PY O C E FRE
EXCITING TRAVEL PACKAGES PAGES 14-23
XPRESS
DAILY
Monday, September 14, 2009 VOL 2, NO 417 dailyxpress.net
AS GOOD AS
GOLD ISRAELI DIRECTOR Samuel Maoz’s movie ‘Lebanon’ – on the Jewish state’s 1982 invasion of its neighbour – bags the prestigious GOLDEN LION trophy at the Venice Film Festival
AFP
>PAGE 4
GOOD MORNING BANGKOK!
Justice, fairness a must By Jom Petchpradab TV host
A
country can never have peace and contentment unless it creates justice and fairness in society.
What to do Feel the beat at Concept CM2; take part in the annual vertical marathon; satiate your appetite with delicious fare from all eight regions of China; tie the knot plus have a great honeymoon on Koh Samui >PAGES 9,10
Shop for HOT GADGETS >PAGE 8
2 TODAY
Monday, September 14, 2009
THE CITY
310,000
THE NUMBER OF COUPLES WHO have tied the knot so far this year. The figure was 354,000 in 1999
Driver looking for four Iranians D A I LY X P R E S S
A
37-year-old taxi driver is hoping to find a group of Iranians who left US$4,380 (Bt149,000) on the back seat of his cab.
‘I do not want it’ “Although the wallet consists of so much money, which will take me a year to collect, I do not want to keep it. I realise that this amount of money is necessary for the group of Iranian tourists,” Manoon said. If you have any information, call 1155 to contact the tourist police or 1644 to contact traffic police radio station FM91. DAILY
XPRESS
COURTESY OF GREENPEACE
3 men and a women Cabby Manoon Chaiyasen found a brown wallet containing the banknotes after he dropped off the group of four Iranian tourists – three men and a women – at the BTS’s Saphankwai station on Friday. Manoon decided to inform traffic police radio station FM91 to broadcast the news in the hope that the Iranians would turn up to collect their money. He asked the radio station to hold on to the wallet and the banknotes. But till last night, none of the Iranian tourists lodged a complaint that they had lost the money, the tourist police said.
DAILY XPRESS
A Greenpeace activist leads the first leg of the Chang(e) Caravan along a road near Khao Yai National Park. The caravan, launched yesterday by Greenpeace, will pass through areas in the Central Plains that are feeling the impact of climate change to call on world leaders to take decisive action on global warming. The caravan is led by elephants rehabilitated by the Thai Elephant Research and Conservation Fund.
Tuskers ON A MISSION Five elephants will trek 250 km in Thailand to urge US President Obama to take action against global warming By Mayuree Sukyingcharoenwong D A I LY X P R E S S
A
caravan of five elephants has began a 250-km trek in a public-awareness campaign over global warming, which is expected to be discussed at a world summit in Copenhagen in December.
Chang(e) Caravan Executive director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia Von Hernandez said the Chang(e) Caravan has been organised especially to arouse US President Barack Obama to take concrete action to tackle global warming. He was speaking yesterday at a ceremony at
the elephant-nursing centre in Nakhon Ratchasima to flag off the caravan.
Forests, animals in danger The rain forests in Southeast Asia and its inhabitants the wild elephants are one of the areas and animals most at risk of global warming. The elephants and around 20 per cent of other animals are endangered because of the phenomenon and man-made problems, Hernandez said. The Chang(e) Caravan project is aimed particularly at urging Obama to bring up the issue of a worsening global warming at the Copenhagen summit.
“He is expected to take a leadership role over the issue and act on it seriously,” Hernandez added. Alongkot Chukaew, the manager of the caravan, said all five domesticated elephants were well trained – they can associate closely with humans and crowds.
14-day walk The 250-km route, which will be covered in 14 days, will snake past Khao Yai National Park and along the Bang Pakong River basin through Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri and Chachoengsao. The caravan will end its journey in Samut Prakan province. There are 15 rest points along the route. All elephants will walk no more than 10 km each day, and will be transported in specially designed trucks
in crowded areas or communities, he said. Water, food and medical care will be sufficiently provided at each rest point. The elephants will participate in various “non-abusive” activites in selected communities along the route to raise awareness among local residents on global warming, he added.
Crucial indicator Elephants are a crucial indicitor signifying the health – and wealth – of our ecological system. “Successful prevention to protect wild elephants means successful prevenion of the entire ecological system, which humans are a part of,” Alongkot pointed out. There are now 2,000 wild and 3,000 domesticated elephants in Thailand.
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
Monday, September 14, 2009
THE WORLD
DAILY XPRESS
China plans to build 42 high-speed railway lines by 2012, with trains running at up to
300kph Fey wins Emmy for Palin mimicry Tina Fey received an Emmy Award on Saturday for her impersonation on “Saturday Night Live” of former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Accepting her trophy for best guest actress in a TV comedy series, Fey thanked SNL producer Lorne Michaels and her parents, “who are lifelong Republicans, for their patience”. She was honoured at the Creative Arts Primetime Emmys, which recognise technical and other achievements for the 2008-09 season and precedes this weekend’s main ceremony. Fey has the chance for more honours: she could repeat last year’s win as best actress in a comedy series for “30 Rock”, and the show again could claim top comedy honours. – A P
EPA
AFP
Israeli director Samuel Maoz poses with the Golden Lion trophy at the 66th Venice Film Festival awards ceremony. Below: Iranian Shirin Neshat holds the Silver Lion for best director.
‘Lebanon’ bags Golden Lion A P , Venice
“L
ebanon”, an Israeli film that recounts Israel’s 1982 invasion of the Middle East country through the eyes of four soldiers in a tank, has won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival. The festival jury announced the Golden Lion and other prizes on Sunday, the last day of the 11-day screening of films from around the world. An Iranian film about women and repression took the No 2 prize, the Silver Lion.
