Music: Henry Mancini,
Lyrics: Johnny Mercer
Moon River, wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style some day
Old dream maker
You heartbreaker
Wherever you're going
I'm going your way...
Two drifters off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after the same rainbow's end
Waitin' round the bend
My Huckleberry friend
Moon River and me.
This song brings the memories... the past...
I will set my ghosts of the past to rest.
No more mention.
No more grieve
No more enchantment with probability
No more me.
February 9, 2007
February 8, 2007
Gillett and Hicks uncovered
The arrival of US sporting tycoons George Gillett Jr and Tom Hicks at Liverpool this week has raised many questions over the direction the club will now take.
The new owners have spoken at length about their desire to retain the tradition and identity of the, for now, Anfield club.
Gillett and Hicks have a long and proud tradition of sporting excellence in North America, here brings an insight into the way they have run their teams in ice hockey and baseball.
If there is angst in the soccer pubs of England about the pending sale of Liverpool to North American interlopers George Gillett and Tom Hicks, it could hardly be greater than the hand-wringing that accompanied Gillett's purchase of the storied Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League in late January 2001.
At the time Gillett became the first non-Canadian to own the most successful franchise in NHL history and a team that rivals the New York Yankees and Boston Celtics as the greatest franchise in all of sport.
The Canadians had fallen on hard times and it was feared an American with little hockey background would further erode the team's cachet in Quebec or even worse, move the team to the United States. Gillett's chequered financial history, which included the loss of a prized Vail, Colorado ski resort that went bankrupt after the junk bond collapse in the early 1990s, only exacerbated the concern over the future of one of the NHL's cornerstone franchises.
But in a short period of time Gillett not only allayed the fears of legions of Montreal fans but has become something of a favoured son in the mostly French-speaking province.
Although the Canadians have not returned to the Stanley Cup finals since Gillett's purchase he has allowed the Canadians to spend competitively with other teams prior to the 1995 lockout after which the NHL adopted a salary cap.
Gillett returned Bob Gainey, a Hall of Fame player during the Canadiens' dynastic years in the mid-1970s, to the team as general manager. Gainey in turn has brought in popular former player Guy Carbonneau as head coach and the team will almost certainly qualify for the playoffs for the fourth time in the last five playoff years.
Beyond that Gillett, who was once the owner and CEO of the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team, has been a driving force in the team's continued observance of its traditions and heroes. The Canadiens are acknowledged around the league as one of the most classy organizations, especially when it comes to recognizing past heroes.
The team, which recently sent Hall of Fame netminder Ken Dryden's jersey to the Bell Center rafters, has even recognized heroes from other teams like the Boston Bruins with whom the Canadiens have enjoyed an emotional playoff rivalry over the years.
As for Gillett's partner in the Liverpool venture, Tom Hicks (with who Gillett teamed up with several years ago on the acquisition of a massive beef and pork operation) didn't have to contend with history when he took over the Dallas Stars in December 1995 but rather ensuring that pro hockey became more than a novelty in the Lone Star State.
The Stars had moved to Texas from Minneapolis at the start of the 1993-94 season. When Hicks took over as owner the Stars quickly became a league power. Hicks spent freely to bring in top-name talent and played an active role in recruiting such players as Brett Hull and Ed Belfour, both whom played a significant role in the Stars' march to the 1999 Stanley Cup. Dallas returned to the Cup final the following year, losing to New Jersey, but the Stars remain one of league's elite teams.
Although Hicks is far better known for his stewardship of Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers, which he has owned since 1998 and where he made headlines by signing Alex Rodriquez to a landmark 10-year, $252-million deal in 2001 he has quietly become one of the powerbrokers of the NHL. The team's support of grassroots hockey programs in Texas is seen as a blueprint for success by teams in non-traditional markets.
The consensus is that Hicks takes a more hands-on approach with the Texas Rangers than his hockey team, the Dallas Stars, largely because he's more familiar with baseball than hockey.
When the Rangers signed Alex Rodriguez for $252 million in December 2000 after no team offered him anything close to that, Hicks was portrayed nationally as a bit of a rube. He effectively outbid himself by a huge margin to land the player. Then the Rangers invested big money in pitcher Chan Ho Park, another Scott Boras client who was a complete disaster. After those two experiences, Hicks seemed more willing to back off and trust his baseball people.
He's considered a pretty congenial guy, and he likes to get involved when the team courts big-name free agents. Last year Hicks invited pitcher Kevin Millwood to play a round of golf at the home of the Masters, Augusta National, where Hicks is a member. In December, Hicks was at the table when the Rangers tried to recruit free agent pitcher Barry Zito over dinner. Zito ultimately signed with San Francisco.
Here's an interesting quote from agent Scott Boras that appeared in the Dallas Morning News: '[Hicks] has a recruiting style that is one of the best among owners,' Boras said. 'He lights fires. He creates sparks.'
While Hicks is actively involved, he now picks his spots and isn't as meddlesome as some baseball owners. For example, Hicks allowed his young general manager, Jon Daniels, to make the call when the Rangers fired manager Buck Showalter after last season.
With time, Hicks has come to realize that success is more a function of scouting, signing and developing players through the draft than spending huge money on free agents. Texas' Opening Day payroll of $65 million last year ranked 18th among the 30 big league clubs.
Now the Rangers seem intent on taking a more grassroots approach. They've invested a lot of time and money in their academy in the Dominican Republic in hopes of producing more talent there.
Until the Rangers win anything, Hicks will be known primarily as the guy who overpaid big-time for A-Rod. The Rangers won 95 games in 1999, Hicks' first full season as owner, and they've finished above .500 only once since. It's not a very impressive track record.
