THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT !!!

[kueytoc]

Indian firm Venky's plan Blackburn takeover

AFP - Wednesday, October 27

LONDON (AFP) - – Blackburn Rovers are in takeover talks with Indian company Venky's and hope to complete a sale next month, the Premier League side confirmed Tuesday.

Blackburn chairman John Williams said in a statement on the club's website that a series of meetings between officials from Rovers and Venky's had already taken place as well as an "extensive" due diligence process.

"Both parties are hopeful that the transaction will be completed in November," Williams confirmed.

Venky's chairperson Anuradha Desai said in the statement the company was looking forward to becoming the first Indian owners of a Premier League team.

"We expect to be the first Indian company to acquire a Premier League team and we are particularly delighted that the team is Blackburn Rovers, with whom we believe we have many shared values and ambitions," Desai said.

Venky's is established as Asia's largest poultry group and has an annual turnover of 1 billion pounds, last year recording a profit of 118 million pounds, according to reports in England.

The company is one of a number of firms which have gone through the process of due diligence and inspected Blackburn's accounts.

The Jack Walker Trust put Rovers up for sale two years ago in the hope of attracting buyers willing to invest in the club, but Venky's is the first company to have satisfied club chiefs about their intentions.

Rovers have been scouring the globe for a potential buyer for several months and manager Sam Allardyce last week said he was looking forward to the prospect of new investment into the team.

"The club has been for sale for some time and new investment would be most welcome," Allardyce said.

"Investment is needed at every football club and investment here has dried up somewhat because of the club being up for sale.

"We have a strong base at Rovers, a very good club which is run and managed very professionally indeed. Blackburn Rovers has a strong history and it could have a bright future given the right sort of investment."

Established in 1875, Blackburn were one of the founding members of the Football League.

They were also the last club from outside the established big four of Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool to win the Premier League, lifting the title in 1995. They are currently lying just above the relegation zone in 17th place.

India may not be a top footballing nation, but its vast population and commercial potential makes it one of the biggest untapped markets for the sport.

Last year, Manchester United approached the Sahara group for a shirt sponsorship deal when the club's four-year 100 million dollar deal with AIG drew to a close.

Sahara, which sponsors the Indian cricket team, is a group with interests from financial services to real estate. The deal did not work out.

Sahara, headed by Subrata Roy, and Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani were later reported to be bidding to buy Liverpool before both pulled out.

Before Venky's came on the scene, little-known Indian entrepreneur Ahasan Ali Syed had also bid for Blackburn.

The Premier League is followed with keen interest in India where matches are beamed live.

[kueytoc]

Premier League - Homesick Tevez 'wants to leave'

Wed, 27 Oct 09:02:00 2010

Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz claims that Carlos Tevez is so homesick that he wants to leave Eastlands and return to Argentina.

The Guardian, Daily Mirror and Daily Star all run big headlines with the shocking news, which comes from a Spanish radio interview with Tevez's Paraguayan team-mate.

"Your heart goes out to his family," Santa Cruz said when asked about Tevez. "He wants to be among his people, who are in Argentina.

"His siblings and his daughters are also there. When you feel that your homeland is calling you back, you could end up giving up everything to return."

Santa Cruz also goes on to confirm that he too is hankering for an exit, admitting that he is desperate to leave in January after making just 20 appearances since joining the side in the summer of 2009.

"Competition for places is great and I'm working every day to try and convince the coach - but I'm still not getting picked," explained the £17.5 million striker.

"I'm not getting the playing time to convince anybody and my priority is to leave in the January transfer market."

If the Daily Mail is to be believed, that wish could be granted in the form of a bid from Fulham boss Mark Hughes, the man who brought Santa Cruz to City, and indeed to English football in the first place while he was at Blackburn.

And spookily enough Blackburn is in the news this morning due to the impending takeover by an Indian company that has made billions in poultry farming, with The Sun's pun editor having run riot on the piece.

"It's a Chicken Tikka-way," runs the story's strapline, going on to add, "Indian Chicken firm Ventry's reckon Blackburn are a golden nugget... the firm have hatched a plan to buy the Ewood Park club in late November, provided there are no late fowl-ups."

In the latest Rooneygate news, the Daily Star and The Sun both run the same front page picture of Coleen Rooney in a bikini (more pictures inside!), albeit accompanying very different stories.

The Sun's piece claims that Wayne Rooney "was never going to leave United", something which he apparently told a fan who accosted him during his holiday in Dubai, and which adds grist to the mill for the paper's sustained campaign to besmirch Rooney's agent Paul Stretford.

The Daily Star takes a different view: "Coleen's £10k ###### job" runs the headline, with the piece going on to speculate that Roo has placated his missus by sending her under the knife.

"At least one Rooney has dazzling form up front!" the paper added of what it described as "a new pair of bumper ######."

Not much transfer gossip around today, but Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is planning a bid for Shakhtar Donetsk and Croatia full-back Darijo Srna, according to the Daily Mirror, while the same paper reports that Manchester City are tracking Sporting Lisbon defender Daniel Carrico.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reports comments from Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour discussing rumoured interest from Liverpool and Manchester City, with Defour keen to keep playing well so that, "there is a better chance of me leaving."

Finally, The Sun has a bit of fun this morning with yesterday's news that no English players were on the shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d'Or, the newly-merged world player of the year award (combining the original Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards).

After running through the details of the miserable year experienced by shortlist regulars such as Wayne Rooney and John Terry, the paper adds a cheeky sidebar piece entitled "How could they miss these three?"... before ladling on the sarcasm with their nominations for blunder keeper Rob Green, goal-shy striker Emile Heskey and perennially-injured Owen Hargreaves.

Eurosport

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7 SEXY SKINNY Dips

Mon Oct 25 0:35am

By Cynthia Rosenfeld

Seven spots in Asia where clothing is just a chore

While plunge pools pervade in Asia, very few allow us to disrobe entirely without embarrassing exposure. Here are seven of the most private, most luxurious places to ditch the bathing suit for maximum skinny dip satisfaction.

1. Phuket Pavilions, Thailand

Roll straight from bed into the wet spot, a deep 40 x 13 foot infinity pool outside each Andaman Sea-facing villa at Phuket Pavilions where the motto “no tan lines, no interruptions” means exactly that for couples yearning for none other than each other.

Stealthy staff live up to that promise, delivering service without a sound. That includes poolside massages where silently giggling female therapists know to leave guests to create their own happy endings.

Raid the maxi-bar stocked with Veuve Clicquot and Hagen Daaz ice cream.

US$629 per night; thepavilionsresorts.com/phuket-home

2. River House, Sri Lanka

Forget breakfast in bed. Wake each other up in the Menik Suite’s east-facing plunge pool as the sun rises over the coconut palms dappled across Sri Lanka’s River House.

Raise each other’s body heat well above the water temperature then slip back inside to climb atop the pillow strewn four-poster bed.

One dominates each of five antique-filled rooms at this inland retreat on the Madhu River, three hours’ drive south of Colombo’s international airport.

The ancient Greeks didn’t call this island Serendib, Garden of Eden for nothing.

From November to March, play Adam and Eve around this seven-acre slice of tropical paradise, luring one another upstairs and back into the buff.

US$373-485 per night; www.anilana.com

3. Banyan Tree Lijiang, China

High Naxi tiled walls encourage undressing with abandonment inside the pool villas at Banyan Tree Lijiang some 7,900 feet above sea level.

Outside of May to August when seasonal fields of rhododendrons reach full bloom, expect to raise a few goose bumps while streaking into these pools that are heated but not too hot for a good frolic.

Come up together for air in the shadow of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the climax of this Himalayan panorama.

US$618 per night; banyantree.com/en/lijiang/overview

4. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

With every rattle of a palm frond, it is hard not to wonder what other creatures are taking pleasure in this dense bamboo jungle.

That and the occasional screams of rafters thrusting along the otherwise Sacred Ayung River are the only sounds to intrude upon the privacy of each villa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan.

