Xpress-qTODAY PAGE-1011.XPRESS

XPRESS

AP

AP

DAILY

Monday, February 23, 2009 VOL 2, NO 284 dailyxpress.net

TOP OF THE FLOPS

Forget the Oscars for a moment. Here come the dreaded Razzies, and the winners are Mike Myers, Paris Hilton and Pierce Brosnan for worst performances, and Indiana Jones for being a ‘rip-off’... >PAGE 4

GOOD MORNING BANGKOK!

Music the healer

By Uthaisri Srinarong Professional Cello player and Vie Trio Band member

M

usic completes my life.

Besides playing music, I listen to jazz, pop, hip-hop, look tung and many other sytles. There are thousands of songs on my iPod. Listening to music allows me to be calm and have good concentration. Music can be soothing, relaxing and inspiring. By listening to the right songs, one can forget about the bad things, feel hopeful and think up solutions. When you are heartbroken or stressed, listen to songs that offer hope – not something that will make you hurt even more.

Shop for tech stuff

What’s on in the city

Go for Samsung’s new 10.2 megapixel digital cam; strap on a bold Black Series wristwatch; get a mobile printer or, if you are a lady, grab a fashion phone >PAGE 10

Take in scintillating Jazz sounds or the Vagina Monologues, catch Rod Stewart as he belts out his greatest hits or, if you’re an art buff, head to the Gossip Gallery >PAGE 9

2 TODAY

Monday, February 23, 2009

THE CITY

‘Wonderful Town’works wonders at awards show Film makes off with five Subhanahongsa awards; Ananda bags best actor award, Ratchawin best actress

Indie film “Wonderful Town” snatched five Subhanahongsa awards last night – for best picture, best director, best screenplay and best art direction.

Aditya Assarat, who not only directed the film but also wrote the screenplay, had many reasons to smile about.

The latest awards will bolster the film’s reputation. In the past few years “Wonderful Town” has bagged special jury prizes at the Taipei Film Festival and the San Francisco International Film Festival, the Grand Prix at IndieLosboa, and the Best VPRO Tiger Award at the Rotterdam International Film Festival.

“Wonderful Town” is also the first Thai movie to win a film-making award in Pusan.

Set in a small town in the south of Thailand, “Wonderful Town” tells a haunting love story about Ton, an architect who arrives from Bangkok to supervise the post-tsunami reconstruction of a beach resort, and Na, a beautiful woman who works at her father’s hotel.

“Happy Birthday” star Ananda Everingham was named Best Actor while Ratchawin Wongviriya from “Rak Sam Sao” emerged as Best Actress.

Sorraphong Chatree, a new national artist, was named Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Ong Bak 2”.

The Best Supporting Actress award went to Focus Jeerakul for her role in “Pidterm Yai Huajai Wawun” (“Hormones”).

About 1,000 celebrities turned up for the award presentation ceremony at the Thailand Cultural Centre, which saw 16 Subhanahongsa awards up for grabs.

Parinyaporn Pajee, D A I L Y X P R E S S

Best Actress Ratchawin Wongviriya from ‘Rak Sam Sao’.

Best director Aditya Assarat for his movie ‘Wonderful Town’.

DAILY

XPRESS

Best Actor Ananda Everingham who starred in ‘Happy Birthday’.

DAILY XPRESS

784,854

THE NUMBER OF foreign workers in Thailand (reported in July 2008).

Of these, 558,230 were illegal.

11 ORANGUTANS RESCUED FROM PRIVATE ZOO

,,

Officers raid Crocodile and Tiger World in Phuket, where animals were being held illegally

TWO OF THEM ARE ACTUALLY QUITE SICK.THE OTHER ONES WEREN’T FED THE RIGHT FOODS AND HAVE DENTAL PROBLEMS...

D A I LY X P R E S S

I

n a raid that has only recently been reported, a team of National Parks Department officers and wildlife activists on February 5 raided a private zoo in Phuket City and rescued 11 young orangutans being held there illegally to serve as a tourist attraction.

The successful raid followed several reports from tourists to the non-governmental Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) that 10 young orangutans were on display at Crocodile and Tiger World, a private zoo located in Phuket City.

The zoo also features more than 10,000 crocodiles, Bengal tigers, ostriches and gibbons.

Attractions at the zoo allow people to bottle-feed baby tigers for a small fee and watch an attractive young woman stick her head into the mouth of an enormous crocodile.

WFFT secretary-general Edwin Wiek said the raid followed several tip-offs from

Edwin Wiek WFFT secretary-general tourists aware of the plight of the highly endangered orangutans. They sent in pictures and video clips of the primates, which Wiek used to convince officials to organise a January 22 raid on the zoo.

Unfortunately, the first raid was unsuccessful because the media leaked news of the impending raid in time for the zoo owner to hide the apes.

In the successful second raid, carried out on February 5, authorities found 11 orangutans ranging in age from less than two years to about five years in a small stock room, Wiek said.

All 11 animals are now being given medical checks at the

WFFT’s Rescue Centre in Ratchaburi, he said.

“Two of them are actually quite sick, having trouble with parasites. The other ones weren’t fed the right foods and have some bad dental problems. I don’t think they will go back to Indonesia soon – or even if they’ll go back – because in Indonesia there is so much trouble with the animals in captivity. But at least this zoo is not going to exploit them any longer or import any more,” he told Daily Xpress. >> ON THE WEB http://www.wfft.org/news_ edwinarrest.htm

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 Friday. Subscription rates for THE NATION: 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.

Monday, February 23, 2009

HAPPENINGS 3

DAILY XPRESS

GAY PARADE: ACTIVISTS SEE RED OVER PROTEST

The Northern Thai NGO Coalition on Aids Commission at their press conference in Chiang Mai.

Group members from 50 countries demand an apology for red-shirts’ ‘uncivilised’ action

By Khwandoa Jitrapana D A I LY X P R E S S

A

group of 150 People Living With HIV/Aids and Youth Network activists from 50 countries have condemned red-shirt protesters for stopping Saturday’s Gay Pride Parade in Chiang Mai, saying the red-shirts wanted to appear on TV. “We accept the freedom of political expression but we cannot accept their [red-shirts] barbarian invasion,” said Niwat Suwanpattana, a member of the Northern Thai NGO Coalition on Aids Commission, at a press conference at Chiang

Mai’s Wind Place Hotel.

The move came after a group of 30 red-shirt protesters went to Tawan Trendy Mall, where a stage had been erected to welcome the Gay Pride Parade.

The parade was scheduled to head from the Buddhasathan towards the Night Bazaar and to the mall.

The protesters launched verbal attacks through megaphones, saying the event tarnished the city’s reputation.

They also reacted angrily to a remark by the organisers that the “Rak Chiang Mai 51” group was acting like thugs.

The group vowed not to al-

low the event to take place in public. They confronted the organisers and dismantled the stage set up to welcome participants of the parade.

Increasing understanding “We do not understand why the red-shirt group has to drag politics into our activities,” said Niwat.

Gay Pride is a form of social expression by sexual minorities, who are entitled to the right to freely express their identity and sexuality.

The idea behind the parade was to increase public understanding about sexual diversity

and equality as well as promote awareness of HIV/Aids issues.

Thai Youth Network coordinator Kullanant Padermwannapong said the red-shirt movement has actually discouraged teenagers who want to work for society.

The youth group wants the protesters to apologise for their “uncivilised” action towards teenagers and other people who organised the event.

The group announced that February 21 will be observed each year as a “Stop Violence Against Diverse Sex Lives Day”.

11-year-old girl raped, killed An 11-year-old girl was raped and killed in her bedroom on Saturday night in Uttaradit.

She was living with her father and a number of relatives.

The pretty girl normally shared her bedroom with her paternal grandmother. But on Saturday night, the elderly woman had to stay overnight elsewhere to help a friend who was preparing for an ordination ceremony.

There were traces of a fight in the girl’s bedroom.

An autopsy showed she was sexually violated.

Police have found enough evidence to track down and arrest her attacker.

D A I LY X P R E S S

4

GLOBETROT

Monday, February 23, 2009

THE WORLD Let’s

samba!

Revellers parade at the Sambadrome during a carnival in Sao Paulo yesterday. The biggest and most popular celebration in Brazil, the carvinal ends today.

DAILY XPRESS

£1.5m (Bt76.6m)

The amount of money Michael Jackson could command if he wanted to make a comeback concert

briefly 47 watermelons in 60 second s Australian John Allwood broke his own world record yesterday by smashing 47 watermelons with his forehead in 60 seconds.

