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Ronaldo might play for United again: Fergie AFP - Wednesday, July 22 KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - - Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson believes Cristiano Ronaldo could play for the club again one day, as he praised the Portugese star's commitment during his six-year spell at Old Trafford. "He may come back, you never know," Ferguson told the Press Association in Kuala Lumpur where the team are on a pre-season Asian tour. "Sometimes it happens that way. He loved United. If you look back at the six years he had with us, he never missed training." Ronaldo became the world's most expensive player when he moved to Real Madrid on a six-year deal worth around 94 million euros (81 million pounds) and he made a low-key debut against Shamrock Rovers in Ireland on Monday. Still just 24, Ferguson was quoted as saying Ronaldo's best was yet to come, describing him as the top player in the world by a long shot. "His best is yet to come. He's only 24. He came to the right club at the right part of his career," he said. "He could have gone to Real Madrid, Barcelona or other clubs. But he came to the right one and appreciates that. It was always his intention to make his move. "There's no doubt he's a huge loss and I think it's a challenge for us. It won't be the same without Ronaldo, it can't be. "He's the best player in this world by absolutely miles, streets ahead of Lionel Messi, and Kaka," Ferguson added. Madrid courted Ronaldo all through last summer but he decided to stay and try to help United defend their 2008 Champions League title, featuring in their final loss in May to Barcelona. Although United retained their English Premier League title, Ronaldo has said he made up his mind to leave in May 2007.

Gerrard accused of hitting man 'like a boxer' AFP - Wednesday, July 22 LIVERPOOL, England (AFP) - - Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard lashed out at a man "with the style and speed of a professional boxer" after losing his cool in a bar brawl, a court heard Tuesday. The 29-year-old England midfielder is accused of being part of a group that injured businessman Marcus McGee, 34, at the Lounge Inn nightclub in Southport near Liverpool, northwest England, in December last year. Gerrard was celebrating Liverpool's 5-1 win at Newcastle United at the time. He denies the charge of affray. An initial charge of assault was dropped at a court hearing in March. The row erupted after Gerrard asked McGee for a card controlling the CD player, saying: "Give me that, lad," the court heard. "Mr. McGee took offence at his attitude and the expression 'lad' and he refused. Not many people on Merseyside, or indeed anywhere else, would refuse a request from Steven Gerrard but Mr. McGee did," said prosecutor David Turner. Gerrard was left fuming by the exchange, and six minutes later came back over to Mr. McGee, swearing and squaring up to him "in the sort of hostile confrontation that is often seen between professional footballers." "Steven Gerrard had clearly lost his cool: he was angry with Marcus McGee," said Turner. Gerrard's friends came over to help, and one of them, John Doran, pushed McGee away and "could not resist following through with his right elbow into Mr McGee's face", said Turner. "We say at this stage Gerrard totally lost it. "Within seconds, Steven Gerrard joined in the attack with a succession of well aimed uppercut punches delivered with the style and speed of a professional boxer rather than a professional footballer." Turner said the key question was whether Gerrard was acting in self-defence. "Steven Gerrard is a world class footballer. He has the honour to be captain of Liverpool FC and to play for England. He is a star. He is Liverpool born and bred and here on Merseyside is a hero," he said. "We do not say that Mr. Gerrard is normally an arrogant man, we don't say that he is a bully. "What we do say is that that night he just lost his self control and joined in an attack which should never have taken place. He let himself down." Gerrard is facing trial alone, after five co-defendants admitted affray, and one admitted a lesser charge of threatening behaviour. Gerrard in dock over nightclub brawl 20 July 2009 08:33 England and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard appeared in court here on Monday ahead of his trial on charges of being involved in a nightclub brawl. The 29-year-old Liverpool captain is accused of being part of a group that injured businessman Marcus McGee, 34, at the Lounge Inn nightclub in Southport near Liverpool, in December last year. Gerrard was celebrating Liverpool's 5-1 defeat of Newcastle United at the time. He denies the charge of affray. An initial charge of assault was dropped at a court hearing in March. The midfielder appeared in the dock alongside his six co-accused at Liverpool Crown Court wearing a dark grey suit and black suede shoes, as jurors waited to be called in for the start of the trial. However, there were a number of procedural delays and the case was eventually adjourned until 10.30am on Tuesday. Gerrard's absence from the Liverpool squad has put helped put a dampener on the club's current much-hyped Asian swing. His court date was set before the trip to Asia was announced although Gerrard featured in promotional adverts aired on television in the region. Liverpool matches against Thailand on Wednesday and Singapore four days later were heavily promoted with both games likely to play in front of sell-out crowds. But loyal Asian fans of the Premier League runners-up will be disappointed that Gerrard did not make the trip while Spanish stars Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso, a transfer target of big spenders Real Madrid, are unlikely to play much part in the games.

Sure why not ?...if MOTHER NATURE permits, there's gonna be an eye-dazzling EXOTICA shipment this weekend !!!