All 42 thatched maxi-huts come with an outdoor shower that overlooks the river valley and a plunge pool that releases itself endlessly into the jungle’s ###### abyss.

Nudists notwithstanding, no one need fear overexposure. Farmers on the other bank are nearly naked themselves and too far away to make out the state of play.

US$680-850 per night; Fourseasons.com

5. Trisara, Thailand

Size matters at Trisara on Phuket’s northwest shore where all 39 villas are well endowed for maximum pleasure.

When the urge arises, all glass French doors open onto a longer than average, 10-meter cerulean plunge that appears to drip into the Andaman Sea, seen at its best from December to March.

No swimsuits or cover ups required, thanks to a profusion of jungle foliage expertly tended by 30 Thai gardeners that turn each of these outdoor playpens into secret sanctuaries.

Scattered about are piles of towels to dry each other off before interlacing still damp limbs on the roomy double sun bed.

Between diving in and winding down, get your hands wet and sticky by feeding each other from the villa’s daily replenishment of aphrodisiac chocolate truffles and luscious Thai mangoes.

US$600-1,230 per night; trisara.com

6. Taj Exotica Maldives

Artificial pools would be a ridiculous addition to the swimsuit and bikini-dropping gorgeousness of the Maldives.

The couple’s treatment in the Alepa Suite at the end of a private jetty is as the name of this Taj property suggests; exotic.

Before exposing delicate skin to sun, guests at Taj Exotica can build up to swimming in the buff with four different hot and cold experience showers, and seaside sun beds with Maldivian herbal mud-loving therapists plying their trade.

After being slathered in mud and loosened up on cocktails and exotic fruit snacks, its time to grab the pretty gal or studly guy, drop the pretense and swim with the lion fish and wrasse (don’t worry gents, your better bits won’t be a main target of the local wildlife.)

US$800 per night; tajhotels.com

7. Soneva Gili, Maldives

Had Robinson set sail with Mrs. Crusoe in tow, he might have gotten lucky and washed up at Soneva Gili in the Maldives.

Balanced on stilts above a shallow lagoon, the Robinson Crusoe Residences are the seven most photogenic over-water villas ever to take the character's name.

With the closest neighbor at least 1,000 feet away and no sign of the butler unless requested, couples are left entirely alone. Splash around the Indian Ocean or even snorkel naked among damsels and Oriental Sweet Lips.

US$1,593 per night; sixsenses.com

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Any Takers ???

Fish House Girls has new twist on aquarium maintenance

Posted on October 28th, 2010 by Ryan Gripp

Fish House Girls is an aquarium maintenance service. Their goal is to sign up clients so that they can use their staff to clean your aquarium and keep you stocked with the latest corals and fish. However, unlike other aquarium maintenance companies, Fish House Girls use models to clean your tank. Yes thats right models. The company is based in Van Nuys, California and serves the surrounding areas. The girls have been trained to service your aquarium just like you would expect from any aquarium maintenance company except they will take requests for different outfits. The company describes the girls as fun, flirty girls who will keep your aquarium in tip-top shape. The sad part is they only serve the California market and it might be a big hit with this male dominated industry. You can contact them directly to schedule an appointment with one of the girls (such as the one pictured).

[kueytoc]

GEELY scores no stars in crash test

A four-door family saloon made in China has been subjected to a series of crash tests and scored a horrifying ZERO stars for adult occupant protection.

The model in question is the Geely CK 1 1.3 but is not sold in the UK.

The result was part of a first series of tests by newly formed Latin NCAP (New Car Assessment Programmes), the first ever independent crash testing programme for Latin American and the Caribbean. Nine cars were tested initially, following guidelines laid down by the other global NCAP organisations, including Euro NCAP.

Geely's saloon was the only car tested to achieve a terrifying zero-star rating. Latin NCAP summarised the findings: "Protection for the driver poor for most body regions. Significant collapse of the body shell during test."

The photographs clearly show how badly damaged the car is during the crash tests and how much intrusion there is into the passenger space.

Three of the tested cars achieved an equally poor one-star result. None of these models were fitted with airbags, as it's possible to buy them without in some markets.

None of the nine cars tested are sold in the UK in the same format.

Geely is likely to improve on this result considerably over the coming years, as it now owns Volvo Cars, which has an enviable reputation for safety.

Below is a full list of the results:

Geely CK 1 1.3 (No airbags) 0/5

Fiat Palio ELX 1.4 (No airbags) 1/5

VW Gol Trend 1.6 (No airbags) 1/5

Peugeot 207 Compact 5p 1.4 (No airbags) 1/5

Peugeot 207 Compact 5p 1.4 (With airbags) 2/5

Fiat Palio ELX 1.4 (With airbags) 3/5

VW Gol Trend 1.6 (With airbags) 3/5

Chevrolet Meriva GL Plus (With airbags) 3/5

Toyota Corolla XEI (With airbags) 4/5

Shane O' Donoghue

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Darth Vader costume up for auction

Thu 28 Oct 9:35 AM

A rare Darth Vader costume is expected to sell up to £230,000 when it goes up for auction next month.

The iconic costume , believed to have been used in 1980's 'Empire Strikes Back', will go under the hammer at London's Christie's on November 25 - with a percentage of the proceeds being donated to Cancer Research UK.

It's the first time the complete costume will be offered at auction, and was originally bought by an American collector seven years ago. Lightsaber not included unfortunately!

A spokesperson for the auction house said, "Darth Vader is defined by his costume, which has made him one of the most recognised characters from the history of film.

"The global appeal of the Star Wars films, and the interest that the series has attracted from a number of generations, is perhaps unprecedented in the world of cinema."

Several actors have contributed to making Darth Vader one of the greatest screen villains. But in 'Empire Strikes Back' - former Green Cross Code man David Prowse filled the suit, while James Earl Jones supplied the voice.

The film provided arguably the most memorable moment in the series - Vader telling the film's hero, "I am your father".

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Anna Nicole Smith boyfriend convicted in drug trial

Reuters - Friday, October 29

LOS ANGELES - Anna Nicole Smith's former boyfriend and a doctor were convicted on Thursday of helping to keep the former Playboy model supplied with painkillers and other prescription drugs before her death.

But after a two month trial, a Los Angeles jury acquitted a second doctor on all charges in what was seen by the defense as a victory for physicians who treat patients with chronic pain.

Smith's companion and lawyer Howard K. Stern was convicted on two counts of conspiracy for using false names to obtain prescription drugs for his lover, but was acquitted on seven more serious charges.

Smith's psychiatrist Khristine Eroshevich was convicted on four counts. A January 6 date was set for sentencing, and a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles District Attorney said the pair could get anything from probation to three years in prison.

The three were not charged in the 2007 death of Smith, known as a model, TV star and for marrying an 89-year-old oil billionaire, 63 years older than her, in the 1990s. She died at age 39 from an accidental prescription drug overdose.

Stern, Eroshevich and physician Sandeep Kapoor had all pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of fraudulently providing drugs and controlled substances to a known addict.

Their lawyers argued that Smith needed the drugs for legitimate purposes, including the caesarean birth of her daughter Danielynn in 2006 and the death of her adult son days after. She used fake names to protect her privacy, they said.

The jury reached its split verdict after 13 days of deliberations following a trial that saw the judge criticize prosecutors for being overly aggressive and throw out some of the original charges against the trio.

Prosecutors said the three conspired to provide the late fashion model and reality TV star with a cocktail of painkillers, muscle relaxants, anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs by writing or seeking prescriptions using several false names.

The defense said their clients cared for Smith and would not harm her, and argued she used the drugs to help her sleep and control severe pain.

"This is the right result, not just for Kapoor, but for patients everywhere," Kapoor's lawyer Ellyn Garofalo told journalists.

"This was a misplaced and ill-conceived prosecution," Garofalo added, saying law enforcement officials should focus their resources on illicit drug pushers who supply pills for nonmedical purposes.

Eroshevich told reporters that she had few regrets about helping Smith.

