kueytoc

WOW...New ADDITIONS !

AT swee-mak-mak...Makan already ???

Singapore's GIC names new president, mgt reshuffle Reuters - 1 hour 47 minutes ago * Lim Siong Guan will also chair GIC Asset Management * Lee Ek Tieng to retire as chairman of GIC Asset Management * Unit is responsible for investments, strategy * Richard Hu to step down as chairman of GIC Real Estate SINGAPORE, June 18 - The Government of Singapore Investment Corp , which manages an estimated $200 billion-plus in assets, on Thursday named Lim Siong Guan as its group president from July 1. Lim, a former head of Singapore's civil service, will also be chairman of GIC Asset Management, the largest of its three operating units and responsible for investments in equities, fixed income, foreign currencies and natural resources. The unit is also responsible for the fund's absolute returns strategies. Lim, 62, will take charge of organisational development at GIC Asset Management as well as sister units GIC Real Estate, which handles property, and GIC Special Investments, which takes care of private equity and infrastructure investments. "The management changes will enable GIC to operate more effectively on an integrated basis," GIC Deputy Chairman and Executive Director Tony Tan said in a statement. GIC, which manages Singapore's foreign currency reserves, has ploughed billions into Citigroup <C.N> and UBS <UBSN.VX> and has said it will stick with its investments despite smaller sovereign wealth fund Temasek's [TEM.UL] recent move to offload shares in Bank of America <BAC.N> and Barclays <BARC.L>. Singapore's two funds have suffered from the global market turmoil, with GIC's portfolio falling 25 percent from a peak estimated at $300 billion, while Temasek's assets declined by 31 percent during March-November last year. Lee Ek Tieng, 75, another former civil service head, will retire as chairman of GIC Asset Management, while former finance minister Richard Hu, 82, will step down as chairman of GIC Real Estate. Tan will replace Hu as chairman of GIC Real Estate. GIC website: www.gic.com.sg

Eurosport - Wed, 17 Jun 16:02:00 2009 Club by club guide to the 2009/10 Premier League fixtures

Champions League - Six-match ban for Drogba Eurosport - Wed, 17 Jun 23:30:00 2009 Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been given a six-match European ban for his outburst during the club's Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. Ivory Coast captain Drogba harangued Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after the final whistle before directing a foul-mouthed tirade at a television camera. The final two matches of the ban are suspended for two years. Jose Bosingwa was given a four-game ban, with the final match suspended for two years, for also being "in breach of the principles of sportsmanship by insulting the referee by making offensive comments". Chelsea were fined £85,000 for the improper conduct of their players and the throwing of missiles by their fans. Either the club or the players may appeal against the decision within three days and Chelsea said on their website that they are considering a response. Barcelona went through to the final against Manchester United on away goals after the match at Stamford Bridge ended in a 1-1 draw. A tense semi-final second leg turned nasty when Barcelona's Andres Iniesta scored in the third minute of stoppage time to level an early goal by Michael Essien, sending Chelsea out of the competition on the away goals rule. Drogba, and other Chelsea players, were furious that several strong penalty claims had been turned down during the match. Bosingwa later described the referee as "a thief" when talking to Portuguese television. Both players later apologised for their reactions. Chelsea's Germany captain Michael Ballack escaped any punishment despite charging after Ovrebo when another penalty appeal was waved away as they searched for a last-gasp winner. Eurosport

Not a good idea as it may choke the outlet. And what is the rationale for putting chaeto in FR instead of in sump ?

Guess it's time to go to ya house to take some good shots of ya JOCCIE & Gems !

Any pic of ya baby JOCCIE ???

PMed U.

Premier League - Ronaldo: I love to be hated Eurosport - Sun, 14 Jun 19:39:00 2009 Cristiano Ronaldo has said he does not care if his proposed £80 million move to Real Madrid makes him an object of hate. The Portugal winger, who looks to be on the way out of Manchester United, claims he wants to "re-write the history of football". Ronaldo is set to seal a world record transfer to the Spanish giants this summer after United accepted a bid. He said in an interview with French magazine So Foot as reported in the News of the World: "I love it when people jeer me. I love to see the hate in their eyes, to hear the insults. It doesn't bother me. "It's true lots of people hate me but there are even more who love me and who support me. I feel bad only when I play badly. Fortunately, that happens rarely." He added: "I still have a long way to go. I really want to re-write the history of football. I am aware I'm already among the best of the best but I want to continue to write many more beautiful pages." Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United did well to Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford for as long as they did before finally succumbing to Real Madrid's advances. Ferguson insists it was out of the question to expect the player to stay any longer, telling The Mail on Sunday; "He wanted to leave, it's as simple as that. He was going to go some time." "We've done well to keep him for so long." Madrid's record swoop for the FIFA World Player of the Year is set to be concluded by June 30 PA Sport

