PY O C E FRE
EXCITING TRAVEL PACKAGES PAGES 16-19
XPRESS
DAILY
Thursday, July 16, 2009 VOL 2, NO 376 dailyxpress.net
WINNING WORMS
A Chulalongkorn University team’s ‘Soil Booster’ project that uses worms and can save a farmer about Bt20,000 a month triumphs in a community competition >PAGE 2 GOOD MORNING BANGKOK!
Blown away by Nattaporn By Kriengsak Silakong Film festival director
N
attaporn “Pui Fai AF4” Wipatkorntrakul is the country’s new shooting star – no question! In Dreambox’s recent “Mae Nak The Musical”, she blew the audience away with a powerful performance as Sai Yud. The scene where she loses her mind while bidding a final farewell to the love of her life, Mak, was stunning. Easily matching the acting skills of veteran stars like Narintorn Na Bangxang and Maneenuch Samerasut, she expressed woman’s nature in full, from jealousy, fragility and submissiveness to innocence, vulnerability and strength. I’ll be one of the first in the queue for a ticket to her next show. Go see her for yourself.
What’s on Catch celebrities as they pitch their ideas on home decorating, plus learn how to cook 5-star food at the Home and Living exhibition; rock ’n’ roll with the Extreme Dream Concert or disco dance with the Groove Riders >PAGE 10
VOTE for your favourite destination >PAGE 6
2 TODAY
Thursday, July 16, 2009
DAILY XPRESS
THE CITY Worming their way to the top 16%
OF THE COUNTRY’S BUDGET is spent on primary school education while 4% goes on higher education
AN ECO-FRIENDLY FERTILISER PROJECT WINS OVER JUDGES IN A STUDENT COMPETITION TO IMPROVE LIFE IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES
“Most of the farmers were in debt and they needed help,” said Kaewalin. Impressed by their determi-
nation to help ease poverty in the area, the judges awarded the Chula students top marks in the competition between 23
teams of undergraduates. “It’s the simplest and most creative project,” said judge Pranee Suebwonglee. Students from Mahidol University came runners-up for a project that increases the market value of ordinary fruits and flowers such as bananas, lotuses and jasmine by transforming them into home decor products. Third place went to a team from Payap University which came up with a project that improves the quality of coffee beans harvested in Dok Ngern in Chiang Mai. Using the team’s strategy, 103 families in the community are expected to boost their annual earnings by more than Bt400,000. Held by the NGO Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), the competition encourages students to help local people develop a better understanding of how free enterprise works and how to use new knowledge to improve their lives.
TRASHING THE JUNK CALLERS
(NTC), which can punish both the sellers and the buyers. A recent survey found that most people are unhappy about telemarketers targeting them via their cellphones. Insurance policies rank among the most common products being touted over the phone. According to the OIC, an insurance company must not repeatedly contact anyone who has
already refused to buy a policy. “The OIC will raise public awareness about citizens’ right to protect themselves from such unwanted calls,” Satit said. Satit went on to announce plans to clamp down on TV advertising. “Regulations say there should be a maximum of 12 minutes of adverts per hour, but this is being abused,” he said.
By Juthamard Komin D A I LY X P R E S S
A
project developed by a team of students from Chulalongkorn University was yesterday announced the winner of the 5th Thailand Community Outreach competition. After eight months’ work at Srisakarbue sub-district in central Nakhon Nayok province, the team presented its “Soil Booster” project, which could save each household about Bt20,000 a month.
‘Soil Booster’ bags prize The project uses earthworms to improve the quality of soil that had been ruined by the use of chemical fertiliser. As well as aerating the soil, the eco-friendly worms eat the rice straw left after harvest, producing fertiliser and making burning of the fields unnecessary. The students are now preparing to spread the idea to other communities. Team leader Kaewalin Kanjanawongpaisrn said locals
Cellphone users get protection from pestering salesmen D A I LY X P R E S S
If you want to avoid junk text messages, just dial your service provider’s call centre. And if you dial 1186 today, the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC) also promises to ensure that you won’t get pesDAILY
XPRESS
A jubilant Chulalongkorn University team, whose ‘Soil Booster’ project won the 5th Thailand Community Outreach competition. lacked knowledge of how to handle the soil and were therefore suffering from low crop yields.
tering calls about insurance policies from a specific company for at least six months. The useful tips come from PM’s Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey, who had a meeting with the Consumer Protection Board yesterday. Representatives from cellphone service providers were also present.
Number-selling scam “We have inside information that personal details of cellphone users along with their phone numbers has been sold,” Satit said. He encouraged people who suspect their details have been sold to tip off the National Telecommunications Commission
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.
4
GLOBETROT
Thursday, July 16, 2009
THE WORLD
DAILY XPRESS
There were
240
pirate attacks between January and June, up from 114 in the same period a year ago
Info highway
EPA
Man, 81, begins jail term for attempted rape
Watch the jaws A Thai trainer puts his head into the mouth of a crocodile at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Centre, South Korea, yesterday. The performance was held as part of an event marking the start of an exhibition to show 1,000 of the world’s rare animals. The exhibition is scheduled go on till August 30.
British teen survives 12 nights in Australian wilderness A British teenager given up for dead after getting lost in dense forest in Australia 12 days ago was found alive yesterday just 15 km from where he went missing. Helicopters, tracker dogs and a search party of 60 people had been scouring the Blue Mountains west of Sydney for 19-year-old Jamie Neale. He disappeared on July 3 after leaving his Katoomba youth hostel to go on a popular tourist walk. Bushwalkers spotted Neale in rugged terrain and alerted the search party. He was airlifted to hospital where he is recovering from exposure after surviving the sub-zero temperatures of one of Australia’s coldest places. His father and uncle had flown out from London to join the search. On Monday they were told that the chances of finding him alive were very low. – D P A
Family ‘confronted’ Jackson over drug use They conducted a military-style raid on his ranch to question him about drugs A F P , London
M
ichael Jackson’s family confronted the pop legend about his drug use in an emotional intervention before his death, his brother Tito said in comments published by a British newspaper yesterday. Alarmed at reports Jackson was addicted to prescription drugs, Tito said he and his brothers and sisters conducted a military-style raid on the King of Pop’s Neverland ranch. Tito said Jackson “did everything in his power to make sure we didn’t know” about his suspected drug use, but as the number of reports increased,
so too the Jackson family’s fears for his health.
‘We had to act’ “We had to act. It was me, my sisters Janet, Rebbie and La Toya and my brothers Jackie and Randy,” he told the Daily Mirror in an interview. “We burst right into the house and he was surprised to see us to say the least. We went into one of his private rooms and had a discussion with him. Some of us were crying.” Jackson died aged 50 on June 25. Investigators are scrutinising the possible role of drugs
in his death, after he suffered an apparent cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles. “We kept asking him if it was true what we had heard that he was using drugs. He kept denying it. He said we were over-reacting,” Tito said.