"She had a lot of problems. She was a good person and a friend," the psychiatrist said.

The investigation was backed by California Attorney General Jerry Brown, running for governor in elections next week.

Brown has mounted a tough campaign against prescription drug abuse, and officials in his office helped investigate the 2009 death of Michael Jackson. The singer's personal doctor has been charged with the involuntary manslaughter of Jackson.

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Language to blame for Tevez plight - Carlitos' Way

Thu Oct 28 09:07AM

ED cannot help but think that Carlos Tevez's reported homesickness may have been averted had he bothered to learn English.

Fluent English-speaker Roque Santa Cruz spoke of his Manchester City team-mate's desire to be reunited with his family in Buenos Aires, saying he would not be surprised if the Argentina striker moved home soon.

Tevez is a player who divides opinion.

When a player divides opinion it is either because he is thought of as being bad but actually is not bad, or thought of as being good but is actually not good.

In the former category you have the Darren Fletchers of this world, unheralded and often mocked but important to the team, more so for the less obvious attributes such as teamwork and decision-making than for skill or pace.

In the latter category you have the entire England team, hyped through qualifiers but - with the exception of the implausibly-hated Ashley Cole - not quite up to the task when it really counts.

Tevez is neither underrated not overrated - he is simply very good at football - but he still somehow divides opinion.

There is a third category of 'player who divides opinion', a category Tevez comes into.

It is the type of player who - when playing for their team - fans genuinely believe is one of them, someone who gives as much for the shirt as they would, working tirelessly on the pitch and wearing his heart on his sleeve.

But he is the type of player who - in reality - cares little for his club, the city or even the fans, knowing it is just another richly-rewarding stop-gap in his quest for an early retirement to the beach.

Neutrals or fans of other clubs - particularly those he has played for in the past - can often see this. Sometimes, as fans of City's nearest rivals will testify, even the club's own fans will take note.

Tevez constantly raises his profile and worth to a club and its fans with his unquestionable behaviour on the pitch.

But he always lowers expectations with his behaviour off it, creating drama with experienced, proven coaches, leaving enough uncertainty and speculation to pave the way for his next move.

If he is not questioning his use as a secondary striker (as he did at Old Trafford), he is questioning the gaffer's training methods or disappearing off to Argentina (as he has done at Eastlands).

Tevez has lived in London and Manchester and, while his clubs past and present boast some Spanish speakers, training-ground and pitch-side instructions will have been bellowed in English.

For four-and-a-half years Tevez has been living and working in England, in an English-speaking environment. He is a rich man, who can afford several hours of high-quality lessons each day, and who even has fellow Argentine co-workers offering to help.

But he still cannot master the basics of the language. He has admitted as much himself, and recently appeared in an ad for Pepsi using the selling-point that 'this promotion is so easy to explain even Tevez can do it in English'.

David Beckham hardly covered himself in Castilian glory but he at least tried - heck, it took him close to a decade to become comfortable speaking English in public. And ED has nothing but contempt for the breed of Costa-dwelling Brits for whom Spanish extends to the demand for a beer with their fish and chips.

But Carlos Tevez is not inarticulate and he is certainly not stupid.

Interviews in his native tongue are often outspoken and amusing, and he is canny enough to know how to keep fans on side yet maintain enough distance with his club that his inevitable exit is not unexpected.

For a Spanish speaker resident in the UK, one year of failing to reach a basic level of a relatively straightforward language such as English can be seen as unfortunate; a second year could be seen as careless; a third year is just downright rude.

Tevez has far exceeded that.

One cannot help but think that an underlying communication problem may be the root cause of his continued disagreements with his employers, and similarly with his constant craving to return to his homeland.

But all the evidence points to the belief that Tevez doesn't care. He was never in it for the long haul, so why bother?

---

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"He doubted he was capable of playing in the (Mexican) First Division. We told him he had to be patient, but as a young player he was impatient. I never thought he would make it as a professional. Then he started maturing and, when he was about 15, we saw that change in him. When his goal was to become a professional we supported him" - the father of Javier ‘Chicharito' Hernandez admits that his son almost quit football after he found himself enjoying university more than playing for Chivas reserves.

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Maradona eyes UK Premier League coaching role

AFP - Saturday, October 30

LONDON (AFP) - – Argentina football legend Diego Maradona has revealed his desire to manage in the English Premier League.

Maradona is seeking a new challenge after parting company with the Argentina national side which he lead to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup.

The former World Cup-winning captain, who will celebrate his 50th birthday on Saturday, is now seeking a return to management, and admitted he was attracted by England's top flight.

He told Sky Sports News: "Yes, I would like to manage in the Premier League.

"It has very good teams, an exceptional level and great players.

"The only problem is all the teams I like in England have good coaches.

"If any important job comes along I will accept it."

Maradona has been linked with a number of posts in recent months, including the Aston Villa job, but insists he was never in the running to accept a role.

"I want to make it clear that I didn't offer myself for any job, nor did anyone offer me anything," he said.

"But I know I will go back with the national team some day, that is my fate. I'm waiting."

Maradona remains bitter about his exit as Argentina head coach after it had seemed his contract would be extended by Argentine Football Association.

"They took away the national team from me unfairly," he said.

"I don't want to talk about it, it doesn't deserve any words. I am in too good a mood to talk about people who don't deserve my words.

"But I do miss the national team."

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‘I don’t know what I’m defending anymore’

By Ewen Boey – October 30th, 2010

Young Singaporeans like Lim Zi Rui are becoming increasingly disillusioned and they’re not afraid to let it show.

The 23-year-old final-year aerospace engineering student was among a 1,000-strong crowd who attended a Ministerial Forum organised on Friday by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Students’ Union.

Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong was the guest-of-honour.

During a dialogue session after SM Goh’s main address, Lim stood up and asked if the Minister was aware that many young people no longer felt a sense of ownership in Singapore.

“When I was younger, I was very proud of being a Singaporean,” said Lim as reported in The Straits Times.

“But that was about five, ten years ago. Five years later, with all the changes in policies and the influx of foreign talent, I really don’t know what I’m defending any more.”

He said this was a view that many of the men he served with during National Service also held.

“I feel that there is a dilution of the Singapore spirit in youth… We don’t really feel comfortable in our country any more,” he said.

Mr Goh replied, “‘This is one early sign of danger… If this is happening, it is very serious.” He went on to ask Mr Lim why he felt disconnected.

Mr Lim told SM Goh, ”‘I’m still serving as an officer and I definitely would love to defend Singapore.”

But he said the key difference between him and his foreign friends was, “I tell them, this is my country. I can’t just leave here whenever I want to. You can come and play and work here, but I have to stay here.”

SM Goh responded by defending the government’s policy of welcoming foreigners.

“You want to have a home. Who’s going to build your HDB flat?” said the Minister.

Lim replied that due to the inability to afford the sky-high public housing prices, his brother had to call off his engagement.

“My brother got engaged, but lost his engagement because he could not afford an HDB flat,” said Lim, who went on to state that his question was not about “integrating foreigners”.

“My question was, how are we going to help the younger generation feel a sense of belonging to Singapore? I don’t think it’s about integrating foreigners,” said Lim.

“This is your country,” SM Goh replied. “What do you want me to do to make you feel you belong?”

“For my part, don’t worry about me,” Mr Lim said. “I will definitely do something, if I can, for Singapore. But I can tell you honestly that the sentiment on the ground is a bit different.”

“If this is happening, it is very serious,” said SM Goh.

“If the majority feel they don’t belong here, then we have a fundamental problem. Then I would ask myself: What am I doing here? Why should I be working for people who don’t feel they belong over here?” asked SM Goh.

Earlier on during the dialogue session, the Minister made the point that the next General Elections, due to be held by February 2012, would be a “watershed” for the future of Singapore from which a “fourth Prime Minister and a core team of younger ministers will emerge”.

SM Goh also challenged the young undergrads in his audience to “make a difference to Singapore” by joining local politics.