Copyright ©2007 ESPN Internet Ventures.
The new owners have spoken at length about their desire to retain the tradition and identity of the, for now, Anfield club.
Gillett and Hicks have a long and proud tradition of sporting excellence in North America, here brings an insight into the way they have run their teams in ice hockey and baseball.
If there is angst in the soccer pubs of England about the pending sale of Liverpool to North American interlopers George Gillett and Tom Hicks, it could hardly be greater than the hand-wringing that accompanied Gillett's purchase of the storied Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League in late January 2001.
At the time Gillett became the first non-Canadian to own the most successful franchise in NHL history and a team that rivals the New York Yankees and Boston Celtics as the greatest franchise in all of sport.
The Canadians had fallen on hard times and it was feared an American with little hockey background would further erode the team's cachet in Quebec or even worse, move the team to the United States. Gillett's chequered financial history, which included the loss of a prized Vail, Colorado ski resort that went bankrupt after the junk bond collapse in the early 1990s, only exacerbated the concern over the future of one of the NHL's cornerstone franchises.
But in a short period of time Gillett not only allayed the fears of legions of Montreal fans but has become something of a favoured son in the mostly French-speaking province.
Although the Canadians have not returned to the Stanley Cup finals since Gillett's purchase he has allowed the Canadians to spend competitively with other teams prior to the 1995 lockout after which the NHL adopted a salary cap.
Gillett returned Bob Gainey, a Hall of Fame player during the Canadiens' dynastic years in the mid-1970s, to the team as general manager. Gainey in turn has brought in popular former player Guy Carbonneau as head coach and the team will almost certainly qualify for the playoffs for the fourth time in the last five playoff years.
Beyond that Gillett, who was once the owner and CEO of the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team, has been a driving force in the team's continued observance of its traditions and heroes. The Canadiens are acknowledged around the league as one of the most classy organizations, especially when it comes to recognizing past heroes.
The team, which recently sent Hall of Fame netminder Ken Dryden's jersey to the Bell Center rafters, has even recognized heroes from other teams like the Boston Bruins with whom the Canadiens have enjoyed an emotional playoff rivalry over the years.
As for Gillett's partner in the Liverpool venture, Tom Hicks (with who Gillett teamed up with several years ago on the acquisition of a massive beef and pork operation) didn't have to contend with history when he took over the Dallas Stars in December 1995 but rather ensuring that pro hockey became more than a novelty in the Lone Star State.
The Stars had moved to Texas from Minneapolis at the start of the 1993-94 season. When Hicks took over as owner the Stars quickly became a league power. Hicks spent freely to bring in top-name talent and played an active role in recruiting such players as Brett Hull and Ed Belfour, both whom played a significant role in the Stars' march to the 1999 Stanley Cup. Dallas returned to the Cup final the following year, losing to New Jersey, but the Stars remain one of league's elite teams.
Although Hicks is far better known for his stewardship of Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers, which he has owned since 1998 and where he made headlines by signing Alex Rodriquez to a landmark 10-year, $252-million deal in 2001 he has quietly become one of the powerbrokers of the NHL. The team's support of grassroots hockey programs in Texas is seen as a blueprint for success by teams in non-traditional markets.
The consensus is that Hicks takes a more hands-on approach with the Texas Rangers than his hockey team, the Dallas Stars, largely because he's more familiar with baseball than hockey.
When the Rangers signed Alex Rodriguez for $252 million in December 2000 after no team offered him anything close to that, Hicks was portrayed nationally as a bit of a rube. He effectively outbid himself by a huge margin to land the player. Then the Rangers invested big money in pitcher Chan Ho Park, another Scott Boras client who was a complete disaster. After those two experiences, Hicks seemed more willing to back off and trust his baseball people.
He's considered a pretty congenial guy, and he likes to get involved when the team courts big-name free agents. Last year Hicks invited pitcher Kevin Millwood to play a round of golf at the home of the Masters, Augusta National, where Hicks is a member. In December, Hicks was at the table when the Rangers tried to recruit free agent pitcher Barry Zito over dinner. Zito ultimately signed with San Francisco.
Here's an interesting quote from agent Scott Boras that appeared in the Dallas Morning News: '[Hicks] has a recruiting style that is one of the best among owners,' Boras said. 'He lights fires. He creates sparks.'
While Hicks is actively involved, he now picks his spots and isn't as meddlesome as some baseball owners. For example, Hicks allowed his young general manager, Jon Daniels, to make the call when the Rangers fired manager Buck Showalter after last season.
With time, Hicks has come to realize that success is more a function of scouting, signing and developing players through the draft than spending huge money on free agents. Texas' Opening Day payroll of $65 million last year ranked 18th among the 30 big league clubs.
Now the Rangers seem intent on taking a more grassroots approach. They've invested a lot of time and money in their academy in the Dominican Republic in hopes of producing more talent there.
Until the Rangers win anything, Hicks will be known primarily as the guy who overpaid big-time for A-Rod. The Rangers won 95 games in 1999, Hicks' first full season as owner, and they've finished above .500 only once since. It's not a very impressive track record.
Copyright ©2007 ESPN Internet Ventures.
February 7, 2007
We are going to build the finest team for the finest stadium in the League & that is Liverpool
Liverpool's new American owners have thrown down the gauntlet to Manchester United and Chelsea by promising to make the club the biggest and best in the world.
American businessmen George Gillett and Tom Hicks pose inside the players tunnel after their takeover of Liverpool.