Conspiracy? “We also spoke to a doctor and he assured us it was not the situation. He said he was there to make sure Michael was healthy.” Tito said they tried again to confront Jackson about his perceived drug problem, but were kept at bay by the pop star’s security team. “I don’t know if they were just doing their job or if they were part of some kind of conspiracy.”
An 81-year-old Hong Kong man has begun a two-year jail term for the attempted rape of his family’s maid, a news report said yesterday. Wong Pak-sum, who was jailed after a High Court hearing on Tuesday, is believed to be the oldest man to be convicted of the offence in the former British colony. He assaulted the 36-yearold maid after being left alone with her in the family’s flat. Sentencing him, Judge Kim Longley said he had given a relatively lenient jail term to Wong because of his advanced age, yesterday’s South China Morning Post reported. – DPA
‘Twitter not cool’ A 15-year-old Briton has set the financial world abuzz with a research note penned for a major US bank in which he reveals teenagers’ media habits – including that Twitter is just not cool. Matthew Robson wrote the report while on work experience with US bank Morgan Stanley in London, and the result was described by his boss, Edward Hill-Wood, as “one of the clearest and most thought-provoking insights we have seen”. The research note – which has been circulated to Morgan Stanley clients – reveals that while teenagers consume a huge variety of media, from television to computer games to the Internet and music, they are unwilling to pay for it. He also says that while teenagers are keen users of Facebook, there is little interest in Twitter, the micro-blogging service beloved of celebrities including Hollwood actress Demi Moore. – AFP
6 ENTERTAINMENT
Thursday, July 16, 2009
THE FUN
DAILY XPRESS
DAVID ARQUETTE, ACTOR, WHO LIVED IN A PLEXIGAS BOX FOR TWO DAYS IN NEW YORK CITY AS PART OF THE SNICKERSSPONSORED “BAR HUNGER” CAMPAIGN.
“I’ve seen first hand the impact of hunger, which is why campaigns like ‘Bar Hunger’ are so critical. Snickers and I can’t do it alone.”
Film Rattapoom ‘co-represents’ Marrakech, Santorini, Greece and the skiing destination of Queenstown, New Zealand.
Pe and Koy ‘represent’ the romance destinations of Mauritius, Udaipur and Sendai, Japan.
Sririta Jensen ‘symbolises’ the pleasure destinations of Hallstatt, Austria, Dubrovnik, Croatia and Ibiza.
T R AV E L
DREAM DESTINATIONS What do you look for when you go on holiday? A radio station and three magazines are seeking the answers By Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul D A I LY X P R E S S
S
ky-High Network’s easy-listening radio station Cool 93 Fahrenheit is celebrating nine years on the air by joining up with travel magazines Anywhere, Honeymoon Travel Puen Dern Tang and (Travellers’ Companion) for a project that shines the spotlight on nine holiday destinations and asks whether they repre-
sent friendship, pleasure or romance. “The radio business today faces stiff competition,” says Sky-High’s managing director Komsan Chetchotisak. “We are delighted that Cool 93 Fahrenheit has been rated as the No 1 easy-listening radio station every year for the last nine years. “The nine destinations are classified along three themes –
friendship, romance and pleasure – and listeners will be asked to vote for one in each of these categories,” he explains.
Celebrity representation With the nine destinations grouped under themes, the radio station then picked the celebrities they thought best represented those places and ideas. The Best Friendship Destination, comprising Marrakech in Morocco (code F1), Queenstown in New Zealand (code F2) and Santorini in Greece (code F3),
are represented by celebs Rattapoom “Film” Tongkongsap and Paranyoo “Tack” Rodjanawuttitham. Voting takes place from July 20 until August 7. The Best Pleasure Destination, which will open for voting from August 10 to 28, are Ibiza in Spain (code P1), Hallstatt in Austria for code P2 and Dubrovnik in Croatia for code P3. The celeb is Sririta Jensen. The last is the Best Romance Destination, and features the island of Mauritius Island in Africa (code R1), Udaipur in
XTRA TEXT TRAVELLING >> Vote for your favourite destination by mobile phone. >> Key in the word Cool and the code number and send the SMS to 4747930.
India (code R2) and Sendai in Japan (code R3). Voting runs from August 13 to September 18. The celebs are Arak “Pe” Amornsupasiri and Ratcha-win “Koy” Wongwiriya.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
2
ENTERTAINMENT 7
DAILY XPRESS
ROBERT REDFORD married German artist Sibylle Szaggars in Hamburg. Local press reports say the 71-year-old actor was wedded to his long-time girlfriend, around 20 years his junior, on Saturday in the luxury Louis C Jacob hotel.
VERSIONS of “Bruno” are being shown in the UK – the full version rated “18” and a shorter edit cleaned up for viewers aged 15 and over.
Little
soopsip
woofers The group Pilobolus performs rehearses “Dog-Id” ahead of Monday’s opening night at the Joyce Theatre in New York. The show runs until August 8. Visit
Wardrobe dysfunction Tai was overdressed in Europe.
www.Joyce.org.
AFP
The plan was to make a TV
Bangkok film fest dates set
MUSIC
THE BANGKOK INTERNATIONAL Film Festival will be held from September 24 to 30. It’ll have 80 features, a Main Competition for first- and second-time directors and the Southeast Asian Competition. There will also be seminars, workshops and special events. Venues haven’t yet been announced. As with last year, the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand is the organiser, with federation president Jareuk Kaljareuk donning the festival director’s hat. Artistic direction again falls to the Thai Film Directors Association and Yongyoot Thongkongtoon. Programming is being handled by new Silpathorn film honouree Pimpaka Towira and producer Mai Meksawan. Visit
Still Grooving
www.BangkokFilm.org.
House axes week of Sinjai FANS OF LEADING LADY Sinjai Plengpanich, get out the tissues. Next month’s “Week of Siam” film series, which was to focus on her 1980s dramas, has been cancelled by House cinema on RCA. Officially, the cancellation is due to problems with the old film companies over copyright issues. But less-kind folk are saying the real reason is that audiences have been sparse for the monthly series of classic Thai films. And besides, most of Sinjai’s movies, including the 1986 hit “Chang Man Chan Mai Care” (“I Don’t Give a Damn!”), have just been shown on TV Thai. House was to have shown “Mai Care” and other dramas from the mid-1980s, plus the contemporary hit “Rak Hang Siam” (“The Love of Siam”). By popular demand, “The Love of Siam” will get a reivival run in September at House, which plans to show both the theatrical version and the three-hour director’s cut. This month’s “Week of Siam” programme, “Way Back Into Love”, featuring romantic dramas, is still on schedule. It runs from July 23 to 29. Visit www.HouseRama.com or call (02) 641 5177-8.