Through paratroopers’ eyes “Lebanon”, directed by Samuel Maoz, tells the story of Israeli paratroopers searching a hostile town. The conflict is seen through the binocular-
‘LEBANON’,ONE OF 25 WHICH COMPETED FOR THE GOLDEN LION,IS THE ‘BOLDEST AND BEST OF THE RECENT MINI-WAVE’OF ISRAELI FILMS. aided eyes of those inside a tank, with their cramped quarters lending an anxious sense of claustrophobia to their viewpoint. “I dedicate this work to people all over the world that come back from the war safe and sound,” the director told the audience at the awards ceremony. “They work, get married, have children,” but the memories get “stuck in their souls”. The film, one of 25 which
competed for the Golden Lion, was described as the “boldest and best of the recent miniwave” of Israeli movies. Iranian film-maker and photographer Shirin Neshat snared the Silver Lion for best director for her feature debut with “Zanan Bedoone Mardan” (“Women Without Men”). The film depicts four women from all classes of society in 1953 Iran, on the eve of an American-aided uprising that
deposed an elected government that had nationalised the oil industry, and led to the return of the shah. But Neshat said the film aimed at providing encouragement to democracy-loving people in her country. The movie is about “the courage of the women and the people of Iran to take their lives into their own hands,” she said. A comedy, “Soul Kitchen”, by German-Turkish director Fatih Akin, won the Special Jury Prize.
Best actor, actress Colin Firth took the best actor award for his role in Tom Ford’s “A Single Man” as a college professor grappling with solitude after his long-time partner dies. Ksenia Rappoport, starring in the Italian film “La Doppia Ora”, won best actress honours.
Tina Fey
EPA
Silver Lion, No 2 prize at Venice Film Festival, goes to Iranian movie ‘Zanan Bedoone Mardan’ (‘Women Without Men’)
Elton wants to adopt Ukrainian Elton John wants to adopt a 14-month-old boy from the Ukraine, saying on Saturday that the toddler has “stolen my heart” after meeting him at an orphanage. Visiting the Ukraine with his Aids charity foundation, John performed for children at the orphanage, some of whose parents had died of the disease. “David [Furnish, 42, John’s partner] and I have always talked about adoption, David always wanted to adopt a child and I always said ‘no’. But having seen Lev, I would love to adopt him,” John said. – A F P
6 ENTERTAINMENT
Monday, September 14, 2009
THE FUN
DAILY XPRESS
ELLEN DEGENERES, TALK-SHOW HOST AND A NEW JUDGE ON “AMERICAN IDOL”, ON HOW SHE’LL DEAL WITH ABRASIVE ‘IDOL’ PANELLIST SIMON COWELL.
“When Simon is rude and mean, I will tell him he’s rude and mean, just like I tell him when he’s on my show that he’s rude and mean.”
COURTESY OF M PICTURES
AT T H E C I N E M A
SAUCER ON A SHOESTRING Director Neill Blomkamp did more with less in debuting with his low-budget space-aliens thriller ‘District 9’
soldiers, fleets of helicopters or military vehicles looks particularly cheap.
Cinema of the truth By Chris Lee LOS ANGELES TIMES
F
or anyone who follows Hollywood’s behind the scenes machinations closely, “District 9” isn’t just a surprisingly thoughtful sci-fi standout, it’s a revelation. The movie arrives as a kingmaking debut for writer-director Neill Blomkamp, who turns 30 on Thursday and who has no feature film experience. But “District 9’s” wow factor can be attributed to something other Blomkamp than the director’s pedigree. And it isn’t the fact that the movie was executive produced by Oscar-winning writer-director Peter Jackson. The most startling thing about “District 9” is that it cost only $30 million (Bt1.02 billion) to produce. That’s peanuts in
Hollywood, especially when compared to the advertising blitz for “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”. Even better is that, as of last Tuesday, it has earned $108 million, surpassing all commercial expectations and, moreover, hauling in way more than it cost to produce. It’s the surprise hit of the summer. The budget for “District 9” seems almost preposterously low – especially when you consider the biological makeup of its primary characters: a gaspinducing species of 2.5-metretall, exoskeleton-sheathed aliens who are called “prawns” by the disgruntled South Africans among whom they live. Moreover, none of the panoramic shots of a massive spacecraft stranded above Johannesburg or its impressive array of hi-tech extraterrestrial weaponry, platoons of armed
Blomkamp, a TV-commercial director and visual effects creator, used a cinéma vérité technique – a documentary-style framing device – that propels the movie. “If we had done research and development it would have been $50 million right there. But we set out to work with digital creatures,
lighting and compositing environments that are conducive to something photo real,” he says. Then there is the film’s absence of marquee names. As his lead, Blomkamp hired Sharlto Copley, a journeyman South African filmmaker and media figure with whom Blomkamp has been friends with since high school. Principal photography largely took place last summer in one of Soweto’s poorest neighbourhoods, Chiawelo, just kilometres
Sharlto Copley, second from right, with one of the residents of District 9, space aliens marooned on Earth when their flying saucer stalled over Johannesburg, and herded into the shantytown slums.
away from the real-life clashes between impoverished black South Africans and Zimbabwean refugees. Blomkamp employed locals as extras in an effort to bolster the neighbourhood’s economy. Rental of military hardware – helicopters and armoured personnel carriers – accounted for the largest expense, Blomkamp says. Other vehicles were borrowed from the United Nations. Blomkamp’s resourcefulness in keeping prices down has made him something of a hero at a time when “under promise and over deliver” has become a kind of mantra in the industry. As well, it has won him new fans from among the ranks of movie critics. “I can’t wait to see what Blomkamp does next,” movie critic Scott Foundas wrote in last week’s LA Weekly, “and I very much hope he gets even less money to do it.” > > A L R E A DY L A N D E D “District 9” is playing in nightly sneak previews and opens in a wider release on Thursday.
ENTERTAINMENT 7
DAILY XPRESS
700
NEW YORK’S Metropolitan Museum of Art has discovered that a painting thought to be a fake is in fact a genuine work by the 17th century Spanish master Velazquez.
SEATS for the red carpet at the 82nd Academy Awards will be given away in a lottery. Sign up at www.Oscars.org/ Bleachers.