The professional melon picker from Queensland’s Chinchilla town head-butted 40 to oblivion at last year’s Chinchilla Melon Festival.

Chinchillla, 300 kilometres north of Brisbane, produces a quarter of the nation’s melon crop and its four-day festival is growing in popularity with people into fruit-abuse. – DPA

AFP

22 years too late

Boy charged with killing dad’s pregnant girlfriend An 11-year-old boy shot his father’s pregnant girlfriend in the back of the head while she was lying in bed in their western Pennsylvania farmhouse, then got on the school bus and went to school.

Jordan Brown was charged as an adult in the shooting death of 26-year-old Kenzie Marie Houk, who was eight months pregnant, Lawrence County district attorney John Bongivengo said.

Houk’s family and friends, who gathered at her parents’ house on Saturday night, said Houk had experienced problems with the boy in the past.

“There was an issue of jealousy.

He told my son stuff,” said Houk’s brother-in-law Jason Kraner, 34.

“He actually told my son that he wanted to do that to her.”

Brown, the son of Houk’s livein boyfriend, was charged with criminal homicide and criminal homicide of an unborn child. His case goes to court on Thursday.

AP

Myers, Paris Hilton

get thumbs-down Razzies also go to ‘worst supporting actor’ Brosnan, Indiana Jones ‘rip-off’ A F P , Hollywood

M

ike Myers comedy “The Love Guru” and celebrity socialite Paris Hilton were top of the flops at the 29th Razzie Awards, the annual eve-of-Oscars salute to the very worst of Hollywood.

Myers’ critically panned movie picked up three of the movie industry’s least coveted awards – a gold spray-painted raspberry – which organisers say are worth almost US$5 (Bt180).

The alleged comedy, about an ice hockey player who enlists the help of a mystic guru to help him turn around his

Myers

Hilton

professional and personal fortunes, picked up worst picture, worst actor for Myers and worst screenplay.

“At 88 minutes, ‘The Love Guru’ would have benefited from a trim of roughly 80 minutes,” was how the New York Post described the film.

Hilton scooped up the worst

actress prize for “The Hottie and the Nottie”, a movie which Britain’s Daily Mirror decried as a movie “of monumental dreadfulness”.

Meanwhile German filmmaker Uwe Boll – branded the “teutonic twerp of world cinema” – picked up the worst director Razzie.

Other notable winners included former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan, who picked up the worst supporting actor for his performance in ABBA musical Mamma Mia. Steven Spielberg’s revival of the Indiana Jones franchise in “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” was crowned worst prequel, remake, rip-off or sequel.

An Oregon woman finally received an invitation to her nephew’s high-school graduation in New Jersey, but she may be a little late – it was in 1987.

Theresa Schlossarek of La Grande found the invitation last week in her mailbox. The envelope was postmarked June 2, 1987, from Toms River, New Jersey, where her brother Hermann Ilnseher lives.

Ilnseher said the lack of response from his sister was noticed but dismissed.

The US Postal Service’s Portland district called the delay “very unusual and very unfortunate”. – AP

Thou shalt not preach A rebel Catholic priest in Australia, who was sacked for blessing gay couples and allowing women to preach, defied his archbishop and led mass yesterday.

Father Peter Kennedy preached in front of hundreds of parishioners gathered to show support after his dismissal last week.

The Catholic church said Kennedy’s nominated replacement did not attend Sunday service following a bomb threat against Archbishop John Bathersby, who sacked the 71-year-old Kennedy. – AFP

Monday, February 23, 2009

S’pore youth held for SMS terror hoax Singapore police arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with an SMS hoax suggesting a terrorist attack in the citystate.

The text message, which had several variations, said terrorists were planning to bomb the Bugis area and that there were many policemen there. It also advised the public to avoid the area, the Sunday Times newspaper reported yesterday.

“Although there was no credible evidence to suggest such an attack at that point in time, we took the information seriously and immediately put in place necessary precautions,” the paper quoted a police spokesman as saying.

“We would like to assure the public that there is no cause for alarm as investigations have revealed that the SMS was indeed unsubstantiated,” the spokesman said.

The offence may carry a sentence of one year in prison, a fine of up to S$5,000 (Bt115,000), or both. – D P A

GLOETROT 5

DAILY XPRESS

‘If it could happen to Rihanna, it could happen to anyone’ making felony criminal threats, but police have not publicly identified his alleged victim.

The woman was Rihanna, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Photo of the bruised, battered singer could ‘help other girls’ combat abuse A P , Los Angeles

A

s police probe whether one of their own leaked a picture of a bruised and beaten woman that appears to be Rihanna, the image is sparking a discussion of the impact it could have on the issue of domestic violence.

Celebrity website TMZ, which has posted the photo, did not explain its origin. The site wrote only that it was taken after an altercation between the platinum-selling singer and her boyfriend, fellow pop star Chris Brown.

California can’t ban video-game sales to minors A P , Sacramento

A

federal appeals court has struck down a California law that sought to ban the sale or rental of violent video games to minors.

The court ruled that the 2005 law violates minors’ rights under the constitution. The three-judge panel’s unanimous ruling upholds an earlier court ruling.

The law would have prohibited the sale or rental of violent games to anyone under 18. It also would have created strict labelling requirements for videogame manufacturers.

Other ways to protect kids: court In a written opinion, Judge Consuelo Callahan said there were less restrictive ways to protect children from “unquestionably violent” video games.

For example, the justices said, the industry has a voluntary rating system and that parents can block certain games on video consoles.

The law’s author, state Senator Leland Yee, said he wanted Attorney-General Jerry Brown to appeal against the decision to the US Supreme Court.

California lawmakers had approved the law, in part, by relying on studies suggesting violent games can be linked to aggression, anti-social behaviour and “desensitisation” to violence. The justices dismissed that research.

The law never took effect and was challenged shortly after it was signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. A US district court blocked it after the industry sued California over constitutional concerns.

Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton acknowledged that the photo could prove embarrassing to the woman pictured, a view shared by some advocates for abused women.

But in the welts and marks on the face of the woman in the photo, some also saw a teaching moment.

“If it could happen to Rihanna, it could happen to anyone,” said Kim Gandy, president of the National Organisation for Women.

“Maybe it is a good idea if it’s her, if young girls see this,” said

Rihanna thankful Rihanna before she was beaten allegedly by boyfriend Chris Brown, right.

Susan Murphy-Milano, an advocate for battered women. She said she hopes it makes them think, “Is the next picture going to be of me in a morgue?”

Brown, 19, was arrested on February 8 on suspicion of

Rihanna broke her silence on Friday, her 21st birthday.

“At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown,” said a statement from Rubenstein Associates. “She wants to assure her fans that she remains strong, is doing well, and deeply appreciates the outpouring of support she has received during this difficult time.”

6 ENTERTAINMENT

Monday, February 23, 2009

THE FUN

DAILY XPRESS

DWAYNE JOHNSON, SAYING HE HAS NO PLANS TO RETURN TO THE WWE WRESTLING RING. HIS LATEST MOVIE IS DISNEY’S “RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN”.

“I retired five years ago. [The Rock] was a character I loved playing.”

Course instructor Daniel Remon leads a session at Benjakitti Park.

T O W E R O F S T R E N GT H >> Fitcorp Asia is on the 20th floor of Ocean Tower 2. >> Sessions are Bt500 per hour.

,, FITNESS BOOTS UP >> On the Web: www.FitcorpAsia.com

H E A LT H

At Fitcorp Asia’s workouts, you learn what gyms don’t teach

By Lisnaree Vichitsorasatra D A I LY X P R E S S

T

The ‘Valentine’ move has you hoisting your partner onto your back.

he word “Valentine” is the signal to pair up, but the only love involved is a love of exercise, and the command means hop on your partner’s back or hoist him up as if he were a baby.

The scene is Benjakitti Park, and this is Daniel Remon’s boot camp.

Remon rhymes with “demon”, which is fitting for the fanatical managing director of the five-year-old Fitcorp Asia.

He’s frustrated that the world of fitness as a whole hasn’t yet caught on to some new ways of thinking.

Leg presses and crunches in

the gym do nothing to help your natural movement, he says. “They’ve got no real-life application.”

Instead Remon promotes exercises based on dynamic movement and utilising all the muscles and nerves.

The squats he teaches at boot camp are done on one leg. In something called “the Spiderman”, you get down on all fours and touch your knees to your elbows.

What kind of training?

If it sounds tough, Remon is willing to customise the routine to match your fitness level.

The fittest trainee will still be challenged while doing the same exercise as a rookie.