The disco-funk band shows no signs of calling it quits, with two more shows lined up By Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul D A I LY X P R E S S
XTRA
D
espite having announced that they were splitting up to attend to individual duties and even organised two farewell concerts, the Groove Riders are still playing gigs and are apparently the most-wanted disco-funk outfit around. This month and next, they’ll be back on stage for two shows. On July 25 at 6, they’ll be playing their old hits in “Groove Riders for Retrospective”, which is part of the Bangkok ARTE’ Weekend at the futsal arena on Thonglor Soi 10. The event features art and music as well as stalls selling products donated by celebrities. On August 30 at 2, they’ll be at Zen’s Event Gallery on the eighth floor of CentralWorld for “This Way to Heaven”, along with Venus Butterfly, Friday, Crescendo and Nui Wiriyapa. Originally set for
documentary about the places seen in the movie “Nee Tam Galileo” (“Dear Galileo”) – London, Paris, Pisa and Venice. They’re in Europe and it’s cold in Europe, right? So GTH public-relations agent Chanumad “Tai” Thongsai, who was accompanying the film’s director Nithiwat Tharatorn and stars Chutima Teepanart and Jarinporn Junkiat, packed lots of woolly clothing. Well, it turns out that it does actually get warm in Europe, so Tai had to wear her lighter evening duds instead. The only problem was that it’s tough hiking around all the tourist attractions in high heels. See how she managed on Channel 7’s “Tee Nee Morchit” Sunday at 10.30pm.
Very friendly match kick-off Newspaper columnist
FUNKY MUSIC >> Tickets for July 25’s “Groove Riders for Retrospective” are Bt800, including one drink. >> Tickets for August 30’s benefit are Bt600. Proceeds will go to Children’s Cancer Fund. >> You can get them at Thaiticketmaster.
July 26 but postponed in cooperation with the government’s swine-flu measures, this is the third charity concert organised by Spicy Disc.
Bouranij “Bor Boo” Rattanavichien recently announced on his Hi5 page that he’s looking for a place to hold his wedding reception. Since he’s a football writer, he should hold the party on a football pitch! Surely his boss, Siam Sport Publishing owner Rawi Lorthong, will waive the rent on the company’s soccer field on Soi Nuanchan Ram Intra. Other ideas are welcome at Bor Boo’s Hi5 page, or e-mail him at bbmeetyou@yahoo.com.
Contact Soopsip at veenxpress@gmail.com.
HOBBY
Thursday, July 16, 2009
DAILY XPRESS
WASHINGTON POST PHOTOS
8
Barbie dolls in their original boxes are wrapped in extra cellophane to protect the original cellophane.
Barbie’s cosy in cardboard The boxing match gets brutal when doll collectors get together Doll-shop owner Amanda Eagan points out a crushed corner on a box at a collectors’ convention in Washington. Such imperfection can drop the price drastically.
By Kate Kilpatrick THE WASHINGTON POST
B
arbie collectors share much in common, such as the belief that the perfect colour for lipstick, toenails and accessories is pink. But on one issue they cannot be reconciled: to debox or not to debox. They are quite passionate about whether the dolls should be left in their original box. “Debox! Debox! Debox!” shouts a pin worn by Molly Cruse, one of more than 1,100 visitors to the 2009 National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention being held in Washington. “You can’t appreciate the full gown when it’s in the box,” says Cruse. Adamantly opposed are the NRFBists, for whom the 11th Commandment is “Never Remove From Box”.
Sherri Schuck, who owns more than 600 Barbies, points out that “a lot of the time the boxes themselves were actually part of the scenery, the allure. “You could cut them up, you could take things off the box and use them as
props for the doll.” But these days she wouldn’t dare take a Barbie out of the box, let alone bring scissors to the scene. “For me the box makes the doll, too. It’s just part of what she is. I love to see
them in their natural state, and to me it’s in a box.” To cater to finicky NRFBists, dealers take all sorts of precautions to protect their merchandise, inside and out. Amanda Eagan, a doll-shop owner, wraps each box in cellophane to prevent scuffs to the original cellophane. Alice Spackman, who sold Eagan the shop, says putting that much emphasis on the box is “silly”. “One lady would spend hours looking at the box, and I often thought she probably didn’t even notice that there was even a doll in that box!” Erma Huntley-Rhodes explains the NRFBist philosophy: A doll in a mintcondition box could fetch $15,000, or as little as $5,000 in a battered one. Huntley-Rhodes keeps her collection at home in cabinets and tells visitors: “If you can touch them, you’re too close.”
Thursday, July 16, 2009
DAILY XPRESS
HEALTH & FITNESS
Soles with soul
9
quick shots
A podiatrist offers some advice for looking after sore feet By Parinyaporn Pajee D A I LY X P R E S S
H
ave you ever stopped to wonder just how many steps you take in a single day? According to the experts, it’s not unusual to walk as many as 10,000 steps, yet if our feet are tired after all that effort, it’s probably not due to the walking but fatigue caused by not wearing the proper shoes. Most of us would plead guilty to ignoring these lowest and most hardworking parts of our bodies. “We think nothing of buying moisturiser for our faces but we do nothing for our feet. Yet we get upset when we feel pain especially if it causes us to stop walking,” says podiatrist and pedorthist Cherdpong Hansasuta of BNH hospital. Aside from chronic wounds suffered by diabetes patients, his patients come to see him with a range of different complaints – pain from running or walking, calluses and, quite commonly, from wearing improper shoes. Just like inflammation in any body part, the doctor stresses that damage to the foot occurs as a result of long time repetitive force. The main difference is that to the force to the foot is heavier – a repetitive impact that is 1.2 to 1.6 times your own weight. “When we walk or run, the feet carry the weight all the time. If problem occurs, it will be worse than in another body part,” he says. And while with, say, an inflamed wrist, we can take a break from working at the computer to allow recover, people are in trouble when they have to stop using a foot as it renders them immobile. Pain on the underside of the foot may indicate a torn ligament or inflammation of the joint. Taking pain medication may help but it’s just a temporary measure and the problem will recur if the problem isn’t fixed. “The podiatrist and pedorthist have to solve the problem rather like an engineer by designing a shoe or insole that expands the repetitive force pressure from that exact point to the whole foot,” he says.
The road to health … From today until Sunday, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is holding its annual Bangkok Health Fair at Bangkok Convention Centre, Central Lat Phrao. The event, which is open from 10 to 8 showcases the very latest in medical innovations, and offers seminars, free check-ups as well as advice on weight loss and cooking tips for healthy meals.
…and the river of life Dr Cherdpong Hansasuta shows the pressure put on the forefoot when high-heels are worn.