Premier League - Fergie: Tevez not worth £25m Eurosport - Tue, 21 Jul 11:48:00 2009 Sir Alex Ferguson has hit back at Carlos Tevez, saying the Argentine striker is not worth the £25 million that rivals Manchester City have paid for him. The 25-year-old international signed a five-year contract with City after his two-year deal at United ran out at the end of last season. Tevez, a fan favourite at Old Trafford, has claimed Ferguson never got in touch to try to persuade him to stay. But Ferguson said in Kuala Lumpur, where United are on an Asian tour, that this was not true. "We made contact with Carlos. We sent him texts and spoke to him when he was in Argentina," he said. "Our chief executive, David Gill, made an offer to (agent) Kia Joorabchian and we spoke to Tevez before we played Inter Milan (in March) and told him we had spoken to Kia, but we never heard back." In the end Tevez went to big-spending City, where he will play alongside Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor next season. Ferguson drafted in Michael Owen on a free transfer to replace him, and made clear he felt Tevez was not worth what City manager Mark Hughes paid. "In my opinion, I don't think he is worth £25m," he said. "He was popular with the supporters. The fans quite rightly have their heroes and I was happy to go along with the deal as long as it was the right one but, quite simply, he is not worth £25m." AFP Premier League - Tevez: I turned down Real Eurosport - Fri, 17 Jul 09:08:00 2009 Carlos Tevez has revealed he rejected the chance to join former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid. The Argentina striker also confirmed that Chelsea and Liverpool had made inquiries about securing his services. Instead Tevez opted for a move to Manchester City after his extended loan deal at United ended, signing a lucrative five-year deal at Eastlands. "Real made an offer but there was no agreement," Tevez told the Nation newspaper during a promotional visit to Abu Dhabi with his new club. He added: "There were talks about deals and agreements but in the end it was only City. They showed lots of interest in me and are intent on growing and signing big players. "I am sad to leave United but I am excited to join City. I'm thinking about the future and I will grow with this club." Meanwhile manager Mark Hughes is continuing his pursuit of Emmanuel Adebayor and John Terry. Hughes remains determined to land the two men even though there are suggestions that Adebayor is not keen to leave Arsenal for Eastlands while Chelsea are adamant Terry is not for sale. Adebayor knows as well that there is stiff competition for places in attack at City following the arrivals of Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz with Craig Bellamy also on board. Terry is Chelsea's defensive rock but Hughes believes the England international is ready for a new challenge. "We do need new players," Hughes told the Gulf News. "We are still in discussions (over Adebayor) and the talks will continue. "We have got attacking-minded players but we are looking to bring other players to the club before the transfer window closes. "We are also looking to strengthen the defence. Every transfer deal is difficult and has different problems. There are areas which we need to address but we are happy with our progress." PA Sport

Michael Jackson's confused son Yesterday, 11:00 am Michael Jackson's youngest son thinks his father is on holiday. Prince Michael II, also known as 'Blanket', doesn't realise his singer dad died last month and was left confused after the 'Thriller' star's memorial service in Los Angeles. Mark Lester - who is godfather to Michael's three children, Prince Michael I, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old 'Blanket' - told Hello! magazine: "It is obvious to me that Blanket is still unsure about what exactly happened to his father. He said, 'Where's daddy gone? On holiday?' It was a rhetorical question and it broke my heart. "Prince was taciturn, unusual for him, but we still had a hug. Paris gave me a tight hug and we just held each other for a while. We were both welling up. I told her that her dad would always lie in her heart and be remembered by at least half of the world. Paris replied, 'I'm just glad he is at peace.' " British actor Mark, who rose to fame as a child star in movie musical 'Oliver!', also revealed his three godchildren - who are currently being looked after by Michael's mother Katherine Jackson, who has temporary custody of them - have begged to spend this Christmas with him and his family. He said: "Paris was disappointed my daughters couldn't come to the memorial. She asked me, 'Can we come and stay with you at Christmas and I can bring the presents?' "I was very touched and still hope it can be arranged. It's difficult to say until the custody arrangements have been finalised." Mark, who is planning to attend the service when Michael's body is buried, also insisted Prince Michael I and Paris have no relationship with their biological mother, Michael's ex-wife Debbie Rowe. The 50-year-old star explained: "The children don't know her and haven't seen her for years. The possibility the three children might be split up - 'Blanket', of course, is by another mother - is unthinkable and I believe it would be disastrous for them." Meanwhile, Michael's father Joe Jackson has denied beating his son when he was growing up. When asked about allegations he physically harmed Michael as a child, Joe told US TV talk show host Larry King: "That is a bunch of bull. That is not true. I never have. I raised him just like you would raise your kids. Why would I harm Michael? He was my son and I loved him. I still love him." It was recently alleged Michael was left sterile and unable to have children after Joe kicked him in the testicles when he younger. © BANG Media International

LUV those 'LIPS' !!!