“This is the first type of exercise that’s got me motivated,” says Sandra, 38, a teacher at the New International School who confesses to eating lots of rice.

She has more energy now, she

THIS IS THE FIRST TYPE OF EXERCISE THAT’S GOT ME MOTIVATED. Sandra, 38

finds, the better to raise her two-year-old.

Australian Glenn, 40, who works for the Red Cross, has lost seven kilograms in the year he’s been attending boot camp.

As I struggle to catch my breath after a round of kneeslapping, Sandra points out a couple of passers-by in the park. They’ve begun copying the boot camp moves on their own.

Remon will be pleased that it’s catching on.

DAILY XPRESS/ANANT CHANTARASUT

XTRA

Monday, February 23, 2009

3.2

$

ENTERTAINMENT 7

DAILY XPRESS

ANG LEE is in talks to direct an adaptation of Yann Martel’s best-seller “Life of Pi”. Lee’s latest film, “Taking Woodstock”, is set for release in August.

MILLION is the judgment in a lawsuit won by the Jimi Hendrix estate for trademark infringement by Hendrix Electric vodka.

soopsip

All that

glitters Gayle Etcheverry adds the finishing touches to Oscar statues on Thursday in Los Angeles in preparation for the 81st Academy Awards. TrueVisions broadcasts the Academy Awards live this morning on True Inside starting at 6.30 with the stars arriving at the Kodak Theatre through the presentation of the awards at 8. The ceremony will be aired again on Wednesday night at 7 on Star Movies. Daily Xpress will have full coverage tomorrow.

Ignorance is marital bliss Maybe expatriates shouldn’t

be in too much of rush to learn Thai.

Canadian Natalie Glebova, the former Miss Universe who married tennis star Paradorn Srichapan, admits she can’t Natalie follow the newspaper gossip about him having a gig – a special lady friend – on the side.

She doesn’t read Thai, so she’s happily married.

AP

Shooting star

See Thailand with SCB SIAM COMMERCIAL BANK is celebrating its 102nd anniversary by distributing 100,000 free copies of “102 Flavours of Thailand”, a Thai-language sightseeing guide with advice on hotels and restaurants.

Pick up a copy at any branch or at the bank’s booth at the “Fourth Decade of Royal Production Foundation” exhibition on the first floor of Siam Paragon.

An elephant for your home CARVINGS AND PAINTINGS of elephants by skilled craftsmen and well-known artists and, yes, artwork by the elephants themselves, will be on sale at the River City shopping complex on Charoen Krung Road from March 5 to 15.

The Thai Elephant Conservation Centre gets part of proceeds from “The Art of Chang Thai”, co-organised by the Forest Industry Organisation and the National Elephant Institute, which has enjoyed the patronage of Her Royal Highness the late Princess Galyani Vadhana.

Ratchawin “Goi” Wongwiriya,

MUSIC

Ice is truly hot Popster Saranyu Winaipanit stages his first solo concert next month at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium

XTRA

D A I LY X P R E S S

A

fter wowing fans both at home and in Japan with his smooth vocals and engaging personality, young pop sensation Sarunyu “Ice” Winaipanit is all set to turn his first full-length concert next month into a night his fans will treasure forever.

With five weeks left until the big night, he’s embarked on a training regime that has him singing while running on a treadmill to build up stamina for his Ice energetic show.

The “Ruam Mitr Sai Nam Kaeng Variety Life Concert” will see Ice covering more than 30 songs of different genres. “I want to demonstrate that I’m capable of singing other styles and not just pop.”

He’s also happy to be per-

PRINCE OF POP >> “Ruam Mitr Sai Nam Kaeng Variety Life Concert

by Ice Sarunyoo” takes place at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium on March 28 at 7. >> Tickets cost from Bt800 to Bt2,000 at Thaiticketmajor.

the star of “The Last Moment” (“Rak/Sam/Sao”) lives life as if every moment was the last.

She confirms that she loves driving fast – preferably at 200kmh.

“Yes, I do go that fast on the Goi Don Muang tollway because it’s always empty,” she says.

Goi suffered a minor injury in the only accident she’s ever had, but she gets plenty of speeding tickets.

“One day I got a ticket on the tollway and then another one on the way back – from the same cop.”

Chip in with ‘M’ forming at Hua Mark stadium.

“Most artists have their shows at Impact Arena but my idea is to be able to draw 5,000 fans. I’d hate to sell 5,000 tickets and have to give away the other 5,000 free to make it look like a full house.

Hua Mark is a better size.”

The solo show is a dream come true for the young star.

“Success in album sales is one thing, but nothing can beat appearing in front of an audience.”

The boys and girls of the

Group M network – which includes Mindshare and Ogilvy & Mather – will be doing charity work for a school in Nakhon Nayok on Thursday, and would love to deliver your donations of books, clothes and school bags. See Thitiporn Unchurit on the 23rd floor of the Ploenchit Centre on Sukhumvit Road.

Contact Soopsip at veenxpress@gmail.com.

8

LIFE

Monday, February 23, 2009

AT HOME

love scope

BY EUGENIA LAST

Décor with a French accent

You don’t have to be pushy to get someone's attention. As long as you contribute your share, you will impress and attract a partner who has similar interests and wants to get to know you better. Let love come to you for a change.

TAURUS April 20-May 20

Don’t get tangled up in a relationship that has no future when someone who has more to offer is waiting for you to notice him or her. Get on with your life by cutting off any part time partners who are holding you back personally.

GEMINI May 21-June 20

By Kupluthai Pungkanon

CANCER June 21-July 22

Reconnecting with someone from your past will boost your ego and bring back some fond memories. Having history with the person you are dating can help you build a strong and lasting future. It’s time to get serious about love.

D A I LY X P R E S S

Don’t be fooled by someone who appears to be perfect for you. Ulterior motives will surface if you become too comfortable with this person, leaving you in an embarrassing position. Don’t get involved with someone you work for or with.

PA S T P E R F E C T >> When decorating your

home, whether in modern or traditional Thai style, don’t forget that the present needs a past. >> Add some antique

pieces or paintings to add balance to the room. If everything is new, the house won’t feel alive.

DAILY XPRESS/ THANIS SUDTO

T

XTRA

February 23-28, 2009

ARIES March 21-April 19

Add a touch of timeless elegance to your home by referencing some of Europe’s leading designers

he French have long been admired for being able to put together stylish, elegant homes that look as though they should be photographed for the latest issue of Home & Garden magazine, but according to Jerome Thenot, a French interior director for Chanintr Group, a leading retailer of luxury home furnishings, while having deep pockets helps, the key is knowing who to reference.

Thenot recently gave Daily Xpress a tour of the Christian Liaigre Showroom at Promenade Décor on Wireless Road. “True French style is timelessly elegant, not very fancy yet modern. I like to reference such designers as

DAILY XPRESS

Madeleine Castaing, Christian Liaigre, Charlotte Perriand, Eileen Grey, Jean-Michel Franck and Andree Putman.”

“It is about purity. All these designers collaborated with artisans in their works and came up with an aesthetic package, combining elements from the past with an understanding of the present.

“I love pushing an old technique in a new direction, like using an unexpected fabric for the furniture and mixing it with very luxurious elements. It’s also about going with traditions and making them work as much as possible even if you decide to divert techniques to make the decorations more modern,” he adds.

A bronze stool by Giaconetti, for example, can be used a side table, or simply as a piece of art, depending on how it fits with other

design elements, continues Thenot, who also admires Arbus and Adnet.

Thenot recalls how, as a youngster, he visited Versailles Castle as a young boy and returned home dreaming of the architecture and sumptuous décor of the salons.

“The French still have a passion for these beautiful traditions but styles change.

Today, Liaigre prefers pure lines with the same kind of luxury but more updated to suit modern-day living. But that’s not to say you can’t have one of two Louis XIV pieces in the same room. It’s all about placement.

But ultimately Thenot says the most important element for any home is furniture and décor that allows you to relax.

“For me, it’s important that the house is decorated to suit its residents, just like a tailormade jacket,”.

LEO July 23-August 22

You’ll be three steps ahead of everyone else when it comes to rounding up a partner of choice. Your generosity and flamboyant nature will entice a relationship that is sure to be full of adventure, excitement and passion.

VIRGO August 23-September 22

A personal change is heading your way. Don’t give in to anyone who is trying to push you one way or another. You cannot let emotional wearand-tear eat away at you until you give in to someone or something that just isn’t working.

LIBRA September 23-October 22

Your uncertainty may be what stands in your way when it comes to love.