XTRA WISE ABOUT FEET >> Thailand has only five podiatrists at present, but until the specialisation becomes more widespread, you can look after your feet by wearing healthy shoes. >> High heels put strain on the knee, ankle and forefoot so avoid them whenever you can or reduce the height to less than one and a half inches. >> Simply buying shoes that fit properly can solve many problems. Shoes should have a wide toe box that doesn’t cramp your foot.
The sheet shows the pressure on the area with a callus. The imprint
that is provided for making a custommade insole or foot orthosis.
Bionic surgery makes for speedy recovery
ask the pros Dr Arthit Hongvanit is a spine surgeon at BNH Hospital. Send questions to healthyxpress@gmail.com.
I was involved in a car accident and have since suffered from a cervical spine problem at C4-5 around my neck. I’ve been through lots of rehab but it’s no better and I suffer from constant numbness in my right arm. My doctor has now suggested total disc replacement. Could you please explain the advantages of this surgery and the time needed for recovery.? Your doctor is referring to an artificial cervical disc, which is a device inserted between two cervical vertebrae after an intervertebral disc has been surgically removed and the spinal cord or nerve root
decompressed. The advantages of the artificial cervical disc are several and include: G Small wound, minor injury. G Maintaining normal neck motion. G The result is the same as a standard open wound and fusion spine. G It reduces degeneration of adjacent segment of the cervical spine. G Short hospital stay G A faster return to normal activities. You should be able to start light work two weeks after the operation and return to your usual occupation and even play sports again with six to eight weeks.
If you live on the other side of town, you may find it easier to get to the Matichon Healthcare event that also runs from today until Sunday at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. The programme includes talks by specialists along with aerobic sessions and ballroom dancing for fitness. Fairgoers can also snap up topquality health products at special prices and enjoy free health checkups, including screening for cancers, Hepatitis B and osteoporosis, then take in the botanical garden exhibition and a showcase of 10 miracle fruits said to combat cancers.
Feeling no pain Piyavate Hospital is holds two seminars this Saturday starting at 9. The first is a talk on dental implants by Pojanart Poomprakobsri and it’s followed by a lecture on how spinal adjustment can heal the backache, neck and head pain given by Philip Parry. Both talks will be in Thai and take place in the hospital's Rotsukon meeting room on 16th floor. Admission is free. Call (02) 625 6555.
Listen up,guys! This Saturday at 8.30, Phra Mongkut Klao Hospital hosts a seminar on prostrate cancer in the Marusuwan meeting room on the fifth floor of Charlermprakiat Building. Two specialists will also be on hand for free consultations. The seminar is limited for 150 participants and is free of charge. Call Kunnithee at (02) 248 2000 extension 261.
10 EVENTS
Thursday, July 16, 2009
DAILY XPRESS
WHAT’S UP
do it!
Women like usewan Jeman,
Our endless love
le Singers Ma sersawad, ng o S ya Saran artisha and m A o la k Rud ith ip, along w Rose Sirinth jai actress Sin n h, will be o ic n a p Pleng ural lt u C d n ila a stage at Th day at 2 un Centre on S e “What th r and 7 fo s, rth” concert Women Wo efit Baan en which will b kets cost Tic . g Home Hu ,000 at t2 B to Bt500 ajor. Visit Thaiticketm .com.
Celebrate Mother’s Day next month by bringing along you mum to the “Unconditional Love” exhibition at the Gossip Gallery from July 23 to August 31. The show by artists Pilaiporn Pethrith and Yotaka Ponsak focuses on love between mother and child. Gossip Gallery is on the third floor of the Silom Galleria on Silom Soi 19. It’s and open Monday through Saturday from 10.30 to 7.
IsClick www.This
Grooving at ARTE’ The Groove Riders bring their funk-disco sounds to the artificial turf of Futsal Stadium Arena 10 on Thonglor Soi 10 as part of ARTE’ Weekend on July 25 at 6pm. The group also promises to play a few new numbers. A free shuttle runs between the venue at Thonglor Skytrain station. Tickets are Bt800 at Thaiticketmajor.
Spice up e your hom 6, ntil July 2
rrow u From tomo is holding the “Home nd Fashion Isla hibition with celebriex ” and Living on home their ideas g in at 3, chef ties pitch Saturday n O . g n ti decora onstrates riboon dem . There o B ” k “I n n Ba food k five-star how to coo mos on living rooms, de will also be coffee. Call (02) 204 d n a i u sh feng
Coffee, tea or cake? Delights@22, the cafe in the lobby of the Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel on Sukhumvit 22, has a “Twin Delights” promotion, offering a Bt40 discount on coffee or tea that’s paired with a pastry. The deal is available until July 31. The shop is open from 6am to 9pm. Call (02) 261 9000.
8216.
When art heals
ll Rock ’n’ ro dreams Concert returns to
Mongolian artist Jalkhaajav Munkhtsetseg is showing her works at two Bangkok venues until July 20. Teo + Namfah Gallery on Sukhumvit Soi 39 and the Gossip Gallery in the Silom Galleria have “The Silence of Healing at the Edge of the World”, featuring paintings, collage and soft sculptures that blend Mongolian folklore with modern femininity. The shows are open from 10 to 6 daily. Call
e Dream t stage on The Extrem Centerpoin ’s d ace rl o lW a offering sp Centr m 3.30pm, sure. This o fr y a rd tu Sa expo nds to gain rs are Syndrome, for new ba e m a re d e and d, th mel Camel time aroun ra a C y, d d Te , age p o st p n g o in d d Sen followe e b l ’l y e h T lood rockers Unnamed. hed youngb lis b a st -e by more E. et and Six C Sweet Mull
(081) 402 7474.
More ‘Exposure’ “Exposure to Light”, the exhibition by blind Israeli photographers has been extended until July 31 at the National Gallery in Bangkok. The gallery on Chao Fah Road is open from 9 to 4 Wednesday to Sunday.
Party people B@S Sports Bar at the Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square is encouraging partygoers to become party-throwers and can help plan custom-tailored bashes for all sorts of events. Choose from themes such as Thai style, fantasy, cartoons or sexy party. If you can guarantee a minimum of 30 people, the bar can help with the rest. Call (02) 209 8888.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
THE SCREEN 11
DAILY XPRESS
TO SEE
on dvd REGION 3
mph) Nang Mai (Ny g follows a husband and wife
Cape No 7
Ratanaruan ngle. With Director Pen-ek a foreboding ju to in ge ria ar m ed s Version” at and their troubl nemas. “Canne ci e m so or’s at es neplex, “Direct English subtitl and Paragon Ci
This hit Taiw an singer turned ese romantic comedy is ab m band for a b ailman and a Japanese out a failed rock each town’s model who pop concert form a English an . In Mandari d Thai sub titles at Ho use.
orld SFW CentralW . ★★★★ re he w se Cut” el
n with
The Secret of Moonacre
by corrupt officials that will destroy the Banlieue 13 ghetto and everyone in it. In French
English and Thai subtitles at the Lido. ★★★
A 13-year-old girl discovers that she is the only hope for banishing an ancient curse from a magical kingdom.