This time he really is off Fri Jun 12 01:11PM Well, that hardly came as a surprise did it? Except for the size of the fee, it had been an open secret around Old Trafford that a deal had been struck last summer that Cristiano Ronaldo could leave this year for Real Madrid, so long as he hung on for another season, thus saving United's face. This after all, is a club that, in 22 years of Alex Ferguson's tenure has never let go a player they didn't want to leave. Also, back then, Ferguson had been convinced that within a year he could persuade the player to stay in Manchester, that his future lay with a club at the height of its powers. After all, why would he want to leave a team contending for the highest honours for one that is coming a distant second in its own country? But Ferguson was faced with a task impossible even for a man of his persuasiveness. Madrid's siren call was always significant for a player who grew up, like many a kid on the Iberian peninsula, regarding playing for Real as the ultimate footballing ambition. And if the club are mad enough to pay you a starting salary of £183,000 a week, rising by 25 per cent a year to £556,000 a week by the time your contract expires in five years' time, well it helps you realise it is the place you always wanted to play. The United manager began to realise early into what turned out to be Ronaldo's last season that maybe he should start planning for life without Cristiano. He had dealt with egos before. Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Ruud van Nistelrooy: these are not players uncertain of their own worth. But it wasn't Ronaldo's astonishing depths of self-regard that worried the United manager. It was his attitude. Increasingly he was tetchy on the field, not prepared to track back, endlessly falling over, behaving as if permanently victimised. Plus there was his attitude to his team-mates, the ill-concealed look of contempt when a pass did not arrive perfectly at his feet. Sure, there were still the goals, lots of them and important ones too, goals that accrued points, goals that made the difference. But this was no longer a team player. This was someone playing for himself and his own legend. And Ferguson doesn't much admire that sort of attitude. The breaking point came during the Manchester derby at Old Trafford in May. With fixtures piling up like jets over Heathrow, Ferguson wished to preserve his best player for battles ahead. With an hour gone and the game effectively won, he ordered the number seven to be illuminated on the substitute's board. When he saw he was to be taken off, Ronaldo looked visibly appalled. He stormed off the pitch, snatched a tracksuit offered by a member of United's staff and flung it to the ground. He then sat in the home dug out shaking his head in an extended, unabashed and very public sulk. Apparently, his mother was in attendance that day and he wanted to show off to her. Generally, Ferguson tends not to place the desire to please a player's mum above the needs of his team. That was it, the moment he realised he had to let the player go. By the time of the Champions League final, the player was halfway to Madrid. Which may explain the intense antipathy demonstrated during the game by the Barcelona captain Carlos Puyol, a lifetime Madrid loather: he was getting his kicks in early. And it was Ferguson's choice. Despite the conspiracy theorists gathering outside Old Trafford yesterday who assumed the Glazer family had snatched at Madrid's offer in the urgent requirement of using the transfer fee to pay off some of their gargantuan debt, they had, in fact, left the decision to the manager, a man of whom they are said to be terrified. So what now for United? Whatever his state of mind, losing their most effective player is a huge blow. Though Madrid have gifted them the funds in order to do so, you wonder if even three players bought in could adequately replace him. Sure, Antonio Valencia, Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema are all pretty useful. Even between them they might struggle to guarantee the goals and points Ronaldo brought on his own. As for the fans, well it is something of a relief. Sure, they will miss the goals. Sure they will miss the runs, the stepovers, the free-kicks. But at least now they will be able to rejoin the rest of football-supporting humanity in publicly acknowledging what they have long known but have previously been constrained by loyalty from articulating: that Ronaldo, he really is an arrogant prat, isn't he?

Nice MERLETTIs !!!

So far mine have been pretty docile & they always got 'walloped' by its distant fairy cousins.

Kordon's Fish Catcher is based on a traditional European design for aquarium keeping. It is made of non-toxic blow molded plastic that is either clear or with a slight green or blue tint. All edges are finished smoothly to protect the fish. Overall length of 16.5 inches is easy to hold and manuever, and the 4 inch diameter catching bowl is suitable for a wide variety of species and ages of fishes. The Fish Catcher is designed with round smooth sides so that the fish will not be snagged or scraped as they would be when using a typical net. The shape allows for easy capture and removal while holding the fish in the Fish Catcher's bowl of water. This product is especially useful for fishes with spiney rays that become snagged in nets.

Bro, the fishy not 'rare' lah. Every now & then, U can get it from AH BENG or IWARNA shipments. Depends on ya 'quickie' handjob.