Size up any relationships you are considering and pick the one that complements you the most. Leading people on will result in your being left alone.

SCORPIO October 23-November 21

Your passionate mind will lead to adventure. An emotional encounter will give you something to think about. Ask upfront if the person who interests you is available or already seeing someone else. Better to be safe than disappointed.

SAGITTARIUS November 22-December 21

Your charming, debonair way will attract the attention of someone who is just as adventurous as you. Invite that special someone to explore some of your interests or to spend time with you at home and the rest will be history.

CAPRICORN December 22-January 19

Don’t mix the meaning of love with how much a person has or you may miss meeting someone special who can please you in other ways. A blind date will not turn out well but someone you meet through work will impress you.

AQUARIUS January 20-February 18

Take a chance on love. You won’t have to look far to find someone.

Opportunities will develop through social circles, your peer group, an old friend or even by picking up a hobby you used to enjoy. Participation is all it will take.

PISCES February 19-March 20

You won’t be able to make up your mind when it comes to love, leaving you in an awkward position if you have been saying yes to too many suitors. You have to take a breather and figure out what you want and with whom you want to be.

Monday, February 23, 2009

EVENTS 9

DAILY XPRESS

An end to violence V Day, a glo bal movem e n against t to st

WHAT’S UP

see it!

All in the mind

op violence wome in staging ch n, joins the Patravadi Th a Vagina Mon rity performances of “T eatre ologues” fr he o m Sunday. W ritten by Eve Friday until Ensler, the play is mad epis eu monologue p of a varying numbe odic r of s read by d iffere showtime is at 8. Tickets nt women. The Bt600 (stu are Bt400 de an ing dinner fr nts pay half) and Bt9 d 00 includom www.To talReserva Call (02) 412 72878 tion.com. or visit www

Thavorn Phansa examines his first impressions in “Sudden Imagination”, a solo show of 20 acrylics created without bias and without any prior planning or first sketches. It’s at Gossip Gallery on the third floor of Silom Galleria until March 15, Monday to Saturday from 10 to 7. Call (02) 637

.Patravad iTheatre.c om.

7878.

The dark side

Night fever New Orleans singer LaVerne Butler is performing at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok’s Three Sixty Jazz Lounge, bringing the sounds of Sarah Vaughn and other jazz greats to the City of Angels. Settle down for an evening of indulgence with Butler’s cool vocals Tuesday through Sunday nights until July 21. Call (02) 442 2000.

Rockin’ R od The g

ravel-voic be in Thaila ed singer will nd for “Rod Ste on March 4 w Greatest H art Rocks His its at Impa ct Arena. Ticke ts cost from Bt1,000 to Bt6 Thaiticketm ,500 at ajor. Call (0 2) 26 2 3456.

Covering Southeast Asia for the past 10 years, photojournalist Vinai Dithajohn has captured the nocturnal world of Thai youths engaged in risky behaviour on the lesser-known side streets of Bangkok. His photo essay, “Bangkok Noir”, comes from a work-inprogress about that disturbing world. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 11pm at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand. Call (02) 652 0580 or visit www.FCCThai.com.

10

NEW GADGETS

Monday, February 23, 2009

DAILY XPRESS

WORK IT, OR LET IT WORK BORN TO BE ON TIME Head out on the highway with a watch from Orient Star’s Motorcycle Black Series. Created and sold initially only in Japan, it’s roared into Thailand’s Trocadero chain, retailing for Bt26,000.

The wristwatches have rose-gold cases that contrast nicely with the black PVD dial for a classic sporty look. The dial reveals the power-reserve indicator, small-seconds window and a semiskeleton dial at the balance-wheel position. These tickers are waterproof to 100 metres, not that you want to drive into a lake.

The Samsung WB500 digital camera has a 24mm ultra-wide Schneider lens with 10x zoom and 10.2-megapixel resolution for its 2.7-inch LCD screen. You can count on the Face Detection, Smile Shot, Blink Detection and Beauty Shot functions and manually control the shutter speed, aperture, exposure and focus. It can shoot video at 720P resolution and 30 frames per second. The suggested retail price is Bt11,990.

THIS PRINTER GOES WITH YOU The Epson PictureMate PM 215 lets you print your photos on the go – on the mobile printer, instantly after taking them. Just plug the memory card from your camera in or use a USB cable and the PictBridge function, and away you go. It’s small enough to carry around, and in fact has a handle, but the prints can be jumbo, at a resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi.

You’ll probably pay around Bt6,990.

WHO ORDERED THE DUCK? The Mandarina Duck Mobile Pack Moon is a ladies’ “fashion” phone designed by Italian firm Mandarin Duck and manufactured by Alcatel.

It comes in white, pink and orange, with a graphic display colour-coordinated with the phone’s clamshell body. Call Mandarina Duck Boutiques at (02) 651 8611-3.

Monday, February 23, 2009

THE SCREEN 11

DAILY XPRESS

TO SEE

on dvd REGION 1

Delhi-6 What an Ind ian quick visit to -American businessma nh his longest journ grandmother’s homel oped would be a and turns in ey of his life. to th In Hindi with 8.30 tonigh t at SFX Em English subti e porium. Sta tles at and Sonam rs Abhishek Kapoor. Call Bachchan (089) 48 www.B ollywoodT hai.com.

The Wrestler An ageing professional wrestler (Mickey Rourke) is given a chance to reclaim the spotlight and redeem himself. ★★★★

Doubt At a Catholic high school in the 1960s, the strict headmistress nun (Meryl Streep) suspects a popular new priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of abusing a black student. At the Scala.

Tom Cruise stars as a German army colonel who heads a plot to assassinate Hitler. ★★

spiced up so his life story be at th ds an k wife. m A glum waiter de icult customers and no more sic ch ff ut di D e In ighbours. there’s no mor nd and new ne rie rlf gi w ne a se.

He wants btitles at Hou

8 2620 or v isit

d Thai su with English an

The Reader

A Moment in June

A lawyer prosecuting Holocaust crimes finds himself trying a woman who he’d had an affair with when he was a teenager.

Kate Winslet stars. ★★★

Couples reach an emotional crossroads in their relationships in 1972 and in 1999. With

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Brad Pitt stars in this specialeffects-driven tale of the adventures of a man who ages in reverse. ★★★

★★★★

Valkyrie

Waiter (Ober)

Confessions of a Shopaholic A young woman (Isla Fisher) turns her life around with a new job and romance.

English subtitles in some cinemas. ★★★★

My Bloody Valentine The comatose survivor of a coal-mining disaster awakens and takes up his pickaxe. In 3D.

The Class

Revolutionary Road

A teacher inspires students at one of France’s toughest schools. In French with English

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet star as a couple frustrated by the trappings of marriage, family and suburbia.

and Thai subtitles at House. ★★★

The Day the Earth Stood Still This 1951 sci-fi classic – not last year’s remake starring Keanu Reeves – still holds up, even without today’s sophisticated special effects. The two-disc special edition includes a shooting script and a making-of featurette. – WASHINGTON POST

on tv

★★★★

Push

Before Valentine

Telekinetic expatriates in Hong Kong pool their energy to take down a clandestine government agency. Dakota Fanning and Chris Evans star. ★★★

Four couples – from teenagers to embittered adults – deal with their relationships before Valentine’s Day. With English subtitles at some cinemas.

Apex Lido: (02) 252 6498 Siam: (02) 251 3508 Scala: (02) 251 2861

Forbidden Secrets A young divorcee sets out to uncover dark family secrets involving her aunt’s murder and her mother’s descent into insanity. Stars Kristy Swanson and David Kelly.

Cinemax (TrueVisions), 10pm

Century – The Movie Plaza (02) 247 9940

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

House (02) 641 5913-4

Major Cineplex/EGV Bangkok: (02) 515 5555

Major Hollywood Bangkok: (02) 718 7999

Critical consensus

Paragon Cineplex Bangkok: (02) 129 4635 IMAX: (02) 129 4631

SF Cinemas Bangkok: (02) 268 8888 Pattaya: (038) 361 500

Luang Phi Kab Phi Khanun

Vista

A conman who becomes monk to escape capture by the police finds himself faced with a ghost.

Thossapon Siriwiwat and Petchtai Wongkamlao star. With English subtitles at some cinemas.

Chiang Mai: (053) 894 415

★★★★★ = Must see! ★★★★ = Solidly entertaining ★★★ = It’s okay ★★ = Barely watchable ★ = Don’t bother No star rating means no reviews were available from Daily Xpress staff or agencies.