with English and Thai subtitles at Paragon only, elsewhere Thai dubbed. ★★★
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Wongkamlao
Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) again finds himself at the centre of a war between giant alien robots. Megan Fox also stars. Michael Bay directs. ★★
Cheri Michelle Pfeiffer stars in this romance set in 1920s Paris as a courtesan who educates a young man in the ways of love. Rupert Friend and Kathy Bates also star. At the Lido. ★★★
B13-U Urban acrobats Leito (David Belle) and Damien (Cyril Raffaelli) uncover a conspiracy
Petchtai “Mum Jokmok” Wongkamlao directs and stars in this parody of soap operas and high society. With English subtitles in some cinemas. ★★★★
L’instinct de mort Vincent Cassel portrays French gangster Jacques Mesrine, before he became “public enemy No 1”. In French with
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs The animated prehistoric mammals address family issues as they contend with giant reptiles. In 3-D in some cinemas. ★★★
Largo Winch The brash hero from a long-running Belgian comic comes to the big screen. Tomer Sisley stars. With English and Thai subtitles at SFW CentralWorld. ★★★
Departures
The Orphanage In this acclaimed Spanish thriller, a young mother takes over the orphanage where she was raised and, before long, her young adopted son is playing with an imaginary friend, the same friend she played with when she was a child. Priced at Bt200 with no extras, it has the original Spanish soundtrack plus a Thai dub with subtitles English and Thai subtitles. – DAILY XPRESS
on tv
An unemployed musician finds a new calling in a taboo profession. In Japanese with English and Thai subtitles at Apex and House. ★★★★
Fireflies in the Garden A fatal car accident stirs painful childhood memories. At SFW CentralWorld. ★★
Becoming Jane
Lido: (02) 252 6498 Siam: (02) 251 3508 Scala: (02) 251 2861
Anne Hathaway stars in this biographical portrait of a prefame Jane Austen and her romance with a young Irishman (James McAvoy).
Century – The Movie Plaza
Star Movies (TrueVisions), 8pm
Apex
(02) 247 9940
Channel links
House
Bangkok: (02) 718 7999
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 TV Thai – www.ThaiPBS.or.th True – www.TrueVisionsTV.com
Paragon Cineplex
Critical consensus
(02) 641 5177-8
Major Cineplex/EGV Bangkok: (02) 515 5555
Major Hollywood
Bangkok: (02) 129 4635 IMAX: (02) 129 4631
SF Cinemas Bangkok: (02) 268 8888
UMG RCA: (02) 641 5913-14
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince The evil Lord Voldemort tightens his grip, escalating the peril for Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his best pals, Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint). Opening scenes in 3-D at IMAX. ★★★
★★★★★ = 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.
Adam By Bryan Basset
The Buckets By Scott Stantis
Pooch Cafe By Paul Gilligan
Red and Rover
By Brian Basset
By Bill Watterson
Calvin and Hobbes
By John McPherson
Close to Home
12 LEISURE Thursday, July 16, 2009
Comics&Games DAILY XPRESS
Thursday, July 16, 2009
DAILY XPRESS
LEISURE
Games&YourStars SUDOKU
The last word in
ASTROLOGY
By Eugenia Last
Today’s Birthday: You have to show your ability to be responsible and to take the required action. Your experience and what you have learned from unusual sources will come in handy now. Your memory will serve you well. Believe in your abilities and so will everyone you encounter.
Yesterday’s Puzzle Answer Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.
ARIES *** March 21-April 19 You may have to work a little harder to please the ones you love but don’t give up. Your positive attitude and motivating spirit will win. With a little nurturing, you’ll get your way. TAURUS *** April 20-May 20 You may be out of sorts or emotional about what others are doing, but you mustn’t let this deter you from moving forward with your own personal plans. Ease your stress with some unorthodox moves. GEMINI *** May 21-June 20 Don’t be too quick to disregard what someone is offering you. A good idea may not be perfect in your mind but think it through and you’ll see how to turn something mediocre into something fantastic.
DIFFICULTY RATING ★★★★
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY
CANCER **** June 21-July 22 You are heading into territory that may not be familiar but, in the end, it will lead to a better position or higher status. There is something worth saying, so don’t hold back. LEO ** July 23-Aug. 22 Give a little thought to romance and you will find you are in a position that will bring you great joy. Your generosity will make everything fall into place. A good deal will change your direction. VIRGO ***** Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Don’t be shy because someone is trying to make you feel inept. You have more to offer and can make a huge difference. Your responsible and concrete way of dealing with others will draw attention. LIBRA *** Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Give whatever you are working toward a shove before you lose momentum. Inspiring others to take part and contribute to your vision will keep things on schedule. Don’t overspend or exaggerate. SCORPIO *** Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Be careful with whom you share your personal information. Someone will play emotional games with you if you are the least bit difficult to deal with. Put your efforts toward improvements at home. SAGITTARIUS *** Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Don’t forget about the ones you love and the people who have stood by you through thick and thin. An opportunity may appear insignificant but it’s bigger than you anticipated.
Apichatpong Weeasethakul
Singer William Bell is 70. Drummer Stewart Copeland of The Police is 57. Actress Phoebe Cates is 46. Country singer Craig Morgan is 45. Actor Daryl “Chill” Mitchell is 44. Actor Will Ferrell is 42. Actress Rain Pryor is 40. Filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul is 39. Actor Corey Feldman is 38. Actress AnnaLynne McCord is 22. Actor Mark Indelicato is 15.
CAPRICORN ***** Dec. 22-Jan. 19 A home project or a financial investment will pay off. Mix business with pleasure and you will have a winning situation. Someone will want to partner with you - check credentials first. AQUARIUS ** Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Keep your emotions out of any important decisions you make. If you let someone alter your direction or take you off your targeted course, you will have to backtrack. Stay in control for success. PISCES **** Feb. 19-March 20 Get out and touch base with people you haven’t seen for a long time. The information you receive about a possible deal or job will help you get back in the running.
13
Big C Supercenter PCL, Thailand's leading hypermarket, is looking for highly motivated men and women to join our professional team of more than 14,000 employees working in our Headquarters Office in Bangkok and in Big C stores throughout Thailand.
