Sunday, February 24, 2008

12th General Election -Malaysia PilihanRaya

HOT HOT HOT HOT


Demam pilihanraya, general election fever is back! When it is usually a once in 5 year affair, this year 2008 saw the Malaysian Parliament officially dissolved on the 13 February 2008 and now it's campaigning time, four years after the 11th General Election. Election day falls on the 8th March 2008, Saturday.


While my UNDI is rahsia (my vote is undisclosed), I like to follow some bits and bobs on the general election news and so on. I have never voted before, not in malaysia and certainly not in the UK even though i was there during the 2001 and 2005 election. But to see the voting results on the telly was something i like to look forward to. All my life in the UK from 1997 to 2005, it was ruled by Labour Party and the Prime Minister back then was Tony Blair. When I went back to the UK mid-2007, Tony was still the PM but his days were numbered. His successor was already widely known and now Gordon Brown, the former Labour Chancellor took the torch to rule the country. During my 1st degree all the way to my 1st half of my 1st year PhD, William Hague was the Tory Shadow PM, followed by Iain Duncan Smith in 2002, then successed by Michael Howard for 2005 election and now led by David Cameron.


Malaysia however is more dramatic when it comes to Election Day. We will be seeing thousands of sepanduk, banners, bunting, massive ones, small ones, annoying faces, goodfellas, future leaders, smiley faces, arrogant faces, high-spirited faces, samseng faces, angelic/innocent faces, pretty faces, lapuk faces, regular faces, balik-balik dia jugak faces, tak malu faces, smug faces, all will be seen on the roadside, highways, buildings, fences, bridges,in between coconut and palma trees, nearby the market, along the housing areas, and etc.


Whichever party you vote for, have a look at some of the parties website laden with campaign stories, kisah buruk2 kan parti or calon lain, gossips, campaign schedules, sape nak kasi apa campaign promises, interactives, party activities, who's who, basically whatever related to election day or not necessarily related to the campaign:

  1. DAP
  2. PAS
  3. Parti Keadilan Rakyat
  4. The ruling coalition party, Barisan Nasional: basically covered in most of the local daily newspapers i.e. Utusan, Berita Harian, The Star, The New Straits Times, and for the locals, they can view live on the tv on most of the national channels, i.e. RTM, TV3, NTV7, 8TV, Astro Awani, Astro Bernama, and TV9.
  5. Those parties in Sarawak and Sabah, some are under the coalition and some are mainly representing the indigenous natives.

The first three parties are the Opposition Parties. We may not see them much on the TV except whenever something very, very vulgar, or some important announcement, or if they did not name any possible candidate and rendered the BN candidate menang tanpa bertanding (win without contest), the news will then be a bit of one-sided. However much dissent and disparagement, this is what it's gonna be like, nothing dissimilar to what I have seen during Tory-Labour-LibDem campaigns. The Labour superimposed William Hague into Thatcher's face and added the words like: Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid on the poster and added fangs to Michael Howard, the so-called vampire from Transylvania to scare people away from ever thinking of voting him as the next PM.


ON the other hand, Malaysian newspapers and television channels would highlight whatever ridiculous things about the opposition parties be it in their speech or their retaliations during some interviews and usually the negative parts will be aired/printed. The mass and electronic media might even edit their interviews to make them look even more absurd and the public would be left thinking how these people are making a complete ass of themselves.



Let the propaganda battle begin!


While KJ is contesting in Rembau, Negri Sembilan , Mukhriz is sent to Jerlun instead of his original choice, Langkawi to spread the UMNO spirit in Kedah. OK, I stand corrected, it is more on the domination a priori on the ticket of culminating the perpaduan melayu spirit, pembangunan orang melayu luar bandar dan sebagainya.


Fong Po Kuan of DAP, who earlier on has announced nationwide of her pulling out as a candidate, has decided to keep up the DAP spirit by rejoining the election campaign to retain her Batu Gajah MP constituency in Perak.


Jeff Ooi, of the well-known, not to forget, controversial blog: Screenshot will be pursuing as a DAP candidate in Jelutong, Pulau Pinang. From a blogger to a political figure, he's quite adamant on battling against his old party, Gerakan, a BN coalition party and he even put up his own campaign website too: Jeff 4 Malaysia.


See, Malaysian election campaign is full of drama. I better be ready to have to bear the indelible ink mark on my finger thumb as a proof of voting.