12

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, February 23, 2009

Comics&Games

Red and Rover

DAILY XPRESS

Monday, February 23, 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: Size down, get fit, secure your position and stabilise your life. You have the discipline to do whatever needs doing, so take the first step. Replace the negatives in your life with better interests, people and plans. A secret encounter will lead to a new beginning.

ARIES **** March 21-April 19 You owe it to yourself to ask others for help. You can make a difference to a lot of people by including them in your plans. Open your heart, your home and spirit TAURUS ** April 20-May 20 You have to use discretion if you want to avoid trouble. Stay away from anyone who is off-limits until you sort out what to do about the way you feel. Do what’s best for everyone.

DIFFICULTY RATING ★

GEMINI ***** May 21-June 20 The more you share your thoughts and interests, the greater the support you will get. This is a great time to get ahead and make changes.

Your outgoing personality will lead to happiness.

CANCER *** June 21-July 22 Give greater thought to your financial position and who in your life is costing you too much. It’s time to discuss a new budget and rules to incorporate into your life. Uncertainty will be your downfall.

LEO *** July 23-Aug. 22 Give more time to a relationship that you care about. Plan a trip or just spend the day doing things that you both enjoy. If you are single, get involved in something that interests you.

VIRGO *** Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Indecision will come back to haunt you. Just because something is new or unfamiliar doesn’t mean it cannot work. Open your mind. You are on the verge of a breakthrough.

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY

LIBRA ***** Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Involvement in projects you believe in or helping others will turn into something you least expect.

Love looks promising and, with a little ingenuity, you can end up with someone you adore.

SCORPIO ** Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Don’t believe everything you hear. Someone will try to meddle in your personal affairs. Go to the source and ask questions. This is not the time to make changes at home.

SAGITTARIUS **** Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Everything will depend on your performance and ability to convince others to join your cause. An idea can work as long as you don’t go overboard. Someone you care about can help.

Kristin Davis Actor-director Peter Fonda is 69.

Musician Johnny Winter is 65.

Guitarist Rusty Young of Poco is 63.

Actress Patricia Richardson is 58.

Guitarist Brad Whitford of Aerosmith is 57.

Guitarist Michael Wilton of Queensryche is 47.

Actress Kristin Davis is 44.

Bassist Jeff Beres of Sister Hazel is 38.

Guitarist-keyboardist Lasse Johansson of The Cardigans is 36.

Actress Emily Blunt is 26.

Actress Dakota Fanning is 15.

CAPRICORN *** Dec. 22-Jan. 19 You can’t let a personal relationship cause you to make a poor decision. When it comes to finances, don’t let emotions take over. Stick to what you know to maintain your position.

AQUARIUS *** Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Take a bit of a chance when it comes to a partnership or personal relationship. Make rules that you feel will work for everyone involved.

Educational pursuits will change your life.

PISCES *** Feb. 19-March 20 There is a lot you are unaware of so, before you make promises, make sure you fully understand the consequences of not sticking to rules. A secret connection may backfire. Be upfront.

13

The Road to Success with OCEAN The Ocean Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

is now anticipating rapid growth and would like to expand our business. We are embarking on an exciting new journey of transformation, innovation and unprecedented challenges. If you share our quest for excellence and are a results-oriented individual who thrives in an environment of productive energy and rapid change, then we invite you to take this journey with us. Go with a Winner, Modern Life Planner, Develop & Save Thai Socialization Sustainable Development. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

Management Trainee

20 Positions

Responsibilities: Management Trainees as a fast-track career development for high-achieving graduates. Our Programme is designed to show you how the insurance business works. We provide you with a chance to gain the technical skills and experience you need to develop a fast-track insurance career leading to senior management. You will be involved in various projects and assignments which will provide you with real work experience in key business areas such as Actuarial, Product Development, Operation & Services, Sales & Client Services and Underwriting, among others. Each project or assignment is determined first and foremost by the demands of the business, but we will also take your development needs into account. After finishing the program, you will have an opportunity to select and request for a placement in a position that best suits your competency skills and interests.

Qualifications: ● Male or Female, not over 30 years old ● Master's Degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Marketing, Business Administration or related fields from recognized university with GPA above 3.33 and Bachelor's Degree with GPA above 3.00 ● Good analytical ability and problem solving skills, creative thinking skill ● Excellent interpersonal skill, and a team player ● Proficiency in spoken and written English (an additional Japanese language will be a definite advantage) ● Good computer and presentation skills

Risk Management Officer

1 Position

Responsibilities: Responsible to evaluate, coordinate the monitoring of and providing advice and recommendations to Risk Management Committee (RMC). Develop Quantitative credit risk models study.

Develop, and implement risk management tools. Research and apply risk methodologies and approaches. Identify appropriate internal and external data sources, and gather information to support risk analysis.

Qualifications: ● Preferably with Master's degree in Finance, Economics or related fields ● At least 5 years experience in risk management, operations audit, internal audit, internal control, or compliance in a financial institution ● Good knowledge of economics, finance and risk management, especially credit and treasury ● Technical skills in financial operation and other business functions ● Planning and organizing skills, analytical skills ● Presentation skills, and interpersonal skills

Marketing Communication (Manager / Executive)

4 Positions

Responsibilities: ● Assist in developing marketing communication and promotion strategy for use in above the line and below the line communications in accordance with business policy and marketing plan ● Coordinate and work with advertising agency or outsource for managing corporate advertising campaign and implementation ● Coordinate with marketing line manager to support communication materials for marketing activities and campaigns ● Manage of marketing communication budget ● Represent company in building up the corporate image ● Manage and control marketing communication program to a lign with each customer segmentation as planned, and in line with overall brand positioning of organization Qualifications: ● Bachelor's Degree or higher in Marketing, Business Administration or Communications is preferred ● At least 2 years experience in marketing communication within professional services environment or insurance business ● Strong leadership and consensus building skills, marketing management and strategic planning experience, a proven track record in development and administering a marketing communication program ● Must be a self-starter, highly organized and able to work well with others at all levels in the organization ● Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal and facilitation skills ● Good command of spoken and written English ● Able to travel upcountry periodically

Executive Assistant

1 Position

Responsibilities: ● Day-to-day office management practice to support President i.e. scheduling appointments, receiving messages, greeting visitors, liaison with drivers, etc. ● Documents preparation to assist President in preparing presentations & reports ● Administrative support for President e.g. travel arrangement, hotel reservation, expense re-imbursement, etc. ● Meeting & conference arrangements and other necessary preparations ● Collaboration with internal & external contacts ● Management of document filing system ● Meeting & hospitality coordination for overseas visitors

Qualifications: ● Female, age not over 30 years old ● Master's degree in Business Administration or other related fields ● Proficiency in spoken and written English (an additional Japanese language will be a definite advantage) ● Proficient computer literacy in Ms Office applications ● Good personality , interpersonal skills, co-ordination skills and excellent presentation skills ● High degree of self-confidence & maturity - ability to deal with Management ● Ability to relate well with people on all levels ● High level of organizational skills & attention to details ● Flexibility to cope with a wide range of duties & ability to work under pressure within a limited time frame ● Total confidentiality on all matters dealt with President ● Experience in the life insurance business will be an advantage

Assistant Manager President Office

1 Position

Qualifications: ● Female, age not over 35 years old ● Bachelor's degree in any field of studies ● Proficient computer literacy in Ms Office applications ● Good personality, interpersonal skills, coordination skills and excellent presentation skills ● Ability to relate well with people on all levels ● Ability to manage of document & filing system ● High level of organizational skills & attention to details ● Flexibility to cope with a wide range of duties & ability to work under pressure within a limited time frame ● Experience in the life insurance business will be an advantage

IT Audit Specialist

1 Position

Responsibilities: Working within the Co-operative Accounting Services audit function you will provide specialist IS audit services to a wide variety of business areas. As an expert in IS/IT risk management and control you will advise the business on good practice techniques and ensure excellent quality of work across the department. In addition to possessing extensive experience within IS/IT audit and IS strategy and security you will hold a recognized industry qualification. Benefits are excellent as are the opportunities for further training and personal development.

