Sunday, March 27, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The Marching 100
I worked on this story for the Florida A&M's 2010 homecoming show. The Marching 100 band is world renowned for giving spectacular performances. The Grammy's, Super Bowl and President Barack Obama's inauguration are just a few notable events the band has performed. My story focuses on the band's familial relationships, and was done in honor of the passing of legendary band director Dr. William P. Foster.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Classic Photo
Photo Courtesy of Frank Baltazar Sr.
John Liechty and Eddie 'Animal' Lopez Circa..1980
The Olympic Auditorium parking lot.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Pudu Rotary Club's wheelchair donation
Irene Medona
Danny Tan Wee Mun
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011 11:24:00
Rotary Club of Pudu
KUALA LUMPUR: To help patients unable to afford wheelchairs, the Rotary Club of Pudu yesterday donated 20 of these essential aids to the Ampang Hospital.
The hospital's Department of Medical Social Works will assign the wheelchairs to needy patients based on demand.
Still, they are not enough and Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat who made the donation for the club urged other corporate bodies and the public to make similar contributions.
Commenting on the Rotary Club's "Wheelchair for Poor Patients" project, he said: "I look forward to projects like this and would like to urge other NGOs to join the government sector in serving the needs of local communities."
The idea was the brainchild of former Pudu Rotary Club president Ng Sim Bee, who said: "I visited a friend who was admitted in Ampang Hospital and realised some patients who had difficulty walking, didn't have wheelchairs.
"Upon asking them why, most said they could not afford one."
Ng then called on Pudu Rotary Club members to plan a special project for poor patients.
Danny Tan Wee Mun
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011 11:24:00
Rotary Club of Pudu
KUALA LUMPUR: To help patients unable to afford wheelchairs, the Rotary Club of Pudu yesterday donated 20 of these essential aids to the Ampang Hospital.
The hospital's Department of Medical Social Works will assign the wheelchairs to needy patients based on demand.
Still, they are not enough and Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat who made the donation for the club urged other corporate bodies and the public to make similar contributions.
 |
| CHARITY: (From left) Rotary Club of Pudu president Leong Choy Ying, Rotarian Tam Peng Huat, Ng, Ong and Ampang Hospital vice president (Medical) Dr Roosli Muhamed Salleh with one of the wheelchairs from Rotary Club of Pudu |
The idea was the brainchild of former Pudu Rotary Club president Ng Sim Bee, who said: "I visited a friend who was admitted in Ampang Hospital and realised some patients who had difficulty walking, didn't have wheelchairs.
"Upon asking them why, most said they could not afford one."
Ng then called on Pudu Rotary Club members to plan a special project for poor patients.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Some past PKA board members may walk free
Karen Arukesamy
newsdesk@thesundaily.com
KUALA LUMPUR (March 21, 2011): In less than 10 days, some of the 28 past directors of the Port Klang Authority (PKA) could be walking free as the Limitation Act would have excused them from any civil action with regards to their involvement in the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal.
The Act excludes officials of statutory bodies from civil action due to economic loss, after six years.
With the March 31 deadline looming – after previous board meetings which approved the additional works at inflated costs that brought the PKFZ bill to over RM12 billion – at least a dozen directors are expected to escape.
This is if the PKA does not initiate civil suits against these individuals soon.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Chor Har, when met at the MCA extraordinary general meeting last week, could only muster a smile when asked if these former directors would be let off the hook.
Former transport minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said there was a recommendation to sue the ex-board of directors when he was in office.
“When I was minister, I gave PKA the decision-making power in the case and did not influence nor interfere in its decisions.
“At that time, they wanted to proceed with the civil suit but I do not know what transpired after my time,” he said after launching a community project "Wheelchair for Poor Patients" by Pudu Rotary Club today.
Ong said normally the decision whether to sue or not is up to the current board of directors, yet PKA must follow instructions of the Transport Ministry.
“I am not sure if this is the minister’s decision or not,” he said.
When he was the minister, Ong had promised to bring to book all those responsible for the scandal .
PKA general manager Kee Lian Yong and chairman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng declined comment.
However, it is understood that the current board is waiting for one of the directors to seek his own legal counsel before deciding on endorsing the decision to sue the past directors.
A final decision is expected to be made by the board next week.
Updated: 09:55PM Mon, 21 Mar 2011
newsdesk@thesundaily.com
KUALA LUMPUR (March 21, 2011): In less than 10 days, some of the 28 past directors of the Port Klang Authority (PKA) could be walking free as the Limitation Act would have excused them from any civil action with regards to their involvement in the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal.
The Act excludes officials of statutory bodies from civil action due to economic loss, after six years.
With the March 31 deadline looming – after previous board meetings which approved the additional works at inflated costs that brought the PKFZ bill to over RM12 billion – at least a dozen directors are expected to escape.
This is if the PKA does not initiate civil suits against these individuals soon.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Chor Har, when met at the MCA extraordinary general meeting last week, could only muster a smile when asked if these former directors would be let off the hook.
Former transport minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said there was a recommendation to sue the ex-board of directors when he was in office.
“When I was minister, I gave PKA the decision-making power in the case and did not influence nor interfere in its decisions.
“At that time, they wanted to proceed with the civil suit but I do not know what transpired after my time,” he said after launching a community project "Wheelchair for Poor Patients" by Pudu Rotary Club today.
Ong said normally the decision whether to sue or not is up to the current board of directors, yet PKA must follow instructions of the Transport Ministry.
“I am not sure if this is the minister’s decision or not,” he said.
When he was the minister, Ong had promised to bring to book all those responsible for the scandal .
PKA general manager Kee Lian Yong and chairman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng declined comment.
However, it is understood that the current board is waiting for one of the directors to seek his own legal counsel before deciding on endorsing the decision to sue the past directors.
A final decision is expected to be made by the board next week.
Updated: 09:55PM Mon, 21 Mar 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Roberto Duran Pictures
Roberto Duran Pictures
Roberto Duran Pictures
Roberto Duran Pictures
Roberto Duran Pictures
Roberto Duran Pictures
Roberto Duran Pictures
Roberto Duran PicturesRoberto Duran PicturesRoberto Duran PicturesRoberto Duran PicturesRoberto Duran Pictures
The Fab Five backlash
I guess I missed it.
I guess I was so caught up in a documentary so candid that it brought all its viewers back into the present day. As the NCAA championship plays on in real time, it's easy to see why people can relive the Duke-Michigan rivalry of the Fab Five, Grant Hill and Christian Laettner days in real time as well.
Misconstruing Jalen Rose' and Jimmie King's comments as real-time perceptions, well that's another thing.
Are we the media so caught up in drumming up controversy that we forget what we were taught in basic English language composition? When a person uses the words "felt," it represents the past tense of one's feelings. So, maybe I was just enamored by the reality of the documentary, which helped people like me who didn't watch the rivalry play out in real time, feel like we witnessed the events when they happened. Or maybe, I just understood that when Rose said he felt Grant Hill represented the Uncle Toms of the black community or when King said he felt like Hill was a "b**ch," they were expressing how they felt as the teenagers that they were at the time.
For Hill to hear these comments made by people he views as friends today, I can understand why he was compelled to write a passionate rebuttal in The New York Times. To hear how the symbol and strength of your parents marriage is partly the basis for a deep-rooted hatred for you is insulting. But even Hill acknowledged that he didn't feel that those were Rose' sentiments today. What he attempted to do was make a case for the value of blacks striving for a quality education from schools like Duke and Yale; (I imagine) just in case there are still members of the black community who still harbor similar sentiments to Rose today. But his rebuttal mostly succeeded in giving the media ample ammunition to fire up the grill. Too bad Rose is the one being roasted.
The controversy has become the leading subject of discussion on many sports talk shows, forcing Rose to have to clarify that his comments represented the ideologies of an angry kid who grew up without a father and was unfairly judged as a product of his environment. It's forced both Rose and King to issue apologies to Hill, who they both expressed admiration and respect for in the documentary, and to the Duke organization.
But I don't understand why Rose and King should harbor the blame caused by decisions made by some members of the media to forget what one of the fundamental rules of the English language demands: that you regard verbs or words expressed in the past tense as an issue of the past.