And
so on
DAILY XPRESS/TATCHADON PANYAPHANITKUL
ETC, one of Thailand’s most highly acclaimed live musical acts, are flaunting a fresher and more energetic look as they prepare for their school-break concert “ETC Holiday” on October 3 at Thammasat University. Tickets cost Bt500 to Bt2,000 at
soopsip She could have danced all night
DAILY XPRESS/ANANT CHANTARASUT
Monday, September 14, 2009
www.ThaiTicket Major.com.
We’re used to lavish productions when a cos-
Remembering Silpa Bhirasri Tomorrow, Silpakorn University will honour its founder, the father of Thai modern art D A I LY X P R E S S
F
DAILY XPRESS/SAKOL SANDHIRATNE
ormer prime minister Chuan Leekpai will preside over an event marking 117 years since the birth of the father of Thai modern art tomorrow morning at 9, as Silpakorn University’s Tha Phra campus pays tribute to its founder, Silpa Bhirasri. Born Corrado Feroci in Florence, Italy, the sculptor came to Thailand in 1923 to work with the Fine Arts Department. He founded the university in 1943. His birthday, September 15, is observed each year in Thailand as Silpa Bhirasri Day. Tomorrow’s activities includes a talk, “The Essence of Traditional Thai Art” by Chulatas Pyakranon. Four exhibitions open tomorrow. The Faculty of Painting, Sculpture and Graphic Arts presents “Our Vichoke Mukdamanee’s Best Recent Works and Glass Art installation is part of the ‘Our Project” by its lecturers and alum- Best Recent Works and Glass ni at the PSG Art Gallery until Art Project’ exhibition. October 9. The Architecture Faculty has “2009 Transformation: Achi Don-n’t” at its gallery until October 15. The Decorative Arts Faculty displays “Creative Design for Sustainable Community” until September 30. And the university’s main gallery has the contemporary-art exhibition “Conscious” until October 10. The statue of Silpa Bhirasri at Silpakorn’s Tha Phra campus was sculpted by Sanan Silakorn.
> > O N T H E I N T E R N E T : www.SU.ac.th.
Gunpoint denial Star couple Sinjai and Chatchai Plengpanich chased away rumours of a rift in their marriage by modelling clothes together at Audi’s 100th-anniversary fashion party at Siam Paragon last Wednesday. The Plengpanich clan Eldest son Sitthichok, who’s called “Gun”, was on the catwalk with them, offering one wholesome photo opportunity.
DAILY XPRESS/EKKARAT SUKPETCH
EXHIBITIONS
metics company unveils a new product, but the show that stage veteran Pattarawarin “May” Timkul put on for Sisley’s new anti-ageing cream Supremya was a jaw-dropper. May’s in her early 30s but she did look a lot younger, and her dancing at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s Rimnam restaurant was nothing if not youthful. The choreography matched the product’s concept – use the facial cream night after night to regenerate your skin. An accompanying video presented the bad news – hasty urban living in a polluted environment – so it fell to May to show dramatically how to overcome it by applying the cream. The multimedia production was the brainchild of Sisley’s Thailand director Rujitr Suthanaseriporn, 55, who also looks pretty good thanks to the product.
Contact Soopsip at veenxpress@gmail.com.
8
NEW GADGETS
Monday, September 14, 2009
Never leave home again
DAILY XPRESS
love scope
The latest Sound Bar Blu-ray Home Theatre from LG Electronics, the LG HLB54S boasts a luxurious, glossyblack design. It will play BD, DVD and DivX formats with 1,080-pixel Up Scaling, and the 430 watts of sound are delivered with an Ultra Bass Booster and LG Sound Gallery, an EQ sound system developed by LG at the consumers’ request. You also get VSM Plus, Clear Voice and Night and Cinema modes, and it supports iPod and USB direct recording. Expect to pay around Bt40,000.
BY EUGENIA LAST
September 14 to 19, 2009
ARIES March 21-April 19
You’ll attract attention but expect whoever pursues you to be serious about getting involved quickly and moving into high gear with plans for the future. If you aren’t ready or sure about your feelings, don’t play along. TAURUS April 20-May 20
A double-screen camera The 12.2-megapixel Samsung ST550 has dual LCD screens – one at the front for self-portraits – and a 3.5-inch touch screen. Its Schneider-Kreuznach lens has a focal length of 4.9~22.5mm, and the images it grabs are steadied by dual image stabilising technology. You can also shoot high-definition video at a resolution of 1,280x720. You’ll pay Bt11,990 and get an SDHC 4GB card and a camera case.
Don’t chase the wrong partner. Look around and you'll see someone less vocal, with qualities that complement your lifestyle and fit into your future plans. Flash isn’t always what it’s made out to be. Go for substance, not eye candy. GEMINI May 21-June 20
You’ll probably change the way you feel about someone, sending false signals that can lead to a sticky situation. Try to be upfront and honest and refuse any offers, no matter how tempting, if you don’t plan to go the distance. CANCER June 21-July 22
Living in the past will not lead to a new love. Open up to suggestions being offered or blind dates that will get you moving in a forward motion. Going back to what appears comfortable isn’t always possible or in your best interest. LEO July 23-August 22
You’ll have opportunities galore if you travel or get involved in a community event that interests you. Your savvy way of doing things will interest someone with sophisticated taste who can fill your requirements and your dreams.
Yours in cinemascope The Canon Legria FS 200 is a new standard-definition video camcorder that will record wide-screen video in Mpeg2 format on an SD card, and you can take it as far as a 32GB card. The compact (55x59x121mm) and lightweight (225g) camera boasts 41x Advanced Zoom and 37x Optical Zoom. You can charge the battery in 20 minutes and shoot for an hour. There’s a microphone input and a headphone jack so you can capture and monitor your audio precisely. The going rate is Bt12,900.