British businesses say no economic growth until 2010 AFP - 2 hours 50 minutes ago LONDON (AFP) - - The British economy is stabilising but growth will not return until the beginning of 2010, and then it will still be slow, the country's leading business lobby group said Monday. In its latest forecast, the CBI said gross domestic product (GDP) would likely flatten out during the second half of 2009. "The UK economy is stabilising, with the worst of the quarterly falls in GDP behind us, but it will take until the beginning of next year before we see a return to growth," it said, adding that this growth will be "modest". It predicted the economy would retract by 0.1 percent in the third quarter of this year, zero percent in the fourth, and grow by 0.1 percent and 0.3 percent in the first two quarters of 2010. "The return to growth is likely to be a slow and gradual one; difficult credit conditions are still affecting business behaviour," said CBI director general Richard Lambert. He noted some analysts had begun to speak of "green shoots" in the recession-hit economy, including the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) which said that GDP grew in April, but expressed caution. "It will take some time before we can be sure these shoots have roots we can depend on for sustainable growth and, in the meantime, the government must do everything it can to help firms get access to credit," he said. The CBI forecast that by the end of the recession, Britain's economy will have shrunk by a cumulative 4.8 percent, including 3.9 percent this year, after five successive quarters of retraction. This is not as severe as the recession of the early 1980s, when GDP fell by a cumulative 5.9 percent, it said, and predicted growth of 0.7 percent in 2010. The business group said Britain's labour market was proving to be "even more flexible than hoped", with private sector employees accepting wage freezes and short-time working, and said this would limit job losses this year. Yet unemployment is still likely to continue rising to a peak of 3.03 million or 9.6 percent in the second quarter of 2010. On public finances, the CBI estimated that net borrowing will reach 12.2 percent of GDP in 2009-2010 financial year and 12.6 percent the following year.

Singapore struggles, waiting for West to rebound By ALEX KENNEDY, Associated Press Writer AP - Friday, June 12 SINGAPORE - This speck on the map leapt from poverty to First World riches in a generation. Now its halcyon years of breakneck growth may be over. Ask none other than Lee Kuan Yew, the authoritarian statesman who oversaw Singapore's transformation from a malarial outpost of the British Empire to a modern city-state churning out hard-drives, medicines and deepwater oil rigs for export. Premier from 1959 to 1990, he squashed dissent and steered the tropical island into embracing globalization. It reaped the economic benefits, becoming the world's fourth-richest country as Western consumers sent global trade soaring. Now Singapore's top customers _ the U.S., Japan and Europe _ are mired in the biggest global slump since World War II and may take years to recover their normal growth. Lee, currently an adviser to his son, prime minister Lee Hsien Loong, acknowledges it's improbable that China along with other Asian nations can pick up the slack. It will take "decades" for Asians to shake off their traditional caution and tendency to save rather than spend, he says. "The Chinese always believe there may be an earthquake. So do the Japanese," Lee said last month in Japan. "We'll have to wait for the American economy," he said. Fellow Asian "tigers" Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea have also been hammered by the global crisis. But Singapore is the most dependent on trade, with exports equal to a whopping 185 percent of gross domestic product. As a result, the Southeast Asian city-state is reeling from its deepest recession since splitting from a short-lived federation with neighboring Malaysia in 1965. The International Monetary Fund forecasts GDP to shrink 10 percent in 2009, the most of any major Asian economy. So far, there are few signs the downturn is threatening the ruling party's five-decade hold on power. Singapore _ known for its ban on chewing gum sales and canings for crimes some countries would rule as minor _ strictly controls public speech and assembly though has become socially more liberal and allowed greater artistic freedom in recent years. The People's Action Party, which engineered yearly growth averaging 7.7 percent since 1961, is also doing what it can to soften the blows. Officials are aiming to boost tourism with two casinos and promoting the island as a private banking haven for wealthy foreigners but concede no amount of tinkering can eliminate the tiny nation's weaknesses. Singapore's 4.8 million population, 683 square kilometers of land _ a fourth the size of Luxembourg _ and lack of natural resources leave it with little choice but to sway with the global winds of trade and finance. A speech by the prime minister this week welcomed the creation of a high-level committee to plot fresh directions for the economy. Yet it offered nothing new by touting Singapore as a base for corporate head offices and center for biotechnology research and drugs production. Considerable hopes are also pinned on financial services as a bilingual Chinese-English work force and political stability have spawned a busy wealth management sector. But after years of promoting its finance industry, Singapore does not yet rival Hong Kong as a regional financial center. "The road ahead will be difficult. First we have to see through this global economic storm. Beyond that, we face a new world," Lee Hsien Loong said. Many economists expect the U.S. to emerge from recession later this year, but say the strength of the recovery is uncertain. U.S. consumer spending may take several years to return to pre-crisis levels as Americans pay down debt and build savings. "U.S. consumers seem to be undergoing a change in mind-set for the first time in a generation or two," said Quentin Fitzsimmons, a fund manager for London-based Threadneedle. "You shouldn't look to the U.S. consumer to lead us out of this recession." The collapse in demand for Singapore's exports is already putting pressure on wages. Growth in real household incomes slowed to 5.7 percent in 2008 from 7.5 percent the previous year while incomes of the bottom 10 percent of households stagnated even with increased government aid for the poor. GDP per person this year is expected to slide to about $32,000 from nearly $37,700 last year. Analysts at Credit Suisse predict an exodus of 200,000 foreign professionals and other workers from the island, adding to a collapse in house prices. Singaporeans still flock to the swanky malls that line Orchard Road, a shopping strip famous in the region. But they mostly eyeball the luxury goods rather than buy. "Right now, I don't feel like I can afford Fendi," said Yolanda Wong, a 27-year-old accountant, as she window shopped at the Italian designer fashion store. "I still have my job, but when I see other people losing their jobs or taking pay cuts, it makes me afraid and want to save," she said. Freddie Lim, manager of a boutique selling watches with prices as high as $1 million Singapore dollars ($692,000), said sales are down 20 to 30 percent. "Our regular customers, who may buy several watches a year when the economy is good, are telling us they are worried about the future and putting off big purchases. People say this downturn could last three years," he said. The government has sought to stem layoffs and keep living standards from slipping by dipping into its $174 billion pot of international reserves for the first time to help finance a $13 billion fiscal stimulus package. It is subsidizing the wages of the lowest paid workers. Officials, meanwhile, have pledged to remain faithful to low-tax policies that have successfully attracted foreign investment. Even so, the return of Singapore's once booming growth hinges on the big developed economies bouncing back strongly in the next two years, said Selena Ling, an economist with OCBC, a leading bank in Singapore. "The golden age of growth may be past," she said.