The successful candidate will be required to carry out a variety of audit assignments, including setting up audit programs, making risk assessment, finding vulnerability, coordinating and following up according to audit plans, recommending areas for improvement Qualifications: ● Male or Female, age not over 30 years old, GPA. at least 2.75 ● Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Applied Statistics and Computer Engineering or related fields ● A minimum 3 years' experience in IT Audit, IT general control, system design & development or Network security ● Excellent in English communication skills (both spoken and written English) ● Proficient computer literacy involving MS Office applications, system design and Network ● Abilities of internal audit approach initiation and risk assessment of internal control will be a plus ● Good interpersonal skills, communication skills, consulting skill, conceptual and analytical skills

Worksite Agent

26 Positions

Qualifications: ● Female, age not over 25 years ● Bachelor's degree in any field of studies ● Possess pleasant personality ● Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills can work under pressure ● Must be self driven to meet and exceed sales target ● Highly competent in Sales, active, honest and looking for development opportunities ● Good talent and service mind ● Able to work out of working hours

HR Officer

1 Position

Qualifications: ● Male or Female, age 20-30 years, GPA. at least 2.75 ● Bachelor's or higher in Human Resource Management, Political Science, Business Administration, Industrial & Organization Psychology, or other related fields ● Proficient computer literacy in MS Office applications ● Good personality , interpersonal skills , innovative thinking, co-ordination skills and excellent presentation skills

Actuarial Officer

2 Positions

Responsibilities: Prepare actuarial related reports and documents. Identify and gather relevant information for product analysis, including company financial statements in support of pricing, reinsurance administration, experience study and complying.

Qualifications: ● Master's degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science or related fields ● Age over 25 years old ● Good command of English and computer Skill-MS Office is preferable ● Good human relation, communication, quick ability to learn, cautious and work follow up

Credit Officer

2 Positions

Responsibilities: Perform credit control work to be accurate and meet the company objectives, company structure, government and statutory.

Qualifications: ● Age not over 30 years old ● Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Financial, Marketing, Business Administration, Economics or related fields ● At least 1-2 years' experience, preferably in insurance industry (but not mandatory) ● Knowledge and experience in credit and financial analysis will be an advantage ● Good command of English and computer skill-MS Office is preferable ● Good personality, honest and diligence

Underwriter

5 Positions

Responsibilities: Perform for making sure that the company accepts only life insurance applicants whose actual mortality rates do not exceed the mortality rates assumed when the premium rates for a particular product were calculated. Prepare regular underwriting reports, and other jobs as assigned in order to achieve company goals.

Qualifications: ● Age not over 30 years old ● Bachelor's degree in Insurance, Business Administration, Economics or related fields ● Good command of English and computer skill-MS Office is preferable ● Good personality, honesty and diligence ● Good communication, quick ability to learn, cautious and work follow up

Representative of Group Life Insurance 3 Positions Responsibilities: Perform and support in sales & marketing activities in responsible area or channel in order to achieve the quota in categories of product. Create confidence by after sale service.

Qualifications: ● Age not over 30 years old ● Bachelor's degree in any fields of studies ● Highly competent in Sales, active, honest and looking for development opportunities ● Good interpersonal skills with an ability to collaborate with various organization partners ● Able to work upcountry (permanent or temporary) ● Good talent, service minded ● Able to work out of working hours

Bancassurance Officer

1 Position

Major Areas of Responsibilities: ● Responsible for Bancassurance such as developing and securing quality new business partners ● Market to and maintain relationship with intermediaries and independent agents by advising them on ways in which to build their consumer life insurance markets Qualifications: ● Male, age 25-35 years ● Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing or related fields ● A minimum 2 years' experience in bancassurance ● Highly competent in Sales, active, honest and looking for development opportunities ● Good interpersonal skills, communication skills, consulting skill, passion to learn & share

IT Project Manager

1 Position

Major Areas of Responsibilities: Responsible for lead and to be part of the team member in IT Project Team to initiate and review business units to identify improvement opportunities & support the implementation of business improvement recommendations in order to enhance work efficiency for customers, agencies, and back office staff throughout the organization.

Qualifications:● Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science or other related fields together with some IT Management ● At least 3-5 years of work experience in project management experience ● Excellent communication & interpersonal skills ● Excellent analytical skills with problem solving, decision making, planning and management skills ● Excellent knowledge in formulating corrective action plans ● Project planning & management expertise ● Excellent command of English ● Good PC literacy (including MS Project)

Network and System Administrator

1 Position

Major Areas of Responsibilities: ● Lead and manage all IT infrastructure of system, security and network team

Develop and implement an IT operating procedure, relevant operational flow and documents for the operations and maintenance of a 24x7 Data Center ● Set up and supervise the management of high availability IP-networking LAN, WAN and server systems such as MSWindows Server, AD, Exchange, AS/400 and/or UNIX ● Implement server/network monitoring system in the Network Operation Center ● Responsible for implementing security solutions and enforcing data center network security policies ● Perform design for collection of server and networking performance data such as system availability, system logs for the server and network capacity planning ● Establish system management criteria and policies ● Plan and manage the disaster recovery plan for the entire server and network systems ● Required standby after office hours and public holiday Qualifications:● At least 5-years hands-on experience in data center man agement ● Degree in Computer, Electrical, Electronics or Telecommunication Engineering, or Network-related fields ● Experience implementation and operations of WAN routing protocols ● Working knowledge in installing and maintaining hardware, software and network such as structured cabling, IP layer 3-switch, router, firewall, etc. and experience in UNIX services or MS-Windows Server, DNS, FTP, DHCP, Web Service, SMTP, POP, etc. ● Understand the principles of VPN, Remote computer on-line, LAN/WAN, TCP/IP,ISDN and any related functions ● In-depth experience in large-scale system and network security ● Skill in implementation and operation of backup/restore solutions, AS400, Unix-based systems, system load balancing, and internet content management, Strong customer service orientation ●

Programmer

5 Positions

Major Areas of Responsibilities: Provide system support including application assistance, problem solving and training. Help to create and consistently promote programming standards and development procedures. Train end users or technical support staff to use programs.

Qualifications: ● Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or other related fields. ● At least 1 year of work experience in programming ● Excellent communication & interpersonal skills ● Excellent analytical, problem solving and decision making skills

Hire Purchase Marketing officer 2 Positions Provide recommendations and services to customers in the area of new and used cars hire purchase. Build up and maintain the good relationship with dealers.

Qualifications: ● Male, age not over 30 years old,Bachelor's degree in any field of studies ● At least 1 year of work experience in hire purchase business ● Excellent communication and coordination skills ● Able to work under pressure

Sales Manager, Senior Sales Executive 1, 4 Positions Assist in developing marketing strategy for use in above the line and below the line in accordance with business policy and marketing plan. Survey and sell real estate. Prepare and assist in developing sales tools and reports, and other jobs as assigned in order to achieve company goals.

Qualifications: ● Bachelor's degree in any fields of studies,Highly competent in Sales, active, honest and looking for development opportunities ● Good interpersonal skills with an ability to collaborate with various organization partners ● Excellent analytical skills with problem solving, decision making, planning and management skills ● Able to work up-country (permanent or temporary) ● Good talent, service minded ● Able to work out of working hours, good PC literacy

We are looking for successful people, and if you are, don't miss this opportunity to call for an interview and we are sure that you can get some added value after meeting with us. Interested applicants are invited to apply in person or send application with full resume indicating qualifications and experience, transcript, expected salary and a recent photo to the address or e-mail address below:

Contact Name: Ms. Parichart Rattanasareechai Address: 170/74-83, Ocean Tower 1 BLDG., Rachadapisek Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok, 10110 Telephone: 02-261-2300 ext. 440 Fax: 02-204-0099 E-mail: hrm@ocean.co.th or hrservice@ocean.co.th

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA, BANGKOK POSITION : PERSONAL SECRETARY TO THE AMBASSADOR • Female, Thai national aged maximum 40 years old • Excellent command of written and spoken English with ability to translate Thai to English and vice versa • Scretarial graduate or degree holder in social sciences or related field from a recognized university • Competency in Microsoft office • Good interpersonal skills • Highly organized, efficient and able to work with minimal supervision • Three years professional working experience in a similar position Applicants are invited to send their detailed CV together with copies of their academic transcripts, current and expected salary, a recent photo and their contact number so as to reach us by 9th March 2009 to the following address.

Embassy of the Republic of Kenya 62 Soi 5 Thong Lor, Sukhumvit 55 Road Klongtan, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1965 among governments of Southeast Asian countries to promote cooperation in education, science and culture in the region. We are now seeking a qualified candidate to fill in the following position:

Excel Hellmann woldwide logistics Hellmann, the global leading logistics service provider with 325 offices gateway city global wide is seeking qualified candidate to joint our team to expand business. Candidate's function and responsibility will be in charged of Customer Services and Sales (CSS) for international sea and air freight take routine responsibility to satisfy customers by providing import & export preparation and effective freight transport.