VIRGO August 23-September 22
Don’t believe everything you hear. Someone may not share the past or current status with you. Ask questions before you make a sudden move to become intimate or make promises that you may not be able to fulfil once you have the facts. LIBRA September 23-October 22
Your savvy and sophistication will be all it will take to capture someone’s heart. Getting involved in an organisation with substance will bring you in contact with individuals who have lots to offer financially, emotionally and personally. SCORPIO October 23-November 21
Don’t trust anyone who sounds too good to be true. Take your time and make observations that will help reveal the truth. False impressions can be expected and will lead to disappointment. Hold out for the real deal. SAGITTARIUS November 22-December 21
You choose the price The VH Series from Asus features a full, high-definition, 1,080-pixel display in 16:9 wide-screen format with 1920x1080 resolution. There are integrated stereo speakers with two watts of RMS power a side and an HDMI port so you can watch movies from a Blu-ray disc player. Anti-reflect Glare and Splendid Video Intelligence make the monitor great for watching movies. Four models are available in Thailand – the VH 192C for Bt3,550, 192D for Bt3,390, 202D for Bt4,800 and 222T for Bt6,600.
You’ll command attention and in doing so, attract someone who will take you by surprise and lead you in a different direction. Before you venture down this path, remember your roots and the people you may leave behind. CAPRICORN December 22-January 19
Getting involved is one thing but settling down is another. Before you decide to take the plunge, look at the financial ins and outs. Make sure that whoever you decide to share with has something to bring to the table. AQUARIUS January 20-February 18
Someone who is enamoured with you will grab your attention. The more you talk, the greater your interest will become and the more possibilities will develop. A change in your current living arrangement looks inviting. PISCES February 19-March 20
Your dynamic appeal will tempt people watching you from the sideline. Be careful not to choose the individual who is already spoken for when there is someone much better for you who is ready willing and able to rock your world.
Monday, September 14, 2009
EVENTS 9
DAILY XPRESS
WHAT’S UP
do it! Fitness deal The Olympic Club on the eighth floor of the Pathumwan Princess Hotel is knocking 25 per cent off its regular rate of Bt20,000 for 13-month memberships. The gym boast plenty of the latest gear and an experienced staff. It’s open from 6am to 11pm Monday to Friday and 7 to 10 on the weekends. Call (02) 216 3700 extension 20805 or visit www.TheOlympic-Club.com.
Legs ready?
Kitchen m agician Pranburi’s V illa Moroc R esort tive
chef, Susie Niklad. She has a new execuCasablanca ’s cooking a , th Moroccan e e resort’s Mediterran t ean and atery. Nikla db rience to th e venue, ha rings a decade’s expe vin Andrea Volt olina, a form g trained in Italy with pastry chef. er world-ch a So Niklad k nows all th mpion know abou ere is to t the cuisin es o the Riviera as well as T f southern Italy and hailand. Vis www.Villa it MorocR esort.com .
Homeboy s in the ho use
Concept CM 2 at the No votel Bang Muffic spin ko ning the tu nes every M k on Siam Square ha Wednesda s resident D onday and y, Friday an Js Thursday a dS www.Nov nd Bom eve otel.com/A unday night. Call (0 ry 2) 209 8 sia. 888 or vis it
The 11th annual Vertical Marathon is straight up the Banyan Tree Bangkok staircase on Sunday. Think you can manage 1,093 steps? Complete the task, and you might have a trophy handed to you by Her Royal Highness Princess Somsavali. Runnersup (pun intended) get rooms at the hotel and gift vouchers. Proceeds go to the HIV Formula Feeding Fund.
10 EVENTS
Monday, September 14, 2009
DAILY XPRESS
WHAT’S UP
see it! Make a wish Underprivileged children with cancer will be thrilled if they get a present from you through Central Chidlom’s gift registry. Now in its ninth year, the charity collaborates with a different cause each year, the current partner being Wishing Well Thai. Call Central at (02) 793 77001 or Wishing Well at (02) 677 4117.
Get into indigo The Thai Textile Society is off to Chiang Mai for an indigo workshop from November 1 to 4 and the opening of a Cambodian textiles exhibition on November 5. Designer Patricia Cheesman of Studio Naenna will show how to make dye and design cloth. There’ll also be a visit to the home of textile expert Keo Siri Everingham. The fee is Bt8,800 for society members and Bt9,300 for non-members, but you have to call Chotinan today at (086) 757 2571.
and s g n i d d e W ter whata’risSpaa Rfesort and Villa oan na t Liu is serving dishes fromedaallt a i h C f o t s The beay, the Conrad Bangkok’sgreueststachuraenf Tony Liang. Heesth.aHsiswseorkt lunch
rd 2) a Harv pared by Until Satu inning Chin ble. Call (0 hina as pre is also availa the award-w regions of C
eight cluding e menu at places, in r Bt1,080. An a la cart slew of gre e n .com. ++ and din radHotels costs Bt780 www.Con or 690 9999
see
h s The Bhund haweng Beach boast g C i’s d u d e for w in Koh Sam d facilities n a e g yl in st tt y n se A ons. great d honeymo n – a d s n te o a ti d p o rece omm n can be acc ade. Call of receptio m rilo ta n , eve isit any religion sion 1 or v 34 exten . (02) 101 12 HotelsResorts.com ra ta n e .C w w w
Monday, September 14, 2009
THE SCREEN 11
DAILY XPRESS
TO SEE
don’t miss!
12 Storeys
Haa Phran g
Crows Zero II
ve age gangsters ha e’s violent teen iik M i in sh sk ke d Ta la or -c Cult direct pack of white ened by a new ish and their turf threat nese with Engl pa Ja In s. ar st i ur heads. Shun Og e Lido.
This sequel to la short suspen st year’s hit “See Phra ng se yarns – a ll inspired by ” offers five more lines, rangin stories from g from hum a the h n tr to ghosts on a film set. R afficking and dodgy use eadated 15+. d cars
9 Animator Shane Acker spins this tale set in a post-apocalyptic “stitchpunk” world in which a race of numbered ragdolls is threatened with extinction. Voice cast includes Elijah Wood. At Paragon. Rated G.