Singapore economy seen shrinking 6.5 pct in 2009 AP - Wednesday, June 10 SINGAPORE - Singapore analysts cut forecasts for 2009 economic growth _ and now expect a deeper recession _ as the global slowdown hurts demand for the city-state's exports. The country's gross domestic product will likely shrink 6.5 percent this year, according to the median forecast of 19 economists in a quarterly survey that the central bank released Wednesday. In the previous survey in March, analysts had expected the economy to contract 4.9 percent this year. But they boosted their forecast for 2010 growth to a 4.2 percent expansion from 3.3 percent. Analysts foresee manufacturing leading this year's decline by falling 14 percent, while financial services drop 4.1 percent and wholesale and retail trade slide 11 percent. Construction, buoyed by a $13 billion government stimulus package announced in January, is the only sector analysts expect to grow this year, up 16 percent. Analysts said the economy will likely shrink 7.7 percent in the second quarter from a year earlier, more than their 6.9 percent forecast in March, said the central bank, known as the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The analysts expect the economy to contract 6.6 percent in the third quarter and 1.2 percent in the fourth quarter. Non-oil exports, which account for about 60 percent of the Singapore's GDP, plummeted 26 percent in the first quarter as demand from the U.S, Europe and Japan dried up. Analysts expect non-oil exports to fall 14.5 percent this year. The economy fell a seasonally adjusted, annualized 14.6 percent in the first quarter from the previous quarter and slid 10.1 percent from a year earlier. The government expects the economy to contract between 6 percent and 9 percent this year. Prices will likely fall 0.5 percent this year compared to a forecast of an increase of 0.2 percent in March, the survey showed. The inflation rate was 6.5 percent last year. The unemployment rate will probably jump to 4.2 percent this year from 2.6 percent, according to the analyst survey.

Dun forget to bring this 'WEAPON' !