Assistant Accountant

Customer Services and Sales (CSS) Qualifications :• Age 25-35 years old, Bachelor's Degree • 5 years experience in international freight and shipping industry or department of import & export • Excellent in communication command of written and spoken English • Computer skill is a priority • Qualified and enjoy traveling to join international sales meeting • To reach goal and happy working in their career the candidate must have self motivated, enjoys international freight & logistics lifestyle, sales-oriented • Satisfied in taking routine function and responsibility as above outline Interested and qualified candidates must submit detailed resume, recent photo and current salary to HR Department, sakara@exctrans.co.th with a copy to Managing Director amarit@exctrans.co.th. Further information contact Mrs. Sakara 02-2545370-8 # 418.

Excel Hellmann Worldwide Logistics Co., Ltd. 65/1 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Sukhumvit Rd., Klongtoey Nua, Watthana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: (02) 254-5370-8

Bachelor degree in Accounting Good command of English ● Familiar with computerized accounting system ● Ability to operate MS Office (Word & Excel) We offer an attractive remuneration package including salary and living allowance, medical benefits, provident fund and significant training opportunities for the right candidate. Interested candidates please submit your resume with expected salary and recent photo by 3 March 2009 to: ● ●

SEAMEO Secretariat, 920 Sukhumvit Rd. (near Soi 40), Bangkok 10110 On-line application form at www.seameo.org Email: secretariat@seameo.org

Empire Motor Sport Co., Ltd. The authorized dealer TOURISM MALAYSIA BANGKOK OFFICE VACANCY

1. Marketing Manager (MM) 2. Marketing Executive (ME) Requirements: ● Thai National. ● Male/Female, below 35 years of age. ● At least a Degree (MM) / Diploma (ME) in Marketing, Business, Tourism or other related field. ● At least 5 years (MM) / 3 years (ME) working experience preferable in tourism industry.

●

●

●

Good written and oral communication skills in both English and Thai.

Computer literate (MS Word/ Excel/ PowerPoint).

Pleasant personality with good interpersonal and presentation skills.

of Maserati Thailand. We are searching for highly motivated and experienced persons for the following positions:

1. Deputy GM 2. Sales Manager 3. Sales Executive 4. Public Relations Officer Good personality, automotive sales experience, good command English and computer skill are required.

Interested candidates could send cover letter, full resume, photo and expected salary to:(Only short listed candidates will be selected for an interview)

Please summit your application including a resume and recent photo to:-

Director, Tourism Malaysia, Bangkok Office Unit 1001, 10th Floor, Liberty Square, 287 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 The closing date for application is on 4th March, 2009 (Wednesday).

hr@ferma.co.th Tel: 02-900-5353 # 779 (Khun Monta)

24

THE SPORT

Monday February 23, 2009

THE SPORT

DAILY XPRESS

NANCY vs LYON

0-2

Lyon moved a step closer to an eighth consecutive French championship on Saturday after Cris and Ka Benzema scored. Paris St Germain and Toulouse bot endured goalless draws.

REFEREE IS R

briefly Pietersen lost cash to ‘sleazebag’Stanford

Pietersen

Former England cricket captain Kevin Pietersen admitted that he too had lost money in torn-up contracts with alleged fraudster Allen Stanford.

Pietersen, who did not specify the value of the contracts he had signed with Stanford to be a cricket ambassador, described the Texas financier as a “sleazebag” and said his sponsorship of a tournament involving England made it seem as though “the England team had been sold.” – AFP

Carter and Swail in Welsh final England’s world No 7 Ali Carter battled back from 3-0 down to beat compatriot Anthony Hamilton 6-5 and reach the Welsh Open snooker final.

Carter will play Northern’s Ireland’s Joe Swail, who overcame Australian Neil Robertson 6-4 in Saturday’s second semifinal. Swial swept to a 4-0 lead with the help of breaks of 55 and 98 and then dug deep to resist Robertson’s fightback to seal victory with a scrappy 10th frame. – AFP

Heavy-hearted Jazz earn emotional win The Utah Jazz played with a heavy heart, then took the court and showed the love for its late owner Larry H Miller.

Mehmet Okur scored 25 points, Deron Williams had 20 with 13 assists, leading the Jazz to its fourth consecutive win, a highlyemotional 102-88 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday night.

“This was an emotional game tonight,” Williams said. “We just wanted to win the game for Larry and his family. That was our main goal. We wanted to win it for us as well, but for them first.” Utah played their first game since Miller passed away at home with his family at his side on Friday due to complications of type 2 diabetes at age

64. “We had a wonderful week before he passed,” Miller’s wife Gail said. “He did everything he could to stay here, but it wasn’t to be. He went peaceful and he was prepared.” – DPA

Branson hints at move into F1 Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson admitted that he would consider becoming involved in Formula One if certain financial and environmental conditions were met.

“They need to get the rules changed to make F1 economically viable in these tough times,” he Branson told BBC 5 Live radio. “F1 should be also championing cleaner technology. If we were to get involved we’d want our cars run on clean fuels.”

Branson’s comments have renewed hopes that Honda, who last December announced their immediate withdrawal from the sport because of the global economic crisis, could be on the grid in a new guise for the seasonopening Australian Grand Prix on March 29. “If we were [going to take over Honda] there would be a clause that would prevent me talking about it,” Branson said. “Having said that, I love Formula One, But I think they need to organise F1 .” – DPA

Manager Ferguson hails Webb’s decision not to red-card kicker Ronaldo AFP, Manchester, England

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lex Ferguson insisted referee Howard Webb was right not to send off Cristiano Ronaldo after the Manchester United winger escaped a red card then scored the winner to sink Blackburn 2-1 on Saturday.

Ronaldo kicked out at David Dunn in the second half at Old Trafford after a challenge with the Blackburn midfielder but Webb opted just to give the him a warning.

The Portugal winger was eventually booked for diving however, which would have meant a dismissal if he had already been yellow carded for the clear kick at Dunn.

To Blackburn’s frustration it was Ronaldo who lashed home a

superb 60th minute free-kick that extended United’s lead at the top to eight points.

“The referee spoke to him when he flicked out. Ronaldo said the boy kicked him and referee gave him a warning,” Ferguson said. “It was no more than a flick and I’ve seen that time and time again in games.

“Because it’s Ronaldo people make a meal of it. It’s just one of these things. He has to live with that kind of examination but it would have been a ridiculous sending off.”

Ferguson admitted United had been below par as they finally conceded a goal for the first time in 15 league matches when Roque Santa Cruz equalised Wayne Rooney’s

opener.

“We deserved it – just – no more than that. When you consider how we’ve defended over the last few weeks it was a very soft goal to give away,” he said.

“At that point Blackburn got a lot of resolve out of the goal and were determined to put up a good show in the second half.

“They made it a real fight for us. Sometimes when you don’t play at your best and you can get a result like that it can go towards winning the title.

“This is a great lesson. It tells us exactly what this league is like. I’ve said all along there is no way we can predict we are going to win the league when we get difficult games like this.

“When people talk about us winning the league, we’ve got to dismiss it. We have to fight for our lives like the teams at the bottom.”

Guus Hiddink

Arsene Wenger

ON REPORTED RIFTS IN CHELSEA TEAM

ON ANDREI ARSHAVIN

“Their attitudes have been excellent. All the players have been good. We had a good week working and there have been no signs of all the problems that have been written about. What they did with the hug was genuine. If you have the correct attitude you can progress quickly and that is what I would like to do.”

“He has shown in glimpses that he has talent and he will be a player. He is not ready physically but that will come.

You feel something will happen in the final third when he has the ball.”

Real fire Liverpool a warning; Barca suffer

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AFP, Madrid

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Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce was furious with Webb’s refusal to award a penalty for Rafael da Silva’s challenge on Morten Gamst Pedersen in the second half.

“Sir Alex doesn’t think it is a penalty, but I think it is. It has to be pretty blatant to get a penalty here at Old Trafford. We all know that,” Allardyce said.

“For me it is a big disappointment because the lads put up a really good fight.”

But Ferguson was convinced Pedersen should have been booked for diving.

“He booked Ronaldo for diving and what did Pedersen do?

An absolute dive, and the referee hasn’t booked him. It’s either a penalty or a dive and it was nowhere near a penalty,” Ferguson added.

“You see it again and just as Rafa has taken his hand away,

Pedersen goes down.”

Mourinho’s men march on Inter Milan opened up a 12point lead at the top of Serie A after a battling 2-1 victory at lowly Bologna on Saturday.

It was the perfect warm-up for coach Jose Mourinho’s men ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Champions League round of 16, first leg clash against Manchester United.