[kueytoc]

Expats Will Rule Singapore – Says Adam Khoo

by theAsianparent.com editorial team

The Expats Will Rule Singapore

I have a prediction. My prediction is that in a couple of years, the expatriates (from China, India, US etc…) will rule Singapore. They will increasing take on more leadership roles of CEOs, directors, heads of organizations, award winners etc… If you observe closely, it is already happening now. This year’s top PSLE (Primary School Leaving Exam) student is a China National. Most of the deans list students and first class honours students in the local universities are foreigners and more and more CEOs, even that of government link corporations are expats. The top players in our National teams are expats.

As a Singaporean, I am not complaining. I think that in a meritocratic society like Singapore, it is only fair that the very best get rewarded, no matter their race, religion or nationality. Like Lee Kwan Yew said, I rather these talented and driven people be on our team contributing to our nation than against us from their home country. The question I have been asking is, ‘why are the expats beating the crap out of Singaporeans?’ What I noticed is that these expats have a very important quality that many Singaporeans (especially the new Y generation lack). It is a quality that our grandfathers and great-grandfathers (who came from distant lands) had that turned Singapore from a fishing village to the third richest country in the world (according to GDP per capita). Unfortunately, I fear this quality is soon disappearing from the new generation of Singaporeans. This quality is the HUNGER FOR SUCCESS and the FIGHTING SPIRIT!!!

Expats who come here today have the same tremendous HUNGER for success that our grandfathers had. They are willing to sacrifice, work hard and pay the price to succeed. They also believe that no one owes them a living and they have to work hard for themselves. They also bring with them the humility and willingness to learn. Take the case of Qui Biqing, the girl from Qifa Primary school who topped the whole of Singapore in last year’s PSLE with a score of 290. When she came to Singapore 3 years ago from China, she could hardly speak a word of English and didn’t even understand what a thermometer was. Although she was 10 years old, MOE recommended she start at Primary 2 because of her lack of English proficiency. After appealing, she managed to start in Primary 3. While most Singaporeans have a head start of learning English at pre-school at the age of 3-4 years old, she only started at age 10. Despite this handicapped, she had the drive to read continuously and practice her speaking and writing skills, eventually scoring an A-star in English!

This hunger and drive can also be seen in the workforce. I hate to say this but in a way, I sometimes think expats create more value than locals. Expats are willing to work long hours, go the extra mile, are fiercely loyal to you and don’t complain so much. They also come alot more qualified and do not ask the moon for the remuneration. Recently, I placed an ad for a marketing executive. Out of 100+ resumes, more than 60% came from expats. While locals fresh grads are asking for $2,500+ per month, I have expats with masters degrees from good universities willing to get less than $2,000! They know that if they can come in and learn and work hard, they will eventually climb up and earn alot more. They are willing to invest in themselves, pay the price for future rewards. Sometimes I wonder how some of the locals are going to compete with this. Of course, this is just a generalization. There ARE definitely some Singaporeans who create lots of value and show fighting spirit.

Unfortunately, I have found that more and more young Singaporeans lack this hunger for success. Instead, they like to complain, blame circumstances and wait for others to push them. Some hold on to the attitude that the world owes them a living. I shake my head when I see local kids nowadays complain that they don’t have the latest handphones, branded clothes and games. While I acknowledge that the kids of today are much smarter and well informed than I was at their age (my 4 year old daughter can use my Macbook computer and my iphone), I find that they lack the resilience and tenacity they need to survive in the new economy. Some kids nowadays tend to give up easily once they find that things get tough and demand instant gratification. When they have to work first to get rewards later, many tend to lack the patience to follow through.

So, how did this happen? Why is our nation of hardworking, hungry fighters slowly becoming a nation of complaining softies? I think the problem is that life in Singapore has been too good and comfortable. Kids today have never seen hunger, poverty, war and disasters. What makes it worse is that parents nowadays give kids everything they want and over protect them from hardship and failure. Parents often ask me why their kids lack the motivation to study and excel. My answer to them is because they already have everything! Giving someone everything they want is the best way to kill their motivation. What reason is there for them to fight to become the best when they are already given the best from their parents without having to earn it? It reminds me of the cartoon movie MADAGASCAR where Alex the Lion and his animal friends were born and raised in the Central Park Zoo. They were well taken care of and provided with processed food and an artificial jungle. When they escaped to Africa, they found that they could barely survive in the wild with the other animals because they had lots their instincts to fight and hunt for food. They could only dance and sing.

I see the same thing in the hundreds of seminars and training programmes I conduct. I see increasing more and more expats attending my Wealth Academy and Patterns of Excellence programme in Singapore. Not surprisingly, they are always the first to grab the microphone to answer and ask questions. While many of the locals come in late and sit at the back. The expats (especially those from India and China) always sit at the front, take notes ferociously and stay back way after the programme is over to ask questions. I feel ashamed sometimes when I ask for volunteers to ask questions, and the Singaporeans keep quiet, while the foreigners fight for the opportunity. For my “I Am Gifted!’ programme for students, I have the privileged to travel and conduct it in seven countries (Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia etc…) and see all students from all over. Is there a big difference in their attitude and behaviour? You bet!

Again, I feel really sad that in Singapore, most students who come are usually forced by their parents to come and improve themselves, Some parents even bribe them with computer games and new handphones to attend. During the course, some adopt the ‘I know everything’ attitude and lack the interest to succeed until I kick their butts. It is so different when I go to Malaysia, Indonesia and once in India. The kids there ask their parents to send them to my programme. They clap and cheer enthusiastically when the teachers enter the room and participate so willingly when lessons are on. I still scratch my head and wonder what happened to my fellow Singaporeans to this day.

So mark my words, unless the new generation of Singaporeans wake up and get out of their happy over protected bubble and start fighting for their future, the expats (like our great grandfathers) will soon be the rulers of the country. At the rate at which talented and hungry expats are climbing up , our future prime minister may be an Indian or China PR or may even an Ang Moh!

http://www.adam-khoo.com/304/the-expats-will-rule-singapore/

[kueytoc]

No more BLUE MONDAY !!!

China's 'Sexiest Teacher' is Web Sensation

Contributed by Super Schooper

Like many pretty young girls, this teacher likes to post her photos online but some netizens wonder if it is appropriate.

This long-legged beauty with large eyes, and a sweet face is, to the surprise of some, a primary school language teacher.

Zhu Songhua, a 30-year-old primary school teacher became an Internet sensation in China after she appeared on a variety TV show aired on Jiangsu Satellite Television.

She appeared in a "Happy Night" programme, for a segment titled "My Teacher is Special".

Internet sources report that the teacher from No. 1 Primary School in Jiangsu has been teaching since she graduated from Nantong Normal University, and has won awards in teaching competitions.

A colleague said that she loves teaching and is an exceptional teacher. She also does not dress up at work, unlike in her photographs posted online.

While the report said she was single, a netizen who claimed to know her commented that she was married.

Would you accept a teacher like her ?

[kueytoc]

Benitez's JINX strikes again !!!

Champions League - Bale brilliance gives Spurs famous win

Tue, 02 Nov 21:34:00 2010

Gareth Bale was again in inspired form as Tottenham clinched a famous 3-1 win over Internazionale in their Champions League Group D clash at White Hart Lane.

Luka Modric produced a majestic run to provide the assist for Rafael van der Vaart to open the scoring in the 18th minute, before the Dutchman had to be withdrawn at half-time with what looked like a recurrence of his hamstring strain.

Inter piled forward in an open second half, but a stunning run from the irrepressible Bale gave Peter Crouch a tap in to double Spurs' lead on the hour mark.

Samuel Eto'o reduced the deficit 10 minutes from time with a clinical strike, but more brilliance from Bale saw the Welshman provide a perfect assist for substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko to seal a memorable victory for Harry Redknapp's side.

Van der Vaart completed a surprise recovery from a hamstring injury, with Tom Huddlestone also returning to take the armband, while both sides made enforced changes in goal from the reverse fixture as Carlo Cudicini and Luca Castellazzi made their bows.