Another EXCELLENT magazine !!!...Introducing ReefLife Magazine ReefLife | May/June 2009 Issue May 1st, 2009 It’s finally here, the first issue of ReefLife magazine, and we know it has been well worth the wait! Not just your average reef aquarium magazine, ReefLife deals with broader topics of interest to divers, those interested in conservation and exploring natural habitats, and armchair aquarists alike. The following articles and columns deal with the latest fishes and corals available to the trade, what’s new in the world of the professional aquarist and much, much more. Take a look at the contents of this premier issue, and then join us as we continue to explore the truly amazing marine ecosystem in the issues to come! The Marbled Shrimp in the Genus Saron - Zoologist Tristan Lougher surveys the members of this ornate shrimp genus that are most often encountered by divers and aquarists, and includes information on their natural history and aquarium husbandry. Sarondipity - Roger Steene is considered by most marine animal photographers as the best in the world. In this amazing portfolio, he shares images of some of his favorite animals, the Saron shrimps. Komodo Dreams - Photojournalist extraordinaire, Fred Bavendam, takes us on a search for the rare and exotic on the reefs around Komodo Island, Indonesia. This article includes some of his beautiful photos documenting undescribed and rare species, as well as images showing unique Komodo reef habitats sure to inspire any underwater enthusiast. Flame Wrasse Fever - John Hoover, marine animal photographer and writer, shares the challenges involved in capturing the ultimate flame wrasse (Cirrhilabrus jordani) photos. John includes notes on the behavior of this stunning wrasse. Recently Available Fairy Wrasses - The world’s leading authority on the Cirrhilabrus, Dr. Hiroyuki Tanaka examines some of the species of fairy wrasses that are new to the aquarium trade, including some newly discovered and undescribed species! An Introduction to the Tridacnid Clams and Their Care - James Fatherree, tridacnid expert and author, provides an overview of what is required to keep these amazing mollusks in captivity. James includes an extensive look at their care requirements, as well as information on their biology. Amazing Montipora Corals - Aquarist/biologist Jake Adams looks at this amazing genus and includes plenty of photographic “eye candy†that is sure to have you “Montie†fans drooling! “What Is It??†A Tale Of Two Softies - Dr. Ronald Shimek reviews scientific research conducted on the taxonomy of soft corals - in particular, how to separate the genera Lobophytum and Sarcophyton, and the species within these two taxa. You will be surprised at the researchers’ findings! Sleeper Gobies in the Genus Valenciennea - Aquarist/biologist Tristan Lougher examines the Valenciennea gobies, and helps unravel some of the challenges associated with keeping these utilitarian fishes in captivity. Caribbean Rose Coral (Manicina areolata) - This interesting coral occupies a unique ecological niche and is one of the few non-cryptic Caribbean stony corals to be legally available in the aquarium trade. Biologist and coral care expert Jake Adams provides insight into its natural history and aquarium care. The Perfect Coral: Euphyllia - With large, showy polyps in various shades of green, yellow and pink, the sight of a large Euphyllia colony with its tentacles gently swaying in the current can make for a mesmerizing display. In this article, J. Charles Delbeek, pro-aquarist and biologist, explores the natural history and husbandry requirements of these “perfect†corals. Coral Reefs Receive Conservation First-Aid - Zoologist and aquarium-pro, Bruce Carlson, discusses how the Georgia State Aquarium has teamed-up with The Nature Conservancy and local islanders to save coral reefs and their inhabitants. The article is illustrated with amazing photos taken at the Arnavons Community Marine Conservation Area by Marj Awai. “Crikey!†Two True Gems From Down Under - There are many more unusual fishes that are now regularly making their way into the marine aquarium hobby. In this article, professional fish-keeper, Kevin Kohen, examines two beauties that are being exported from Australia - the bluestriped Tamarin wrasse (Anampses femininus) and Choat’s leopard wrasse (Macropharyngodon choati). And much more!

Flame Wrasse spawning caught on video In case you haven’t seen it yet, our very own senior editor Jake Adams has a nice little write up in Advanced Aquarist on a spawning harem of flame fairy wrasses, Cirrhilabrus jordani. The video above captures the courtship and gamete release but make sure to head over to AA to read the article in it’s entirety.