Ikhlas,

Political scene observer

Friday, February 22, 2008

The Pharaohs won again!

I know citer nih dah agak basi but heck, for the past 2 years i am back in Malaysia, I've had the "privilege" , ok more like the energy and the motivation to watch Live Final African Cup nation match.

And even though I had to stay up till 3.00am on monday early morning , dengan tak tidonya siapkan segala lecture notes most of the day on sunday (10 Feb 2008), I wouldnt wanna miss watching the Pharaohs play against Cameroon and was hoping that they would win it again for the second consecutive time. And man, it was so damn berbaloi! It was only 1-0 win but enough for Essam Al-hadari and the gang to lift the trophy and I got to watch it. Of course la saya sungguh bangga kerana i am half egyptian!



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Natural woman (Aretha Franklin)

Looking out on the morning rain
I used to feel so uninspired
And when I knew I had to face another day
Lord, it made me feel so tired
Before the day I met you, life was so unkind
But your love was the key to peace my mind

Cause you make me feel, you make me feel, you make me feel like
A natural woman

When my soul was in the lost-and-found
You came along to claim it
I didn't know just what was wrong with me
Till your kiss helped me name it
Now I'm no longer doubtful of what I'm living for
Cause if I make you happy I don't need no more

Cause you make me feel, you make me feel, you make me feel like
A natural woman

Oh, baby, what you've done to me
You make me feel so good inside
And I just want to be next to you
You make me feel so alive
Cause you make me feel, you make me feel, you make me feel like
A natural woman


I dedicate this song to all the women who feels good about themselves married or unmarried, and to the men who gave such an effect into my life. They are very much instrumental in letting me feel like a natural woman.

Hello world, i am single yet selectively available.
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Last Monday, 18 February, I sent my car for 20,000 km service despite the fact that i had about 14, 650 km mileage. That 1 and a half year old toyota car of mine takde banyak jalan jauh, mostly rumah-UKM-rumah which is like 12 km pergi-balik. The furthest i ever drove was to Johor and Singapore.

I am considering on going on a driving journey to the east coast la as part of my birthday celebration later this July inshallah. This car of mine, he needs to get out more and more, and discover more places around Malaysia. Seriously it's been a long time since i've graced east coast grounds. And I have never been to any of the beautiful islands there. Perhaps i should drive to Kuala Terengganu and then take a ferry to Perhentian or Redang island. But before that, I had to book the accomodation first be it a package or not.

But then, i have also never been to Sarawak or Sabah at all! I'll see what i can do. If i could get a good air fare to any of the two borneo states, then I might wanna consider going there. However, the thought of driving to the east coast when it is not in the monsoon season really enticing. No matter how conservative those people in tganu and kelantan may be, i know i could get a nice cuci mata cause there are lotta cute looking dudes there. Medium built , or just about my height (5 foot 5) but for cuci mata, it should be fine.

I need to get a pair of new contact lenses too. I love my new glasses, the one i have been wearing since September 2007 but i think i wanna wear the contact lenses alternately...or whenever i feel like wearing. And my cute glasses will always be in my bag, very handy especially when my eyes feel dry and I need to take those contact lenses off.

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I am registered as a voter kawasan sek-1 bandar baru bangi. Its gonna be my 1st time ever to vote this coming 8 March 2008.

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Sangat la merapu this entry....but yeah, if ever, i am so glad and thankful to Allah that i have such a wonderful guardian angel, and God i know I have been naughty and all, but you are forever in my thought!

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Did i say i love sexy, fast cars? Dan oleh kerana Makji Esah has called me the Minah Rempit, I dare say that one of the things that really turns me on is beautiful sexy cars. I used to fall for big bikes, yet now i only save my feelings for cars (and some jet fighters too). I reckon i could get all high and orgasmic driving a really cool car, feeling its comfie seats while i am driving doesnt matter in heels or not, and feel myself one with the car. No need some hunky manly man (Leen's fav word) to make me feel so good once i am on that pretty hot wheel (fucking hot in here.....kipasing myself). Oh well, at least my silver toyota does give me that thrilling effect too, cruising smoothly on the highway. Gives the test-drive a whole new meaning i reckon when it applies to choosing men although i will test-drive them more on the wit and attitude and just a little bit of hotness. And some bit of moment of truth like making them reveal their true colours is my specialty.