Redknapp had emphasised the need for Spurs to make a fast start after the ruthless treatment inflicted upon them by Inter in Milan, and his side took heed of his warning in an electric opening.

Eto'o saw a fierce strike brush off the side netting in the eighth minute, but Bale was busy giving Maicon a fearful roasting at the other end, skinning the full back seemingly at will.

Tottenham have racked up 15 goals in their last five European games, and that was swiftly increased to 16 in the 18th minute as Modric produced a touch of magic.

The Croat swivelled and sped through the Inter half, beating Muntari and drawing two Inter defenders towards him, before sliding an exquisite through ball into the path of the prolific Van der Vaart, who finished with aplomb. It was the Dutchman's sixth goal in 10 appearances for Spurs.

Crouch had the entirety of White Hart Lane holding its collective breath as he squandered a glorious chance to double the hosts' lead in the 25th minute: Bale zipped past Maicon yet again and dinked over a delightful cross, but the forward scuffed his shot wide of the far post.

But the threat which Inter posed never entirely evaporated, and the Milan-born Cudicini pulled off a magnificent save to preserve his side's slender advantage from Wesley Sneijder's sublime free-kick two minutes from the break.

Van der Vaart was forced off at the break after sustaining a recurrence of his hamstring injury, and Jermaine Jenas was introduced at his expense.

Inter enjoyed spells of possession, with Spurs able to counter at pace, and one such break saw Alan Hutton drift over a pinpoint delivery which Crouch met with a looping header, but Castellazzi was able to back-peddle frantically and tip over the bar.

Maicon simply could not contain Bale, and the Welshman terrorised the right back once more in the 61st minute to get to the byline with a barnstorming run and provide the simplest of finishes for Crouch to double the hosts' lead.

Four minutes later, Bale outstripped Jonathan Biabiany, Lucio and Maicon in another thrilling run down the left, only to see the ball drift fractionally out of play as he provided a near-identical assist for Crouch.

Rafael Benitez introduced Diego Milito in a desperate bid to arrest his side's slump, but it was his other striker who ensured that it would be a nervy finale as Eto'o left Hutton for dead and picked out the far corner of the net with an unerring finish.

Spurs were pushed under the cosh, but Bale showed his prodigious talent once more to streak clear and skin Maicon, then provide a goal on the proverbial platter for substitute Pavlyuchenko with a minute left on the clock.

Vociferous roars rang around White Hart Lane as the final whistle sounded, and the famous win lifts Tottenham above Benitez's Inter to the top of Group A, above the Italian giants on goal difference.

Dan Quarrell / Eurosport

[kueytoc]

'Dude, it's a whale', says boy who rode sea giant

AFP - Monday, November 1

SYDNEY (AFP) - An Australian teenager who climbed onto a whale and rode on its back has said he never intended to hurt the animal and had been acting instinctively when he put his arms around the massive sea creature.

Sam Matheson, 14, said he was with a friend at Middleton Beach in Albany south of Perth when he saw the animal not far off the Western Australian coast and decided to take a closer look.

"I swam out to it and put my arms on it, sort of laid against it for about 20 or 30 seconds. I was out of the water from the waist up," the keen surfer told Perth's Sunday Times.

"It was like a leather texture, like a really smooth leather, really soft. It wasn't even scary, it was like, 'Dude, it's a whale'."

The teen said the whale, which he estimated to be about 14 metres (46 feet) long, did not even notice him until he laid on it.

"Then it lifted up its tail, it went under and it pulled me down at bit, but I was fine and I swam back to the rocks," he said.

Matheson said he did not realise that it was illegal or dangerous to swim within 30 metres of a whale and that he now regretted his actions.

"If I had known it was illegal I wouldn't have done it," he told the paper.

The story of the teen whale rider made headlines after a witness photographed the boy clambering on the southern right whale, prompting officials to warn the public that doing so was illegal and potentially fatal.

They said the teenager was lucky to have escaped injury and the incident could easily have ended tragically had he been in the way of a tail slap or breaching action.

Matheson was let off with a warning but harassing protected species carries a maximum fine of 10,000 dollars (9,890 US dollars) under environmental laws.

[kueytoc]

Alas !...‘Heartbeat Molester’ arrested

By Faris – November 4th, 2010

A man believed to be the “Heartbeat Molester” was arrested by police for his involvement in at least 20 outrage of modesty cases.

In its statement, police said that a 47-year-old man was arrested at his home in the Sengkang area.

Police have been looking for the suspect since 1999, but he has been able to evade capture due to the age of his victims who were unable to give a proper description.

However, last month, police managed to obtain and release images of the man captured for the first time on closed-circuit television (CCTV). A member of the public who saw the published CCTV images tipped off the police.

The molester was believed to be back on the prowl after lying low for seven years, and was linked to three cases in Hougang, Punggol and Sengkang in the past two months.

Targeting young girls between the age of 8 to 12 years old, his tactic sees him approach his lone victim at void decks or lift lobbies, pretending to ask for directions to a non-existent flat with a made-up unit number.

Conversing in either English or Mandarin, he would then ask his victim to lead the way and then bring her to a secluded staircase landing to commit the offence.

In some cases, he would pretend he needed to rest and would place the victim’s hand on his chest to “feel” his heartbeat. He would then tell his victim he had a weak heart. Sometimes, he was bold enough to move his victim’s hand down to his other body parts.

While investigations are still ongoing, he could be jailed for up to 10 years and caned if found guilty.

On a separate incident, police also issued a warning on Wednesday about a “bogus” policeman, who has been outraging the modesty of women by conducting searches on them.

The Straits Times reported that between February and October this year, six reports were filed. All the victims said they have been approached by a man in plainclothes at the void deck or corridor claiming to be a police officer.

In these cases, the culprit would use different reasons to conduct a search on the victim, claiming among other things, that he was checking for drugs and underage cigarette smoking. He would then use the opportunity to molest them.

The victims are aged between 12 and 36, and the incidents took place mostly in Pasir Ris, Choa Chu Kang, Woodlands and Boon Keng. The culprit has also been known to flash fake “police” passes of various colours to bolster his claim of being a police officer.

Police have advised the public that the proof of a police officer’s identity is his warrant card. A genuine warrant card will carry identification features such as the police crest, the photo of the officer, his name and identification number.

Impersonating a public servant carries a fine and a jail term of up to two years.

[kueytoc]

New rule for all assisted reproduction centres

By Alicia Wong – November 5th, 2010

All assisted reproduction (AR) centres will now be allowed to only handle one AR related specimen – for instance, sperm, oocyte or embryo – at a time, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced yesterday.

This follows the discovery that Thomson Fertility Centre had given a couple the wrong sperm during in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), as reported in The Straits Times (ST) on Wednesday.

Checks revealed the baby did not share the same DNA as the father.

The ministry suspended Thomson Fertility Centre yesterday, with immediate effect, from conducting all new AR treatments.

While a “full investigation” is still underway to identify the cause of the botched IVF treatment, “audits by MOH have revealed some shortcomings in existing processes and practices at TFC that increases the risk of mix-ups occurring,” stated MOH.

For instance, a single laboratory personnel could handle more than one specimen at the workstation in the laboratory at a given time, the ministry elaborated.

Currently, all three public hospitals’ AR centres process only one AR related specimen at a time. There are another six AR centres, excluding Thomson Fertility Centre.

“The centre has been instructed to stop admitting patients for any new AR procedures, including sperm collection and processing,” said MOH.

Existing patients should be informed of the botched IVF case and given a choice if they want to continue at the centre or transfer to another centre, added the ministry.

And, for patients who have already started their treatment, Thomson Fertility Centre should adopt MOH’s additional recommended processes, including processes only one AR related specimen at a time, said MOH.

The centre’s medical director Cheng Li Chang told ST, “’Beyond complying with guidelines already issued, we will implement the additional recommended processes requested.”