Ronaldo to leave Manchester United for Real Madrid Fri 12 Jun, 02:32 AM MANCHESTER (AFP) - Manchester United have agreed to sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a world record 80 million pounds, the club said. "Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of 80 million pounds for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid," said a statement on its website, under the headline "Reds accept £80m Ronaldo bid." The statement continued: "At Cristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player. "Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice." Ronaldo described his move as "historic", according to comments in the British press Friday. "The deal is historic -- that is quite a sum of money," the 24-year-old was quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror from Los Angeles, where he is on holiday with his family. "It's flattering when two of the top teams in the world want you to play for them. "I learned about the deal here in LA and have heard from my people that Manchester United has accepted. However, I have also been told that Madrid want to have a medical team look at me as expected. "I am on vacation and will remain in LA for a bit more." Real confirmed they had approached United with a bid for Ronaldo but gave no indication of the fee involved. "The club hopes to reach an agreement with the player in the coming days," a statement on the club website read. Ronaldo's United and Portugal team-mate Nani admits his compatriot will be missed, but he believes the English champions have enough quality to guarantee more success in the future. "Cristiano's departure is not impossible to fix," Nani said. "He will be missed but United have other players who can replace him." Ronaldo has long been a target for the Spanish giants, whose recently-returned president Florentino Perez vowed earlier this week to do "everything possible" to take the 24-year-old to the Bernabeu. The news comes just days after Real clinched the 56-million-pound transfer of Brazilian playmaker Kaka from Italian side AC Milan as they look to compete with arch-rivals Barcelona on the domestic front and such as Manchester United and Chelsea in the Champions League. United fans have repeatedly been told no deal had been agreed for the sale of FIFA's world player of the year in the face of regular statements from Spain the former Sporting Lisbon star was bound for the Bernabeu. But it has been reported in England that Ronaldo, who is currently on holiday in Los Angeles, earlier this year had agreed a pre-contract with the Spanish club worth 8.3 million pounds a year over the next five years. He has been keen to join Real for 18 months and it took a last-ditch plea from United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to persuade him to stay at Old Trafford last year. Ronaldo, who joined United for 12 million pounds in 2003, had made it clear he wanted a new challenge after winning the Champions League in 2008. But Ferguson flew to Lisbon and talked him into one more year with United before reporting Real to FIFA for an illegal approach. However, Ronaldo, who is contracted to United until 2012, was never fully embraced by fans or team-mates after his flirtation with Real. His name was sung less at Old Trafford and there was a noticable drop-off in his performances. Although he scored 18 league goals and helped United to the Premier League title, Ronaldo was often an uninterested bystander for long periods in matches. Cracks in his relationship with Ferguson began to show when Ronaldo reacted angrily to being substituted against Manchester City and then criticised the United manager's tactics after the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona. He clearly feels he is in danger of growing stale and the chance to be part of Real's new galaticos project will appeal to a player never shy of playing on his star quality. Ferguson had previously insisted he "wouldn't sell that mob a virus" when asked about the possibility of allowing Ronaldo to join Real. But the Scot has run out of patience with Ronaldo's hankering to move to Spain and has finally decided to cash in on his prize asset. United's debts of 700 million pounds must also have played a role in the club's decision to accept the offer. Ronaldo scored 118 goals for United, including 42 in 2007-08 alone, and it will hard for Ferguson to replace the star. Moves for one or more of Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery, Wigan's Antonio Valencia and Lyon forward Karim Benzema would go someway to filling the void. Real's cash could allow Ferguson to keep Carlos Tevez, who had appeared close to leaving after United refused to meet the 32 million pounds price tag set by his economic rights holders, although the two parties remain apart on the Argentine's wage demands. Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he expected United to be stronger from the sale of Ronaldo. "He's one of the most brilliant players in the world. I think people will be sad that he's lost to the game in England," Brown said of Ronaldo. "At the same time, I know Sir Alex Ferguson well, and I know he'll have plans that will be rebuilding and renewing his team," he told BBC. "And I would expect that Manchester United and English football will emerge not weaker, but emerge in a new way and probably stronger in the long run".