I guess I was so caught up in a documentary so candid that it brought all its viewers back into the present day. As the NCAA championship plays on in real time, it's easy to see why people can relive the Duke-Michigan rivalry of the Fab Five, Grant Hill and Christian Laettner days in real time as well.
Misconstruing Jalen Rose' and Jimmie King's comments as real-time perceptions, well that's another thing.
Are we the media so caught up in drumming up controversy that we forget what we were taught in basic English language composition? When a person uses the words "felt," it represents the past tense of one's feelings. So, maybe I was just enamored by the reality of the documentary, which helped people like me who didn't watch the rivalry play out in real time, feel like we witnessed the events when they happened. Or maybe, I just understood that when Rose said he felt Grant Hill represented the Uncle Toms of the black community or when King said he felt like Hill was a "b**ch," they were expressing how they felt as the teenagers that they were at the time.
For Hill to hear these comments made by people he views as friends today, I can understand why he was compelled to write a passionate rebuttal in The New York Times. To hear how the symbol and strength of your parents marriage is partly the basis for a deep-rooted hatred for you is insulting. But even Hill acknowledged that he didn't feel that those were Rose' sentiments today. What he attempted to do was make a case for the value of blacks striving for a quality education from schools like Duke and Yale; (I imagine) just in case there are still members of the black community who still harbor similar sentiments to Rose today. But his rebuttal mostly succeeded in giving the media ample ammunition to fire up the grill. Too bad Rose is the one being roasted.
The controversy has become the leading subject of discussion on many sports talk shows, forcing Rose to have to clarify that his comments represented the ideologies of an angry kid who grew up without a father and was unfairly judged as a product of his environment. It's forced both Rose and King to issue apologies to Hill, who they both expressed admiration and respect for in the documentary, and to the Duke organization.
But I don't understand why Rose and King should harbor the blame caused by decisions made by some members of the media to forget what one of the fundamental rules of the English language demands: that you regard verbs or words expressed in the past tense as an issue of the past.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Narasi Game Checkers 8x8
Checkers adalah, pembuatan papan permainanya, disini saya menggunakan papan 2 dimensi yang berukuran 8 x 8 dengan warna coklat dan abu-abu. Kemudian saya membuat keping yang digunakan untuk bermain. Untuk pemain (user), saya menggunakan keping yang berwarna merah dan untuk computer, saya menggunakan keping dengan warna putih. Sebelum bermain, pemain dapat memilih tingkat kesulitan dan pemain juga dapat memilih siapa yang akan bermain pertama.
Kepingan Checkers tidak bisa bergerak mundur, asalkan keping tersebut telah berubah menjadi Raja (crown). Untuk berubah menjadi Raja, kepingan kita harus dapat mencapai kotak teratas pada daerah lawan.
Chua Soi Lek displays his ignorance on Christianity
Malaysia Today
LETTERS/SURAT
Saturday, 12 March 2011
Saturday, 12 March 2011
I take offense that a non-Christian like him has the cheek to suggest that our sacred text be treated like some illegal book that needs to be supervised.
By Chan Lilian
MCA President, Dato’ Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has issued a press statement which he posted on Facebook regarding the Bahasa Malaysia Bible issue. He has shown blatant ignorance of Christianity.
First of all, he said ‘It is used in the study of the bible’. For his information, we do not study the Bible. The Bible is the Word of God to us Christians and not a textbook.
Next, he proposed the bible “be allowed to be circulated to churches with proper supervision.” As a Catholic, I take offense that a non-Christian like him has the cheek to suggest that our sacred text be treated like some illegal book that needs to be supervised.
Further, he also said ‘We can be sure that the use of Bahasa Malaysia in the learning and teaching of Christianity would not be abused with proper supervision by the churches themselves.’Again, I am aghast that he has repeatedly use the word ‘supervision’ again.
Has God died and made Chua Soi Lek the almighty to ensure that we Christians are being under constant supervision of the Government and our churches? May I remind Chua Soi Lek that he has no rights to put on his self- righteousness to call for ‘supervision’ on us Christians again and again?
Lastly, I can see how pretentious his press statement is. He ended his statement with ‘The issue should not be allowed to be turned into a political issue during the Sarawak elections.’ So, as we can all see, it is just a matter of political survival for Chua Soi Lek and his BN counterparts. It is not his sincere, earnest hope to help us Christians to resolve this issue of BM Bible ban.
So, Dr Chua, thanks but no thanks. We can do it on our own. We do not need politicians like you to be our champion of Christianity.
*Chan Lilian is a vocal blogger, a Catholic and had voiced out about this issue since 2008. She joins all Christians in Malaysia who are ‘fed-up’.*
Her blog is at: http://www.chanlilian.net/
Comments (11)
written by alpha1, March 13, 2011 14:26:19
Typo-apostrophes on knows... wild imagination running whenever PornStar Leks name is mentioned!
written by alpha1, March 13, 2011 14:21:12
He know's no shame.. He know's no embarassment... He know's nothing except coming from behind and he's none other than the Make Chinese Angry president.. PornStar Lek! How dare a person with no integrity like him touch on religious issue? Shameless traitor!!
written by Concerned_Citizen, March 13, 2011 11:30:23
Don't touch on religious issue, go and watch out for your porn video collections, don't let your master steal them!!! Talking about morality and religions, go talk cxxx!!!!!
written by batsman, March 13, 2011 10:57:48
This immoral and sinful man also sees fit to comment on Cikgu Mala wearing gloves when shaking hands with males voters. He is shamelessly playing the role of UMNO's gangster and provocateur.
written by Alice, March 13, 2011 09:02:25
Chua Soi Lek should go for some serious soul searching. How about giving up on porno and joining a monastery for a while Chua?
written by malsia1206, March 13, 2011 00:22:10
A pornographic actor commenting on what the Bible is all about? Is this the best MCA can offer?
written by albert zacharias, March 13, 2011 00:03:55
Dear Soiled Leg...
Your sex DVD with a woman who is not your wife can be circulated with freedom and you want to supervise the BIBLE.. word of GOD????? Who the fark are you??? You will meet GOD and he will surely put you to Hades...
Sorry lah Christians for my unkind words but what do you expect? Be gentle as a dove but ???? like a serpent?
written by arazak, March 12, 2011 23:40:47
This porn star do not know about Islam, Christianity or for that matter any other religion. He only knows oral sex, cow-girl, reverse cowgirl, missionary, doggy style, spooning, etc. etc!
written by cpchen, March 12, 2011 23:20:19
This shameless porn-star want to be vocal in POLITIC but remember, BIBLE & Religion is not POLITIC. Stupid fool.
written by earthman, March 12, 2011 23:00:26
The government controlled the religious practice of Muslims and Islam. Therefore they assume that other religions must be controlled like Islam. A good example would be the recent raid and arrest of Shiite Muslims. To them all practice even believing or faith must be approved by them before it can be carry out.
written by eloofk, March 12, 2011 22:46:03
This Porn Star has no morality to speak on something religious!!!
written by alpha1, March 13, 2011 14:26:19
Typo-apostrophes on knows... wild imagination running whenever PornStar Leks name is mentioned!
written by alpha1, March 13, 2011 14:21:12
He know's no shame.. He know's no embarassment... He know's nothing except coming from behind and he's none other than the Make Chinese Angry president.. PornStar Lek! How dare a person with no integrity like him touch on religious issue? Shameless traitor!!
written by Concerned_Citizen, March 13, 2011 11:30:23
Don't touch on religious issue, go and watch out for your porn video collections, don't let your master steal them!!! Talking about morality and religions, go talk cxxx!!!!!
written by batsman, March 13, 2011 10:57:48
This immoral and sinful man also sees fit to comment on Cikgu Mala wearing gloves when shaking hands with males voters. He is shamelessly playing the role of UMNO's gangster and provocateur.
written by Alice, March 13, 2011 09:02:25
Chua Soi Lek should go for some serious soul searching. How about giving up on porno and joining a monastery for a while Chua?
written by malsia1206, March 13, 2011 00:22:10
A pornographic actor commenting on what the Bible is all about? Is this the best MCA can offer?
written by albert zacharias, March 13, 2011 00:03:55
Dear Soiled Leg...
Your sex DVD with a woman who is not your wife can be circulated with freedom and you want to supervise the BIBLE.. word of GOD????? Who the fark are you??? You will meet GOD and he will surely put you to Hades...