Tom Hicks and George Gillett laid out their vision for a bright Red future at an Anfield news conference little more than an hour after clinching an historic £470million takeover of the club.
They will be in direct competition with fellow Americans the Glazer family but, unlike the owners at Old Trafford, the two sports tycoons insist there will be no debt tied to Liverpool from their purchase.
The pair formed an impressive team, and made clear they had huge respect for the club's heritage.
Gillett said: 'This is truly the largest sport in the world, the most important sport in the world, and this is the most important club in the most important sport in the world and what a privilege we have to be associated with it.
'We have purchased the club with no debt on the club so, in that regard, it is different [to the Glazers]. We believe in the future of the club, the future of the league, the new TV contracts are outstanding and we are proud to be a part of it.
'If you look at the Premier League today, it is a strong revenue-generating body for the leading teams. I believe it has the chance to be a growing industry over time and we need all the revenues we can possibly find to compete with Manchester and Chelsea.'
Gillett and Hicks - who both own NHL ice hockey teams - will become co-chairmen, and each will have one of their sons on the board. Liverpool chairman David Moores will become honorary life president and Rick Parry will continue as chief executive, running the club on a day to day basis.
The Americans had a meeting with manager Rafael Benitez on Tuesday and promised they would back him with funds for new signings, insisting they will not put a ceiling on spending.
Hicks said: 'We are not going to put a budget on squad development, we are going to wait for Rick and Rafa to bring us those plans and requests and we are going to support them.
'Rafa's strategies and philosophies are very similar to our own, with a strong core of veterans with highly-talented young athletes.
'You need to keep your star players but also develop your young players.
'Young players are the lifeblood of your team, so we talked about how we can improve that side of the team.'
They also met up with skipper Steven Gerrard and fellow Scouser Jamie Carragher last night.
Gillett said: 'We had the privilege of spending some time with Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher and they delivered us the message. They are all about winning and all about the passion from the fans.
'They wanted continuity of management with David and Rick. They have enormous regard for them. They also spoke extremely warmly about Rafa and made us aware that they feel this man is truly one of the great geniuses in the recent history of the sport.
'Secondly, they wanted to talk about players and to encourage us to support Rick and Rafa's efforts in building the team.
'They were also clear with their views on the stadium. They made us aware the sound, the energy and the passion that Anfield provides needs to be incorporated into the design of the new stadium.'
The takeover means that work is now expected to start on the new 60,000-seater Stanley Park stadium within the next two months, and the new owners will consider selling the naming rights on the ground.
The pair also made clear there was no chance of sharing the ground with Merseyside neighbours Everton.
Hicks said: 'I can categorically say we have no interest in a ground share with any other team. We are going to build the finest team for the finest stadium in the Premier League and that is Liverpool.'
Gillett persuaded Hicks to join his bid after meeting him at an NHL All-Star game, and it did not take long for Hicks - who also owns the Texas Rangers baseball side - to become hooked on the project.
Hicks added: 'I had obviously heard of Liverpool but once I had a chance to read about the 118 years of history, the 18 league championships, the bleak years in the 1930s and 40s through to the 60s and then the tragedies of the 1980s, I was just awe-struck by what this community has done, it is very, very special.'
Gillett also insisted that, though he and Hicks would be aiming for the club to return a profit, that was way down the list of priorities.
He said: 'If you put down the objectives, money would be no way near the top of the list, it would have winning, passion, heritage and legacy above that.
'Rick has told me of a Bill Shankly saying that `first is first and second is nowhere' and that sounds good to us.'
Tink itz been a long long while since i last wrote on anything else...
Hahaha.. maybe a haha or a lolx would be a good front for me to display..
To hide these emotions of mine .. To put up a facade..
A display of emotions ish probably deemed weak..
Many times i find myself falling into the pits of self-despair & alot of 'whys'..
I've managed to pick myself up each time and made myself trudge on..
Being in denial abt things are not good.. really.. yesterday i caught a show via cable TV.. The show was the 'ekin cheng / aaron kwok show'.. very nice.. but i really empathise and sympathise with aaron's role... Nan ren zui Tong.. do u know wat it is.. not the film name.. but a phrase which aaron uttered in his despair
To be left bahind w/o a reason is the hardest hit u can deleiver to a guy..
A guy is logical and would want things to be explained.. logically.. but nonetheless the other parties never learn this and always expects us to be in the know..
We're just your partners.. not the ringworm in your tummy..
we need to be told and instructed if necessary ..
i dunno why m i writing all these but i felt queasy after the show and felt a need to put it down to remind myself of not to fall in love again..
itz beta to just stop loving than to go thru the pain of being hurt..
Imperfect humans hurts you senselessly & unswervingly;
only a perfect God would know how to handle a delicate heart.
this is one of my fave short prose which i wrote....
What Doesnt Kill you ;
Will not necessary make you stronger, contrary to what others might say ;
It will incapacitate you ;
It will douse watever life that's left in you ;
It will clip your already broken wings ;
It only leaves you suffering a fate worst than dying.. the bittertaste of being abandoned.
Hahaha.. maybe a haha or a lolx would be a good front for me to display..
To hide these emotions of mine .. To put up a facade..
A display of emotions ish probably deemed weak..
Many times i find myself falling into the pits of self-despair & alot of 'whys'..
I've managed to pick myself up each time and made myself trudge on..
Being in denial abt things are not good.. really.. yesterday i caught a show via cable TV.. The show was the 'ekin cheng / aaron kwok show'.. very nice.. but i really empathise and sympathise with aaron's role... Nan ren zui Tong.. do u know wat it is.. not the film name.. but a phrase which aaron uttered in his despair
To be left bahind w/o a reason is the hardest hit u can deleiver to a guy..