Let Him GO !!! Transfers - Cristiano Ronaldo: The full saga Eurosport - Thu, 11 Jun 10:04:00 2009 A blow-by-blow account of the Cristiano Ronaldo transfer war between Manchester United and Real Madrid 27 January 2007 - Sir Alex Ferguson: "We sell players we want to sell and there is absolutely no way Cristiano Ronaldo is leaving." 29 January 2007 - Ronaldo: "I know about Real Madrid's interest but I cannot speak about it. I have discussed the matter with Alex Ferguson and Carlos Queiroz and they have prohibited me from talking about Real Madrid." 6 February 2007 - Barcelona vice-president Ferran Soriano says the club have the funds to buy Ronaldo: "Barça can sign anybody they want in economic terms; the only limit is common sense." 9 February 2007 - Ferguson: "When [Real and Barcelona have] got a big game they can fill their grounds but they don't fill it every week. Old Trafford is full every week." 15 February 2007 - Sporting Lisbon's former youth-team coach reveals that Real Madrid turned down the chance to sign Ronaldo in 2003 16 February 2007 - Ferguson says he is confident that United will hold on to Ronaldo: "I am very confident. Very, very confident." 19 February 2007 - Internazionale president Massimo Moratti declares his interest, with the Serie A champions tipped to table a £35m bid. 8 March 2007 - Ronaldo: "Everyone knows that I love Spain. I would like to play in Spain one day. However I am happy here at Manchester. If I don't leave now, if I leave in two, three, four, five years, I would be happy. I am at a great club." 21 March 2007 - Ronaldo: "I consider myself a United footballer who is playing well and trying to help the team. If things keep going well, I want to stay here. I'm not a Galactico. I'm only thinking about United and I want to stay here for more than two more years." 13 April 2007 - Ronaldo pens a new five-year contract, saying: "I am delighted. I spoke with Sir Alex and [chief executive] David Gill about my future and everyone knew that I wanted to stay. I am very happy at the club and I want to win trophies and hopefully we will do that this season." 22 April 2007 - Ronaldo wins both PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards. 11 January 2008 - David Gill: "There's no chance of us selling him. Absolutely no way, whatever the money." 22 January 2008 - Ronaldo's mother says she could "die happy" if her son moves to Real. 23 January 2008 - Real sporting director Predrag Mijatovic: "I see it as an impossible signing. Of course it would not be bad for us to have a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, but he is at a great club like Manchester United." 2 April 2008 - Real coach Bernd Schuster: "In these types of things it is best to be realistic. Cristiano Ronaldo right now is a ten out of ten, the best in the world. But I don't see Manchester United as being in the business of selling." 2 May 2008 - Ronaldo is voted Footballer of the Year - only the second player to win the award in successive seasons since its introduction 60 years ago. 11 May 2008 - Real say they are willing to pay 120 million euros (£100m) for Ronaldo. 16 May 2008 - Ronaldo: "I have said a thousand times that I have one dream - to play in Spain. Sometimes your dreams don't come true but I dream, I still dream, and I am happy at Manchester United, but the future? Nobody knows." 20 May 2008 - Gill: "He's got four more years until 2012, he's been with us for five years and we're sure he'll be with us for many years to come. He's clearly one of the best players in the world and he's at a great club, winning trophies." 23 May 2008 - Ferguson condemns Real's lack of moral fibre, comparing them to former fascist dictator General Franco: "Do you not think we've had much interest from the big clubs in Europe about our best players? Of course we have, but they don't get into the nonsense Real get into. They've no moral issues at all. They think that they can ride roughshod over everyone, but they won't with us." 27 May 2008 - United threaten to report Real to FIFA over their attempt to buy Ronaldo, condemning their behaviour as "totally unacceptable" just hours after Real coach Bernd Schuster describes Ronaldo as: "The big priority for the club." 5 June 2008 - Ronaldo: "I would like to play for Real Madrid but only if it is true they are ready to pay what Manchester United ask of them. However, it does not depend on me." 6 June 2008 - Ronaldo's mother claims her son will stay at Old Trafford next season. "He is fine where he is," said Dolores Aveiro. "The future only God knows, but what is sure is that he is going to continue in England." 7 June 2008 - United captain Rio Ferdinand urges Ronaldo to stay, saying: "I want Ronny to stay and help us win more. We want to achieve things because we can. You can't stand still." 9 June 2008 - United make an official complaint about Real to FIFA. 11 June 2008 - Madrid president Ramon Calderon insists that he will not be put off Ronaldo by any asking price. 16 June 2008 - FIFA ask the Spanish Football Federation to keep their eye on Real Madrid. 19 June 2008 - Real Madrid say they are waiting for Ronaldo to make the first move that would allow them to start negotiations with United. 19 June 2008 - The 23-year-old tells reporters after Portugal's 3-2 Euro 2008 quarter-final defeat by Germany that there was a strong possibility he would leave Old Trafford. 20 June 2008 - United reiterate that he is "not for sale" in a statement. 21 June 2008 - Ronaldo describes a move to Real as "a dream" and "a step forward", and says he does not mind if he upsets Ferguson: "It is my decision. It is what I want. I don't know what I have to say to him. I have to say what I want and what I think." 22 June 2008 - Real boss Bernd Schuster claims he woud pay 100 million euros (around £80 million) to seal Ronaldo's move. 5 July 2008 - Real president Ramon Calderon admits that Ronaldo is "likely to stay" at United as any move would require "Manchester to want it". 7 July 2008 - Ronaldo undergoes surgery on his ankle in Amsterdam. Calderon, meanwhile, claims that: "If I was Manchester United I'd be happy and proud to be able to negotiate such a transfer for one of my players. Everything would be a lot easier if United realised that they could pull off the transfer of the century." 9 July 2008 - FIFA President Sepp Blatter says United should let Ronaldo leave, claiming their refusal to sell him equates to "modern slavery". 10 July 2008 - Ronaldo says he "agrees completely" with Blatter's remarks comparing him to a slave, adding that he has no idea where he will be playing next season. 13 July 2008 - Portugal's national team doctors confirm that Ronaldo will not play for 12 weeks as he recovers from ankle surgery. 