Sorry lah Christians for my unkind words but what do you expect? Be gentle as a dove but ???? like a serpent?
written by arazak, March 12, 2011 23:40:47
This porn star do not know about Islam, Christianity or for that matter any other religion. He only knows oral sex, cow-girl, reverse cowgirl, missionary, doggy style, spooning, etc. etc!
written by cpchen, March 12, 2011 23:20:19
This shameless porn-star want to be vocal in POLITIC but remember, BIBLE & Religion is not POLITIC. Stupid fool.
written by earthman, March 12, 2011 23:00:26
The government controlled the religious practice of Muslims and Islam. Therefore they assume that other religions must be controlled like Islam. A good example would be the recent raid and arrest of Shiite Muslims. To them all practice even believing or faith must be approved by them before it can be carry out.
written by eloofk, March 12, 2011 22:46:03
This Porn Star has no morality to speak on something religious!!!
ORIGINAL POSTING http://www.malaysia-today.net
**Note certain word/s have been censored here (in Blue)**
Eclimo electric two-wheelers debut
Star Motoring
Wednesday, March 16, 2011 5:22 PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Homegrown Eclimo Sdn Bhd has unveiled three models of its own-developed electric two-wheelers, promising consumers with an alternative riding experience that is environmentally-friendly, smooth and quiet.
The models are the ES 10 and ES11 scooters, and the EB25 motorcycle which are powered by in-wheel electric motors and lithium batteries with a recharging time of 3.5 hours using a normal household wall socket.
The ES10 and ES11 promise a performance of a 125cc scooter with a top speed of 100kph and a range of 100km.
The ES10 looks similar to a normal scooter while the ES11 has a more futuristic look with body panels covering up most parts of the machine.
The EB25 motorcycle, meanwhile, is the most powerful of the trio and claims a performance of a 200cc motorcycle with a top speed of 150kph and a range of 160km.
The EB25, which is designed in Japan, bears a sleek and futuristic look that could be something straight out of a Tron movie set. It has an electronic instrument panel and comes with LED head and tail lights.
The electric two-wheelers were unveiled by Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin here today.
Eclimo chairman Datuk Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman said lithium batteries offer greater performance and were environmentally friendlier compared again lead-acid batteries which were banned in several countries.
He also said the sales of the electric two-wheelers would begin after the Road Transport Ministry’s vehicle-type approval was obtained.
The Road Transport Act was amended last November and now allows electric-powered vehicles to be used on public roads.
Eclimo director K.B. Woo said all models come with a five-year warranty on body and parts, and a three-year warranty on battery.
The lithium batteries are produced by Penang-based ETI Tech (M) Sdn Bhd using lithium cells from Panasonic, while the two-wheelers are assembled by Naza.
“We are expected to launch the ES11 in two month’s time and the other models soon after,” he said.
Woo said the company was finalising its nationwide dealership which might have between 180 to 200 dealers in 12 months’ time.
To help Malaysian own the ES11, Woo said the company had worked out a financial package with a local financial institution and MasterCard consisting of a RM199 monthly payment for a five-year period.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011 5:22 PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Homegrown Eclimo Sdn Bhd has unveiled three models of its own-developed electric two-wheelers, promising consumers with an alternative riding experience that is environmentally-friendly, smooth and quiet.
 |
| The ES11 scooter will be the first to start selling in June. |
The ES10 and ES11 promise a performance of a 125cc scooter with a top speed of 100kph and a range of 100km.
The ES10 looks similar to a normal scooter while the ES11 has a more futuristic look with body panels covering up most parts of the machine.
The EB25 motorcycle, meanwhile, is the most powerful of the trio and claims a performance of a 200cc motorcycle with a top speed of 150kph and a range of 160km.
The EB25, which is designed in Japan, bears a sleek and futuristic look that could be something straight out of a Tron movie set. It has an electronic instrument panel and comes with LED head and tail lights.
The electric two-wheelers were unveiled by Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin here today.
 |
| The Eclimo EB25 electric motorcycle (left) and ES11 electric scooter. |
He also said the sales of the electric two-wheelers would begin after the Road Transport Ministry’s vehicle-type approval was obtained.
The Road Transport Act was amended last November and now allows electric-powered vehicles to be used on public roads.
Eclimo director K.B. Woo said all models come with a five-year warranty on body and parts, and a three-year warranty on battery.
The lithium batteries are produced by Penang-based ETI Tech (M) Sdn Bhd using lithium cells from Panasonic, while the two-wheelers are assembled by Naza.
“We are expected to launch the ES11 in two month’s time and the other models soon after,” he said.
Woo said the company was finalising its nationwide dealership which might have between 180 to 200 dealers in 12 months’ time.
To help Malaysian own the ES11, Woo said the company had worked out a financial package with a local financial institution and MasterCard consisting of a RM199 monthly payment for a five-year period.
Rest in Heaven: RIP Nate Dogg
I normally don't post RIP blogs, as I feel as though life should be rejoiced but this one really did hurt deep. one of the first rap videos i saw featured Nate Dogg, Warren G Regulators; for the Above the Rim Soundtrack. His voice is unmatched, and his features are memorable even after all these years. We lost another Great, but i know where he is now is better than being here for sure. if you smoke, put one in the air for the big homie; but if you like me, crack open a bottle and get right for our fallen homie- may the lord our father welcome you with open arms as this beautiful angel gets his wings!
a youtube comment: he is alive..just push the PLAY button !!!
Speech at the unveiling of three Eclimo electric motorcycles
Submitted by webmaster on Wed, 2011-03-16 12:00
Speech at the unveiling of three Eclimo electric motorcycles by Dato Sri Ong Tee Keat
Ladies and gentlemen.
It gives me great honour and pleasure to be given this opportunity to address everyone present.
I am honoured because at least, in my short stint as transport minister, I am still remembered for having encouraged the venturing into green technology in the transport sector.
Pleasure because it is a historic occasion for Malaysia’s foray into electric vehicles (EVs) and to be part of this unveiling.
While as transport minister, transport-environment related issues had bugged my conscience.
I told myself that Malaysia and mankind cannot go on polluting our beautiful earth and hope for a prosperous future for our generations.
As transport minister, it was therefore incumbent on me to try and encourage businessmen to seriously venture into cleaner alternative modes of transport.
EVs are definitely cleaner than fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. The only hitch is technology and cost. But we have to start from somewhere.
With today’s unveiling and launch of sales soon, Malaysian businessmen have taken a giant leap into reforming transport and the way man commutes daily.
As in everything else, the cost of EVs is expected to be brought down over time due to competition and aggressive Research & Development (R&D). Just look at technology development of wireless hand phones and lap tops. They are getting more and more affordable by the day.
That is due to demand, R&D and healthy competition.
Transport is one of the biggest culprits of air pollution, contributing to global warming concerns via exhaust pipe emissions.
Let us also not forget the traffic congestions in the cities.
Up to end of 2009, the number of active petrol and diesel-powered vehicles on the road, according to Road Transport Department records, is 19 million. Of the 19 million fossil-fuel powered motor vehicles, 8.9 million are motorcycles.
Can you imagine how much cleaner our environment will be when EVs replace all those polluting motor vehicles that are on the roads today.
The rapid pace of economic development and the need to overcome traffic congestion makes it all that urgent for the government to really encourage businessmen to tap the tremendous potential for EVs, especially starting with electric motorcycles.
Why electric motorcycles? There is growing consensus that electric vehicles are the closest “near to market” green technology.
The battery technology, particularly the application of lithium batteries, has been developing rapidly. The cost of this technology is falling while petrol/diesel fuel prices continue to rise. Fossil fuel prices are likely to continue to rise in the future, making EVs more cost-effective.
EVs are also softer on maintenance compared with conventional motor vehicles, thus contributing to reducing consumer cost.
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Based on my years of experience with the government, the success of any initiative will depend on how committed we are in enforcing a policy.
In this case, whatever is the government’s Green Agenda or Green Technology policies, the political will to ensure strict and efficient enforcement will determine success or failure.
To realise the holistic green policies, enforcement must be based on the adopting of truly green technology. Therefore, cost must never be the overriding factor in enforcement and approvals.