Report: Ho Ching to remain CEO of Singapore state investment company Temasek Tuesday July 21, 2009, 6:26 am EDT SINGAPORE (AP) -- Ho Ching will remain chief executive of Singapore government investment company Temasek after her replacement mining industry executive Chip Goodyear couldn't resolve differences with the board, state media reported. State broadcaster MediaCorp. says on its Web site Tuesday that Goodyear and the Temasek Holdings board had "differences regarding certain strategic issues that could not be resolved." Goodyear, a former chief executive of the world's biggest mining company BHP Billiton, was to have become Temasek's chief in October. News Releases 2009 Temasek Holdings and Charles W. Goodyear mutually agree not to proceed with CEO appointment 21 July 2009, Singapore The Board of Directors of Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited (“Temasekâ€) today announced an agreement with Mr Charles (“Chipâ€) W. Goodyear not to proceed with his CEO appointment. Mr Goodyear was appointed a Member of the Board on 1 February and CEO-Designate on 1 March. He was to succeed Ms Ho Ching as CEO on 1 October 2009. Four months into the leadership transition, the Temasek Board and Mr Goodyear have concluded and accepted that there are differences regarding certain strategic issues that could not be resolved. In light of the differences, both parties decided that it is in their mutual interests to terminate the leadership transition process and hence the executive relationship with effect from 15 August 2009. Mr Goodyear will also step down from the Temasek Board effective the same date. Mr Dhanabalan, Chairman of Temasek Holdings, said, "It is with much regret that both Chip and the Board have accepted that it is best not to proceed with the leadership transition. We wish Chip all the best in his future endeavours, and are happy that Ho Ching has agreed to continue as Executive Director and CEO." Added Mr Chip Goodyear, "I'm sorry that we are unable to continue with the leadership transition. Temasek has a fantastic platform and I wish the Board, Ho Ching and the team all the best." Ms Ho Ching elaborated, "In the short time with us, Chip has started a number of initiatives which I believe will help strengthen the Temasek platform. I am sorry he is unable to continue with the leadership transition, and hope to complete the initiatives that he has started."

Hybrid lemonpeel x eibli: The Tiger’pyge "The stunning perfection of the above specimen is second to none: orange-ringed blue eye, blue markings on the gill and spine, perfect orange tiger stripes on a vivid yellow body, a brilliant blue margin to the unpaired fins and a startling black tail. The Tiger’pyge, is such a rare specimen. The Tiger’pyge was sold to the upscale aquarium store, Old Town Aquarium and the fish sold for $1600 within an hour of arriving at the store."

Unseen Jackson U.K. footage on the way Reuters - Monday, July 20By Mimi Turner LONDON - ITV is promising exclusive unseen footage of Michael Jackson from the private collection of the singer's friend Uri Geller in a forthcoming documentary, "My Friend Michael Jackson: Uri's Story," its production and distribution division said Friday. The documentary will show Jackson on a midnight shopping spree at London department store Harrods and visiting the grounds of Exeter soccer club, as well as footage from Geller's private archive showing the singer acting as best man at Geller's wedding. It will also feature interviews with Geller offering his frank recollections of the star and some of the controversies that surrounded him. "This is the real Michael Jackson, the way that just a handful of friends were privileged to see him -- relaxed, witty, loving, smart, sincere and genuine," said Geller. "This film gives audiences around the world the opportunity to experience the reality of life with Michael." The documentary will be distributed by ITV Global Entertainment.

Lipogramma klayi Gems !!! Posted on July 19th by Jake Adams. Rare fish specialists Blue Harbor are at it again with a fresh batch of beautiful bicolor basslets, Lipogramma klayi. These fish were caught on a special deep diving mission in Curacao which among the Lipogramma also targeted candy basslets. Although the bicolor basslet may look just like a small and slightly paler royal gramma (and it really looks a lot like it superficially), this Lipogramma species is very rarely seen as it lives at depths of over 200 feet or 80 meters. In addition to having a purple-faced yellow body, the bicolor Lipogramma has a few scattered purple spots along the body, greatly elongated pelvic fins and a strong lyretail which gives this fish more a fairy like appearance than the similar royal gramma.

Shark attack victims fight for their attackers AFP - Sunday, July 19 WASHINGTON (AFP) - - They may have lost fingers, or perhaps even an arm or leg, but these former surfers and vacationers paced down the halls of Congress in Washington to seek protection for sharks, their very attackers. "I'm here to lobby for the bill to save the sharks, I lost my arm. It's a very powerful statement," said Al Brenneca, a 52-year-old who was attacked by a shark in 1976 in Florida. Along with a group of eight other survivors brought together by the Pew Environment Group research center, Brenneca descended on Capitol Hill to lobby senators to pass a measure placing tough restrictions on shark fishing. More than a third of all shark species are endangered, in part due to finning, a practice in which a shark's fins are cut off before the body is thrown back into the water. Shark fin soup is a beloved delicacy in Asia, where it is in high demand. Some 70 million sharks die in the ocean each year. In contrast, shark attacks on humans are rare -- between 60 and 100 per year worldwide. "You might ask why considering I was attacked by a shark, why don't I want eat the sharks or kill them all?" quipped Krishna Thompson, a 44-year-old New York banker whose spectacular attack by a bull shark in 2001 during his 10-year wedding anniversary in the Bahamas had captured the media's attention. Fighting back with his bare hands, he finally freed himself from the steel-sharp jaws. "I had the leg but all I could see was the femur and tibia, no skin, no vein, no muscle and I remember seeing the white bones. And I thought, 'Oh man, I'm going to be amputated,'" he recalled. Now wearing an artificial limb and a T-shirt declaring his determination to defend the shark, Thompson has converted himself into an activist fighting for the survival of the predators. "What the shark did to me was what they are supposed to do," he insists. "Sharks have been around for 300 millions years -- before dinosaurs. They haven't changed much from then till now. He added that people should not mess with mother nature, and let the sharks be. "I don't want find out what life would be for us as human if they ceased to exist," Thompson stressed. "If we killed all the sharks that will have an effect on us as humans. That's why I'm here." Wednesday's demonstration in the Halls of Congress was unusual and startling even for veteran lawmakers who have seem many expressions of public sentiment. All described scenes of carnage at sea when the were forced to swim in their own blood to save their lives. Most have suffered cardiac arrest by the time they arrived to the hospital. Mike Coots, 30, from Hawaii was attacked by a tiger shark in 1997 when he was surfing in the morning. The predator grabbed him by the right leg, shook him back and forth while he was trying to fight back the attacker by punching it on the head. The shark released him went back into the deep water while Mike started paddling toward the shore. But his leg was gone. "I didn't feel it come off," he recalls. "It was gone. My friend took my surfing leash and made a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. Yeah. He saved my life." But Coots believes that he may have been bitten by a shark to help protect the species. "I feel very strongly that these animals have a place in the world," he insisted. "And without them, I think it's going to disrupt the entire ecosystem." But not everybody get over such life experiences. Brenneca, who lost his arm to a shark more than 30 years ago, says many people still harbor resentment toward these predators. "Some people can't get over their bite and stuff," he notes. "Some people still have an anger towards things whether it be sharks or their own stupidity. It takes years to really get over a bite like this, a serious bite where you lose your arm or you lose your leg. It takes a while to get over that."