After all, i cant afford to keep adding sins on me book, innit?



Anyways, ade la one time i was adoring horses, stallion of course. Started with my admiration on a black stallion, and then any tall, muscular , lean mean machine horses that usually gallops around Hyde Park. Those mighty beasts were spectacular. I didnt care who's riding them, but its the horses that i was eyeing on. And being in the college in South Kensington, i got to see sexy cars passing by almost everyday. There was once I was thinking of getting a Honda CRV before, but now, it is no longer my dream car. Still, if i am rich, I will surely get 1 or 2, maybe 3 cars to suit my mood and to cater for my needs.


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OK enough merapu-ing....letih sebenarnya ni!












Friday, February 08, 2008

In the spirit of Gong Xi Fa Cai 2008

Do you wanna know which animal represents which year you are born in? Click here for more information at Uncle Lee's blog.


What I found from an application in my Facebook on some analysis of my Fire Dragon element with some combination of the Cancer zodiac:


Horoscopes provided courtesy of Suzanne White and Master Rao.
Chinese Symbols
Animal Symbol
Ancient Symbol
Element Symbol
The Dragon
The Morning
Fire
Brief Description
Dragons are witty, enthusiastic, popular, intelligent and gifted yet are also perfectionists.
Positive Traits
vibrant, magnanimous, charismatic, principled, self-sufficient, discriminating, compelling, sentimental, accomplished, noble-hearted, healthy and prodigiously shrewd
Negative Traits
bombastic, dissatisfied, ruthless, demanding, opinionated, mawkish, egocentric, defensive, power-mad, foolhardy, willful and pompous
General Description
of All Dragons

The key to the Dragon personality is that Dragons are the free spirits of the Zodiac. Conformation is a Dragon's curse. Rules and regulations are made for other people. Restrictions blow out the creative spark that is ready to flame into life. Dragons must be free and uninhibited. The Dragon is a beautiful creature, colorful and flamboyant. An extroverted bundle of energy, gifted and utterly irrepressible, everything Dragons do is on a grand scale - big ideas, ornate gestures, extreme ambitions. However, this behavior is natural and isn't meant for show. Because they are confident, fearless in the face of challenge, they are almost inevitably successful. Dragons usually make it to the top. However, Dragon people be aware of their natures. Too much enthusiasm can leave them tired and unfulfilled. Even though they are willing to aid when necessary, their pride can often impede them from accepting the same kind of help from others. Dragons' generous personalities give them the ability to attract friends, but they can be rather solitary people at heart. A Dragon's self-sufficiency can mean that he or she has no need for close bonds with other people.
Detailed Description
of The Fire Dragon
The Fire Dragon is a powerful force to be reckoned with. This is a Dragon doubled! The Fire Dragon can move from calm and collected to combustible in a matter of seconds. In some ways the Fire Dragon is his or her own worst enemy. These Dragons cannot help feeling they are valuable and all-knowing. When they are right their vehemence and vigor is an asset to the cause, and though they value objectivity, they do not always employ the best decision-making measures, and sometimes jump to the wrong conclusion. They also suffer from recklessness and quick tempers. Yet, when they do keep their temper, emotions, and rivaling spirit under control, they emanate a commanding influence on other people.

Eastern
Gem Stone
Eastern
Ruling Planet
Amethyst
Mars
Western Zodiac Sign

Try the New
Cute Horoscopes

A Western Zodiac
companion app for
Chinese Zodiac
Yin or Yang
Cancer
Yang (Light / Masculin)
Combined Zodiac
(East meets West)
The Cancerian Dragon
Cancer Dragons have polished tastes and are generally an artist of some sort. Their homes act as show- cases of these artistic talents. These are less self-indulged characters and are caring, tender, individuals. For them a tight-knit relationship and established home are necessary for happiness.
Month of the Dragon
April
Direction
East-SouthEast (ESE)
Lucky Colors
Black, Gold, Green
Hours
7:00am - 9:00am
Zodiac Position
Fifth
Lucky Numbers
3, 4, 5, 6, 15, 21, 34, 35, 36 and 45.