If there is a premium to be paid by consumers for adopting truly green technology, so be it, as long as it is commercially viable.
We might as well not venture into EVs if approvals are based only on the lowest cost. Cheap is not always cleaner. Neither is it of better technology.
Enforcement agencies must, therefore, be suitably knowledgeable in the technicalities of green technology in order to make the right decisions.
Once a wrong decision is made and implemented, it is an awesome task to withdraw, as demonstrated in the past.
To propel Malaysia into taking a global lead in green technology and tackling global warming issues, the government must be fully committed to implementing holistic policies.
I see the government taking a step in the right direction by introducing a green technology ministry last year and for tax cuts in EVs in the Budget for this year.
That is a good start and of course there is much more to be done to forward Malaysia’s green agenda.
I wish everyone all the best in playing a role in greening our environment.
ORIGINAL POST From http://ongteekeat.net
Speech at the unveiling of three Eclimo electric motorcycles by Dato Sri Ong Tee Keat
Ladies and gentlemen.
It gives me great honour and pleasure to be given this opportunity to address everyone present.
I am honoured because at least, in my short stint as transport minister, I am still remembered for having encouraged the venturing into green technology in the transport sector.
Pleasure because it is a historic occasion for Malaysia’s foray into electric vehicles (EVs) and to be part of this unveiling.
While as transport minister, transport-environment related issues had bugged my conscience.
I told myself that Malaysia and mankind cannot go on polluting our beautiful earth and hope for a prosperous future for our generations.
As transport minister, it was therefore incumbent on me to try and encourage businessmen to seriously venture into cleaner alternative modes of transport.
EVs are definitely cleaner than fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. The only hitch is technology and cost. But we have to start from somewhere.
With today’s unveiling and launch of sales soon, Malaysian businessmen have taken a giant leap into reforming transport and the way man commutes daily.
As in everything else, the cost of EVs is expected to be brought down over time due to competition and aggressive Research & Development (R&D). Just look at technology development of wireless hand phones and lap tops. They are getting more and more affordable by the day.
That is due to demand, R&D and healthy competition.
Transport is one of the biggest culprits of air pollution, contributing to global warming concerns via exhaust pipe emissions.
Let us also not forget the traffic congestions in the cities.
Up to end of 2009, the number of active petrol and diesel-powered vehicles on the road, according to Road Transport Department records, is 19 million. Of the 19 million fossil-fuel powered motor vehicles, 8.9 million are motorcycles.
Can you imagine how much cleaner our environment will be when EVs replace all those polluting motor vehicles that are on the roads today.
The rapid pace of economic development and the need to overcome traffic congestion makes it all that urgent for the government to really encourage businessmen to tap the tremendous potential for EVs, especially starting with electric motorcycles.
Why electric motorcycles? There is growing consensus that electric vehicles are the closest “near to market” green technology.
The battery technology, particularly the application of lithium batteries, has been developing rapidly. The cost of this technology is falling while petrol/diesel fuel prices continue to rise. Fossil fuel prices are likely to continue to rise in the future, making EVs more cost-effective.
EVs are also softer on maintenance compared with conventional motor vehicles, thus contributing to reducing consumer cost.
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Based on my years of experience with the government, the success of any initiative will depend on how committed we are in enforcing a policy.
In this case, whatever is the government’s Green Agenda or Green Technology policies, the political will to ensure strict and efficient enforcement will determine success or failure.
To realise the holistic green policies, enforcement must be based on the adopting of truly green technology. Therefore, cost must never be the overriding factor in enforcement and approvals.
If there is a premium to be paid by consumers for adopting truly green technology, so be it, as long as it is commercially viable.
We might as well not venture into EVs if approvals are based only on the lowest cost. Cheap is not always cleaner. Neither is it of better technology.
Enforcement agencies must, therefore, be suitably knowledgeable in the technicalities of green technology in order to make the right decisions.
Once a wrong decision is made and implemented, it is an awesome task to withdraw, as demonstrated in the past.
To propel Malaysia into taking a global lead in green technology and tackling global warming issues, the government must be fully committed to implementing holistic policies.
I see the government taking a step in the right direction by introducing a green technology ministry last year and for tax cuts in EVs in the Budget for this year.
That is a good start and of course there is much more to be done to forward Malaysia’s green agenda.
I wish everyone all the best in playing a role in greening our environment.
ORIGINAL POST From http://ongteekeat.net
Monday, March 14, 2011
3 Idiots in Tamil heros
Amir Khan's 3 Idiots - the Hindi movie was a super hit movie. Now Director Shankar is remaking the film in Tamil in the name "Nanban". The heroes of the film are Vijay, Srikanth and Jeeva. Earlier many changes are took place like changing the hero and name changing etc. Now finally the shooting of the film is progressing. Ileena is the heroine of the film. The story of the film is based on the Five point someone written by Chetan Bhagat. Director Shankar is remaking the film in Tamil and also in Telugu and it is likely to be released on 26th October as Deepavali gift to Vijay fans.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
The Fab Five film
Wow.
That's just all I can say after watching the ESPN film The Fab Five, about the Michigan basketball team's famous five freshmen starters. The team included former NBA stars and current NBA analysts Chris Webber and Jalen Rose, current Miami Heat forward Juwan Howard, Jimmie King, who had a short stint in the NBA and Ray Jackson, who never played in the NBA.
I knew the story of these guys impressive back-to-back runs to the NCAA finals, the second of which ended on a botched time-out call by Webber. I have watched all kinds of footage about this team, enough to tell you much of the story. But watching the film gave me a better sense of the magnitude of these guys' impact on college basketball; particularly financially.
But before I go into the financial aspect, I have to say the film did a good job of capturing the vulnerability of these guys. As a result of their accomplishment, people treated them more like experienced college players than as the young'ns that they really were. Watching these guys find out how popular they were when Muhammad Ali addressed them by their names was indicative of their innocence and unawareness of just how much of celebrities they had become.
Which brings me to the financial problem. The debate over whether college athletes should get paid has been ongoing for years. On one end are those who feel the free college education with room and board amounts to paying athletes and on the other end are people who see how much athletes at universities like Michigan are netting schools and view it as modern day slavery.
Mitch Albom, a Detroit Press columnist discussed when he knew Webber would turn pro after the second NCAA title bid. He was walking with Webber who asked him for money for gas and to grab a bite. Albom turned him down (per NCAA rules) and moments after they passed by a store selling a Webber jersey for $75. Webber voiced his displeasure that his jersey was selling for that much and he had no money to eat, and Albom said he knew Webber would declare for the NBA draft. Webber announced his decision a week later. The film also cites that the University of Michigan netted $10.2 million from capitalizing on the sales of the fab five merchandise. Prior to the group's emergence on campus, Michigan was getting less than $2 million. The collective value of their college education if all had graduated (Webber left after his sophomore year, Rose and Howard left after their junior years) would not make a dent on what they earned the school.
I can see why Webber and Rose would be roped into the cash for play scandal that cost the school its Final Four appearances years later. It was hard for these young guys to understand that they were bringing the school millions of dollars, but living on cereal and hot dogs. And for this reason, I support the idea of college athletes being paid. It would definitely eliminate many of these NCAA infractions schools are facing, help the struggling families of these players who are earning money for their school but can't help their families and give more players an incentive to stay in school and get a college education.
After a failed NBA career, King reportedly worked with Merill Lynch as a financial analyst at some point and now has a solar energy business. Jackson became involved with a non-profit to help young children. I'm glad to see they found a life beyond basketball. Sadly, it's not the case for many former star athletes (look up Maurice Clarrett or Lenny Cooke.) So while these guys could've resorted to the kind of lifestyles that unfairly earned them monikers like "thugs," "goons" and even "n***ers," they've become positive role models for others.
That is what they should be remembered for more than anything else.
That's just all I can say after watching the ESPN film The Fab Five, about the Michigan basketball team's famous five freshmen starters. The team included former NBA stars and current NBA analysts Chris Webber and Jalen Rose, current Miami Heat forward Juwan Howard, Jimmie King, who had a short stint in the NBA and Ray Jackson, who never played in the NBA.
I knew the story of these guys impressive back-to-back runs to the NCAA finals, the second of which ended on a botched time-out call by Webber. I have watched all kinds of footage about this team, enough to tell you much of the story. But watching the film gave me a better sense of the magnitude of these guys' impact on college basketball; particularly financially.