Oil rises above $64 on strong Q2 corporate results By ALEX KENNEDY, Associated Press Writer AP - 2 hours 23 minutes ago SINGAPORE - Oil prices broke above $64 a barrel Monday in Asia as strong second quarter company results helped boost investor optimism. Benchmark crude for August delivery was up 52 cents to $64.08 a barrel by midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. On Friday, the contract jumped $1.54 to settle at $63.56. Better than expected earnings last week from Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Intel Corp. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. eased some investor doubts about the chances of a U.S. economic recovery this year. Traders will be watching results this week from Apple Inc, Amazon.com Inc. and Microsoft Corp. for further clues about economic growth. "Sentiment has been helped a great deal by the earnings reports so far," said Victor Shum, an energy analyst at consultancy Purvin & Gertz in Singapore. "If the remaining reports paint an upbeat picture, that could sustain oil." Oil has bounced from $58.78 a barrel last week after falling from an eight-month high of $73.23 on June 30. Investors remain concerned about weak crude demand. Rising inventories of oil products, such as gasoline, suggest the recession has kept some U.S. drivers from hitting the road this summer. "Weak fundamentals should keep a lid on prices," Shum said. "We have a glut of oil products." In other Nymex trading, gasoline for August delivery rose 1.43 cents to $1.78 a gallon and heating oil gained 1.50 cents to $1.66. Natural gas for August delivery slid 2.5 cents to $3.64 per 1,000 cubic feet. In London, Brent prices rose 50 cents to $65.88 a barrel on the ICE Futures exchange.

Premier League - Owen calls for United to 'step up' Eurosport - Sun, 19 Jul 15:16:00 2009 Michael Owen has called on all his new Manchester United team-mates to "step up to the plate" as they look to replace the man whose shirt he now wears. Owen enjoyed the perfect start to life as United's new number seven by scoring a late winner as the Red Devils opened their Far East tour with a 3-2 win over a Malaysia XI. "Hopefully I might add something the team haven't got at the moment," he said. "Nobody is going to replace Ronaldo, even though I wear his shirt, but if someone like Wayne (Rooney) could improve his game five per cent, that would help. I can add a little bit, there is Antonio Valencia." He added: "Everyone is going to have to step up to the plate a bit more to make up for him." No-one, least of all Owen himself or manager Sir Alex Ferguson is going to get carried away by one 30 minute cameo. Nevertheless, there were encouraging signs that Owen's trademark runs will be spotted by the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs just as the former Liverpool striker felt on the day he jumped at the chance of joining United. "There are so many players on my wavelength - world-class players," he said. "I would hope there is no-one similar to me in the way that I play. I can see Wayne Rooney or Paul Scholes as soon as they get the ball looking for one of my runs." Ferguson spotted it too, although his words were of caution in the knowledge that it is against Birmingham on August 16 that Owen's contribution can start to be judged. "It was a friendly game," he said. "I am sure Michael will be delighted he got off the mark but I am looking ahead to the season. I know he will give us a good contribution of goals. That will be a more important time to appraise him." PA Sport

Did U check-out the elusive BLACK LEOPARD aka Macropharyngodon negrosensis at the far end of the fishy tanks ? The Black Leopard Wrasse or Yellowspotted Wrasse is occasionally seen in the aquarium trade but it is not a fish for the inexperienced. They are wonderful, peaceful community fish that can even be housed with others of the same genus. This is also one of the few wrasses that can be kept with its own species. In both cases however, they are harmonious as long the mix is all females with just one male. Due to their specialized eating habits and nature, these wrasses should only be attempted by advanced aquarists as they are very difficult to keep. They are not forgiving and can end up deceased in a short period of time after being added to your tank. Both the male and the female have a black body color. On the male, the spots are more like “diamond†shapes, in the sense that each scale is outlined in a blue-green coloring. The females are similarly colored, though the spots are closer together as they get closer to the dorsal fin, with colors ranging between yellow to white. The juveniles are the ones with the yellow spots, thus the name Yellowspotted Wrasse. As this fish ages the spots may take on a blue-greenish color with yellow near the the top of the head. Leopard Wrasses have been known to live from 5 to 8 years in captivity. Black Leopard Wrasse adults reach up to a maximum length of about 4.7 inches (12 cm). The Black Leopard Wrasse or Yellowspotted Wrasse is best in pairs or groups, though the tank must be larger to sustain more than one. It is one of the few wrasses that may be kept with their own genus (Macropharyngodon), and then only if one fish is male and the rest are female. They are reef safe, though the do eat tiny micro-crustaceans, they will not bother the corals. Compatible with all peaceful fish and some semi-aggressive fish like dottybacks, dwarf angels, jawfish, rabbitfish and the like. If semi-aggressive fish are in the plans, add the leopard wrasse first. Do not put with Puffers, scorpionfish, groupers or other fish large enough to eat them. Also avoid slow, methodical feeders such as seahorses or pipefish.

any CORALS shipment ???