“While investigations continue, we will provide all possible support to our existing patients, including briefing them on this incident and explaining the options open to them,” said Dr Cheng.

He added, “Our patients’ well-being will always be our top priority.”

Gleneagles IVF Centre director Christopher Chen told ST the additional requirement for handling one specimen at a time is a precautionary measure that is “common sense”.

MOH conducts audits on AR centres every six months to two years. It will be reminding all centres to adhere strictly to the AR directives, on the procedures for the labelling, collection, storage and disposal of specimens, said MOH.

[kueytoc]

AWAS !!! : For those who import live 'GEM$' < Hint...Hint ! >

S’pore steps up air cargo security measures

By Alicia Wong – November 4th, 2010

Singapore police and package delivery companies have stepped up air cargo security measures in the wake of a series of foiled attacks involving small air cargo parcels.

Two packages from Yemen containing explosive devices were found at the Dubai and Britain airports last weekend. Headed for the United States, one of the packages had travelled on two passenger planes in the Middle East, according to media reports.

On Wednesday, Greece also had to deal with a wave of parcel bombs being sent to leaders of France, Germany and Italy, and foreign embassies in Athens. Greek authorities have linked the attack to far-left Greek extremists, reported Agence France Presse.

Following news of the foiled attacks, the US, Germany, France and Britain have banned cargo shipments from Yemen. Many countries have also stepped up cargo screening.

“In light of the recent incident overseas, enhanced measures have been put in place for air cargo flights, and the airport community has been urged to heighten its level of vigilance,” a police spokeswoman told Yahoo! Singapore.

The spokeswoman did not elaborate on additional measures, citing operational concerns. The airport police division is in charge of security for the Changi Airport.

She added, there is already a “robust screening system to ensure that all persons, bags and cargoes on passenger flights departing Singapore are secure” and all cargo arriving here are also subjected to checks.

A spokesman for United States Postal Service, which ships to Singapore, also said, “We’ve responded to the current incidents by suspending acceptance of inbound mail from Yemen, activating teams of postal inspectors to ensure the safety of the mail, and communicating with our employees nationwide.”

Postal service provider SingPost has also “stepped up our security measures in tandem with the latest happenings, including issuing reminders to our staff to be more alert,” said a spokesperson.

“We will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities to enhance security measures,” said the spokesperson, noting that SingPost constantly reviews its security measures and works closely with the authorities to ensure its measures are adequate.

Last week, two printer cartridges packed with explosives bombs were discovered in Dubai and Britain. They had been sent from Yemen, and had been carried by cargo jets without being discovered.

The package bombs were sent through delivery companies FedEx and United Parcel Service (UPS).

A FedEx spokesman stressed, the FedEx package found in Dubai was not on an aircraft, but was in one of their facilities. The company is cooperating with authorities in the investigations.

When asked if the company would enhance its security measures in light of recent events, the spokesman said, “We consistently take appropriate measures to ensure the integrity of our security system.”

He declined to disclose security processes, citing confidentiality, but pointed out that FedEx has “multiple layers of complementary procedures and processes that comprise our security system”.

On Tuesday, the International Air Transport Association called for more effective equipment, such as an oversized X-ray machine to screen cargo containers carrying airborne freight, to be developed.

Officers have admitted, without a tip-off from the Saudi Arabian authorities, the bombs may not have been found, reported the Associated Press.

The police urge members of the public “to remain vigilant and be alert in the face of this insidious threat and to report any suspicious persons or behavior”.

“For those who have dealings with the airport, we seek your full support and understanding for any inconvenience that could arise as a result of these enhanced security measures,” said the spokeswoman.

[kueytoc]

Pamela Anderson calls out Ultra-Orthodox men on fur hats

AFP - Monday, November 8

TEL AVIV (AFP) - Former Playboy playmate and "Baywatch" star Pamela Anderson says she wants Israel's Ultra-Orthodox men to go topless - by not wearing their traditional fur hats.

The Canadian sex symbol, in Israel as a guest judge in the local version of television's "Dancing with the Stars," told reporters on Sunday she had written to Ultra-Orthodox leaders asking them to stop blocking anti-fur legislation.

"I have written a letter here to talk about not bringing fur back-and-forth into this country," Anderson said.

She sent the letter to Israel's Minister of Religious Services Yakov Margi, who has delayed legislation calling for a total ban on the fur trade in Israel.

The Ultra-Orthodox parties oppose a ban because it would affect the wearing of the streimel, a fur-ringed hat traditionally worn by married Ultra-Orthodox men on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays.

"I urge you to support this historic bill and speak up for the millions of animals who are bludgeoned, electrocuted, and skinned alive for their pelts each year," Anderson wrote in the letter.

She also sent the minister a video of animals being killed for their pelts.

"Surely you will agree that the ways in which animals suffer and die in the fur trade violates Jewish principles, which strictly prohibit causing unnecessary suffering to animals," she wrote.

The streimel is not a religious obligation, but a widely held tradition in which it is worn to honour the sanctity of the Sabbath, holidays and special occasions. It is not worn on a daily basis.

While Anderson may be used to having men eager to do her bidding, she will find she is largely unknown in the insular Ultra-Orthodox community, who frown on women wearing immodest clothing and have probably never heard of "Baywatch."

Nevertheless, Anderson said representatives of the community had agreed to meet her in a Tel Aviv hotel on November 9 because her schedule did not allow a trip to the Knesset, or parliament, in Jerusalem.

Margi's office could not immediately be reached for comment.

Anderson, who has become one of the most prominent celebrity animal rights campaigners, praised other efforts to end the fur trade in Israel.

"It is wonderful there is no fur farmed here in Israel. It is very progressive and a wonderful example for the rest of the world," she said.

Anderson said she hoped her work on behalf of animals would be her main legacy.

"I think a lot of time my career has been frivolous and fun and silly. To have been able to incorporate my beliefs and compassion into everything I do has... been inspiring," she said.

[kueytoc]

Democracy icon Suu Kyi locked up for rare Myanmar vote

AFP - Monday, November 8

YANGON (AFP) - – A heroine trapped in her own home, Aung San Suu Kyi is an icon of Myanmar's struggle for democracy and a beacon of hope for many, but her name is not on the ballot for the first election in 20 years.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner has long been a thorn in the side of the ruling generals, so fearful of the petite and softly-spoken 65-year-old's popularity that they have kept her off the political scene for the rare poll.

She swept the National League for Democracy (NLD) party to a landslide win in the country's last election in 1990, winning over the crowds with her steely resolve, charisma and eloquent speeches that called for peaceful change.

But the regime never accepted the result and for most of the two decades since, she has been locked up in jail or under house arrest -- only enhancing her image at home and abroad as a symbol of democracy and dignified resistance.

She remains detained at her lakeside residence in Yangon, largely cut off from the outside world with just two female aides for company.

The controversial decision to shun the vote has bitterly split the opposition, between those in agreement and others who saw a window of opportunity to instigate reform, albeit through a deeply flawed process.

Suu Kyi herself has said she will refuse to cast a ballot and suggested her supporters consider doing the same, although she stopped short of an outright call for a voter boycott, which the junta deems a prisonable offence.

But some observers see her resolve as intransigence that has contributed to Myanmar's political stalemate.

"I've never questioned her integrity, I've never questioned her honesty and her courage, but I've questioned all along her strategy. I don't think she has one," said Myanmar analyst Aung Naing Oo, based in Thailand.

"If she continues the way she has, she won't go anywhere."

Whatever her plan, "The Lady" -- as she is widely known in Myanmar -- remains idolised by many in a country that has been repressed by military rule for almost five decades.

"After 22 years since she entered politics, she has become an institution and so the public will rally around her as long as she's alive," said Maung Zarni, a Myanmar research fellow at the London School of Economics.

Oxford-educated Suu Kyi entered Myanmar's political arena at a relatively late stage, after spending much of her life abroad in India and then Britain, but politics was always in her blood.

