her 2009 season in a dismal style, losing to Czech Iveta Benesova 7-5 7-5 in the first round of the US$220,000 Moorilla Hobart International in Hobart yesterday.

The world No 35, who was seeded eighth, blew away a big 5-2 lead in the second set and collapsed in the next five games in her first match of the year. “My focus was not 100 per cent. I should have been more careful at 5-2. I need to concentrate more in my next match,’’ said Tamarine whose next event is the Australia Open which starts on January 19.

However , Tamarine has a chance to avenge her loss as she and Alla Kudryavsteva of Kazakhstan will play Benesova and Barbora Strynova in the opening round of the doubles.

Monday, January 12, 2009

CRICKET

Lehmann keen on the job

I WILL BE BACK

Former Australian Test batsman Darren Lehmann says he would be interested in joining the race to coach Ashes rivals England, reports said yesterday.

Widely regarded as one of world cricket’s shrewdest brains, Lehmann, 38, said he would consider any offer from the England and Wales Cricket Board.

“Yes, I’m interested,” Lehmann told Sydney’s SunHerald newspaper after former Test team-mate Shane Warne said the ECB should target Lehmann ahead of this year’s Ashes series in England.

“It’s something I would definitely consider. Shane Warne is a very good friend of mine and he knows what I want to do.

“You would never knock back an opportunity like that.

“I’m working with secondstringers at the moment and anyone would want to work with players at that international level. I’ll talk to them if they want to talk to me.”

Pietersen says he will captain England in future A F P , London

evin Pietersen added another twist to English cricket’s chaotic week when he insisted he’d be back as captain despite his controversial resignation.

The South African-born batsman quit after just three Tests in charge claiming he couldn’t work alongside coach Peter Moores who was sacked as the embarrassing furore dragged on.

But Pietersen believes he will be back in charge of the national team at some stage in the future and also insisted that his relationship with Andrew Flintoff had not broken down.

Indeed, he claimed that the star all-rounder had wanted

NFL play-off Yesterday’s second round results: American Football Conference At Tennessee: Baltimore 13 Tennessee 10 National Football Conference At Carolina: Arizona 33 Carolina 13

basketball NBA Yesterday’s results: Charlotte 92, Washington 89; Minnesota 106, Milwaukee 104; Oklahoma City 109, Chicago 98; Houston 96, New York 76; Utah 99, Detroit 82; Portland 113, Golden State 100

golf Royal Trophy Yesterday’s singles results: Final team score: Asia 10 Europe 6 Singles: Ryo Ishikawa (JPN) halved with Soren Hansen (DEN) all square;Paul Lawrie (SCO) bt Liang Wenchong (CHN) 3 and 2; Nick Dougherty (ENG) bt Charlie Wi (KOR) 1 up; Prayad Marksaeng (THA) bt Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) 5 and 4; Oliver

Wilson (ENG) bt Hideto Tanihara (JPN) 3 and 2; Johan Edfors (SWE) bt SK Ho (KOR) 5 and 4; Toru Taniguchi (JPN) bt Niclas Fasth (SWE) 7 and 6; Thongchai Jaidee (THA) bt Paul McGinley (IRE) 5 and 4 Mercedes-Benz Championship Yesterday’s third round scores in Hawaii (USA unless noted): 200 – Geoff Ogilvy (AUS) 67-6865 206 – Justin Leonard 74-67-65, DJ Trahan 70-66-70 207 – Anthony Kim 71-68-68, Davis Love 69-70-68, Kenny Perry 68-71-68, Camilo Villegas (COL) 74-67-66 208 – KJ Choi (KOR) 71-71-66 209 – Johnson Wagner 68-71-70, Boo Weekley 70-70-69 210 – Ernie Els (RSA) 68-69-73, Zach Johnson 71-75-64, Sean O’Hair 69-70-71 211 – Will MacKenzie 72-70-69 212 – Stewart Cink 74-67-71, Brian Gay 72-70-70, Dustin Johnson 72-72-68 213 – Ryuji Imada (JPN) 69-7074, Greg Kraft 72-73-68, Chez Reavie 75-70-68, Adam Scott (AUS) 73-67-73 214 – Steve Lowery 69-75-70, Carl Pettersson (SWE) 72-72-70 215 – Cameron Beckman 76-7366, Daniel Chopra (SWE) 79-6967, Trevor Immelman (RSA) 7274-69, Richard S. Johnson (SWE) 72-72-71, Parker McLachlin 77-6969 217 – Vijay Singh (FIJ) 73-73-71

AFP

K

RESULTS am football

THE SPORT 27

DAILY XPRESS

Kevin Pietersen says his relationship with Andrew Flintoff had not broken down. him to remain at the helm of a team who will aim to reclaim the Ashes in six months’ time.

“I feel I’ve got unfinished business as captain of England – I definitely feel that,” the 28year-old told the News of the World.

5-1

“But right now, I feel it is right for me to go back and just play – to do something that I love, which is scoring runs for England.”

Pietersen, who is adamant he will give his full support to new captain Andrew Strauss,

said he is on good terms with Flintoff, himself a former England captain.

“My relationship with Freddie was great and towards the end I sat down with him and I said ‘Mate, this is what is going on’,” he added. “We had a good chat and Freddie’s parting words were, ‘You cannot leave as England captain’.”

Pietersen said he has no regrets over his decision to quit.

“I risked it all because I thought it was my duty to say things were not right. I risked it all because it was my duty as England captain to say this was how we should move forward,” he said.

“What hurts me was the character assassination that has been totally unfounded.