Owen scores winner on Man Utd debut 18 July 2009 06:21 Michael Owen got his Manchester United career off to a flyer on Saturday when he scored the winner on his debut as the Premier League champions struggled past a Malaysian XI 3-2. The former Newcastle and England striker, who moved to Old Trafford on a free transfer this month, came on as a substitute for Wayne Rooney after 60 minutes with the score at 2-2 and made the most of his chance. Wearing the club's famous number seven shirt, he pounced with five minutes left, picking up the ball just inside the box and rounding the goalkeeper before planting a right foot shot into the net. It dug United out of a hole after they let a two goal lead, courtesy of Rooney and Nani, slip. Goalkeeping errors let the home team back in the game, with Amri Yahyah capitalising both times. "At 2-0 we were in a very nice position but the goal they got galvanised them and they gave us a real battle," admitted United coach Sir Alex Ferguson. "But I'm happy with what we did, it was out first game and we needed that type of game to get us going." He added that the winning goal was a typical Owen strike and one that didn't surprise him. "It was a typical Michael Owen goal. When Ryan (Giggs) went through the first man to react was Owen. It was a good start for him." Ferguson brought a 22-man squad to Asia and said ahead of the game he would start with his best 11 -- and it didn't include Owen. Instead, Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov led the attack with the promising Darron Gibson wide on the right and Nani on the left. Paul Scholes and Anderson were in the middle while Rio Ferdinand took the captain's armband ahead of Gary Neville. Joining him in defence was Patrice Evra, Johnny Evans and John O'Shea, with Edwin Van Der Sar in goal. Rooney had the first chance when he forced a fine save from goalkeeper Farizal Marlias after just two minutes with Evans also going close with a header from the resulting corner. The breakthrough came on seven minutes when Gibson sent the ball over from the right and Berbatov's shot was saved by Marlias only for Rooney to pick up the rebound for an easy tap in. Rooney was in the thick of the action and nearly made it 2-0 a minute later when his shot was tipped over the bar. United though were clearly rusty and missed the flair of Cristiano Ronaldo, with passes going astray and Malaysia being given too much room. Despite this, United doubled their lead on 27 minutes after Rooney timed a pass perfectly to Nani who slotted the ball home with his left foot from close range. But complacency crept in as half-time neared and Van Der Saar was caught napping by Yahyah who cleverly lobbed the ball over the Dutchman's head from 30 yards to set the crowd alight. Ben Foster replaced him for the second half but fared no better, committing a schoolboy error when he failed to clear a back pass, which Yahyah pounced on to draw Malaysia level after 52 minutes. It prompted Ferguson to make four substitutions with Owen, Wes Brown, Zoran Tosic and Fabio all coming on. The match looked headed for a draw before Owen worked some of his old magic to get their pre-season off on the right foot.

United agree terms for striker 17/07/2009 08:56, Report by Adam Bostock Manchester United and Molde F.K. are pleased to announce that they have agreed terms for the transfer of Mame Biram Diouf. The 21 year-old striker is to attend a medical in Manchester next week with a view to joining the club in January. Until that time he will remain with Molde F.K. on loan. Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur earlier today, Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We’ve been looking at him for two years. "We weren't intending on signing anyone else after [Gabriel Obertan] last week - we feel we have a full squad - but the situation accelerated to a point where other clubs started to make bids, so we had a decision to make. "We decided to act now and he’ll be the last person we sign this summer." To date, Diouf has scored 38 times in 73 appearances for Norwegian side Molde, the same club from which United signed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a virtual unknown in 1996. Diouf's impressive tally of 17 goals from 21 games so far this season includes a hat-trick in the first nine minutes of last Sunday's league match against Brann. He added a fourth strike, in the 27th minute, as Molde marched on to a resounding 5-2 victory. A fellow countryman of several UK-based players including Blackburn's El Hadji Diouf and Portsmouth's Papa Bouba Diop, Mame Biram Diouf has represented his native Senegal at youth, Under-21 and Olympic (Under-23) level. Mame Biram Diouf - Striker Born: 16 December 1987, Senegal Record at Molde F.K. (Norway) 2009 - 21 games, 17 goals (so far) 2008 - 29 games, 11 goals 2007 - 23 games, 10 goals

CF...3 juicy pieces of LEOPARD POTTERS WRASSES aka Macropharyngodon geoffroy up for GRABS !!! Hurry...Hurry !!! An active and peaceful fish. Provide plenty of hiding places. Does best when kept with other community tank mates. May be shy at first, but will quickly acclimate to its surroundings and spend more time out in the open. This fish requires a sand bed of at least 4 inches. Can be kept in groups. Diet should consist of fresh or frozen seafood such as mysis and brine shrimp, high quality flake food, and other small meaty items. Maximum Length: 6 in. Care Level: Difficult Family: Labridae Reef Compatibility: Reef safe. Minimum Aquarium Size: 55 gal. Range: Pacific Ocean: Hawaii, central Polynesia, Micronesia, East Indies. Diet: Carnivore- Meaty fare Water Conditions: 74-80 F; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4