The Naked Kitchen A husband and wife add an ingredient in this food-based comedy. In Korean with English and Thai subtitles at SFW CentralWorld; Thai-dubbed at other SF branches. Rated 15+.
Gamer Gerard Butler portrays a convict
locked into combat in a violent and deadly online game. Rated 18+.
The Final Destination A teenager has a premonition of a fatal racing-car crash but that only delays the inevitable bizarre ends for his friends. In 3D in some cinemas. Rated 18+.
Land of the Lost A scientist, his research assistant and a redneck survivalist are sucked into a space-time vortex and end up in a strange, prehistoric realm. Stars Will Ferrell, Anna Friel and Danny McBride. At Paragon, Esplanade,
at th Thai subtitles
Major Ratchayothin and EGV Seacon. Rated G.
Young@Heart A senior citizens’ choir learns to sing new songs – by the likes of Coldplay, Sonic Youth and James Brown. At House. Rated P.
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea Animator Hayao Miyazaki’s latest fantasy is about a five-yearold boy and his relationship with a goldfish princess who longs to become human. In Japanese with English and Thai subtitles at Paragon Cineplex and the Siam. Rated G.
(02) 652 0580-1 or visit www.FCCThai.com.
Under the Sea 3D
on tv
A film crew explores the Coral Triangle for encounters with mysterious and stunning creatures of the deep. At Krungsri Imax.
Fan Kao (My Ex) A womanising actor (Shahkrit Yamnarm) is terrorised by a ghost of a heartbroken ex-girlfriend. Rated 15+.
Coco avant Chanel Audrey Tautou portrays the fashion icon. In French with English and Thai subtitles at Apex, SFW CentralWorld and SFX Emporium.
>> CINEMA NUMBERS Apex: Lido, (02) 252 6498, Siam, (02) 251 3508, Scala, (02) 251 2861 Century: (02) 247 9940 House: (02) 641 5177-8 Imax: (02) 129 4631 Major Cineplex/EGV/ Esplanade: Bangkok, (02) 515 5555 Major Hollywood: (02) 718 7999 Paragon Cineplex: (02) 129 4635 SF Cinemas: Bangkok, (02) 268 8888 UMG: RCA, (02) 641 5913-14
Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead Master filmmaker Sidney Lumet directs this absorbing thriller about a family facing the worst enemy of all – itself. Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney and Philip Seymour Hoffman star. Star Movies (TrueVisions), 11.10pm
> > F I L M R AT I N GS As of August 2009, Thailand has these motion-picture ratings: G – General audiences. P – Promote as educational. 13+, 15+ and 18+ – Suggested minimum ages for viewers. 20+ – Restricted to viewers aged 20 and older; ID check mandatory.
> > C R I T I CA L CO N S E N SUS
> > C H A N N E L L I N KS 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
Singaporean director Eric Khoo’s 1997 black-comic social drama is set in a government housing complex, observing a day in the life of the building’s quirky residents. It’s showing at 8 tonight at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand. Entry is Bt150 for non-members; Bt150 more for members and nonmembers covers a buffet and Tiger beer served by the Singaporean Embassy. Call
My Sister’s Keeper Cameron Diaz portrays a mother in this drama about a girl (Abigail Breslin) who resents being the bonemarrow donor for her leukaemia-stricken older sister (Sofia Vassilieva). Alec Baldwin also stars. Directed by Nick Cassavetes (“The Notebook”).
= 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, September 14, 2009
Comics&Games
Red and Rover
DAILY XPRESS
Monday, September 14, 2009
LEISURE
DAILY XPRESS
Games&YourStars SUDOKU
The last word in
ASTROLOGY
By Eugenia Last
Today’s Birthday: Use your experience and your work ethic to show others how efficient you are. Emotional matters can be brought out in the open and dealt with in a practical manner. You have a lot going for you and shouldn’t feel someone else can do a better job.
Saturday’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 Don’t shy away from new possibilities, especially if it entails meeting people who have similar interests or work in the same industry as you. Show what you have to offer and you will accomplish a lot. TAURUS ** April 20-May 20 Problems will develop at home or in your personal life if you are unreasonable. Take the bad with the good and work out a way to get through the challenges you face. GEMINI **** May 21-June 20 You’ll have your hands full but that’s when you do your best work. A couple of fast manoeuvres on your part and you will have control and be headed in a direction that satisfies your own needs.
DIFFICULTY RATING ★
CANCER *** June 21-July 22 There’s no point sulking or keeping things to yourself. Address matters honestly. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can implement your plans once you’ve shared your thoughts. LEO *** July 23-Aug. 22 You may feel like sharing your ideas but do things in secret so no one will stand in your way. The less attention you draw to what you are doing, the less chance there will be for someone to stop you.
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY
VIRGO **** Aug. 23-Sept. 22 You’ll have to be careful how you deal with the people who can influence what you are trying to accomplish in your personal and your professional life. Put some of your ideas to the test. LIBRA ** Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Focus your attention on yourself rather than trying to do things you don’t want to do for others. Weigh the cost and stress involved and it won’t be hard to make up your mind. SCORPIO ***** Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Getting involved in something that motivates you will help put new life into something you’ve been working toward. Go to the source if it will help to bring you greater inspiration. SAGITTARIUS *** Nov. 22-Dec. 21 It’s not worth getting all worked up over nothing. If someone asks for something, take care of it and get on with your day. In the end, you’ll be the one with the experience to move forward.
Sam Neill
Actor Sam Neill is 62. Guitarist Ed King (Lynyrd Skynyrd) is 60. Saxophonist Steve Berlin of Los Lobos is 54. Actress Mary Crosby is 50. Actress Melissa Leo is 49. Actress Faith Ford is 45. Actor Dan Cortese is 41. Singer Mark Hall of Casting Crowns is 40. Bassist Craig Montoya (Everclear) is 39. Actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley is 38. Rapper Nas is 36. Singer Amy Winehouse is 26. Actor Adam Lamberg is 25.