And that is the reason why I want to get my story across so that people can understand that I have done absolutely nothing wrong.”

Ryder, Krejci pace Bruins past Canes Michael Ryder scored twice and David Krejci added a goal and two assists in the Boston Bruins’ 5-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL yesterday.

221 – JB Holmes 74-75-72 222 – Marc Turnesa 79-73-70 223 – Andres Romero (ARG) 7874-71, Ryan Palmer 78-75-72 Joburg Open Yesterday’s third round scores: 202 – Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 68-71-63, Andrew McLardy (RSA) 65-68-69, David Drysdale (SCO) 65-66-71 203 – Retief Goosen (RSA) 7068-65, Joakim Haeggman (SWE) 69-68-66, Anders Hansen (DEN) 71-68-64 204 – Thomas Aiken (RSA) 6969-66, James Kamte (RSA) 6969-66, Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 71-66-67, Danny Willett (ENG) 67-66-71, Tyrone van Aswegen (RSA) 69-65-70, Rafael Cabrera Bello (ESP) 65-69-70, Michael Hoey (NIR) 64-68-72 205 – David Dixon (ENG) 68-6968, Klas Eriksson (SWE) 69-6967, Oliver Bekker (RSA) 67-65-73 206 – Graham de Laet (CAN) 7266-68, Lorenzo Gagli (ITA) 7067-69, Jean Hugo (RSA) 67-7267, Brett Liddle (RSA) 67-70-69, Martin Maritz (RSA) 66-72-68, Taco Remkes (NED) 67-70-69, Jaco van Zyl (RSA) 67-70-69, Richard McEvoy (ENG) 69-65-72, Anthony Snobeck (FRA) 72-6470 207 – Gary Clark (ENG) 72-67-68, James Kingston (RSA) 71-69-67, Richard Sterne (RSA) 71-66-70, Alan McLean (SCO) 71-65-71, Carlos del Moral (ESP) 69-66-72 208 – Antti Ahokas (FIN) 72-6472, Estanislao Goya (ARG) 70-

69-69, Simon Griffiths (ENG) 7364-71, Keith Horne (RSA) 68-700

soccer French League Saturday’s results: Auxerre 0 Marseille 2 (Samassa 43, Valbuena 78);Le Havre 0 Toulouse 1 (Didot 79); Rennes 1 (Sow 46) Grenoble FC 0; Monaco 1 (Licata 86) Nantes 2 (Bagayoko 5, Capoue 41); Sochaux 1 (Perquis 66) SaintEtienne 0;Lyon 1 (Ederson 9) Lorient 1 (Abriel 42) Italian League Saturday’s results: Genoa 3 (Biava 18, Jankovic 48, Motta 84) Torino 0; Inter Milan 1 (Ibrahimovic 77) Cagliari 1 (Robert Acquafresca 65) Spanish League Saturday’s results: Deportivo La Coruna 1 (Bodipo 34) Sevilla 3 (Fabiano 50, Renato 78, Capel 90); Valencia 3 (Baraja 1, Villa 10, Edu 79) Villarreal 3 (Fuentes 45, Llorente 76, Rossi 83-pen)

results: Women: Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS x5) b Peng Shuai (CHN) 3-6 6-1 6-3; Serena Williams (USA x1) b Samantha Stosur (AUS) 6-3 6-7 (4/7) 7-5; Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x6) b Sybille Bammer (AUT) 6-4 6-3 Qatar Open Men’s singles final result: Andy Murray (GBR x3) b Andy Roddick (USA x4) 6-4 6-2 Hobart WTA International Yesterday’s first round results: Iveta Benesova (CZE) b Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA x8) 7-5 7-5; Alona Bondarenko (UKR x7) b Monica Niculescu (ROM) 64 2-6 6-2; Petra Kvitova (CZE) b Sally Peers (AUS) 6-0 6-0; Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) b Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) 4-6 7-6 (8/6) 6-1; Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) b Patty Schnyder (SUI x2) 6-2 6-4

tennis Brisbane International Men singles final: Radek Stepanek (CZE x8) b Fernando Verdasco (ESP x2) 3-6 6-3 6-4 Sydney International Yesterday’s first round

Serena

Murray shrugs it off A F P , Doha

A

ndy Murray heads to the Australian Open with the weight of 73 years of desperate British Grand Slam history on his shoulders and still haunted by the bitter memory of last year’s experience in the Melbourne sun. The 21-year-old brushed aside Andy Roddick 6-4 6-2 to defend his Qatar Open title. “I feel good going into the Australian Open but after what happened last year I don’t want to get too carried away,” he said.

“I just need to concentrate on each match and fight hard as every round will be tough. I am one of the top guys but I don’t know if I am the favourite at the Australian Open.

“There is Roger, Rafa and Novak who won last year.”

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BANGKOK

THESPORT

Monday, January 12, 2009

DAILY XPRESS

SWEDEMOMENT Annika Sorenstam and Mark McGhee were married on Saturday.

GOLF

C H A M P S >PAGE 22

AMERICAN FOOTBALL

FOOTBALL

Cardinals and Ravens fly high

Rafa keeps the pot boiling

Kurt Warner has the Cardinals within a victory of their first Super Bowl appearance – with a big assist from Jake Delhomme and the bumbling Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, a not-so-raw rookie and a trusty veteran lifted the Baltimore Ravens to the brink of the Super Bowl. >PAGE 24

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez stoked his simmering row with Sir Alex Ferguson after his side played out a goalless draw at Stoke.

“Maybe in 20 years nobody has said these things. I don’t regret saying it and I don’t think it had any effect on the players.” >PAGE 25