MAN UNITED PRE-SEASON - Vidic sits out tour July 16, 2009 Nemanja Vidic was missing from the Manchester United squad that headed out to Malaysia on Thursday afternoon for the first leg of a four-match Far East tour. Although United have not given a reason for Vidic's absence, the defender was forced to pull out of a World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands last month after suffering an ankle injury in Serbia's victory over Austria. With Wes Brown and Gary Neville included in a 22-man party, there was no point risking Vidic, although Sir Alex Ferguson will hope to have the former Spartak Moscow man ready for the start of United's Premier League title defence against Birmingham on August 16. Of Ferguson's three new signings, only Michael Owen boarded the plane bound for Kuala Lumpur, where United will tackle a Malaysia XI on Saturday. The other players to miss out were the perenially injured Owen Hargreaves, Danny Welbeck, and Brazilian full-back Rafael Da Silva, who has been suffering with an ankle problem since the end of last season. The full squad is: Edwin van der Sar, Tomasz Kuszczak, Ben Foster; Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, Wes Brown, John O'Shea, Fabio da Silva; Nani, Zoran Tosic, Darren Fletcher, Anderson, Darron Gibson, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs; Michael Owen, Dimitar Berbatov, Federico Macheda, Wayne Rooney.

Certainly a veri SWEE tanky.

Man United cancel Jakarta game after bombings By Soccernet staff July 17, 2009 Manchester United have called off the Indonesian leg of their Far East tour after bomb blasts hit the hotel they were due to stay in. The squad arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Friday morning to news of the explosions over in Indonesia, one of which hit the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jakarta where the Red Devils were due to stay for four nights from Saturday. United play against a Malaysia XI in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday and were set to face an Indonesia All Star side in Jakata on Monday. After seeking advice from various parties, including the Foreign Office, United confirmed they would no longer be flying to the Indonesian capital, where nine people were tragically killed and 48 injured in the blasts. "Following the explosions in Jakarta - one of which was at the hotel the team were due to stay in - and based on advice received, the directors have informed the Indonesian FA that the club cannot fulfil the fixture in Jakarta on the 2009 Asia tour," United said in a statement. The match, scheduled for July 20, had been a 100,000 sell-out and the club are currently investigating the possibility of reorganising the tour. "We are working on a revised itinerary outside Indonesia with the promoters and we will make a further announcement when these decisions have been made," continued the statement. "We are deeply disappointed at not being able to visit Indonesia and thank the Indonesian FA and our fans for their support. "Our thoughts go to all those affected by the blasts." United could now remain in Kuala Lumpur until Wednesday, when they are due to fly into Seoul, South Korea, for a game on Friday. The Premier League club's pre-season tour of the Far East then concludes in China. Blasts at Jakarta Ritz, Marriott kill 9, wound 50 By ANTHONY DEUTSCH, Associated Press Writer Anthony Deutsch, Associated Press Writer – 31 mins ago JAKARTA, Indonesia – Suspected suicide bombers set off explosions that ripped through two luxury hotels in Jakarta Friday, killing nine and wounding at least 50 more, ending a four-year lull in terror attacks in the world's most populous Muslim nation. At least 18 foreigners were among the dead and wounded. The blasts at the J.W. Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels, located side-by-side in an upscale business district in the capital, blew out windows and scattered debris and glass across the street, kicking up a thick plume of smoke. Facades of both hotels were reduced to twisted metal. An Associated Press reporter at the scene saw bloodied bodies being shuttled away in police trucks. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the attack was carried out by a "terrorist group" and vowed to arrest the perpetrators. He said it was too early to say if the Southeast Asian Islamic militant group Jemaah Islamiyah, blamed for past attacks in Indonesia, including a 2003 bombing at the Marriott, was responsible. "Those who carried out this attack and those who planned it will be arrested and tried according to the law," a somber-looking Yudhoyono told a news conference. The Marriott was hit first, followed by the blast at the Ritz two minutes later. The attacks came just two weeks after presidential vote expected to re-elect Yudhoyono who has been credited with stabilizing a nation previously wracked by militancy. Theo Sambuaga, chairman of the parliamentary security commission, said "there are indications of suicide bombs" at the two hotels. "That is being investigated." Local MetroTV reported that investigators suspect the attackers may have been hotel guests, who smuggled explosives past security checks. An unexploded bomb was found on the 18th floor of the Marriott after the blasts and removed by an explosives disposal team, said an investigator who declined to be named because he was not authorized to speak to the media. But top anti-terror official Ansaad Mbai told AP it was too early to conclude suicide bombers were responsible. Security Minister Widodo Adi Sucipto told reporters at the scene the hotel blasts happened at 7:45 a.m. and 7:47 a.m. (0045 GMT, 8:45 p.m. EDT) and that "high explosives were used." He said at least nine people were killed and 50 wounded. Alex Asmasubrata, who was jogging nearby, said he walked into the Marriott before emergency services arrived and "there were bodies on the ground, one of them had no stomach," he said. "It was terrible." Anti-terror forces with automatic weapons were rushed to the site, and authorities blocked access to the hotels in a district also home to foreign embassies. "This destroys our conducive situation," Sucipto said, referring to the nearly four years since a major terrorist attack in Indonesia — a triple suicide bombing at restaurants at the resort island of Bali that killed 20 people. The security minister and police said a New Zealander was among those killed, and that 17 other foreigners were among the wounded, including nationals from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, South Korea the U.S. and Britain. The dead New Zealander was identified by his employer as Timothy David Mackay, 62, who worked for cement products manufacturer PT Holcim Indonesia. He was reportedly attending a business meeting at the Marriott Hotel when the explosions occurred. Noel Clay, a U.S. State Department spokesman in Washington, said that several American citizens were among the injured. Earlier, South Jakarta police Col. Firman Bundi said that four foreigners were killed, but gave no details. Manchester United football team canceled a planned visit to Indonesia. The team had been scheduled to stay at the Ritz on Saturday and Sunday nights for a friendly match against the Indonesian All Stars, the Indonesian Football association said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks, but terrorism analyst Rohan Gunaratna said the likely perpetrators were from the al-Qaida-linked Jemaah Islamiyah. "The only group with the intention and capability to mount attacks upon Western targets in Jemaah Islamiyah. I have no doubt Jemaah Islamiyah was responsible for this attack," he said. There has been a massive crackdown in recent years by anti-terror officials in Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim nation of 235 million, but Gunaratna said the group was "still a very capable terrorist organization." Police have detained most of the key figures in the Indonesia-based Jemaah Islamiyah, and rounded up hundreds of other sympathizers and lesser figures. But Gunaratna said that radical ideologues sympathetic to JI were still able to preach extremism in Indonesia, helping provide an infrastructure that could support terrorism. Jakarta chief of police operations, Arief Wahyunadi, said the blasts were in the Ritz-Carlton's Airlangga restaurant and in the basement of the Marriott. He gave no details on what kind of bombs were used and whether they were suicide attacks. Government spokesman Dino Patti Djalal told CNN the scene of the blasts were "eerie," when he arrived. "The bodies I saw, some were being collected, some were on the floor," he said. "What we know, of course, is this was a coordinated attack." When asked if Jemaah Islamiyah was behind the attack, Djalal said: "We always knew there are terrorists out there. But we've had a number of very good successes; no major attacks since the Bali bombings." He was referring to the October 2002 bombings of two Bali nightclubs that killed some 202 people, many of them foreign tourists. "This is a blow to us," Djalal said, but said the government would find those behind the attacks. "The president has built his reputation on ... anti-terrorism policies," he said. "Make no mistake, he will hunt whoever is behind this." Because of past attacks, most major hotels in Jakarta take security precautions, such as checking incoming vehicles and requiring visitors to pass through metal detectors. Still, international hotels make attractive targets, since the nature of their business requires them to be relatively open and accessible. On Friday, Australia and New Zealand updated their travel advisories, which had already warned against unnecessary travel to Indonesia because of the risk of terrorism. "We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Indonesia due to the very high threat of terrorist attack," the Australian Foreign Ministry said on its Web site. Those in Indonesia were warned to exercise "extreme caution." New Zealand urged its citizens in Indonesia to keep a low profile. Britain also updated its travel warning, though it did not raise its alert level. Associated Press writers Niniek Karmini and Ali Kotarumalos in Jakarta and Tanalee Smith in Adelaide, Australia, contributed to this report.