The Dragon Lover
People love Dragons so much because they are generous, charismatic, irresistible, and so brave that standing beside them banishes fear. They generate excitement and turn heads anywhere they go. They are free-spirited and impulsive and can help others achieve their dreams. Others love to be around Dragons because they have a way of making people feel better. Dragons are quick to fall in love, but do not surrender their independence easily leaving most of them to live life by themselves. Yet, an smart, witty, and funny companion may intrigue the Dragon long enough to make him want to get married. And once the Dragon becomes committed, he is unlikely to ever leave.
Compatibility
EXCELLENT
Rat, Monkey, Rooster
GOOD
Horse, Tiger, Sheep, Pig, Snake
FAIR
Rabbit
DIFFICULT
Dragon, Dog, Ox

Family Life Home and Abroad
The Dragon as a Parent
Because people born in the year of the Dragon are so working on furthering their careers, they usually Put off having and raising children until later than many of the other Chinese horoscope signs. Parenting doesn't come very naturally easily to the Dragon. However, when Dragons do become parents, they approach it with the same enthusiasm as other endeavors. They are proud parents and tend to boast about the accomplishments and good looks of their children.

Dragons, noted for their benevolence, tend to shower their children with toys and spending money. It has been remarked that they substitute material things for quality time with their children. Even so, Dragons take parenting seriously and are quite protective of their children's welfare. Should anything upset them, or should anyone wrong them, the Dragon will prepare to fight and avenge the people who have hurt or belittled their offspring.
The Dragon as a Child
Like their adult counterparts, children born in the Year of the Dragon have vivid personalities and are independent from birth. Noisy and active, parents should stimulate their imaginations as soon as possible. Their imagination and inquisitive natures can be troublesome for the Dragon child and can often land them in a heap of trouble at school which can cause teachers and other parents to deem them troublemakers or naughty. Sometimes Dragon children are loners who daydream and drift to into their own world of make-believe. Either way, Dragon children demand careful attention and special handling in order to bring out the best in them. Their creativity and talents must be encouraged, even if it means spending extra time in certain school subjects in order to help them master the subject.
The Dragon as a Friend
Dragons are usually popular people, but because of their personalities, they seem to gather as much criticism as they do esteem. Due to their tumultuous temperaments, Dragons are not the most sensitive friends to those in need of a shoulder to cry on. Those who truly know the Dragon know he is a loving soul who will become your best ally in times of need. Once the dynamic Dragon has given his friendship, he will not let his friends down and will never falter in his allegiance to his companions. To a Dragon, a friend is a friend for a lifetime. Incredibly honest, Dragons are known for sincerity and are trusting souls. Because of this honesty, Dragons don't realize others may not demonstrate or uphold the same codes of ethics. Making the discovery that they placed their trust in someone who is dishonest makes the Dragon person quite sad, yet much more perceptive for future encounters.
The Dragon at Home
Not the most domesticated of the Animal signs, Dragons and may be more content out and about rather than at home. Nevertheless, with their imagination and artistic sense, they can enjoy decorating their home or anywhere else where their extravagance can be expressed.. A Dragon's home should be as large and majestic as his personality, providing space for the fiery temperament or emotional eruptions that accompany their character.
The Dragon on Vacation
Dragons are attracted by the bizarre. No self-respecting Dragon desires to walk in a tourist's footsteps. Instead, they take a lot of gratification in finding hidden destinations, or, closer to home, locations off the beaten track. But Dragons also need thrills, which they might find by taking an unplanned winter break to go skiing or a spontaneous rock climbing trip in the spring. They may even test their bravery by daring to ride the highest roller coaster in the world. Dragons are also sentimental at heart, so conquering their childhood haunts, or taking a second honeymoon would bring immense pleasure too.