A guy is logical and would want things to be explained.. logically.. but nonetheless the other parties never learn this and always expects us to be in the know..
We're just your partners.. not the ringworm in your tummy..
we need to be told and instructed if necessary ..
i dunno why m i writing all these but i felt queasy after the show and felt a need to put it down to remind myself of not to fall in love again..
itz beta to just stop loving than to go thru the pain of being hurt..
Imperfect humans hurts you senselessly & unswervingly;
only a perfect God would know how to handle a delicate heart.
this is one of my fave short prose which i wrote....
What Doesnt Kill you ;
Will not necessary make you stronger, contrary to what others might say ;
It will incapacitate you ;
It will douse watever life that's left in you ;
It will clip your already broken wings ;
It only leaves you suffering a fate worst than dying.. the bittertaste of being abandoned.
Long Post Ahead
Last week, i put 'Lemme go quietly' on my msn nick... Alot of pple asked me where am i going that i need to go quietly...
I wanna go to a place where there is no work, no one asking "where's your other half", "where is your office", "where is your car", "where is your apartment"..
I hate living up to other pple's expectations..
I hate beign someone i am not...
I've persisted soo long to be myself..
Yet sometimes situations do not allow me to do so..
the circumstances make me to be who i am not..
I wanna stand tall and high against the tirade..
Issit that tough
Many times, i tried to stand and not fall,
Only to be pushed down again and again..
Its liken to Fate throwing u a ten when u need an ace...
I hate this feeling...
Wanna throw up and fall sick...
UPDATE @ 12:42PM
Probably its true; Probably its not
we are afterall only human... tends to compare stuff religiously...
I was blog surfing earlier last week when i found out some stuff... apparently some pple gotten hitched without telling me for obvious reasons... guess it only signifies the end.. afterall i did say b4 my wait of 2 yrs has to come to nothing but an end... but ,many times i really really do not understand why...
Things like why i cannot give it up
Why i still feel the way i am when i know i shouldn't...
Can anyone tell me why..
Dun bother.. i know what's gonna come out.. is those "Dun worry.. Time will heal" "You will find another one true love" "You will get over it"
WTF
just now as i walked into that bubble lift, i started to do something.. i stared out into the open fields.. i saw the circle line construction.. it was deep.. many pple were working.. i wonder if i were to fall into that hole... wat would happen..
My life's an abyss now.. i dunno wat came over me but still i feel wretched.. i need a sobering cold shower... will go to gym later tonite.. to get rid of my thots & that someone...
UPDATE @ 1:42PM
If only it is only that simple...
I wanna go to a place where there is no work, no one asking "where's your other half", "where is your office", "where is your car", "where is your apartment"..
I hate living up to other pple's expectations..
I hate beign someone i am not...
I've persisted soo long to be myself..
Yet sometimes situations do not allow me to do so..
the circumstances make me to be who i am not..
I wanna stand tall and high against the tirade..
Issit that tough
Many times, i tried to stand and not fall,
Only to be pushed down again and again..
Its liken to Fate throwing u a ten when u need an ace...
I hate this feeling...
Wanna throw up and fall sick...
UPDATE @ 12:42PM
Probably its true; Probably its not
we are afterall only human... tends to compare stuff religiously...
I was blog surfing earlier last week when i found out some stuff... apparently some pple gotten hitched without telling me for obvious reasons... guess it only signifies the end.. afterall i did say b4 my wait of 2 yrs has to come to nothing but an end... but ,many times i really really do not understand why...
Things like why i cannot give it up
Why i still feel the way i am when i know i shouldn't...
Can anyone tell me why..
Dun bother.. i know what's gonna come out.. is those "Dun worry.. Time will heal" "You will find another one true love" "You will get over it"
WTF
just now as i walked into that bubble lift, i started to do something.. i stared out into the open fields.. i saw the circle line construction.. it was deep.. many pple were working.. i wonder if i were to fall into that hole... wat would happen..
My life's an abyss now.. i dunno wat came over me but still i feel wretched.. i need a sobering cold shower... will go to gym later tonite.. to get rid of my thots & that someone...
UPDATE @ 1:42PM
If only it is only that simple...
February 6, 2007
Thailand to reopen old airport, giving Bangkok two hubs
BANGKOK: Thailand's government announced on Tuesday that it will reopen Bangkok's shuttered Don Muang airport, after a series of problems emerged at its sparkling new air hub.
"The cabinet has decided to maintain two international airports for our country because there have been many setbacks at Suvarnabhumi Airport and we need to prepare to handle more passengers in the future," Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont told reporters.
"Therefore it's necessary to have Don Muang as a second international airport," he said.
Transport Minister Thira Haocharoen said the decades-old Don Muang would be ready to resume commercial operations within 45 days.
"Don Muang will permanently re-open and we are now considering which airlines are to move back to Don Muang," Thira told reporters.
The decision took Thailand's aviation authorities by surprise.
The airport issue had not been on the cabinet's agenda for Tuesday and the transport minister had previously recommended only moving some domestic flights to Don Muang on a temporary basis to allow for repairs at Suvarnabhumi.
Don Muang has been closed since the gleaming Suvarnabhumi Airport opened in September to great fanfare, when it was trumpeted as a symbol of modern Thailand and its plans to become the region's premier travel hub.
Instead, the airport has become mired in problems ranging from cracks in the taxiways and runways, to allegations of graft and complaints about sanitation.