New Michael Jackson song leaked to celebrity website AFP - Friday, July 17 LOS ANGELES (AFP) - - A new Michael Jackson song titled "A Place with No Name" was unveiled on the celebrity news website TMZ.com on Thursday, three weeks after the death of the "King of Pop." The website, the first media outlet to report Jackson's death on June 25, carries a snippet of the song, saying it was unclear when it was recorded. The lyrics and the tune are similar to the 1971 hit ballad "A Horse with No Name" by the group America. "The band was honored that Michael chose to do their song and they hope it becomes available for all Michael's fans to hear," Jim Morey, America's current manager, told TMZ.com. Morey was also Jackson's manager in the late 1980s and early 1990s, according to TMZ.com. Jackson's death, at the age of 50 from an apparent cardiac arrest, has fueled sales of his music worldwide. Jackson Sings About Escapism On Previously Unreleased Song Posted Thu Jul 16, 2009 4:17pm PDT by Billy Johnson, Jr. A clip of a previously unreleased Michael Jackson song has hit the net, and it feels eerie. In the song "A Place With No Name," the late King of Pop sings about his desire to travel to a mysterious locale: "Take me to a place without no name." It is not clear when the song was recorded or if it is referring to a heaven-like utopia or a remote getaway. The 25-second snippet obtained by TMZ is an interpolation of America's song "A Horse With No Name" that reached Number 1 on The Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1972. Years ago, America's manager reportedly approved Michael's "A Place With No Name." Jim Morey, America's current manager who also represented Michael in the late '80s and early '90s, told TMZ that the band supported Michael's rendition. "The band was honored that Michael chose to do their song and they hope it becomes available for all Michael's fans to hear."