And he was rewarded for fielding a strong line-up as teenage forward Mario Balotelli hit the winner direct from a free-kick from wide on the left eight minutes from time to secure the three points.

Even so, Mourinho refused to start popping the champagne corks.

“Is the title race over? We still need another 30 points, it’s still too early,” he said.

It was Barcelona’s first defeat since the opening day of the season, ending their 22match unbeaten run and in just a fortnight Real have sliced their lead from 12 points to seven.

“Nobody said it was going to be easy,” said Barca coach Pep Guardiola. “We have lost today but we are still in a strong position and will recover from this setback.”

Guardiola refused to criticise referee Delgado Ferreira for sending off Keita but team-mate Xavi didn’t mince his words. “The referee got it [Keita’s sending off] wrong,” fumed Xavi. “He decided the game and apart from that he didn’t allow it to flow at all.”

Dimitar Berbatov, left, has fine technical qualities, says Mourinho.

Man Utd best in the world: Jose AFP, Rome

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Apology needed: Rensing Bayern Munich goalkeeper Michael Rensing insisted his side owe their fans an apology after they slumped to their third loss in four league games on Saturday with a 2-1 defeat by Cologne.

Bayern have lost to Hamburg, Hertha Berlin and now Cologne in their last four league games.

“I believe that after today we must apologise to all our fans for this defeat,” said Rensing, who had said the week before he was “fed up to the back teeth” with his defenders. “The first half time was inexplicably bad, Cologne could have won by more.”

EPA

EPA

Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo, right, receives a yellow card for his dive in the Blackburn Rovers goal area.

eal Madrid sent an emphatic warning to Champions League opponents Liverpool on Saturday when they thrashed Real Betis 6-1 to move seven points behind leaders Barcelona, who suffered a shock 2-1 derby defeat against Espanyol.

Real scored all their goals in a terrific first half to record a ninth straight league win and they are brimming with confidence for Wednesday’s last 16 Champions League match with Liverpool at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“I never said the league wasn’t on,” said Real coach Juande Ramos.

“Just like we had a dip in the first half of the season – due to injuries and other factors – other teams will have the same experience over a long season.

“We are closer to Barcelona but they still have a significant advantage and seven points is still a lot.”

Barcelona travel to Lyon tomorrow for their European clash and will be kicking themselves after the loss to Espanyol, who won at Camp Nou for the first time since 1982. Old boy Ivan de la Pena, who played at Barcelona from 1995 to 1998, scored twice to gun down his old club, who had Seydou Keita sent off after 37 minutes.

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Monday February 23 2009

Espanyol midfielder Ivan de la Pena, left, with his team-mate Angel Martinez after scoring against FC Barcelona.

nter Milan coach Jose Mourinho hailed Manchester United as the best counter-attacking team in the world ahead of the pair’s Champions League clash tomorrow.

The battle at the San Siro between the champions of Italy and their visitors, who hold the titles of English, European and world champions, is the most mouth-watering of all the second round pairings in Europe’s premier competition.

And Mourinho is under no illusions as to who the favourites are but he wants his team to relax .

“I don’t want my players to feel under pressure, I want them to enjoy themselves and the first thing I will tell them is that I have great belief in their ability to win it,” said the Portuguese boss.

“I’ve known Manchester since 2004, they’re the best counter-attacking team in the world and can kill their opponents in transition [from defence to attack].

“They have [Dimitar] Berbatov, who has fantastic technical qualities and then [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [Wayne] Rooney, [Carlos] Tevez or Park [Ji-sung] who can make the difference, give them width and pace.”

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Monday, February 23 2009

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DANNY IN DREAMLAND Record-breaking Lee, 18, stuns Johnnie Walker field AFP, Perth, Australia

ew Zealand amateur Danny Lee, 18, birdied the last two holes to stun a glittering Johnnie Walker Classic field and become the European Tour’s youngest ever winner yesterday.

The Korean-born teenager snatched a dramatic one-stroke victory over a trio of players in the US$2.5 million, co-sanctioned event to smash the Tour’s 38-year age record and become the coveted trophy’s only amateur champion.

Afterwards Lee, who became only the second amateur to win on the European circuit with his closing 67, confidently set his sights on becoming “the next Tiger Woods”.

The top-ranked amateur surpassed the world No 1 last year as the US Amateur Championship’s youngest win-

AFP

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New Zealand’s Danny Lee with the trophy after his victory in the Johnnie Walker Classic. ner. “I can’t compare to Tiger because he is one of the greatest players in the world,” he said.

“I can’t do his three wins in a row in the US Amateur, but I will to try to win more PGA tour titles.”

Lee started the final round at The Vines’ par-72 course in equal second, two shots behind

overnight leader Ross McGowan and fellow Englishman John Bickerton.

But he surged home with four birdies on the last six holes to card five-under 67 and finish on 17-under 271, pipping McGowan, Japan’s Hiroyuki Fujita and Felipe Aguilar of Chile.

“It feels like I am in a dream and I hope nobody wakes me up,” said Lee, who started the tournament just hoping to make the cut.

“It is pretty amazing what I have done.”

Lee, who is 18 years and 213 days, beats the age record set by Dale Hayes at the 1971 Spanish Open by 77 days. He becomes the latest name on a trophy which also lists such luminaries as Woods, Nick Faldo, Ernie Els and Greg Norman.

Although he cannot claim the winner’s cheque of US$300,000, Lee will become a hot commodity when he turns professional, a move which is expected after he plays the US Masters in April. McGowan, who led by two shots with five holes left, shot a final-round 70 to share second place with Fujita (67) and Aguilar (68).

Lee, who became a naturalised New Zealander last year after emigrating aged eight, showed enormous potential with his nerveless finish.

DAILY XPRESS

Mickelson pulls away at Riviera AP, Los Angeles

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hil Mickelson showed up early yesterday to work with swing coach Butch Harmon, then ran off four straight birdies late in his round for a 9-under 62 to build a four-shot lead going into the final round of the Northern Trust Open.

“He’s pretty good at what he does,” Mickelson said of Harmon, who flew in from Las Vegas on short notice.

“Having him be able to be right there and identify it was nice. “I feel like – I don’t want to say back on track – but I have a direction of where I want to go, and my iron play was much, much better because of it,” he said.

“To see a few putts go in, it’s obviously a great feeling because it rewards the iron play,” Mickelson said.

Just his luck, Harmon had returned from a vacation in the Bahamas. “We mostly worked on his lower body, keep it quiet,” Harmon said.

Monday, February 23, 2009

DAILY XPRESS

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Monday, February 23, 2009

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THESPORT

DAILY XPRESS

RECORD STAND Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene (240) and Thilan Samaraweera (231) set a Test record for the fourth wicket with a 437-run stand against Pakistan.

Venus Williams raced to her 40th career crown on Saturday, but ensured that the raging Shahar Peer controversy was not forgotten during her Dubai Open title celebrations.

Williams told a packed crowd that it was “a shame that one of our players couldn’t be here”, in a direct reference to the United Arab Emirates’ widely-condemned decision to refuse to grant Israeli player Peer a visa.

“I thought she had to be mentioned and I felt I was going to, whether anyone else did or not,” said Wimbledon champion Williams, when it was remarked that she was the only one at the prize-giving ceremony to recall what had happened.

“I had the opportunity because I had the microphone. I thought how brave she [Peer] was to come over here, to play in Doha [last year], and suddenly here not [allowed to].

“I thought of Althea Gibson who was excluded,” she continued referring to the woman who overcame discrimination and exclusion to become Wimbledon’s first black champion in 1957. “She played and I thought of people who stood up and played with her when noone else would.

“My dad grew up in a place where if you spoke too much, it was your life. I had a small opportunity to say something where everyone would listen.”

VENUS SPEAKS

OUT

FOOTBALL

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Barca come down crashing at home

Lee leaps into record books

Could lightning be about to strike Barca again, two years later? Real fans and the Madrid media are certainly hoping so as the Catalans lose a bruising derby against Espanyol and the Meringues hammer Betis. Two years ago, Real reduced Barca’s seven-point lead and ended up snatching the title on the direct results system, after the two had ended up tied on points. >PAGE 25

Danny Lee, the world’s best amateur, has beaten a host of the world’s best professionals to take out the Johnnie Walker Classic at The Vines, with a nerveless back nine leading the Kiwi teenager to a thrilling one-shot win. Four birdies in the last six holes – and a cool 15-feet putt on the 16th to save par – made Lee the first amateur to win in Australia since Brett Rumford at the 1999 ANZ Championship. >PAGE 26