But before I go into the financial aspect, I have to say the film did a good job of capturing the vulnerability of these guys. As a result of their accomplishment, people treated them more like experienced college players than as the young'ns that they really were. Watching these guys find out how popular they were when Muhammad Ali addressed them by their names was indicative of their innocence and unawareness of just how much of celebrities they had become.
Which brings me to the financial problem. The debate over whether college athletes should get paid has been ongoing for years. On one end are those who feel the free college education with room and board amounts to paying athletes and on the other end are people who see how much athletes at universities like Michigan are netting schools and view it as modern day slavery.
Mitch Albom, a Detroit Press columnist discussed when he knew Webber would turn pro after the second NCAA title bid. He was walking with Webber who asked him for money for gas and to grab a bite. Albom turned him down (per NCAA rules) and moments after they passed by a store selling a Webber jersey for $75. Webber voiced his displeasure that his jersey was selling for that much and he had no money to eat, and Albom said he knew Webber would declare for the NBA draft. Webber announced his decision a week later. The film also cites that the University of Michigan netted $10.2 million from capitalizing on the sales of the fab five merchandise. Prior to the group's emergence on campus, Michigan was getting less than $2 million. The collective value of their college education if all had graduated (Webber left after his sophomore year, Rose and Howard left after their junior years) would not make a dent on what they earned the school.
I can see why Webber and Rose would be roped into the cash for play scandal that cost the school its Final Four appearances years later. It was hard for these young guys to understand that they were bringing the school millions of dollars, but living on cereal and hot dogs. And for this reason, I support the idea of college athletes being paid. It would definitely eliminate many of these NCAA infractions schools are facing, help the struggling families of these players who are earning money for their school but can't help their families and give more players an incentive to stay in school and get a college education.
After a failed NBA career, King reportedly worked with Merill Lynch as a financial analyst at some point and now has a solar energy business. Jackson became involved with a non-profit to help young children. I'm glad to see they found a life beyond basketball. Sadly, it's not the case for many former star athletes (look up Maurice Clarrett or Lenny Cooke.) So while these guys could've resorted to the kind of lifestyles that unfairly earned them monikers like "thugs," "goons" and even "n***ers," they've become positive role models for others.
That is what they should be remembered for more than anything else.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Is Chua arrogant or just a lousy politician?
Stanley Koh
freemalaysiatoday
March 12, 2011
The MCA president’s recent utterances make us suspect that he has lost both his cool and honesty.
The latest controversy surrounding MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek should explain why more and more people are finding it easier to believe in comedians than in politicians.
Chua’s recent “4-letter word” rampage on Twitter.com has quickly become famous. The offensive tweets to his critics – as well as his response to critics of the tweets – speak of a politician who has lost both his cool and his honesty.
In a 2008 press interview, he was asked whether he was misled into publicly apologising for appearing in a sex video.
“I maintain an active public life, continue to receive invitations and nobody talks about it anymore,” he said.
“There is a Chinese magazine which went to do a survey and found that most of the people find it a very private affair.”
The reply implied that he believed the public had forgiven him. He might have been right. Unfortunately, though, many have refused to forget his indiscretion.
In the same interview, he was asked to rate himself as a politician.
His response: “The public is a better judge. I do my work, I call a spade a spade and that offends a lot of people. That’s why some say I am a lousy politician.”
Why has he now retaliated against critics of his tweets in a manner that is so contradictory to the stance he took in 2008? Is it because he is now the MCA president?
Why would he refuse to admit to the hidden vulgarity of his messages?
Does he think the public is stupid?
Instead, he has accused opposition politicians of overplaying the issue, preposterously suggesting they were taking revenge for losing in recent by-elections.
Or is Chua so sure that Chinese voters are returning to support his party that he thinks it does not matter how arrogant he appears in the public eye?
The truth is that while the Twitter episode is the talk of the cyber circuit, MCA itself is virtually invisible to the public radar. Many have already written it off as a political party.
Significant event
Nobody bothers or even knows about MCA events, such as tomorrow’s extraordinary general meeting, which is in fact a significant event. It is to debate whether to amend the party constitution to allow for postponement of internal elections.
A high-level party official said Chua would prefer that the elections go ahead considering that Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak might call for a general election within these two years. Chua wants a clear mandate to lead his party into the general election.
Yet, some party insiders contend that his political survival is synonymous with his ability to draw back the Chinese votes for the Barisan Nasional (BN).
Will he able to pull back those votes at the next general election? Will he be able to make the improbable probable, the way he made his political comeback by being elected party president despite a sex scandal?
His ability to project his non-involvement in 2008’s “MCA Snoop Squad” affair and the “Save MCA” campaign spoke much about his capabilities in political manoeuvring.
In 2008, when asked to comment on the MCA’s internal politics, he said:
“There must be room for consensus and freedom to be critical. Something is wrong when everybody sings the same tune.”
In 2009, in a party campaign against his expulsion, he said: “I support my plan to bring back integrity and I want to come back as an ordinary MCA member. I want to retire as a MCA member.”
Chua succeeded in returning into the party’s fold, not as an ordinary member but as party president, in 2010. He beat a former president, Ong Ka Ting, and incumbent Ong Tee Keat.
What he has failed to bring back is that elusive “integrity”.
Political survival
Some pundits believe that Chua’s political survival hinges on his ability to help BN regain its two-thirds majority in Parliament.
The recent BN claim that it has managed to draw back Malay and Indian votes, if true, is a breather to Chua because it means that his party stands a good chance of winning many mixed electoral seats that it will contest.
The dip in popularity of PKR (because of controversial internal elections) and PAS (over the lottery ban) has also boosted the fighting morale within MCA.
What is worrying are the Chinese-majority and urban seats to be contested against the DAP.
Can MCA overcome uncertainties about its electoral future by winning more of the popular votes? In 2008, it captured only 84,0489 popular votes. That was shameful, considering that it had more than one million members. Since then, it has registered thousands of new members. We will have to wait to see whether the larger membership will translate into a bigger share of popular votes.
Allegations are flying around in cyberspace that in recent by-elections, MCA blatantly bought votes and that the so-called 1Malaysia NGO that distributed goodies during the campaigns is associated with the party.
Not too long ago, when asked to comment on MCA’s political strength, Chua said the party could be looked at as having two domains – the structural domain and the personality domain.
“Structurally,” he said, “the party is good and very strong in networking.”
The trouble is in the “personality” sphere. A long-standing problem with the party is the public perception that its leaders lack integrity and credibility. Chua’s recent 4-letter outbursts and the dragging to court of former party president Dr Ling Liong Sik and former transport minister Chan Kong Choy over the PKFZ scandal will not help much in erasing this prejudice.
Within the party, potential challengers against Chua and his key supporters are just biding their time. Who knows, something might happen, and then it will be time again to “cleanse” the party of “tainted” leaders.
Chua has more than once spoken of “divine help”. Will he be needing it again?
The answers to some of our questions may or may not unfold in the near or distant future. For now we are certain of only one thing – that whatever MCA pledges to do, it will continue to be subservient to Umno. At the same time, as long as MCA does not have credible support from the Chinese, it will be a parasite on Umno.
Stankey Koh is the former head of MCA’s research unit.
freemalaysiatoday
March 12, 2011
The MCA president’s recent utterances make us suspect that he has lost both his cool and honesty.
The latest controversy surrounding MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek should explain why more and more people are finding it easier to believe in comedians than in politicians.
Chua’s recent “4-letter word” rampage on Twitter.com has quickly become famous. The offensive tweets to his critics – as well as his response to critics of the tweets – speak of a politician who has lost both his cool and his honesty.
In a 2008 press interview, he was asked whether he was misled into publicly apologising for appearing in a sex video.
“I maintain an active public life, continue to receive invitations and nobody talks about it anymore,” he said.
“There is a Chinese magazine which went to do a survey and found that most of the people find it a very private affair.”
The reply implied that he believed the public had forgiven him. He might have been right. Unfortunately, though, many have refused to forget his indiscretion.
In the same interview, he was asked to rate himself as a politician.