Highlighting the problems, Thailand's aviation authority last month declined to renew an international safety certificate for Suvarnabhumi.
The certificate is not required by law for the airport to operate, meaning it can stay open while the problems are sorted out.
Re-opening the old airport will postpone the need to expand Suvarnabhumi, which opened with a capacity of 45 million passengers a year.
Airline officials say that traffic has rapidly risen toward that point and the government had already planned a new terminal for low-cost carriers at Suvarnabhumi, which was designed to eventually grow to handle 100 million passengers a year.
Kulya Pakakrong, acting president of Airports of Thailand – which operates Suvarnabhumi – voiced surprise at the decision and warned that expansion would still be needed at Suvarnabhumi.
"Both Aviation Department and Airports of Thailand were surprised by the urgent, unexpected decision made by the cabinet," Kulya told AOT.
She had previously said that operating two airports would only temporarily solve the problems at the new airport.
Critics have also voiced concern about splitting air traffic between the two for fear the move would create confusion among travellers and that people trying to make connections could become snarled up in Bangkok's notorious traffic.
But Thailand's civil aviation chief Chaisak Angkasuwan said many big cities have more than one airport and Bangkok should be no different.
"In Tokyo or France, they operate more than one international airport in a big city so I don't see any obstacle for Thailand to do the same thing," Chaisak told AFP. - AFP/so
Copyright © 2006 MCN International Pte Ltd
"The cabinet has decided to maintain two international airports for our country because there have been many setbacks at Suvarnabhumi Airport and we need to prepare to handle more passengers in the future," Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont told reporters.
"Therefore it's necessary to have Don Muang as a second international airport," he said.
Transport Minister Thira Haocharoen said the decades-old Don Muang would be ready to resume commercial operations within 45 days.
"Don Muang will permanently re-open and we are now considering which airlines are to move back to Don Muang," Thira told reporters.
The decision took Thailand's aviation authorities by surprise.
The airport issue had not been on the cabinet's agenda for Tuesday and the transport minister had previously recommended only moving some domestic flights to Don Muang on a temporary basis to allow for repairs at Suvarnabhumi.
Don Muang has been closed since the gleaming Suvarnabhumi Airport opened in September to great fanfare, when it was trumpeted as a symbol of modern Thailand and its plans to become the region's premier travel hub.
Instead, the airport has become mired in problems ranging from cracks in the taxiways and runways, to allegations of graft and complaints about sanitation.
Highlighting the problems, Thailand's aviation authority last month declined to renew an international safety certificate for Suvarnabhumi.
The certificate is not required by law for the airport to operate, meaning it can stay open while the problems are sorted out.
Re-opening the old airport will postpone the need to expand Suvarnabhumi, which opened with a capacity of 45 million passengers a year.
Airline officials say that traffic has rapidly risen toward that point and the government had already planned a new terminal for low-cost carriers at Suvarnabhumi, which was designed to eventually grow to handle 100 million passengers a year.
Kulya Pakakrong, acting president of Airports of Thailand – which operates Suvarnabhumi – voiced surprise at the decision and warned that expansion would still be needed at Suvarnabhumi.
"Both Aviation Department and Airports of Thailand were surprised by the urgent, unexpected decision made by the cabinet," Kulya told AOT.
She had previously said that operating two airports would only temporarily solve the problems at the new airport.
Critics have also voiced concern about splitting air traffic between the two for fear the move would create confusion among travellers and that people trying to make connections could become snarled up in Bangkok's notorious traffic.
But Thailand's civil aviation chief Chaisak Angkasuwan said many big cities have more than one airport and Bangkok should be no different.
"In Tokyo or France, they operate more than one international airport in a big city so I don't see any obstacle for Thailand to do the same thing," Chaisak told AFP. - AFP/so
Copyright © 2006 MCN International Pte Ltd
February 5, 2007
Volunteers Needed for Community Project on 10 Feb
Who's free from 9am to 3pm?
My friend is looking for volunteers to help out in a community service project.
Because bringing old folks to the zoo, den need helpers in wheeling them around.
Entry charge & transport from Toa Payoh is fully covered by them.
So anything pls email him directly @ whoorderlaksa85@gmail.com or sms me @ 9880 0800 kk?
THANKS THANKS!
(His Note: Do some gd deeds, den will strike tis yr's 10m hongbao toto on 2th mar wor...)
(ED: I dunch tink so la, mr gu)
My friend is looking for volunteers to help out in a community service project.
Because bringing old folks to the zoo, den need helpers in wheeling them around.
Entry charge & transport from Toa Payoh is fully covered by them.
So anything pls email him directly @ whoorderlaksa85@gmail.com or sms me @ 9880 0800 kk?
THANKS THANKS!
(His Note: Do some gd deeds, den will strike tis yr's 10m hongbao toto on 2th mar wor...)
(ED: I dunch tink so la, mr gu)
Liverpool January Transfer Window Round-Up
Article taken from here.
***************
We round up Rafa Benitez’s January transfer dealings, with mostly youngsters and cover coming in for defence and midfield.
Daniele Padelli
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of Birth: 25/10/1985
Former clubs: Sampdoria, Crotone.
Liverpool confirmed the loan signing of Italian under-21 goalkeeper Daniele Padelli from Sampdoria in January 2007, subject to international clearance.
Padelli, who was on loan with second division Crotone in the first half of the season, has signed until the end of the 2006/2007 season when the Reds will have the option to agree a permanent deal.
“He’s a good young goalkeeper who has been selected for his national side,” said manager Rafael Benitez.
“Padelli will give us a good option for the future. The fact he is once again with the under-21s for his national side tells you that we are signing a very good player.