Career Outlook for 2008
First Trimester
Work as far as possible in the still and without haste. Indeed, during the greater part of this period you'll be inclined by precipitation to make mistakes the consequences of which may be serious for your future. You'll have to make sustained efforts in your work. This will be the only means for you to fare as well as possible. Do not tackle all problems at the same time, solve them one after another, without precipitation, and then you'll achieve success.
Second Trimester
The astral influxes of the first two months of this period will help you have easier contacts in your various moves. However, beware of the bad influence of certain stars who will incline you to heedlessness and lack of precision. During the last month, you'll refuse to accept not to be recognized at your true value and will try to put things right. You'll also have an occasion to show your will and express your personal opinions very crudely. Unexpectedly however, this will earn you the consideration and approval of others.
Third Trimester
Everything will be well for you in the professional field. Well supported by the stars, you'll have many an occasion to show that you always remain among the most competent ones. You'll be more creative than ever, and your know-how will place you under the floodlights. If you want to change career or company, this period will favorably allow you to take the necessary steps, to undergo tests, to get interviews. More particularly, everything will go well if you're an actor or artist; you'll work feverishly and successfully. But if you're a civil servant or an obscure worker, then the period will hardly be agreeable to you. The same thing will hold true if you work in an import-export company.
Fourth Trimester
Restrained by the stars, you'll be less prone to pugnacity during these months than during the last ones. You now prefer to play for time and do what is necessary to preserve your tranquility. But this will not prevent you from taking steps to consolidate your acquired advantages and even to refuse to compromise in certain respects. Nonetheless, you'll have some problems to cope with in your work - disagreement with an associate, hostile attitude of a superior, worsening of working conditions, etc. Prudence will be necessary: remain vigilant by refraining from any thoughtless decision and by seeking counsel and aid in case of important difficulty.
The Dragon
At Work
The Dragon's originality is the most impressive and outstanding of all his characteristics. The Dragon is quite imaginative and always able to see new paths where others may run into brick walls. Dragons are very adaptable and are fit for various occupations, especially if those occupations allow him to take the limelight. In any of these occupational situations, the Dragons will take a radical approach. Dragons work hard, but would rather give orders than receive them. They should avoid jobs that encompass too much routine, and should move toward jobs in which their self-reliance can be an asset.
Well Suited
Dragon Occupations
Computer analysts, Inventors, Engineers, Architects, Lawyers, Philosophers, Psychoanalysts, Brokers, Managers, Salespeople, PR People, Advertising agents, Armed forces members, Campaigners, Politicians


Dragon Health
Dragons take thrilling risks and burn the candle at both ends so they are fortunate to be blessed with good health. Among the most hearty of the Animal signs, they can suffer bad health as a result of stress. Symptoms of their personalities often stem from emotional outbursts and can range from tension headaches to depression to hypertension. Dragons can remedy these problems by maintaining their cool, implementing a routine in their daily lives, and utilizing exercises such as yoga or tai kwon do that soothe the mind and spirit as well as tone the body.


Money and The Dragon
Dragons like to spend money and are charitable themselves as well as with others. They do not know the meaning of the word "accumulate," and making money does not intrigue them as it may others. Many Dragons will take big chances with their finances, sometimes betting on their shirt and losing it right off of their backs. Yet, they were born with the Midas Touch, and it very rare that a Dragon remains poor for long. Dragons will always be straightforward in financial dealings and can always be trusted.




YEAR OF THE RAT BEGINS FEB. 7, 2008!

GONG XI FA CAI!


We have 2 dragons in my family , that are my mother (dragon with water element) and myself (the fire dragon), 2 rats (eldest sister:water element and 3rd brother:wood element), 2 monkeys (father:wood element and 1st brother:metal), 1 snake (3rd sis:fire element), 2 goats ( 4th sister:earth element and 1 nephew:water element, son of the 3rd sis), 2 dogs (2nd bro:water element and 1st sis inlaw), 3 tigers (3rd bro-inlaw, 5th sis:fire element and 1st niece:earth element, daughter of eldest sis)), 2 roosters (1st bro inlaw and 6th sis:water element), 1 ox (2nd bro inlaw).



Element reference (click here for source):

Those of you born under the influence of the Chinese Astrology Element of Water act with the assured fluidity of a river, affecting your environment with your strength and quiet charm. Creative and captivating, diplomatic and intuitive, Water individuals are the masters of subtle persuasion. Without even appearing to try, you can gain someone's trust and affection, and once you've got them they'll follow you anywhere. You make everyone feel special, noting and praising each person's unique talents. Your inherent pliability, the fluid calm that makes you so appealing, can also make you sometimes too passive, too willing to be what someone wants you to be. You tend to take the shape of whatever container you're poured into.Rather than letting others dam up your energies, let yourself flow freely!