His response: “The public is a better judge. I do my work, I call a spade a spade and that offends a lot of people. That’s why some say I am a lousy politician.”
Why has he now retaliated against critics of his tweets in a manner that is so contradictory to the stance he took in 2008? Is it because he is now the MCA president?
Why would he refuse to admit to the hidden vulgarity of his messages?
Does he think the public is stupid?
Instead, he has accused opposition politicians of overplaying the issue, preposterously suggesting they were taking revenge for losing in recent by-elections.
Or is Chua so sure that Chinese voters are returning to support his party that he thinks it does not matter how arrogant he appears in the public eye?
The truth is that while the Twitter episode is the talk of the cyber circuit, MCA itself is virtually invisible to the public radar. Many have already written it off as a political party.
Significant event
Nobody bothers or even knows about MCA events, such as tomorrow’s extraordinary general meeting, which is in fact a significant event. It is to debate whether to amend the party constitution to allow for postponement of internal elections.
A high-level party official said Chua would prefer that the elections go ahead considering that Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak might call for a general election within these two years. Chua wants a clear mandate to lead his party into the general election.
Yet, some party insiders contend that his political survival is synonymous with his ability to draw back the Chinese votes for the Barisan Nasional (BN).
Will he able to pull back those votes at the next general election? Will he be able to make the improbable probable, the way he made his political comeback by being elected party president despite a sex scandal?
His ability to project his non-involvement in 2008’s “MCA Snoop Squad” affair and the “Save MCA” campaign spoke much about his capabilities in political manoeuvring.
In 2008, when asked to comment on the MCA’s internal politics, he said:
“There must be room for consensus and freedom to be critical. Something is wrong when everybody sings the same tune.”
In 2009, in a party campaign against his expulsion, he said: “I support my plan to bring back integrity and I want to come back as an ordinary MCA member. I want to retire as a MCA member.”
Chua succeeded in returning into the party’s fold, not as an ordinary member but as party president, in 2010. He beat a former president, Ong Ka Ting, and incumbent Ong Tee Keat.
What he has failed to bring back is that elusive “integrity”.
Political survival
Some pundits believe that Chua’s political survival hinges on his ability to help BN regain its two-thirds majority in Parliament.
The recent BN claim that it has managed to draw back Malay and Indian votes, if true, is a breather to Chua because it means that his party stands a good chance of winning many mixed electoral seats that it will contest.
The dip in popularity of PKR (because of controversial internal elections) and PAS (over the lottery ban) has also boosted the fighting morale within MCA.
What is worrying are the Chinese-majority and urban seats to be contested against the DAP.
Can MCA overcome uncertainties about its electoral future by winning more of the popular votes? In 2008, it captured only 84,0489 popular votes. That was shameful, considering that it had more than one million members. Since then, it has registered thousands of new members. We will have to wait to see whether the larger membership will translate into a bigger share of popular votes.
Allegations are flying around in cyberspace that in recent by-elections, MCA blatantly bought votes and that the so-called 1Malaysia NGO that distributed goodies during the campaigns is associated with the party.
Not too long ago, when asked to comment on MCA’s political strength, Chua said the party could be looked at as having two domains – the structural domain and the personality domain.
“Structurally,” he said, “the party is good and very strong in networking.”
The trouble is in the “personality” sphere. A long-standing problem with the party is the public perception that its leaders lack integrity and credibility. Chua’s recent 4-letter outbursts and the dragging to court of former party president Dr Ling Liong Sik and former transport minister Chan Kong Choy over the PKFZ scandal will not help much in erasing this prejudice.
Within the party, potential challengers against Chua and his key supporters are just biding their time. Who knows, something might happen, and then it will be time again to “cleanse” the party of “tainted” leaders.
Chua has more than once spoken of “divine help”. Will he be needing it again?
The answers to some of our questions may or may not unfold in the near or distant future. For now we are certain of only one thing – that whatever MCA pledges to do, it will continue to be subservient to Umno. At the same time, as long as MCA does not have credible support from the Chinese, it will be a parasite on Umno.
Stankey Koh is the former head of MCA’s research unit.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Muhammad Ali young pictures
Muhammad Ali Pictures
Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. He was the oldest of two boys in the family, and was named after his father. His father Cassius Clay, Sr. painted billboards for a living, and his mother Odessa Grady Clay was a stay at home mom. He picked up boxing from a Louisville police officer that responded to his bike being stolen at the age of 12. Cassius was also being trained by a black trainer that was at the local community center. So while he was earning money doing a spot on a local TV show that Martin was hosting, he was getting trained by the other guy as well.
Fred Stoner the trainer at the local community center was his trainer through out his entire amateur career. During this time he went on to win 6 Golden Glove titles in Kentucky, as well as two national Golden Glove Titles. He earned a Amateur Athletic Union National Title, and the light heavyweight gold medal in the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. Cassius Clays amateur record was 100 - 5.
Once he got back to Louisville he started training for his professional career. His first fight as a professional was against Tunney Hunsaker who was a police chief in West Virginia. Cassius was not like normal heavyweight 
boxers that most people were used to. Instead of holding his hands up high to protect his face he was able to move quickly to avoid being punched. He said that this stance was described as "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee". No other professional heavy weight had did that successfully, or has done it successfully since. Between the years of 1960 and 1963 he had a record of 19 - 0 with 15 of them being knockouts.
Around 1964 he got the opportunity for his first title shot against the current heavy weight champion. He fought Sonny Liston and after by the third round Clay was ahead on points and was able to open a cut under Sonny's left eye. That stayed true until the fourth round when Clay got something in his eyes and couldn't see clearly. It was said by some that Sonny had either put something on his gloves, or it was what they used to close up the cut under Sonny's eye. This lasted until around the fourth round when his eyes stopped burning and he was able to see. He then started dominating the fight again and was looking to end the fight around the sixth round. But everyone was shocked when Sonny didn't respond to the bell that started the seventh round saying that he had hurt his shoulder and could not continue.
Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. ended up changing his name around this time as well, in 1965 to Muhammad Ali. He did this because he joined the Nation of Islam. And did it right around the time that he fought Sonny for the second time. This fight ended a little 
quicker. This fight lasted less then one full round when Ali knocked out Sonny with what was considered the "Phantom Punch". Many people feel that Ali threw a punch and Sonny took a dive, either because of threats from the Islam nation, or because he needed to pay unpaid debts.
Ali failed the U.S. Armed Forces qualifying test because his reading and writing skills were not up to satisfactory conditions. Later during the war the law was changed and he was eligible to go into the draft. But at this time he said that he will not fight in a war that his god does not approve of. After a long court battle he won in the supreme court where he was let go. After this time he was able to begin fighting again. And he fought Jerry Quarry in Georgia and won in three rounds after they stopped the fight because of a cut that Quarry suffered. He then fought in New York and beat Oscar Bonavena in Madison Square Garden in 1970 in the 15th round. This gave him the opportunity to fight Joe Frazier.
This fight was considered the "Fight Of The Century", and was one of the most famous fights of the time. It's still one of the most popular fights of all time now, and after 15 rounds Frazier punched Ali and winning the fight. This was the fist lose for Ali. After this fight he fought Ken Norton and lost the
fight in a split decision, he ended up winning the rematch by split decision. The led up to a rematch with Joe Frazier, although it was a non title fight because Fazier had already lost the heavy weight belt to George Foreman. Ali ended up winning the match in the twelve round.
This gave Ali the chance to regain his belt by fighting George Foreman. This fight was to be labeled as the "Rumble In The Jungle" because it was fought in Kinshasa, Zaire. Ali won that fight to the surprise of everyone, even some of Ali's supporters didn't believe that he would be able to beat Foreman. Ali's plan was to wear out Foreman, because none of Foreman's fight went past the third or fourth round. His plan worked and he ended the fight in the eight round by giving Foreman some shots that would put him down.
In 1975 Ali faced Chuck Wepner in a match that went 15 rounds, with Ali being the winner. In October of the same year he ended up fighting Joe Frazier for the third time and this fight was called the "Thrilla In Manila". This is because regarding the fight Ali has said that "It will be a killa, and a chilla, and a thrilla, when I get the gorilla in Manila". After the fight went back and forth through out the rounds, Ali won when Frazier was unable to answer the 15th round bell because his eye was swollen shut.