CAPRICORN *** Dec. 22-Jan. 19 You can make friends by doing something nice that will ease stress and worry. Your ability to juggle things around will help those who cannot. Money is in the stars. AQUARIUS *** Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Don’t worry about your financial situation - do something about it. You can come up with a lucrative idea or service that will help you pay your bills. PISCES ***** Feb. 19-March 20 A networking group of high profile people in an industry you are familiar with will lead to an opportunity. A change is heading your way but will require a lot of hard work and compromise.
13
24 GAMES
Monday, September 14, 2009
THE SPORT
7-3 Brian Roberts hit a grand slam in a six-run second inning as the Orioles beat up AJ Burnett and the Yankees.
,,
Serena Williams points her racquet at a line judge and shouts at her after being called for foot fault.
briefly
Ribery hints at extending stay
Villains get bragging rights Gabriel Agbonlahor gave Aston Villa the bragging rights over bitter rivals Birmingham as his late goal clinched a 1-0 win at St Andrews yesterday. A dour struggle looked set to end with the spoils shared until Agbonlahor popped up to head home with just five minutes to play. Agbonlahor’s goal ensured Villa’s fans will be able to lord it over their friends and work-mates for several months after a fifth successive win over their arch enemies. – AFP
Capello eyes World Cup final Fabio Capello has told his England stars that reaching the World Cup final is the least he expects from them in South Africa next year. “Playing in the final would be success,” he said. “For now, playing in it will do, rather than winning it. But if people are asking me what my aspiration is, then it is to reach the final.” – AFP
IF I COULD,I WOULD TAKE THIS ...BALL AND SHOVE IT DOWN YOUR ...THROAT. Serena Williams AP
Despite being heavily courted by Real Madrid last summer, Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery yesterday hinted he was ready to extend his contract and stay in Bavaria beyond 2011. “The club will already have an idea and I also have an idea,” said the Frenchman who is under contract in Munich until 2011. “In football, these things can often happen very fast. “It only takes a small meeting and then the decision is made.” Ribery drilled home a free-kick to put Bayern 3-1 up and leapt into the arms of coach Louis van Gaal with whom he had a tiff. “I am always pleased, if a player celebrates his goal with me,” said van Gaal.– AFP
DAILY XPRESS
TENNIS
RAGING SERENA Bizarre ending to Williams’ title defence at Open AP, New York
S
erena Williams’ US Open title defence ended in bizarre, ugly fashion on Saturday night, when she was penalised a point on match point after yelling and shaking her racquet in the direction of an official who called a foot fault. Williams lost to unseeded, unranked Kim Clijsters of Belgium 6-4 7-5 in a taut semi-final. The match featured plenty of powerful groundstrokes and lengthy exchanges. No one will remember a single shot that was struck, though, because of the unusual, dramatic way it ended. With Williams serving at 5-6 15-30 in the second set, she faulted on her first serve. On the second serve, a line judge called a foot fault, making it a double-fault – a call rarely, if ever, seen at that stage of any match, let alone the semi-finals of a Grand Slam tournament. That made the score 15-40,
putting Clijsters one point from victory. Instead of stepping to the baseline to serve again, Williams went over and shouted and cursed at the line judge, pointing at her and shaking a ball at her. “If I could, I would take this ... ball and shove it down your ... throat,” Williams said. She continued yelling at the line judge, and went back over, shaking her racquet in the official’s direction. Asked in her post-match news conference what she said to the line judge, Williams wouldn’t say, replying, “What did I say? You didn’t hear?” “I’ve never been in a fight in my whole life, so I don’t know why she would have felt threatened,” Williams said with a smile. The line judge went over to the chair umpire, and tournament referee Brian Earley joined in the conversation. With the crowd booing – making part of the dialogue inaudible – Williams then went over and said to the line judge: “Sorry, but there are a lot of people who’ve said way worse.” Then
Noppawan loses in quarters Noppawan Lertcheewakarn’s dream of winning her last junior Grand Slam singles title was shattered when she was upset by Briton Heather Watson 6-2 6-1 in the junior US Open quarter-finals on Saturday. As rain played havoc in New York, all junior matches were moved to indoor courts. The immediate change of atmosphere took its toll on the Thai girl who was unable to find her rhythm against the 11th seed Watson. However she redeemed her pride in the doubles, teaming up with Elena Bogdan of Romania to beat the Slovak duo of Chantal Skamlova and Jana Cepelova 6-4 6-1 to reach her third straight Major doubles final. the line judge said something to the chair umpire, and Williams responded, “I didn’t say I would kill you. Are you serious? I didn’t say that.” The line judge replied by shaking her head and saying, “Yes.” Williams already had been given a code violation warning when she broke her racquet after losing the first set. So the chair umpire now awarded a penalty point to Clijsters, ending the match. “She was called for a foot fault, and a point later, she said something to a line umpire, and it was reported to the chair, and
that resulted in a point penalty,” Earley explained. “And it just happened that point penalty was match point. It was a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct.” When the ruling was announced, Williams walked around the net to the other end of the court to shake hands with a stunned Clijsters, who did not appear to understand what had happened. “I used to have a real temper, and I’ve got a lot better,” Williams said later. “So I know you don’t believe me, but I used to be worse. Yes, yes, indeed.”