Like the rings of a tree circle out and expand through the years, so too do those born under the Chinese Astrology Element of Wood. You Wood personalities seek chances for growth and for renewal in all you do, 'branching out' (excuse the pun!) whenever possible. Your open, expansive mind makes you a compassionate and generous friend, colleague and ally. You understand the inherent value of what you and those around you possess, and your confidence allows you to act upon your beliefs. While your strength forms the backbone of any social group or partnership you're a part of, you could have a tendency to be a bit too systematic in your thinking, and sometimes your passivity allows others to overwhelm and inhibit you. Don't let yourself be lost in a vast forest, an anonymous tree among millions of others. Make your mark on the world -- you're especially adept at business ventures.

Those of you born under the influence of the Chinese Element Fire burn through life with your fierce charm, your impulsive enthusiasm and your restless emotions. A natural leader, you inspire with your decisive action and dramatic expression; people can't help but be magnetically drawn to you. Where will you lead your followers? Likely into an exciting adventure of some sort. You're instinctual, but your mind sparks with new ideas and clever solutions. In love, you're highly-charged -- even combustible at times! Hot tamales to the core, these dynamic individuals can see straight to the heart of an issue and make it work for them. You may seem single-minded, but you just refuse to be swayed from a cause they believe to be important.

Those of you born under the influence of the Chinese Astrology element of Metal are determined, self-reliant and forceful. You enjoy the good life and all it has to offer -- luxury, comfort and freedom, especially. You're like a reclusive film star: You want the acclaim, but you also want to be left alone. You create your own success, building your desired destiny with single-minded focus. Others look up to you in awe of your commanding, confident presence. While you Metal individuals are strong and virtuous, you can be a bit set in your ways. No arm-wrestling with the metallic ones, either; they might break that appendage in two! You can be a stern taskmasters as well, demanding the most from yourself and those you love.

Those of you born under the influence of the Chinese Astrology Element of Earth are wise, serene and prudent, firmly rooted in your morals, ethics and responsibilities. Led by logic rather than emotion, you seek to plan your life as far out in advance as possible, to expect the unexpected and control your destiny down to the last detail. Your disciplined reserve -- which can come across as true grace if you work it right -- garners you respect and admiration. You're so bound by logic and dependent upon controlling your situation that you have a fear of the unknown. Consequently, you question your instincts, distrusting even your most cherished dreams and seeing your whims as frivolous distractions. Don't be a stick in the mud, Earth Signs; share your wisdom and your peace of mind with a needy world.



N.B: It is not that I rely wholly on the above analysis, what fascinated me was how they managed to describe more than 75% accuracy of my personal traits among other things. In Islam, fortune telling is considered haram (forbidden) and only Allah knows what lies in our future. Having said that, I am more interested to find out what the chinese and the star zodiac horoscopes say about what I am rather than religiously (and God forbid, blindly) follow whatever prediction they have on me.

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Defending champion Egypt will play Cameroon for the Final African Nations Cup 2008 held in Accra, Ghana. The Pharaohs team (Egypt) beat Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) in the semi-final by 4-1, a real stunning winning much better when they defeated the Didier Drogba team on penalty shoots during the previous final match in 2006. Meanwhile Cameroon had a dramatic win 1-0 against the host team, Ghana.

Essam Al-Hadari The main man of the match had to be Essam El-hadari (pic left), the Egyptian goalkeeper who has done a superb job only to let one goal amiss during the whole match.


2 of the 4 goals were scored by Amr Zaky (pic below).

Zaki drives the ball past Loboue



Not only are they brilliant team on the field, those Pharaoh lads are blessed with good looks and physiques too. I think Malaysia football should think of sending their boys to middle east countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iran to polish up their footie skills and not pining for some attentions from the English football scenes only. They could also learn some dribbling skills from those African lads like the Cameroonians and Ivory Coastians knowing that there are many of them plays for the English Premier League as well as in the World Cup.

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I will write something on the Australian Open in the next entry. Most of the pictures I saved are in my office PC.

But just a brief report: Serbian Novak Djokovic won the first Grand Slam match for this year against the French newcomer with a Muhammad Ali's look, Jo Wilfred-Tsonga. The former beat the favourite, Roger Federer with a straight set and the latter stunned Rafael Nadal also in a straight set duel in the semifinal.

In the Ladies single, Russian Maria Sharapova made a comeback win, beating Serbian Ana Ivanovic on a straight set. This was her third Grand Slam win to date.



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I was in Bangkok last December and 2 weeks ago in Jakarta, attending conferences. It was also my first ever visit to both ASEAN cities and more on that in the next entry.