Ali retired after his last fight in 1981 to an upcoming fighter Trevor Berbick when he lost by a unanimous decision after ten rounds. In 1984 Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's Syndrome, a disease that is more common in fighters because of the repeated head trauma's that they suffer through out their career. Since then he has had appearances in many different things, and has had movies, and books written about him.Here are some pictures of Muhammad Ali through out his career, as well as some family members, and other friends.
This Photo on the left was taken right before one of his fights. The other photoon the right is a picture of Ali's famous saying that he is known for. "Float LikeA Butterfly, Sting Like A Bee".
Here is a golden glove that has been signed by Muhammad Ali. Ali also commonly wore black boxing gloves in the ring. These types of memorabilia can get really expensive depending on the demandfor that specific item. Or the demand of items from a specific athlete.
Muhammad Ali was known to taunt his opponents, not onlydid it make them mad, but it threw them off and madethem fight unorthodox.Muhammad Ali young pictures
Muhammad Ali young pictures
Muhammad Ali young pictures
Muhammad Ali young pictures_RARE_STUDIO_PROMO___.jpg)
Muhammad Ali young pictures
Muhammad Ali young pictures
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Baller takes car dunk to another level
I stumbled on this video of And 1 streetballer Guy Dupuy making this year's NBA Slam Dunk winner Blake Griffin's dunk over a car look like a piece of cake. To refresh your memory, Griffin dunked over the hood of a car, with very little flair if I may add, to win the contest. Well if anyone knows anything about these street ballers, it's that they always push the envelope. Dupuy doesn't receiver an alley like Griffin does. Instead he takes off in the air, grabs the ball from the assisting ref, passes it between his legs before slamming it. The dunk is pretty incredible.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Throwback Performance: You Used to Love Me "Faith Evans"
this is my baby!....check out how she kills this performance, according to her book (which i had but has since been MIA for awhile) she was HIGH.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Fight of the Century: Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier I
By Randy De La O
On March 8, 1971 the world would literally stop to watch these two men do battle. Not since the days leading up to World War II and the rematch between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling had the world given this much attention to a championship fight. Lines were drawn and sides were chosen. Ali was considered the “People’s Champion” and Frazier had been relegated by Ali as an “Uncle Tom”, though nothing could have been further from the truth.
I was a young teen when the fight took place, a junior in high school. I liked both Ali and Frazier but I honestly felt that “Smoking Joe” would win this fight. Frazier just had a way of plowing through his opponents and he owned what may be the greatest left hook in the business . I bet five bucks on Joe to win.
I will always have a special place in my heart for both Smoking Joe and Ali. We may never again see their like in the ring again doing battle against each other. In my lifetime, Frazier and Ali were the two greatest heavyweights on the planet. There have been no close seconds. This fight will always be the yardstick by which I measure every other heavyweight fight.
Over the years, Muhammad Ali has received the lion’s share of glory. He would also win the two rematches, including their final fight “The Thrilla in Manilla”, also one of boxing’s greatest heavyweight title fight. But on this night, when the world stood by with bated breath, it would be Joe Frazier that would emerge victorious. Forty years later, on this day, the glory belongs to Smoking Joe Frazier . He won the fight.
The fight was a close and exhausting battle for both fighters but it was the knockdown in the final round (the 15th) that clinched it for Joe. Joe’s famous left hook came through when he needed it most. As my father, the late great Andrew De La O liked to put it “Ali won two out of three but Joe got the knockdown”.
Their fights took a toll on both of them. They deserve to rest on their laurels. Where ever they are today I hope they know that boxing fans are eternally grateful for all that they gave whenever they stepped into the ring. Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali were giants!
By the way, the guy never paid the five bucks!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Between Today and Tomorrow....
Life's been going steady, no real reasons to complain. I'm drawing closer to the end of my winter semester, 1 week from today and it'll all be over. I've been writting essays, applying for scholorships, jobs, and just trying to focus on me. I've been lacking on my blog....but education comes 1st. But between today, and tomorrow I plan on posting a poem that's been on my heart. I need to sit down and write it out, put it on paper.....and i will post/
in the interim, here's a song that's been playing in my head all weekend.
The Legendary Mr. Teddy P...."It Don't Hurt Now...."
It used to be every night
I would cry my heart out over you,
It used to be every day
I would wish you here close to me.
I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat,
I'd just sit at home and I'd weep,
but now all that has changed,
I've found someone to ease my pain
I would cry my heart out over you,
It used to be every day
I would wish you here close to me.
I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat,
I'd just sit at home and I'd weep,
but now all that has changed,
I've found someone to ease my pain
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Saul "Canelo" Alvarez vs Matthew "Magic" Hatton
Photo Courtesy of Yahoo Sports
By Randy De La O
Saturday’s fight, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Matthew “Magic” Hatton, for the WBC Junior Middleweight title was not a great fight, it was however, a great showcase for Canelo’s talent. Canelo pitched a near perfect shutout over Hatton. I say near perfect because a point was taken away from Canelo in the 7th round for hitting after the break.
It was obvious from the start that Hatton was in over his head. He had neither the fire power nor the skill level to seriously challenge or hurt Alvarez. What he did have was grit and plenty of it. Each round was almost a carbon copy of the one that preceded it, with Canelo having his way, and with Hatton looking like he was ready to cave in and then coming back again and again with punches of his own, absolutely refusing to lay down. Still, the gutsy Brit took a lot of punishment.
Matthew Hatton was looking to step out of the shadows of his older brother, former champ Ricky Hatton, and I think to some degree he succeeded. Hatton’s style can be somewhat ugly, with all the holding, hitting behind the head, hitting after the break and hamming it up on the floor on two occasions. However, he is a survivor and he does possess a fighter‘s heart. Despite what even he must have sensed during the fight he never stopped trying to win. . Can’t fault a man for that type of thinking.
I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade and I do agree with Max Kellerman, Bob Papa and Roy Jones Jr, that Alvarez is something special, but I do disagree that he is the complete package. Someday maybe but just not yet. That’s no knock on Alvarez either, he is after all only 20 years of age. He may one day be an all time great but at this point the kid still has a few things to learn.
In the later rounds, he became frustrated by his inability to put Hatton away and it showed. Another fighter, a better one than Hatton, might have capitalized on it. It’s one thing to take a good punch but it’s another thing altogether to take a punch foolishly. Without any defense Alvarez will never be a “Complete Package”. The history of boxing is replete with fighters with big punches, no defense and short careers. The really great fighters, the ones that hang around a while, regardless of style or punching power know enough to move their head just a little.
Canelo strikes me as a smart kid and I think he’s the type of guy that will learn from his mistakes. There was nothing I saw that couldn’t be tweaked and adjusted. Maybe I’m just nitpicking, I don’t know. Still, I know what I saw. In the post fight interview I thought both men handled themselves with grace and dignity. In Hatton’s case he was an extremely good sport about losing and made no excuses. That’s the way it should be.
Alvarez won the fight via a unanimous decision. All three judges had it 119-108 for Alvarez.
One final note. I thought Lou Moret, normally a fine referee, was asleep at the wheel during the entire fight. He seemed lost and a step or two behind the action and he almost gave the impression of not wanting to get too involved. In the long run it really doesn’t matter because the fight was so one sided. I thought Hatton got away with too much holding and hitting behind the head, and I thought the wrong guy got the point taken away form him in the 7th.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Louie Burke: Updates on Austin Trout and Abie Han
By Louie Burke
Almost a month after His world title win and a whole lot of local excitement, Austin has been back in training for two weeks, and this last week he’s been in camp with World Middleweight champ, Sergio Martinez, getting him ready for his title defense against Serhiy Dzinzuiruk. While in the Los Angeles area, Austin will be attending the 154 WBC World Title fight between Canelo Alvarez/ Mathew Hatten. If Canelo wins, Austin, will call him out, giving Canelo an opportunity to restore the family honor against Austin who beat his older brother, Rigoberto for the WBA Title. After Austins win over his Rigoberto, Canelo called Austin out. Now, we can see just how serious he was.