Monday, September 14 2009
THE SPORT 25
DAILY XPRESS
GOLF
World No 1 builds commanding lead with course record AP, Lemont, Illinois
T
iger Woods shot a Cog Hill course-record 9-under 62 for his best round of the year to build a seven-shot lead after the third round of the BMW Championship on Saturday Getting better with every shot, Woods blew away the 68man field in the third FedEx Cup play-off event as he also tied the tournament record, set last year by Jim Furyk outside St Louis at Bellerive. “After I got past the first hole I was doing all right,” Woods said. “It was one of those days that kind of built upon itself.” A course renovated by Rees Jones with hopes of landing a US Open was no match for Woods. He hit his most unheralded shot of the round, a 7-iron that stopped 3 feet away from a dangerous pin at the par-3 sixth, and never came close to
missing another green. The signature shot was his 3wood from just over 300 yards to 10 feet at the par-5 ninth for an eagle, so pure that the gallery crammed into the bleacher rose to its feet when the ball finally stopped rolling. Woods was at 16-under 197 and had his largest lead on the PGA Tour since he was eight shots in front in the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines early last year. He will play in the final pairing with Brandt Snedeker, who had a 66. Marc Leishman had a 68 and joined Snedeker at 9-under 204, both of them hopeful of finishing high enough to get into the Tour Championship. More than being his lowest round of the year, Woods was nearly nine shots better than the field, which averaged 70.71. “It was just a round that, as I said, kind of built upon itself, and I just kind of gradually kept hitting good shots, then making a couple of putts here and there,” he said. “And lo and be-
AFP
TIGER BLOWS AWAY FIELD
Tiger Woods hits his tee shot on the 11th hole during the third round of the BMW Championship. hold, I end up at 9-under par.”
Bae triumphs again Brilliant young Korean golfer Bae Sang-moon successfully defended the Kolon-Hana Bank Korea Open yesterday. Bae recorded a one-stroke victory over compatriot Kim
Thaworn claims 11th Asian Tour win at Macau Open AFP, Macau
hailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant claimed his 11th Asian Tour victory yesterday with a commanding six-shot triumph at the Macau Open, his latest performance to show a rich vein of form. Thaworn charged home with a closing three-under-par for a four-day total of 15-under-par 269 to pip India’s rising star Gaganjeet Bhullar at the US$500,000 full-field event at the Macau Golf and Country Club. Thaworn’s victory left him one title short of equalling the Asian Tour record of 12 career wins set by his compatriot Thongchai Jaidee, but the 42-year-old said he was confident of overtaking his countryman. “I will continue to play on the Asian Tour and if I am fit enough, I think breaking his record would not be a problem,” said Thaworn, who took home $79,250 for his win. “I try to win every tournament but the thought of overcoming Thongchai’s victories on the Asian Tour is not my main objective as I only strive to do my best,” he added. Bhullar powered his way to a final round 66 to finish in second place on 275. Asian Tour rookie Matthew Griffin of Australia surged up the leaderboard
AFP
T
Thaworn Wiratchant with the Macau Open trophy after the final round. with an eagle on the second hole to share third place with South African Keith Horne on 278. Thaworn had an anxious two-hour gap when he finished his third round early on Sunday but that did not disrupt his concentration as he resumed his title charge by posting five birdies against two bogeys en route to his emphatic win.“I didn’t take my five-stroke advantage for granted because on this course anything can happen. The other players were also very close and I was playing it safe until the back nine where I was more confident of winning,” he said.
Dae-sub at Woo Jeung Hills Golf Club for his second big win of 2009, after claiming the GS Caltex Maekyung Open in May. In the second event of the year on the new OneAsia Tour, Bae shot a final round four-under-par 67, to finish the tourna-
ment on 10-under-par 274. He ended one shot better when he triumphed at the same venue last year. Kim, winner of this event twice as a teenage amateur in 1998 and 2001, carded a 69 and gave Bae a real fright on the final hole. Bae held a three shot lead over Kim playing the parfive 18th but he was suddenly hit by a wave of pressure when playing partner Kim holed his third shot from 100 yards for an eagle. The crowd went wild but Bae calmly found the green with his third and two putted to earn a cheque for US$245,000. Meanwhile, outh Korea’s Kim Song-hee Kim finished with a 3under 68 on Saturday for a twoshot lead over Angela Stanford at the P&G Beauty NW Arkansas Championship. Kim is at 9 under for the tournament heading into the final round. “I had to be patient today,” she said. “I made a lot of up-and-downs, and I made a lot of good par putts.” Stanford shot a 69.
ANYTHING ABOUT HOME & OFFICE SERVICE.
CALL. HOME SMILE ELECTRICITY WORK PLUMBLING WORK RENOVATION DECORATION
TEL. 083-7709090
Monday, September 14, 2009
THE SPORT 27
DAILY XPRESS
FOOTBALL
Fergie backs Utd to sustain title bid
MAD-EBAYOR FA ‘unimpressed’ by Man City striker’s antics AFP, London
he Football Association confirmed yesterday they would be taking a “good close look” at Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor’s controversial behaviour in the 4-2 win over his former club Arsenal. City’s £25-million summer signing left his mark on Saturday’s game in no uncertain fashion. He first appeared to stamp on former team-mate Robin van Persie, leaving the Dutchman with a gashed face, and then ran the length of the pitch to taunt the Arsenal fans after scoring City’s third goal. Referee Mark Clattenburg booked the Togo striker for his celebrations, which provoked fury among many Arsenal fans who had to be restrained by pitchside stewards, one of whom needed hospital treatment after being hit by a flying object in the melee. And Adebayor could well face further disciplinary proceedings after FA chief executive Ian Watmore told BBC Radio 5 that the player’s actions would come under scrutiny. He said: “I was pretty unimpressed really because the problems between the Arsenal fans and Adebayor are well documented, and he ran the whole length of the field to celebrate, so I think we’re going to have a good close look at that one on Monday when we see it properly in the cold light of day. “I thought the stewards did a
,,
EPA
T
Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie, left, gets kicked in the face by Manchester City’s Emmanuel Adebayor. great job of calming the situation down and it was to Manchester City’s credit nothing worse happened. “Our governance team will take a good look at both of the incidents that have been highlighted and will come to the media with the answers early next week.” Watmore refused to speculate on the possible extent of any punishment which could be meted out to Adebayor, saying: “The punishments are the decision of the individual commission, if we get that far.” City manager Mark Hughes appealed for leniency for his forward. Hughes claimed not to have seen the van Persie incident and, citing the fact that his
I FEEL LUCKY THAT I HAVE NOT SUFFERED A GREATER INJURY. THE CONTACT WAS ONLY CENTIMETRES FROM MY EYE. Robin Van Persie player issued a swift apology,
added that he hoped the FA would not punish him for the provocative celebration. Hughes said: “People have asked me about the stamp but I haven’t seen it so I can’t really comment but Adie understands that celebrating like that was the wrong thing to do.” Van Persie, however, was furious with Adebayor, accusing his former team-mate of deliberately trying to hurt him. “I am sad and disappointed by Emmanuel Adebayor’s mindless and malicious stamp on me during the match,” said the Dutchman. “I, too, have made hard and sometimes mistimed challenges but never with the intention of hurting an opponent. He set out to hurt me today.”