18 July 2008 - Sir Alex Ferguson claims Ronaldo will definitely stay at United following talks with the winger in Lisbon. 20 July 2008 - Ronaldo says his future is still undecided despite talks with Ferguson, saying: "I don't know about the future." 22 July 2008 - David Gill reminds anyone who has spent the last two years in a coma that Ronaldo is not for sale. 5 August 2008 - Real sign of Dutch international midfielder Rafael van der Vaart from Hamburg. Calderon implies Real have given up on Ronaldo by saying: "He [Van der Vaart] is the first and almost certainly the last signing we will make this season." Hours later, Ferguson says: "The matter is closed now. He is a Manchester United player, it's finished." 7 August 2008 - Ronaldo confirms that he will stay at United, saying: "Before rumours emerge saying that I will play against my will, I want to make this clear - whoever says or writes that is lying. I will play for Manchester with all my heart and soul. I will fight and honour that shirt with the same commitment and dedication as always." But Ronaldo refuses to rule out a future move to the Bernabeu. 8 October 2008 - Real Madrid forward, Ruud van Nistelrooy says he is confident Ronaldo will be joining next summer. The former Manchester United man says, "one day Ronaldo will join us. This could happen next summer, or the one after," 2 December 2008 - Ronaldo wins the Ballon d'Or. 10 December 2008 - Real Madrid manager, Bernd Schuster, states his belief that Ronaldo will be joining them next summer, "I think that next year it is going to be a little more complicated for his club to retain him. There is hope that next year he could be with us, you need to do everything possible because this player is worth it," 11 December 2008 - Ramon Calderon says that the Ronaldo transfer saga has all instigated by Ronaldo. "The player said he wanted to come here, a dream to come to Real Madrid and we received and we were happy to know that. After that I talked to Manchester but David Gill was very clear and said they didn't want to sell at all. We want to have a good relation with all the big clubs in Europe and Manchester is one of the best and I like to have a good relationship with them forever, and they said for the moment no." 18 December 2008 - Real Madrid director Pedro Trapote reveals that Real Madrid has already signed Ronaldo. But they cannot officially announce it due to contractual reasons. Despite this, he states: "If you are asking me what we are going to do now then I would tell you that we have already signed the best player for the summer. The best of the best. It is Cristiano, there is no other. It is best to not say anything because there are some clauses that prevent us from announcing it now. For us it would be a good time, but we should not do that." 1 January 2009 - Ronaldo says the situation has all been a lie and accuses people of lying about his situation: "What people are saying now is not true. Who says that is a liar because I am happy at the club, I want to stay here. I feel at home here. I feel very happy here." 8 January 2009 - Ronaldo crashes his £200,000 Ferrari 599 GTP Fiorano in a tunnel near Manchester airport. 14 January 2009 - Alex Ferguson states that Ronaldo: "Owes a lot to Manchester United for nurturing and encouraging him in the proper way at the right times." 16 January 2009 - Ramon Calderon quits as Real Madrid president following allegations of vote rigging. Florentino Perez (he of the Galactico era) becomes the favourite to take over and rumours begin to circulate that the signing of Ronaldo will be on Perez's list. 17 February 2009 - Acting Real Madrid president, Vicente Bolouda reiterates his club's confidence that Ronaldo will come to the Spanish capital. "I am convinced we will see him at the Bernabeu." 21 March 2009 - Fernao Sousa, Ronaldo's godfather, encourages him to leave Manchester United, thinking Real will make him an offer he can't refuse: "The mistake last year was to speak about Madrid so much. This year hardly anyone is saying anything and it is certain the transfer will go much better." 6 April 2009 - Ronaldo told to stop being a wuss by double Olympic champion, Usain Bolt. Interestingly, the Jamaican believes that he needs to behave more like Wayne Rooney. 18 April 2009 - Ronaldo is happy and wants to win more trophies with the Red Devils. "I am very happy here. I want to win more trophies here. At the moment I think I am at the right club. And I want to win trophies next season as well." 5 May 2009 - Manchester United have a reported bid of £60 million bid for Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery rejected. Is this a hint that they are lining up a replacement for Ronaldo. 10 May 2009 - Ronaldo reacts angrily to being substituted by Alex Ferguson against Manchester City 12 May 2009 - Spanish newspaper, El Pais, reports Ronaldo and Manchester United have signed agreements on the deal. 27 May 2009 - United lose the Champions League final 2-0 to Barcelona prompting Ronaldo to describe Ferguson's tactics as "not good". 2 June 2009 - Newly elected Real president Florentino Perez describes Ronaldo as a "model" signing as reports emerge the Spanish club will pay him £20m if they FAIL to sign him in the summer. 11 June 2009 - United confirm they have accepted an £80m bid for Ronaldo from Real Madrid, saying the player asked to leave Old Trafford. Compiled by Alex Chick and Dan Rumens / Eurosport

Bro, U may want to check around the area for pests.

SELL !...SELL !...SELL ! 'United will sell Ron for £85million' By NEIL CUSTIS Published: Today CRISTIANO RONALDO is heading for a showdown with Alex Ferguson amid claims Manchester United will sell their star for £85million. Reports in Spain yesterday insisted United's chief executive David Gill had quoted Real Madrid president Florentino Perez £85m for the winger. But Ronaldo, on holiday in Los Angeles, will have to put in a transfer request and tell United boss Fergie eye-to-eye that he wants to quit Old Trafford for the Bernabeu. Ferguson flew out to Lisbon last summer to persuade Ronaldo, 24, to stay with the Red Devils after a summer in which the player pushed for a move to Madrid. But Fergie will not go chasing the player this time - and the meeting will be on his terms back in Manchester. Once again, he will try to talk him round. But the growing feeling is that if a world-record bid comes in and the player is again adamant he wants out, then a deal will be done. SunSport revealed before the Champions League final that Ronaldo had told close friends he wanted a new challenge. The Portugal ace is now relishing the chance to be part of the revival at Real under returning club president Perez. Even though Perez has already splashed £62m on Kaka from AC Milan, he is willing to smash that world transfer figure again for Ronaldo.