Jackson's Hair Horror 'Sparked Pill Addiction' 8 hours 25 mins ago ©Sky News 2009 A harrowing accident that happened while Michael Jackson was filming a commercial may have fuelled his addiction to painkillers, it has been claimed. Shocking new video footage has revealed the star was severely injured when his hair caught fire from a special effects explosion. The singer was filming a TV ad for Pepsi in the Los Angeles Auditorium in January 27, 1984 when disaster struck. Usmagazine.com's clip shows Jackson dancing on stage in a glittering suit while pyrotechnic displays explode around him, as planned. But during the sixth take the stunt goes horribly wrong - the fireworks go off too early and Jackson's hair catches on fire. At first Jackson is apparently unaware his head is on fire and continues dancing for several seconds until the crew descends on him to douse the flames. Jackson suffered second and third-degree burns on his scalp, face and body for which he had to have surgery. To relieve his injuries, the star was prescribed several medications, which kicked off his addiction to painkillers and obsession with plastic surgery, Usmagazine.com says. Sources close to Jackson have claimed he was never the same after the accident, the website adds. Powerful painkillers were discovered in Jackson's body when he died from a suspected cardiac arrest on June 25, aged 50. Reports have said Jackson regularly took a cocktail of up to eight painkillers to help him deal with the pain of his surgery and injuries. The day after his death, Jackson family lawyer Brian Oxman described the King of Pop's use of opiates as "extensive".

Police treating Jackson's death as homicide: report AFP - Thursday, July 16 LOS ANGELES (AFP) - - The Los Angeles Police Department is treating Michael Jackson's death as a homicide and is focusing on doctor Conrad Murray, entertainment website TMZ.com reported on Wednesday. The pop icon's family has spoken of "unanswered questions" concerning Murray's role in the final hours of Jackson's life. Murray's lawyers insist he has been cleared of wrongdoing. TMZ, citing "multiple" law enforcement sources, said "the evidence points to the anesthesia Propofol as the primary cause of Jackson's death." Law enforcement sources told TMZ there was already "plenty of powerful evidence" pointing to Murray, 51, as the person who administered the drug, whose brand name is Diprivan, to the "King of Pop." The evidence, TMZ said, includes items found in Jackson's rented mansion, including Propofol, an IV stand and an oxygen tank. The drug is used to induce unconsciousness in hospital patients ahead of major surgery and experts say it should only be administered by a trained anesthesiologist. The LAPD has already had "multiple conversations with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office, even though the case has not yet been formally presented to the district attorney, the celebrity website said. The report came after the Los Angeles County Coroner's office subpoenaed the superstar's dermatologist Arnold Klein on Tuesday, seeking "additional medical records" from the physician's Beverly Hills office. Investigators have been scrutinizing the possible role of drugs in the death of Jackson, who died on June 25 aged 50 after suffering an apparent cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles.

Sigh !...moi taut got 'EXOTICAS' to 'beow'. Why I waited until 44 to do my first NUDZ scene, by The Proposal star Sandra Bullock By Chris Johnson Last updated at 9:51 AM on 15th July 2009 It seems with age comes confidence for Hollywood star Sandra Bullock. For most of her career the actress has kept her clothes on for movie roles that have seen her play a string of prim - if a little geeky - characters such as Miss Congeniality. But now, aged 44, she has appeared in her first NUDZ scenes in her new film The proposal. Bullock joked that that she'll be stripping for more roles following the romantic comedy's runaway succes. The Proposal, due for release in the UK on July 22, debuted at the top of the U.S. box office and sees her star alongside Ryan Reynolds, the husband of Scarlett Johansson. Speaking to GMTV's Ben Shepherd yesterday, Sandra said appearing in the buff helped the film do well in America and pledged to bare all well into old age. She said: 'Box office like this - I’m going to be NUDZ in every single film! 'I’m going to be 70 years old - everything like hanging down - and I’m just going to walk by in random people’s films.' She continued: 'Come on, can you imagine me at 70, walking NUDZ in who’s film? Zac Efron! Zac Efron doing a big film – there I am, running NUDZ in the background. 'Just back and forth until someone notices. Big box office - they’re all going to want me in their film!' The actress went on to reveal the key to ‘bringing in the money’ is not filming NUDZ sex scenes - but by being NUDZ and funny. She said: 'If you’re NUDZ and you’re trying to be sexy - you don’t really make as much money as if you’re NUDZ and you’re funny. 'And Will Ferrell has been onto that for quite some time. Have you noticed how he drops his trousers in every single film? I’m going to do that from now on. Action film - all NUDZ !' The Proposal took $34.1million to open as the weekend's No 1 movie last month in the U.S. The Disney flick - which sees Sandra as a publishing executive who coerces her assistant (Reynolds) into a fake marriage so she can avoid deportation - delivered the biggest opening ever for the actress. It was nearly double that of her previous best of $17.6million for the 2007 paranormal thriller Premonition. The Proposal is Bullock's first romantic comedy since in five years since the 2005 movie Miss Congeniality 2: Armed & Fabulous. Bullock shot to fame 15 years ago in the 1994 action film Speed, in which she starred alongside Keanu Reeves. Speaking about the NUDZ scenes in The Proposal last month, Bullock said: 'It was all about choreography. 'I mean, literally when you read it on the page, you saw it, and then you realised, "OK, there is no way to shoot this unless you are buck NUDZ !" 'Then I went, "Go to the gym, cut out the carbs!"' The scene - which involves a NUDZ run-in sequence with costar Ryan Reynolds - took three days to film and over a dozen takes. Bullock added: 'Shooting it was odd. There are things stuck to areas that generally you don't have things [stuck to]. 'I mean, you have things covering [your body], but not stuck to it. And then they got unstuck, and oddly we didn't care because we were so tired.' Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/artic...7#ixzz0LO4rj7Oj