Alex Ferguson has backed Manchester United to defy their critics and secure a fourth consecutive English Premier League title this season after ending Tottenham’s unbeaten start to the new campaign with a 3-1 victory. “It’s early in the season and too early to say, but I think we will be in the shake-up,” Ferguson said. “We said before the season that we have the players here, we’re improving all the time. “Look at Darren Fletcher now and the way he is playing. You’ve got the experience of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville. There is no reason why we can’t win the league with these players. I’ve got confidence in them but obviously it’s going to be tight.” Ferguson admitted that United’s display was their best of the new season, and all the more impressive as it was gained in adversity. Spurs had forged ahead after just 52 seconds when Jermain Defoe fired a spectacular overhead kick into the bottom corner, but United’s response was emphatic. Ferguson was thrilled with the performance, although the dismissal of Scholes – after a collision with Tom Huddlestone – left a sour taste. “It was a terrible sending off and the referee got it wrong,” he said. “He lifted his leg above the other player and, in fact, the Tottenham player has done him. “He [Huddlestone] should have been punished. I think he has been sent off because his name is Paul Scholes.” – A F P
Kaka inspires Real Madrid victory at Espanyol A F P , Madrid
EPA
R
Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo, centre, with Kaka, left, and Esteban Granero.
eal Madrid kept pace with Barcelona at the top of the Spanish League table with Brazilian playmaker Kaka pulling the strings in a 3-0 win at Espanyol on Saturday. Kaka has yet to open his Real account since joining from AC Milan, but showed a touch of class to set up Esteban Granero for his first Real goal and create the second for stand-in captain Guti.
Substitute Cristiano Ronaldo, the world’s most expensive player, added a third in the final minute for his second goal in as many games. “I don’t think he [Ronaldo] has this enormous weight on his shoulders [due to the transfer fee],” said Real coach Manuel Pellegrini. “He scored against Deportivo [La Coruna] and again today. He is adapting to a new league and sometimes
people just scrutinise him too much.” The victory means there is the familiar top two of Barcelona and Real at the summit after Barcelona won 2-0 at Getafe on Saturday. Barcelona are top on goal difference. Barca’s record signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic made it two goals in two games following up his debut strike with a vital opener on 65th minutes before substitute Lionel Messi
grabbed a second. Sevilla, third last season, notched their first win of the season in style thumping Real Zaragoza 4-1. Brazilian Luis Fabiano scored a brace with Diego Perotti and Abdoulay Konko also on the scoresheet. Atletico Madrid, who were jeered by fans, are still searching for their first win of the season after a disappointing 11 home draw against 10-man Racing Santander.
28
Monday, September 14, 2009
BANGKOK
THESPORT Brazilian veteran Rubens Barrichello produced a beautifully-measured drive from fifth place on the grid to win yesterday’s Italian Grand Prix ahead of his Brawn GP team-mate Jenson Button. The 37-year-old Latin American, driving with aplomb and assurance, made the most of his one-stop strategy and a fine start to come home 2.8 seconds ahead of the 29-year-old Englishman and endorse his challenge for the drivers’ world championship. Button, winner of six of the seven opening races of the season, remains on top with 80 points, but Barrichello is now second with 66 points, having cut his team-mate’s advantage from 16 to 14 points with just four races remaining. Defending world champion Briton Lewis Hamilton, who started from pole, looked certain to come home third for McLaren Mercedes, but crashed heavily at the Curva di Lesmo on the final lap and failed to finish. This left local hero Finn Kimi Raikkonen to take the third podium place for Ferrari ahead of German Adrian Sutil of Force India, two times champion Fernando Alonso, who was fifth for Renault, and Finn Heikki Kovalainen in the second McLaren. German Nick Heidfeld finished seventh for BMW Sauber and compatriot Sebastian Vettel eighth for Red Bull, the young title challenger luckily grabbing his point after team-mate Australian Mark Webber had crashed out following a collision with Pole Robert Kubica’s BMW on the opening lap. Barrichello’s win was his second this season and 11th in his long 284 races career, lifting him into a strong position to catch Button in this unpredictable season.The Brawn pair now looking certain to deliver the constructors championship to their eponymous team-chief Ross Brawn in the outfit’s first season. As usual the passionate tifosi gave the race a great reception and poured onto the track at the finish to greet the podium celebration. The fans had seen Hamilton make a perfect start from his 15th pole position and led the field down and through the Rettifilio Tribune, Raikkonen storming past Sutil into second place and Barrichello advancing from fifth to fourth.
DAILY XPRESS
BRETTTOO HOT TO HANDLE Brett Lee believes he can be bowling around the 100mph mark after ripping through England’s fragile one-day batting line-up in spectacular style at Lord’s.
BRAWN REIGN
Brawn GP driver Rubens Barrichello of Brazil celebrates on the podium after winning the Italian Formula One Grand Prix.
TENNIS
FOOTBALL
Serena packed off after a rant
Adebayor madness mars City win
Serena Williams was booted out of the US Open after hurling threatening abuse at a lineswoman. The incident marred the end of her semi-final loss to Kim Clijsters after the official hadfoot-faulted her to set up match point to the Belgian. The title-holder was 6-4 6-5 and 15-30 down when the sanction was called against her on her second serve. >PAGE 24
Manchester City’s Emmanuel Adebayor is in trouble for his celebration after scoring against Arsenal,and an alleged stamp by the forward on Robin Van Persie. The Togolese ran the length of the field to celebrate in front of fans of his former club. They reacted furiously, pelting him with missiles including a steward’s chair. >PAGE 27