Come to join the Big C Management Team in any of the following open positions:
1. Store General Manager ✔ ✔ ✔
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business Administration or related fields At least 8 years experience in retail business with 3 years as a store manager in large hypermarket store, proven track record of successes required Good command of both spoken and written English
2. Assistant General Manager/Division Manager/Department Manager 2.1 Fresh Food Division 2.2 Dry Food Division 2.3 General Merchandise Division ✔ Bachelor’s degree in any field ✔ At least 5 years experience in retail business ✔ Good knowledge of each product category 2.4 Customer Service Division/Department ✔ Bachelor’s degree in any field ✔ At least 3 years experience in retail business in the area of customer service, cashier and invoice & claim 2.5 Replenishment Division/Department ✔ Bachelor’s degree in any field ✔ At least 3 years experience in retail business in the area of inventory control and goods receiving 2.6 Maintenance Division/Department ✔ Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering ✔ At least 3 years experience in retail business in the area of all maintenance services such as water, electrical, air-conditioning and telephone systems 2.7 Plaza Division/Department ✔ Bachelor’s degree in any field ✔ At least 3 years experience in retail business in the area of rental space and tenancy services Qualifications for all positions ➢ Strong leadership with very good people skills ➢ Open minded, strong negotiation and communication skills ➢ Good interpersonal skills, flexibility and financially competent ➢ Able to relocate and work on shift schedule ➢ Good command of both spoken and written English would be an advantage ➢ Computer literacy As a member of the Big C team, you will enjoy participating in a competitive package of salary, annual bonus, incentive bonus (in some jobs), and a benefits package which will provide financial security to both you and your family - now and in the future. Interested applicants are invited to apply in person or send their application with full resume indicating qualifications and experience, transcript, current & expected salary and recent photo to:
Human Resources Division (Recruitment Dept.) Big C Supercenter Public Co., Ltd. 6th Floor, 97/11 Rajdamri Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 E-mail: recruit@bigc.co.th Website: www.bigc.co.th
PECI-THAI Co., Ltd. is a member of Singaporean PEC Group, a specialist engineering group, servicing the oil & gas, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and oil & chemical terminal industries. PECI-THAI's core business includes erection & installation of mechanical, electrical and instrumentation, project & site management and maintenance & turnaround services. In line with our expansion/growth, we are seeking qualified and experienced personnel in the following positions:
1) Mechanical Operation Manager • Minimum 10-15 years construction management experience in mechanical field for power plant, oil & gas construction. • Any nationality with fluency in English. • Strong commercial & business orientation; good knowledge of technical field. • Good track record in many projects worth over THB 100 million, over seas experience will be an advantage. • Minimum Bachelor's degree in Engineering and able to work in Rayong and Chonburi areas.
2) Project Managers and/or Site Managers (for M, E and I) • Minimum 5-10 years construction management experience in mechanical, electrical and/or instrumentation installation fields for power plant, oil & gas, process plant constructions. • Strong leadership and systematic working with various levels. • Thai nationality with good command of English. • Minimum Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
3) Project Engineers (for M, E and I) • Minimum 3-5 years experience as a project engineer for mechanical and/or E & I works. • Bachelor's degree in Engineering. • Good technical knowledge and skills in the construction fields.
4) Superintendents and Supervisors (for M, E and I) • Minimum 3-5 years experience in construction fields in M, E and/or I. • Able to work in various site locations. • Good knowledge and hands on personality.
5) Planner and Cost Controller Engineers (for M, E and I) • • • •
Minimum 3 years experience in M, E and I. Thai nationality with Bachelor's degree in Engineering. Able to use Microsoft Project and AutoCAD. Good communication skill in English both speaking and writing.
Interested person please e-mail your CV, day time contact number and expected salary to our Human Resources Division at rungsanr@peci-thai.com or somjait@peci-thai.com or mail your credentials to PECI-THAI Co., Ltd. 1/9 Jaroenpattana Rd., Huay Pong, Muang, Rayong 21150.
Urgently Required Backtracking through our history in Japan, Kinokuniya Book Stores have been topnotch retailed bookstores for over 80 years. In Thailand, Kinokuniya has been founded since 1990 and has been well known as a leading international bookstore. Currently, we are urgently seeking a qualified candidate to join us in the position of:
An Assistant Manager of Chinese Book Section • • • • • • • • • • •
Thai nationality, 30-35 years of age BA in Chinese A degree/certificate from a Chinese speaking country is a plus Excellent in Chinese language both traditional and simplified Able to use English language well 7-10 years of working experience in Chinese language field Chinese language experience in a bookstore is preferable Computer literacy in Chinese is a must High managerial skill Good leadership skill, hard working Able to work on shift in the bookstore
Main job responsibilities include team management, managing category plan, and merchandising tasks.
Please send an application letter and resume in English and Chinese with a recent photo to: Kinokuniya Book Stores (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 29 Vanissa Bldg., 10th Fl. Unit 10A, Soi Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd., Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 or chanokkamol@kinokuniya.co.jp Tel. 0-2655-0614-6 Fax: 0-2655-0617, 0-2253-1861
COURSE MEMBERSHIP EXCHANGE CENTRE THE FIRST IN THAILAND Tel: 081-5555888, 081-5555999 02-259-0980-5 www.thaigolfcentre.com
BUY 1.Bangpra International 2.Krungthep Kreetha 1,700,000 3.Muang Ake 1 350,000 4.Bangpakong Riverside 5.Tanya Thanee 140,000 6.Spring Field 370,000
SELL 145,000 185,000 150,000 -
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24 GAMES
Thursday, July 16, 2009
THE SPORT
DAILY XPRESS
11M POUNDS Fulham are ready to sign Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch. The London-based club first needs to sell Bobby Zamora so it can raise the money.
briefly Flintoff to quit after Ashes
Andrew Flintoff
Hartson has brain cancer Former Celtic striker John Hartson has undergone emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. The Morriston Hospital in Swansea, Wales, announced the surgery. The 34-year-old Hartson was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and it has spread to his brain. Hartson was given the news by doctors on Sunday after going to the hospital because of severe headaches. – AP
Downing moves from Boro to Villa Aston Villa have agreed a fee of £12 million for Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing. With Downing recovering from surgery on a fractured bone in his foot, it had been thought he would not leave Middlesbrough, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, until January. But with his surgeon “very pleased” with his progress, Villa manager Martin O’Neill is understood to be keen to sign the England international as soon as possible. – DPA
Romario arrested in support case Former striker Romario was arrested in a child support case involving his first wife, police
said. Police spokesman Analder Lopes said Romario was taken into custody for allegedly failing to make child support payments to Monica Santoro, who has custody of the couple’s children, Romarinho, 15, and Moniquinha, Romario 19. Lopes said he did not know how much Romario owed his ex-wife and added that the player’s lawyers promised to present documents proving he had made the payments. He did not provide further information. According to Globo TV, Romario owes his wife about US$12,245. – AP
Mosley confirms he is to step down Max Mosley confirmed yesterday that he is to step down as president of motorsport’s ruling body, the FIA, later this year while also naming former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt as his preferred successor. “I have decided to reconfirm my decision. I will not be a candidate in October,” Mosley wrote to all the FIA member clubs. – DPA
ASHESCRICKET AP
Andrew Flintoff will retire from Test cricket at the end of the ongoing Ashes series against Australia, the all-rounder announced yesterday. “My body has told me it’s time to stop,” Flintoff said. “Since 2005 I’ve had two years when I’ve done nothing but rehab from one injury or another. It’s been something I’ve been thinking about for a while and I think this last problem I’ve had with my knee has confirmed to me that the time is now right.”