“Our scouting department are working really hard to bring good young players to the club and I’m delighted we have been able to sign Padelli.”
Emiliano Insua
Position: Defender
Date of Birth: 07/01/1989
Former clubs: Boca Juniors
Liverpool signed promising Argentinian defender Emiliano Insua on an 18 month loan deal in January 2007.
The teenage left back - who has represented his country at under 20 level - has arrived from Boca Juniors and signed a deal to keep him at Anfield until June 2008.
“He is a good, young player with a lot of potential,” said manager Rafael Benitez.
Insua’s arrival is part of an ongoing strategy by Rafa Benitez to recruit elite youngsters from across the world and provide a stable foundation for the future of the club.
Jordy Brouwer
Position: Striker
Date of birth: 26 February 1988
Former clubs- Ajax.
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Dutch youngster Jordy Brouwer from Ajax. The 18 year old striker is the latest of Rafael Benitez’s youth recruits as the manager continues his policy of planning for the club’s future.
Brouwer - who plays for the Dutch under-19 side - has swapped Ajax for Anfield.
“We have made a good signing for the future in Jordy,” said chief executive Rick Parry.”He has had a youth contract at Ajax, but has opted to build his career at Liverpool. We have been monitoring his progress and look forward to developing his potential at Anfield.” On 22 January 2007 Brouwer signed professional papers with Liverpool on a four and a half year contract[2]. As Brouwer was only a youth at the time of the transfer, the English side only paid a training based fee to Ajax for the player
Sebastiàn Leto
Position: Midfield,
Date of birth: NA
Former club: Lanús (Argentina)
Liverpool have finalised the signing of Sebastiàn Leto, the Argentine winger, in a deal worth £1.85 million. Leto, 20, who plays for Lanùs, had a medical on Merseyside on Friday, but will return to Argentina before officially becoming a Liverpool player on July 1.
Sebastián Leto is an Argentine football midfielder. He was born on August 30, 1986, in the city of Alejandro Korn in the Buenos Aires Province of Argentina. He currently plays for Club Atlético Lanús of the Primera Division Argentina.
Leto is one of the most highly rated youngsters breaking into first team football in the Argentine Primera and has played 34 matches for Lanús since breaking into the first team, scoring six goals. He’s considered the best young player in the World behind Lionel Messi in French Magazine TLW.
Alvaro Arbeloa
Position: Centre half/right back
Date of Birth: Jan 17, 1983
Former clubs: Real Madrid, Deprotivo de la Coruna.
Liverpool have clinched a deal for Spanish defender Alvaro Arbeloa, according to Deportivo la Coruna boss Joaquin Caparros.The Reds are ready to pay €4million (£2.64million) for the former Real Madrid full-back who only moved to Depor at the start of the current season. Caparros has admitted that the Spanish club have sanctioned the sale of the player who cost €1.3million (£860,000) from Real in the summer.
When the 23 year old left Real he said: “This is a strange situation for me, i have been playing for Real Madrid Castilla for 5 years, since i was 18 year’s old, Real was nothing but good to me, but it’s time for me to go. real has the best players in the world, although that is great for the club, unfortunately that’s not so great for Cantera players, only a few of us can find there place in the first team, and even those how find there place in the first team like Álvaro Mejía and Paco Pavon are only 3ed or 4th pick and that is why i want to live the club, to a club where i can get some play time.”
Francis Durán
Position: Midfield
Date of birth: (he’s 18)
Former Club: Malaga
Liverpool are set to acquire the services of promising Spanish midfielder Francis Duran from second division team Malaga.The 18-year-old will travel to Liverpool on Tuesday and is expected to sign a professional contract with the Reds, according to the Spanish media.
“It’s a unique opportunity and I couldn’t let it go by,” Francis told the Spanish press.
Javier Mascherano (TBC)
Position: Defensive Midfield,
Date of birth- June 8, 1984,
Former Club: West ham utd, River Plate, Corinthians.
Argentinian defensive midfielder has been given clearance to sign for the Reds in a deal which may initially be an 18 month loan but this is still to be confirmed officially. Having struggled at the Hammers this season the 22 year old will provide valuable cover for the Reds in midfield.
Ronald Huth
Position: Defender
Date of birth (17)
Former Club- Tacuary FC, Paraguay
Liverpool have announced the signing of Paraguayan defender Ronald Huth.
The 17-year-old has penned a two and a half year deal after agreeing to leave Tacuary FC in his homeland for a new career on Merseyside.
Despite being born in Paraguay, Huth holds an Italian passport.
He completed his move to Anfield ahead of Wednesday night’s transfer deadline.
Astrit Ajdarevic
Position: Striker
Date of Birth: 20/09/1989
Former Club: Falkenbergs FF
Swede Astrit Ajdarevic arrived at the Liverpool Academy in January 2007 after representing his country in the UEFA Under-17 Championships.
Signed from Swedish second division side Falkenbergs FF, he made his first appearance in a red shirt during an FA Youth Cup tie against Reading on January 26, 2007.
Departures
Salif Diao - to Stoke
A massively over priced signing from Houllier and one that never came anywhere near his price or his wage packet in terms of his performance for the club. He tarnished his name amongst fans by seeing out his highly paid contract before finally leaving for Stoke.
Adam Hammill - to Dunfermline (loan)
On January 18, 2007, he completed a move to Scottish side Dunfermline Athletic, untill the end of the season, re-uniting with his former teammate Woods. Hammill made the move from the Academy to Melwood full-time in February 2006. Hammill can play on the left or right wing and has a lot of talent. He is very creative and can be a real nuisance for opposition defenders. He was a regular member of the reserve team squad before his move north. He also played a key role in Liverpool winning the FA Youth Cup in 2006 and in one of the earlier rounds scored a sensational goal at Anfield from the halfway line.