The daughter of Myanmar's liberation hero General Aung San, who was assassinated in 1947, she returned to Yangon in 1988 to nurse her sick mother, as protests erupted against the military and were brutally crushed.

She was quick to take on a leading role in the pro-democracy movement, petitioning the government to prepare for elections and delivering speeches to hundreds of thousands of people at the city's glittering Shwedagon Pagoda.

Alarmed by the support she commanded, the generals ordered her first stint of house arrest in 1989. Her most recent stretch of forced isolation began in May 2003 after a deadly attack on her convoy by supporters of the junta.

Her many years in detention have seen her live a spartan existence of early meditation, spy novels and rare chocolate treats -- said to be her only "vice" by diplomats who have been in contact with her.

Her struggle for her country has also come at a high personal cost: her husband, British academic Michael Aris, died in 1999, and in the final stages of his battle with cancer the junta refused him a visa to see his wife.

Suu Kyi refused to leave Myanmar to see him, certain she would never have been allowed to return. She has not seen her two sons for about a decade and has never met her grandchildren.

Her youngest son Kim Aris, 33, arrived in Bangkok ahead of the election as his mother awaits possible release.

Her current sentence is due to expire a week after the widely criticised polls. If she is freed, observers believe her defiant stance is unlikely to see her cooperate with an army-backed government.

Many also think the generals will restrict her political activities, aware she is the only figure who is capable of unifying the opposition.

"To achieve democracy the people should be united. that is very clear. It is a very plain fact," she told a mass rally at Shwedagon in August 1988. "If there is no unity of purpose we shall be unable to achieve anything at all."

[kueytoc]

Rescued Chilean miner shows 'yes you can' in NYC Marathon

AFP - Monday, November 8

NEW YORK (AFP) - – Proving his point that "yes, you can," Chilean miner Edison Pena ran the New York City Marathon Sunday, just weeks after emerging relatively unscathed from two months' captivity underground with 32 fellow miners.

Pena, one of 43,000 participants in the 26-mile (42 kilometer) foot race, was feted as a hero here as one of the running world's most celebrated events got under way.

"I want to show that it can be done," Pena told reporters on the eve of the fabled event.

Pena, 34, battled a knee injury and some pain but finished in 5 hours and 40 minutes a bit under the six hours he said he expected. In his dark glasses, wearing a knee support due to an injury in the mine, and carrying a Chilean flag, Pena crossed yet another daunting finish line.

Organizers piped in some music by his favorite, Elvis Presley, over loudspeakers and the crowd cheered him on wildly.

Pena said he ran up to six miles (9.7 kilometers) a day through a series of tunnels in the mine during his 69-day ordeal -- an achievement that inspired race director Mary Wittenberg to invite him to compete.

"Runners, New Yorkers, are going to want to celebrate this guy," Wittenberg said.

"It really speaks to what running is, what a stabilizing force it can be for somebody. And to have the strength actually to run during that time in the mine was amazing. So we invited him."

Pena and his wife traveled here at the expense of the New York Road Runners' Club, which organizes the annual event. His dramatic rescue from the mine was televised worldwide on October 13, more than two months after an August cave-in trapped him and the other mine workers.

"I never thought I would make it to this marathon," Pena told a packed press conference after arriving in New York ahead of the big race. "I wanted to show that yes, you can."

Pena's determination to keep jogging in his work boots and in sweltering temperatures deep underground must make for the most unusual training preparations in the history of the race.

And the man who cheated death and who lives for running had asked not to be criticized if it turned out he could not finish: "I hope the press will not destroy me if I can't stand the pain in the knee," he had said.

Upon arriving in New York, he was met at the airport by Ethiopian long-distance running legend Haile Gebrselassie, whose leg injury forced him to pull out of Sunday's race.

"I could have come just to watch, but I decided to take part, to feel the emotion," Pena said.

"I have a strong desire to motivate others. This is the most important thing for me."

[kueytoc]

Are You One of Them ???

Obesity getting the better of Singaporeans

By Faris November 8th, 2010

A new survey conducted by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) found that one in 10 Singaporeans are obese.

According to the latest National Health Survey, this means that 10.8 per cent of the population is obese, which is an increase from the previous 6.9 per cent in 2004.

The findings of the survey conducted every six years were revealed on Sunday at the launch of the annual National Healthy Lifestyle Campaign.

The growing rate of obesity is attributed to two main factors Singaporeans are not exercising enough, and poor eating lifestyles. The bad news comes despite many efforts over the years to promote healthy living through exercise and proper diet.

Although the obesity figure is not as high as in other developed countries such as in the United States, where one in three people are obese, the HPB still sees cause for concern.

HPB chief executive officer, Mr Lam Pin Woon was quoted by The Straits Times as saying, This is a very worrying trend for us.

Singapores obesity trend a 0.65 per cent increase a year is similar to that seen in the US and Britain 30 years ago. Obesity in these countries has become a major problem.

Mr Lam highlighted the need to take immediate actions to curb obesity or the consequences might be perilous. We have to do something now. Otherwise, 30 years down the road, well be where the US and Britain are now, he said.

However, judging from other findings of the survey, it will be an uphill battle.

The survey noted that although more people are exercising, more than half of Singaporeans still do not exercise at all.

Six in 10 Singaporeans eat out, a trend which worries nutritionists. Home-cooked meals on the other hand are deemed healthier as one can exercise control over the amount of salt and seasoning used.

If you ask me: Am I happy? My answer is no, even though there is improvement, said Mr Lam, referring to the number of Singaporeans who do not exercise. This is of special concern, given that we are now more sedentary in our lifestyles.

In order to counter the growing obesity in the country, HPB is rolling out new programmes.

This would include encouraging expectant mothers to cultivate good eating habits since evidence shows that chronic conditions, including obesity, have their origins when one is still in the mothers womb.

There is some evidence to show that the rate of weight-gain of the foetus impacts the subsequent risk for developing obesity, said Dr Annie Ling, director of the HPBs adult health division.

General practitioner Alvin Tan, 30, also highlighted weight issues among the young in Singapore as a special area for concern. He said, Children who are obese tend to develop other health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes earlier in life.

To encourage better eating habits among the young, the HPB will be introducing guidelines to protect children from the indiscriminate advertising and marketing of unhealthy food and beverage choices.

The health campaign launch was held at VivoCitys amphitheatre, where the guest-of-honour, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, sweated it out to the Great Singapore Workout with a 1,000-strong crowd.

Mr Goh also shared with the audience his exercise regime, which includes playing tennis and going to the gym twice a week, and golf once a week.

It is known that VivoCity is also the first of 50 shopping centres to sign up as a Health promoting Mall.

Such malls are encouraged to host activities which encourage a healthy lifestyle. For instance, the food courts and restaurants could provide healthier meal choices, and the pharmacies could provide counselling to help smokers kick the habit.

[kueytoc]

Feisty Spanish women top flirting league table: study

AFP - Wednesday, November 3

MADRID (AFP) - – Step aside sleek Parisiennes, fun-loving Britons and sultry Italians: Spanish women are the world's greatest flirts, according to an online study released by a dating website on Tuesday.

Spanish women are the most likely to "make the first move" with a man , according to the social network Badoo.com, which studied "flirtation behaviour" based on 90 million romantic contacts made on its site in a month.

The resulting "World Flirtation League" ranked 20 countries by the number of contacts with a man initiated by the women in each country.

Forget Spain's conservative Catholic traditions: Spanish women topped the table by a comfortable stretch, making an average of 1.33 contacts per month.

Just behind came Poland, the Dominican Republic, Italy and Argentina -- with Latin countries, speaking either Spanish, Italian, or Portuguese, holding eight of the top 10 places.

Canada was the highest-ranking English-speaking country, in ninth place, and the only non-Catholic country in the top 10.

Germany ranked 12th in the table, Britain 14th, France 17th and the United States a lowly second from last, according to Badoo, which claims some 80 million registered users in Europe, Latin America and elsewhere.