Adam Scott of Australia tees off from the 16th during practice for the British Open.
NOT SO GREAT Scott turning his game around after hitting the depths AP, Turnberry, Scotland
A
dam Scott embraces his Australian golf heritage and the comparisons to Major champions whom he would like to join someday, the sooner the better. This one, however, made him wince. The topic was Ian BakerFinch. “I’m not sure I like where you’re headed with this,” Scott said. Baker-Finch captured the claret jug at Royal Birkdale in 1991 and was among the top players until one of the most celebrated slumps in golf. He went 31 straight tournaments without making the cut, the last straw his 92 at Royal Troon in the 1997 British Open. Scott managed a smile, perhaps because he believes his worst is behind – and it didn’t last very long. “It’s only been three months,” Scott said. Maybe so, but it has felt like an entire season. Scott is not the only player who has gone through a rough patch this year. Padraig Harrington, the two-time defending champion at the British Open, had missed five straight
cuts until winning the Irish PGA last week, a tournament that amounted to little more than a club championship. Ernie Els has gone nearly 18 months without winning. Both, however, are Major champions. Scott will turn 29 today when the British Open begins at Turnberry. In a career marked by steady progress to as high as No 3 in the world last summer, it was astonishing to see him vanish from leaderboards from February until June. He lost in the first round of the Accenture Match Play Championship. He missed six cuts in a row, including The Players Championship, where he hit one tee shot onto the adjacent golf course. The questions piled up faster than the big numbers. – How bad was his injury from surfing in Australia, the sixth time he had dislocated his knee cap? – What was he doing surfing? – Was he more motivated making the cover of fashion magazines or golf magazines? – Who was he dating now? Those close to him grew concerned when he made news only for the company he was keeping – actress Kate Hudson for a week in Hawaii, tennis star
Ana Ivanovic for the last few months – than the shots he was hitting. After scores of 77-81 at the Memorial, Scott finally snapped. And so did one of his clubs. Scott has won a tournament every year since his first full season in Europe in 2001. He was the youngest to win The Players Championship. He was the kid who swung just like Tiger Woods, before Woods changed his swing. Then, he couldn’t make a cut. “It was hard to comprehend why this was happening. It’s never taken me so long to figure this out.” Baker-Finch went through nearly a dozen coaches, which he said ruined him. After his 81 at the Memorial, he retreated to Queenwood Golf Club outside London. He didn’t invite Butch Harmon, his long-time coach. He didn’t ask help from his caddie, Tony Navarro. A club employee worked the video and Scott went to the practice range, sessions that last up to four hours, six straight days. Before long, he watched the flight of one ball, which was just as he imagined it should go. “I’ll be a better player than I ever was before,” Scott said. “I’m sure of that.”
THE SPORT 25
DAILY XPRESS
Thursday, July 16, 2009
GOLF
‘CHEAT’ TAUNT HAUNTS MONTY Lyle in spat with his compatriot over 2005 incident AP, Turnberry, Scotland
andy Lyle apologised to Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie for bringing up a four-year-old incident in which his fellow Scot was accused of cheating. That said, Lyle didn’t back away from his belief that Montgomerie placed his ball in the wrong position after a rain delay at the 2005 Indonesian Open. Montgomerie was cleared by rules officials but issued an apology and donated his prize money to charity. “I didn’t prefabricate this thing,” Lyle said. “I’m only going from what other people have said, and it was a pretty poor drop. And it was one of his mistakes. I didn’t make him do that mistake. It was his mistake. And it will probably live with him for the rest of his life.” Lyle’s comments are sure to strain relations between the two golfers, who both lobbied to be captain of the European team at the 2010 Ryder Cup. Montgomerie got the nod, and some wondered if Lyle was hurt by his decision to pull out of last year’s British Open after he played the first 10 holes at 11 over par. “It’s a rather strange apology, to be honest with you,” Montgomerie told British media. “I’m just trying to come down here and compete in the Open and my preparations have been slightly dented. I’m not very happy about that at all.” Lyle said his comments,
,,
AFP
S
Sandy Lyle of Scotland explains his stand at a press conference. made last week and published on Tuesday by several British newspapers, stemmed from his frustration over being asked repeatedly about last year’s Open. So he brought up the 2005 tournament in Jakarta, which was halted by rain with Montgomerie facing a difficult shot off the slope of a bunker. The next day, Montgomerie replaced his ball in a spot that appeared to provide a more favourable stance. He wound up getting the finish he needed to remain among the top 50 in the world rankings, good enough for a spot in the Masters. “Monty dropped the ball
I DON’T THINK YOU NEED ME TO SAY IT, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS – THE DROP WASN’T CLOSE TO WHERE IT SHOULD BE. Sandy Lyle
badly and that is a form of cheating,” Lyle said in the interview. “What he did was far worse” than withdrawing from a tournament. “Colin Montgomerie and I are not at war. Colin is a great champion and a good friend,” Lyle said. “I was trying to make the point by comparison that neither of these incidents had anything to do with the selection of the current Ryder Cup captain. “I deeply regret making this comparison and apologise to Colin for involving him in my own issue. I feel especially bad if I have jeopardised his preparation for the Open championship.”
Lyle said he had not been able to reach Montgomerie to make a personal apology, though he believes they will meet at some point this week. “He’s kept behind the scenes at the moment. I did try but have not succeeded,” Lyle said. “I hope our friendship is still there.” When Lyle withdrew from last year’s Open at Birkdale, he didn’t mention anything about an injury. He now says an ailing hand caused him to drop out – not his poor play and the miserable conditions. Lyle’s withdrawal stirred up plenty of debate, and there was speculation that it might have cost him the Ryder Cup job. “My real mistake last year was not explaining the injury when I retired,” he said. “It was my belief that last year’s incident had nothing to do with the selection of the current Ryder Cup captain.” Lyle said he actually congratulated Montgomerie when they played at last week’s Scottish Open. “I’ve got no vendetta against Colin at all. I’m all for him,” Lyle said. “The last thing he wants right now is having all this baloney going on right now before he tees off this week.” Lyle said he was “only trying to protect myself when I get called a quitter.” As for Montgomerie, there were an apology but no backing off from the cheating claims. “I don’t think you need me to say it, but the problem was – the drop wasn’t close to where it should be,” Lyle said. “And of course on TV it doesn’t lie.”
Different course, same strategy for No 1 AP, Turnberry, Scotland
AFP
T
Tiger Woods on the practice green yesterday.
he sea breeze in his face was not nearly as important to Tiger Woods as finding the best route around three pot bunkers on the 10th hole at Turnberry. He aimed his tee shot to the right, on the high side of two bunkers, then pulled his 3-wood just enough that the ball bounded along the links until it stopped rolling just three yards short of the sand.