Stevie Warnock - to Blackburn
Originally seen as part of the exchange for Neil Lucas, he still went to Blackburn after Rafa finding himself third in the pecking order at left back. Fee received believed to be 1.5m.
Darrren Potter - to Wolves
The promising attacking midfielder made his loan move to the Midlands club permanent after impressing their boss Mick McCarthy. He signed a deal worth 250k for Liverpool.
***************
We round up Rafa Benitez’s January transfer dealings, with mostly youngsters and cover coming in for defence and midfield.
Daniele Padelli
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of Birth: 25/10/1985
Former clubs: Sampdoria, Crotone.
Liverpool confirmed the loan signing of Italian under-21 goalkeeper Daniele Padelli from Sampdoria in January 2007, subject to international clearance.
Padelli, who was on loan with second division Crotone in the first half of the season, has signed until the end of the 2006/2007 season when the Reds will have the option to agree a permanent deal.
“He’s a good young goalkeeper who has been selected for his national side,” said manager Rafael Benitez.
“Padelli will give us a good option for the future. The fact he is once again with the under-21s for his national side tells you that we are signing a very good player.
“Our scouting department are working really hard to bring good young players to the club and I’m delighted we have been able to sign Padelli.”
Emiliano Insua
Position: Defender
Date of Birth: 07/01/1989
Former clubs: Boca Juniors
Liverpool signed promising Argentinian defender Emiliano Insua on an 18 month loan deal in January 2007.
The teenage left back - who has represented his country at under 20 level - has arrived from Boca Juniors and signed a deal to keep him at Anfield until June 2008.
“He is a good, young player with a lot of potential,” said manager Rafael Benitez.
Insua’s arrival is part of an ongoing strategy by Rafa Benitez to recruit elite youngsters from across the world and provide a stable foundation for the future of the club.
Jordy Brouwer
Position: Striker
Date of birth: 26 February 1988
Former clubs- Ajax.
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Dutch youngster Jordy Brouwer from Ajax. The 18 year old striker is the latest of Rafael Benitez’s youth recruits as the manager continues his policy of planning for the club’s future.
Brouwer - who plays for the Dutch under-19 side - has swapped Ajax for Anfield.
“We have made a good signing for the future in Jordy,” said chief executive Rick Parry.”He has had a youth contract at Ajax, but has opted to build his career at Liverpool. We have been monitoring his progress and look forward to developing his potential at Anfield.” On 22 January 2007 Brouwer signed professional papers with Liverpool on a four and a half year contract[2]. As Brouwer was only a youth at the time of the transfer, the English side only paid a training based fee to Ajax for the player
Sebastiàn Leto
Position: Midfield,
Date of birth: NA
Former club: Lanús (Argentina)
Liverpool have finalised the signing of Sebastiàn Leto, the Argentine winger, in a deal worth £1.85 million. Leto, 20, who plays for Lanùs, had a medical on Merseyside on Friday, but will return to Argentina before officially becoming a Liverpool player on July 1.
Sebastián Leto is an Argentine football midfielder. He was born on August 30, 1986, in the city of Alejandro Korn in the Buenos Aires Province of Argentina. He currently plays for Club Atlético Lanús of the Primera Division Argentina.
Leto is one of the most highly rated youngsters breaking into first team football in the Argentine Primera and has played 34 matches for Lanús since breaking into the first team, scoring six goals. He’s considered the best young player in the World behind Lionel Messi in French Magazine TLW.
Alvaro Arbeloa
Position: Centre half/right back
Date of Birth: Jan 17, 1983
Former clubs: Real Madrid, Deprotivo de la Coruna.
Liverpool have clinched a deal for Spanish defender Alvaro Arbeloa, according to Deportivo la Coruna boss Joaquin Caparros.The Reds are ready to pay €4million (£2.64million) for the former Real Madrid full-back who only moved to Depor at the start of the current season. Caparros has admitted that the Spanish club have sanctioned the sale of the player who cost €1.3million (£860,000) from Real in the summer.
When the 23 year old left Real he said: “This is a strange situation for me, i have been playing for Real Madrid Castilla for 5 years, since i was 18 year’s old, Real was nothing but good to me, but it’s time for me to go. real has the best players in the world, although that is great for the club, unfortunately that’s not so great for Cantera players, only a few of us can find there place in the first team, and even those how find there place in the first team like Álvaro Mejía and Paco Pavon are only 3ed or 4th pick and that is why i want to live the club, to a club where i can get some play time.”
Francis Durán
Position: Midfield
Date of birth: (he’s 18)
Former Club: Malaga
Liverpool are set to acquire the services of promising Spanish midfielder Francis Duran from second division team Malaga.The 18-year-old will travel to Liverpool on Tuesday and is expected to sign a professional contract with the Reds, according to the Spanish media.
“It’s a unique opportunity and I couldn’t let it go by,” Francis told the Spanish press.
Javier Mascherano (TBC)
Position: Defensive Midfield,
Date of birth- June 8, 1984,
Former Club: West ham utd, River Plate, Corinthians.
Argentinian defensive midfielder has been given clearance to sign for the Reds in a deal which may initially be an 18 month loan but this is still to be confirmed officially. Having struggled at the Hammers this season the 22 year old will provide valuable cover for the Reds in midfield.