The Spanish figure was almost double that for British women -- who made 0.78 "moves" towards men on the site -- France, where the figure was 0.69, or the United States at 0.63.

Overall, Badoo found that men were still far more likely than women to make the first move, both in Spain and elsewhere.

"But we wanted to know whether women in some countries were more likely to take the lead than those in others -- and what this said about those societies," the site's marketing director Lloyd Price said in a statement.

And if Spanish women are the world's biggest flirts, the study authors suggested, then their menfolk also win an honorary title: that of "the world's luckiest" men.

[kueytoc]

Wenger gives thumbs-up to Newcastle hero Carroll

AFP - Monday, November 8

LONDON (AFP) - Arsene Wenger endorsed Andy Carroll's England claims after the Newcastle striker consigned Arsenal to a surprise 1-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.

Carroll, who was watched by England coach Fabio Capello on Sunday, headed his sixth goal of the season to secure victory and proved a constant threat to the Gunners backline.

The performance was timely, coming as it did six days before Capello names his squad for the international friendly with France and just hours after lurid newspaper allegations about the player's off-field activities.

Carroll, 21, recently appeared in court on assault charges, but his display against Arsenal helped divert attention away from his private life and helped convince Wenger he is good enough to play at a higher level.

"Carroll is a handful," admitted Arsenal manager Wenger. "I believed our two centre backs handled their strikers well. I believe the two centre backs were our best players today because they did very well. But Carroll is a handful."

Asked if Carroll was ready to make the step up, he added: "I think so, yes."

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton was more circumspect, claiming Carroll is still improving as a player.

"He is a player who is developing," he said. "Apart from having a prowess in the air as we saw, there are others aspects of his game that he is very much developing.

"He is giving us a mobility that can stretch defenders. He has still got a fair way to go, he is working on all aspects of his game and going in the right direction.

"I would like to see him picked for Newcastle United that is the most important thing. Anything that comes from that will mean that he has earned it."

The defeat was Arsenal's second home league defeat of the season and Wenger admitted his side's failure to break down opponents at the Emirates Stadium is giving him cause for concern.

"I think against West Brom we were complacent," said Wenger. "Not today. In fairness the two teams who have beaten us here are good teams, they have shown that before and when we met them.

"I believe that today we were never in full flow. But we played against a good Newcastle team who is a team of men, strong physically, mature.

"And overall I still believe we were very unlucky to lose the game. They had one shot on target and apart from that they defended well and we were not sharp enough to get them out of position quickly enough.

"Our home form is a concern because against Birmingham and West Ham they were struggling wins.

"Everybody comes here and plays very tight and when we are not in top form we have problems to play through the lines.

"When you score the first goal it is alright because teams have to come out but as long as they can sit deep we have a problem to play through when we are not on full power."

Robin van Persie made his first appearance since August when he was introduced as a second half substitute although Wenger insisted the Dutchman is still short of full fitness after an ankle problem.

"You can see he is not ready," he added. "We pushed him in too early because I had to do something. You saw it was very difficult for us to score a goal and there is always a set-piece or a cross or a pass where he can make a difference."

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Rampant Torres too hot for Chelsea to handle

AFP - Monday, November 8

LIVERPOOL (AFP) - – Fernando Torres continued Liverpool's renaissance with two goals that sealed a 2-0 victory over league leaders Chelsea at Anfield and maintained his impressive personal record against the London club.

The Spaniard, so disappointing for his country in the World Cup and for his club for much of this domestic campaign, has scored seven times in eight appearances for Liverpool against Chelsea and his latest efforts were particularly timely, with his team having now won three consecutive league games.

Torres was little short of astonishing in the first half on Sunday as he helped Liverpool take control of the game.

This was a markedly different Liverpool - and a completely different Torres - from the player that had opened the season in such desultory fashion.

Torres scored after just 11 minutes although the goal owed much to his team mate Dirk Kuyt, playing for Liverpool for the first time in a month after recovering from injury collected on international duty for Holland.

Martin Skrtel's pass from inside the Liverpool half was collected by the Dutchman who, in turn, chipped the perfect, hanging cross into the Chelsea penalty area, one which just eluded the leap of John Terry on its way to Torres who controlled the ball superbly before beating Petr Cech from close range.

If that goal was an impressive display of Liverpool's new-found team play, the second goal, a minute before the interval, showcased the Spanish forward's magnificent predatory instincts.

Ashley Cole lost the ball in midfield to Raul Meireles, the Portuguese international in turn feeding Torres, who advanced just inside the area before curling a magnificent, right-foot shot past Cech on its way into the back of the Chelsea goal.

The two goals took Torres' Liverpool career tally to 60 goals in 79 starts in the Premier League, astonishing figures, especially in the light of his slow start to this season which saw him score just once in his first 10 appearances of the campaign, in all competitions.

Chelsea had threatened in the 13th minute with Cole's left-wing cross finding Salomon Kalou who rose above Paul Konchesky but could only steer his header directly at Pepe Reina.

The remainder of the first half belonged firmly to Liverpool, however, with Torres' flick finding Maxi Rodriguez for a blast over, the home side appealing for a penalty after an accidental handball by Yuri Zhirkov, and young right-back Martin Kelly capping a strong run with a shot from the edge of the area which John Terry managed to block.

At the interval, Carlo Ancelotti introduced Didier Drogba, on the bench due to overnight illness.

Drogba placed a disappointing, long-range free-kick wide before Cole's 59th minute cross from the left found the head of Ramires whose effort flew just off target.

Finally, two minutes later, Reina was called into serious action for the first time, as he dived at his near post to parry a threatening drive from Zhirkov.

If that save was solid, the next, after 65 minutes was magnificent as Reina managed to block a six-yard shot from Florent Malouda, who met Drogba's right-wing cross with an effort that looked a certain goal until the goalkeeper somehow blocked on his line.

Cech was equally impressive in keeping Chelsea in the contest after 74 minutes when Kuyt latched onto a deflected Meireles shot and shot goalwards from eight yards, only to be denied by the outstretched right leg of the Chelsea goalkeeper.

Nicolas Anelka looked to have given Chelsea a lifeline five minutes from time only for his strike to hit the Liverpool bar, via Reina's save, with Jamie Carragher making an astonishing tackle to prevent Drogba tapping in the rebound.

[kueytoc]

Premier League - Papers: City set on Mourinho

Sun, 07 Nov 10:40:00 2010

Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour is determined to bring in Jose Mourinho to manage the club, according to the Sunday papers.

The Sunday Mirror reports that Mourinho is the club's number one target should manager Roberto Mancini be axed - with City's multi-billionaire owner seeing the Portuguese manager as "the only obvious candidate", according to the paper's source in Eastlands.

Barcelona are to launch a £50 million bid for red-hot Tottenham winger Gareth Bale.

The Welshman has become the talk of European football after a string of outstanding performances, and the News of the World reports that the Catalan giants have made the player their top transfer target for next summer.

Bale has publicly stated that he wants to stay at White Hart Lane, but the paper reports that Barca believe the chance to link up with players such as Lionel Messi and Xavi will convince him to change his mind.

Chelsea are to launch a £15 million bid for Newcastle's in-form striker Andy Carroll, according to the Sunday Express, with the striker being seen as a long-term replacement for Didier Drogba.

The bid from the Blues could come in January, the paper adds - though it may never come at all if Roman Abramovich believes the News of the World's story alleging that Carroll went on a cocaine and sex binge at the home of Magpies skipper Kevin Nolan last week. After all, it's a new Didier Drogba they want, not a new Adrian Mutu...

And finally, Carlos Tevez's reported homesickness has sparked rumours of a move away from Manchester City, but the News of the World reports that the Argentine striker is to be offered a £250,000-a-week deal to stay at Eastlands.

Yet the paper adds that even making Tevez the world's best player may not be enough.

"It's not about money for Carlos," says a quoted 'source close to the star'. "This will be about the direction City are going. He will certainly need reassurances before he even considers sitting down for talks."

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