This was OK. “That’s the whole idea,” Woods said. “Some of these holes sucker you into trying to take it over the bunkers.” A bold tee shot would leave a shorter approach into the green, perhaps a greater chance at birdie. “But can you do that over four days?” Woods replied. He doesn’t appear willing to take that chance. Woods has captured the
British Open three times on two links courses. He won his first claret jug at St Andrews in 2000, a victory as much famous for his career Grand Slam as his four rounds without once playing out of the bunker. His most recent victory was three years ago at Hoylake, where Woods hit driver only one time in 72 holes. He chose that week to play mainly long irons and the occasional 3-wood off the tee, anything to keep him
short of the bunkers. “I don’t think I’ve ever been able to reach the green from a bunker,” Woods said. “It’s a one-shot penalty. Even if you can advance it 60 yards, you still have a 6-iron left to the green.” Turnberry is a far different venue. The strategy is no different. Woods makes his return to the British Open, missing golf’s oldest championship last year while in the early stages of recovering from knee surgery.
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Thursday, July 16, 2009
A L L - S TA R B A S E B A L L
DIFFERENT LEAGUE The American League beats on NL once again AP, St Louis
arl Crawford pulled back a home run with a leaping grab an inning before Curtis Granderson tripled and scored the tie-breaking run in the eighth to give the American League a 4-3 victory over the National League yesterday. “It was definitely probably the best catch I ever made,” said Crawford, the MVP. “I didn’t think it was going to carry that far, but it carried and I just had to find the wall, make the adjustment and make the play on it.” The AL has won seven straight games since 2002’s 7-7, 11-inning tie at Milwaukee and has won 12 games and tied one since its 1996 defeat at Philadelphia – the longest unbeaten streak in All-Star history. The AL has won all seven times the All-Star game has been used to determine home-
EPA
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Carl Crawford holds up his MVP trophy yesterday. field advantage for the World Series. Not even President Barack Obama’s ceremonial first pitch at the new Busch Stadium helped the NL, which had been 4-0 previously when sitting presidents threw out the first offering. The NL scored all its runs in the second inning, and 22 of its last 24 batters made out. AL manager Joe Maddon
credited his bullpen “stallions” of Jonathan Papelbon, Joe Nathan and Mariano Rivera. Starting with Hanley Ramirez’s groundout off starting pitcher Roy Halladay that ended the second innings, AL pitchers retired 18 consecutive batters before Adrian Gonzalez’s two-out walk in the eighth against Joe Nathan. Orlando Hudson singled and,
with pinch-hitter Ryan Howard at the plate, stole second before Howard struck out. A nearly hour-long pre-game ceremony culminated in the introduction of Cardinals Hall of Famer Stan Musial, followed by President Barack Obama. Wearing sneakers, jeans and a jacket of his home state White Sox, Obama was greeted by cheers mixed with a few boos as he came out of the first-base dugout, shook hands with the 88-year-old Musial and went to the mound. The lanky president stood on the pitching rubber and threw left-handed from a windup. Biting his lip, he was determined to reach the plate. And he did with the help of Pujols, who moved up and scooped up the ball as Obama responded with a left-handed fist pump. Obama became the fourth president to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at an All-Star game, following John F Kennedy , Richard Nixon (1970) and Gerald Ford (1976 and 1978).
DAILY XPRESS
Adebayor for City DPA, London
T
ogo striker Emmanuel Adebayor is only waiting on a work permit to complete his switch from Arsenal to Manchester City, it emerged yesterday. The 25-year-old is reported to have passed a medical, with the clubs having agreed a deal believed to be £25 million. The work permit should be a formality, and if the deal does go through, it will take City’s spending this year to around £200 million. New signing Carlos Tevez denied on Tuesday that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson did his best to keep him at Old Trafford. “The fact I didn’t stay at United was not about the fans it was because David Gill [chief executive] and Ferguson did not do enough to keep me there,” Tevez said. “I was there for two years and Sir Alex never called or sent any text messages in that time.”
Thursday, July 16, 2009
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DAILY XPRESS
FOOTBALL
GERRARD IN COURT Liverpool captain’s date with judge puts Thai trip in doubt DAILY XPRESS
hailand’s Liverpool fans will have to endure an anxious wait to discover whether club captain Steven Gerrard will make the Asia pre-season tour starting in Bangkok next week following British media reports that the midfielder has to attend a trial at the same time. The Daily Mirror reported on its website that the 28-year-old star was due to go on trial for affray next week, meaning he might miss some of the club’s build-up games ahead of the coming season. The midfielder is accused along with six other people of starting a fight at a club in Southport, Merseyside in December. They all deny the charge. The case is set to last two weeks so it looks likely that Gerrard will not be on the tour
AFP
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Steven Gerrard’s case starts two days before the Thailand game. to the Far East, which begins with an exhibition match against the Thailand national team next Wednesday. The reports are the last thing local fans want to hear, and they come at the worst possible time, with less than a week before the Merseyside club is due to arrive in the country for the
first time since 2003. Ex-Liverpool player Steve McMahon, the commercial director of the event’s organisers, Profitable Group, remains optimistic about Gerrard’s chances of joining the tour at some stage. “Gerrard is due to attend court on Monday. It’s some-
thing beyond our control. I don’t how long the legal procedure will take. Hopefully, it will finish in time so he can come,” said McMahon, speaking yesterday at a press conference with sponsors Tesco Lotus at Bangkok’s VIE Hotel. Regarding the availability of Spanish duo Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso, who only wrapped up their duties with the national team at the Confederations Cup last month, McMahon said: “The Spanish camp finished two or three weeks ago. Spanish players will arrive directly from Austria [where the club has a training camp]. So Torres is coming and Alonso is coming. And they should be fighting fit. “[Javier] Mascherano should also be making the trip, though his wife is due to give birth soon, so there is a chance he will be called away.” According to McMahon, there are still 5,000 tickets left for Wednesday’s fixture at Rajamangala National stadium.
Serena gets high with Obama AP, Washington
P
resident Barack Obama welcomed Wimbledon champion Serena Williams to the White House yesterday. “It was amazing,” Williams said. “I love President Obama; he has such an unbelievable presence, and he seems to be so normal – and he noticed my shoes. I think that was the highlight of the whole day, was he liked my shoes.” Williams said she was wearing 5-inch heels for the presidential visit. “He asked me, ‘Should I be wearing high heels?’ So I thought that was kind of funny because he may have been right. Because it is a job hazard for me, but I insist on wearing them.” Williams got to meet Michelle Obama and the rest of the first family. “She had me cracking up and laughing,” said the tennis ace. “And the kids were just so cute and sweet.”