Ronald Huth
Position: Defender
Date of birth (17)
Former Club- Tacuary FC, Paraguay
Liverpool have announced the signing of Paraguayan defender Ronald Huth.
The 17-year-old has penned a two and a half year deal after agreeing to leave Tacuary FC in his homeland for a new career on Merseyside.
Despite being born in Paraguay, Huth holds an Italian passport.
He completed his move to Anfield ahead of Wednesday night’s transfer deadline.
Astrit Ajdarevic
Position: Striker
Date of Birth: 20/09/1989
Former Club: Falkenbergs FF
Swede Astrit Ajdarevic arrived at the Liverpool Academy in January 2007 after representing his country in the UEFA Under-17 Championships.
Signed from Swedish second division side Falkenbergs FF, he made his first appearance in a red shirt during an FA Youth Cup tie against Reading on January 26, 2007.
Departures
Salif Diao - to Stoke
A massively over priced signing from Houllier and one that never came anywhere near his price or his wage packet in terms of his performance for the club. He tarnished his name amongst fans by seeing out his highly paid contract before finally leaving for Stoke.
Adam Hammill - to Dunfermline (loan)
On January 18, 2007, he completed a move to Scottish side Dunfermline Athletic, untill the end of the season, re-uniting with his former teammate Woods. Hammill made the move from the Academy to Melwood full-time in February 2006. Hammill can play on the left or right wing and has a lot of talent. He is very creative and can be a real nuisance for opposition defenders. He was a regular member of the reserve team squad before his move north. He also played a key role in Liverpool winning the FA Youth Cup in 2006 and in one of the earlier rounds scored a sensational goal at Anfield from the halfway line.
Stevie Warnock - to Blackburn
Originally seen as part of the exchange for Neil Lucas, he still went to Blackburn after Rafa finding himself third in the pecking order at left back. Fee received believed to be 1.5m.
Darrren Potter - to Wolves
The promising attacking midfielder made his loan move to the Midlands club permanent after impressing their boss Mick McCarthy. He signed a deal worth 250k for Liverpool.
Catch an outdoor screening of a P. Ramlee film for free!
Title: Sarjan Hassan (aka Sergeant Hassan)
Directed by Lamberto Avallena and P. Ramlee
Cast: P. Ramlee and Jins Shamsuddin
In Digibeta projection
Date: 10 Feb 2007 Sat
Time: 6-9 pm
Venue: Reflections @ Bukit Chandu (31K, Pepys Road S'pore 118458).
Transport will be provided at HarbourFront MRT.
Sarjan Hassan (aka Sergeant Hassan), is a wartime drama made in 1955. Co-directed by early Filipino master, Lamberto Avallena and P. Ramlee, it depicts Malaya during the Japanese Occupation. P. Ramlee also stars as a young soldier and rose to be a hero of the people.
Bring your mats and pinic baskets for the screening under the stars!
Organised by the National Archives of Singapore and curated by the Asian Film Archive.
As part of the Memories and Reflections, Anniversary Celebrations from 8th to 14th February 1942, the Malay Regiment defended the western and southern parts of Singapore from the invading Japanese. It was on Bukit Chandu, that the Malay Regiment fought most gallantly and became known as the illustrious "Battle at Bukit Chandu".
Read more about the Malay Regiment at
http://www.s1942.org.sg/s1942/bukit_chandu/directory_askar.htm
http://www.s1942.org.sg/s1942/bukit_chandu/directory_battlediary.htm.
Please contact Ms. Eileen Ng at 6332 7973 or email eileen_ng@nhb.gov.sg for registration.
**************************************
Visit the Asian Film Archive Blog at www.asianfilmarchive.org/blog.
Educators' Workshops in Jan 2007: http://www.asianfilmarchive.org/education.htm.
Free delivery for online orders from the Archive Shop: http://www.asianfilmarchive.org/shop.htm . (For delivery in Singapore only).
**************************************
Directed by Lamberto Avallena and P. Ramlee
Cast: P. Ramlee and Jins Shamsuddin
In Digibeta projection
Date: 10 Feb 2007 Sat
Time: 6-9 pm
Venue: Reflections @ Bukit Chandu (31K, Pepys Road S'pore 118458).
Transport will be provided at HarbourFront MRT.
Sarjan Hassan (aka Sergeant Hassan), is a wartime drama made in 1955. Co-directed by early Filipino master, Lamberto Avallena and P. Ramlee, it depicts Malaya during the Japanese Occupation. P. Ramlee also stars as a young soldier and rose to be a hero of the people.
Bring your mats and pinic baskets for the screening under the stars!
Organised by the National Archives of Singapore and curated by the Asian Film Archive.
As part of the Memories and Reflections, Anniversary Celebrations from 8th to 14th February 1942, the Malay Regiment defended the western and southern parts of Singapore from the invading Japanese. It was on Bukit Chandu, that the Malay Regiment fought most gallantly and became known as the illustrious "Battle at Bukit Chandu".
Read more about the Malay Regiment at
http://www.s1942.org.sg/s1942/bukit_chandu/directory_askar.htm
http://www.s1942.org.sg/s1942/bukit_chandu/directory_battlediary.htm.
Please contact Ms. Eileen Ng at 6332 7973 or email eileen_ng@nhb.gov.sg for registration.
**************************************
Visit the Asian Film Archive Blog at www.asianfilmarchive.org/blog.
Educators' Workshops in Jan 2007: http://www.asianfilmarchive.org/education.htm.
Free delivery for online orders from the Archive Shop: http://www.asianfilmarchive.org/shop.htm . (For delivery in Singapore only).
**************************************
February 4, 2007
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