In the meantime, Abie Han has been working out religiously, preparing for his March 18th fight in Tijuana, Mexico, promoted by Abie’s promoters, Top Rank. His opponent is TBA within the next couple of days. Instead of fluctuating from 154 to 165, Abie plans on campaigning at the 160 lb weight. He says, “ He just feels stronger at that weight”
Before leaving to California, Austin was giving Abie some work in the gym as is Tim Meek who himself has been preparing for a fight at the Las Cruces PAL on March 12 and for the upcoming New Mexico Golden Gloves and Men’s USA’s.
Again, thanks for all the support you’ve given us!!!!
Almost a month after His world title win and a whole lot of local excitement, Austin has been back in training for two weeks, and this last week he’s been in camp with World Middleweight champ, Sergio Martinez, getting him ready for his title defense against Serhiy Dzinzuiruk. While in the Los Angeles area, Austin will be attending the 154 WBC World Title fight between Canelo Alvarez/ Mathew Hatten. If Canelo wins, Austin, will call him out, giving Canelo an opportunity to restore the family honor against Austin who beat his older brother, Rigoberto for the WBA Title. After Austins win over his Rigoberto, Canelo called Austin out. Now, we can see just how serious he was.
In the meantime, Abie Han has been working out religiously, preparing for his March 18th fight in Tijuana, Mexico, promoted by Abie’s promoters, Top Rank. His opponent is TBA within the next couple of days. Instead of fluctuating from 154 to 165, Abie plans on campaigning at the 160 lb weight. He says, “ He just feels stronger at that weight”
Before leaving to California, Austin was giving Abie some work in the gym as is Tim Meek who himself has been preparing for a fight at the Las Cruces PAL on March 12 and for the upcoming New Mexico Golden Gloves and Men’s USA’s.
Again, thanks for all the support you’ve given us!!!!
Friday, March 4, 2011
The not so Big Three
I am a longtime Miami Heat fan. So it hurts me to say this: the Heat cannot win the championship this season (good luck trying to get me to admit this vocally, the fan in me will never accept this). But the reality is they just can't.
For a moment I thought pride would force the Big Three to step up to critics and to the twits from rival teams' players (Paul Pierce,) and they would prove to everyone that if the Celtics could do it in the first season of the powerful combination of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rando, then the Heat were just as capable of winning it. Sadly I was mistaken.
Before you challenge my basketball knowledge, I approached my judgment mostly from a fan's perspective. But what about the other perspective, where talented players carry their teams to win. When LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined the Heat, the two, along with Dwyane Wade, made a big splash on South Beach not long after LeBron's indulgent "Decision" was made on national TV. It was the biggest mistake the team made. The Heat placed a huge target on its back and ensured that it would be the NBA's villain. And when you do that, you better be prepared to deliver.
But the Heat has failed to deliver. A day after blowing a 24-point lead to lose to the Orlando Magic, Miami suffered an embarrassing 30-point loss to the league-best San Antonio Spurs. Miami has now lost three in a row and four of its last five. The Heat have now dropped to third place in the East, behind Boston and Chicago.
So far, the Big Three have shown up in games against non-contenders, but have an abysmal record against the top teams. Miami's 0-3 against the Celtics, the Heat's biggest threat to get through the East, and have only managed one win amongst the West's contenders (a Christmas Day showdown against the Lakers.)
So what exactly has been the problem? To begin with, the Heat's defense, once its biggest strength, has dropped significantly. And signing players like Mike Bibby, the Heat's latest acquisition, is exactly why it has dropped. The Big Three superstars choose when they feel like expending energy on defense and the role players include a bunch of guys like Bibby and Eddie House, who are known for their poor defense. Further, I may be the only one saying this, but I've never felt like Bosh was worthy of all the hype. Yes he averaged 20 and 10 numbers while in Toronto, but how hard can it be to get those kind of numbers on a talentless team? I knew his real contribution would be revealed once he joined the Heat and he hasn't failed to disappoint.
Now when it comes to Miami's real go-to guys, it's a wonder both of them are not feuding behind the scenes. Or maybe they flip a coin pre-game to determine who gets to take over games in the fourth quarter. But Wade and LeBron are proof that incredible talent doesn't equate automatic championship. The two have become more accustomed to isolation plays, which turns the rest of the team into spectators. Their teammates, such as reliable three-point shooters James Jones and Mike Miller become ineffective late in games because they go cold from standing and watching Wade and LeBron take turns at playing hero of the day.
So who gets the blame? Pat Riley! It's obvious Erik Spoelstra doesn't have the ability to rein in his two superstars. Meanwhile, Riley, undoubtedly aware of the the criticism he drew by firing Stan Van Gundy to coach the Heat after the team signed Shaq, reluctantly sits back and let's the situation unfold.
It's not too late to fix this problem. The Heat still has a shot at landing the top spot in the East, and even if it doesn't, it can still defeat Boston, Chicago and Orlando. But it needs to start seeing the bigger picture. The entire season is a long distance race, not a sprint. It doesn't matter who gets out to the fastest start, it's who has the endurance to finish.
What Miami needs to do is run the ball through LeBron in the first three quarters, but let Wade control it in the last five minute of games; particularly close ones. Wade is a better closer and LeBron needs to understand this if he's more interested in winning a ring than in becoming the greatest player to grace the courts.
For a moment I thought pride would force the Big Three to step up to critics and to the twits from rival teams' players (Paul Pierce,) and they would prove to everyone that if the Celtics could do it in the first season of the powerful combination of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rando, then the Heat were just as capable of winning it. Sadly I was mistaken.
Before you challenge my basketball knowledge, I approached my judgment mostly from a fan's perspective. But what about the other perspective, where talented players carry their teams to win. When LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined the Heat, the two, along with Dwyane Wade, made a big splash on South Beach not long after LeBron's indulgent "Decision" was made on national TV. It was the biggest mistake the team made. The Heat placed a huge target on its back and ensured that it would be the NBA's villain. And when you do that, you better be prepared to deliver.
But the Heat has failed to deliver. A day after blowing a 24-point lead to lose to the Orlando Magic, Miami suffered an embarrassing 30-point loss to the league-best San Antonio Spurs. Miami has now lost three in a row and four of its last five. The Heat have now dropped to third place in the East, behind Boston and Chicago.
So far, the Big Three have shown up in games against non-contenders, but have an abysmal record against the top teams. Miami's 0-3 against the Celtics, the Heat's biggest threat to get through the East, and have only managed one win amongst the West's contenders (a Christmas Day showdown against the Lakers.)
So what exactly has been the problem? To begin with, the Heat's defense, once its biggest strength, has dropped significantly. And signing players like Mike Bibby, the Heat's latest acquisition, is exactly why it has dropped. The Big Three superstars choose when they feel like expending energy on defense and the role players include a bunch of guys like Bibby and Eddie House, who are known for their poor defense. Further, I may be the only one saying this, but I've never felt like Bosh was worthy of all the hype. Yes he averaged 20 and 10 numbers while in Toronto, but how hard can it be to get those kind of numbers on a talentless team? I knew his real contribution would be revealed once he joined the Heat and he hasn't failed to disappoint.
Now when it comes to Miami's real go-to guys, it's a wonder both of them are not feuding behind the scenes. Or maybe they flip a coin pre-game to determine who gets to take over games in the fourth quarter. But Wade and LeBron are proof that incredible talent doesn't equate automatic championship. The two have become more accustomed to isolation plays, which turns the rest of the team into spectators. Their teammates, such as reliable three-point shooters James Jones and Mike Miller become ineffective late in games because they go cold from standing and watching Wade and LeBron take turns at playing hero of the day.
So who gets the blame? Pat Riley! It's obvious Erik Spoelstra doesn't have the ability to rein in his two superstars. Meanwhile, Riley, undoubtedly aware of the the criticism he drew by firing Stan Van Gundy to coach the Heat after the team signed Shaq, reluctantly sits back and let's the situation unfold.
It's not too late to fix this problem. The Heat still has a shot at landing the top spot in the East, and even if it doesn't, it can still defeat Boston, Chicago and Orlando. But it needs to start seeing the bigger picture. The entire season is a long distance race, not a sprint. It doesn't matter who gets out to the fastest start, it's who has the endurance to finish.
What Miami needs to do is run the ball through LeBron in the first three quarters, but let Wade control it in the last five minute of games; particularly close ones. Wade is a better closer and LeBron needs to understand this if he's more interested in winning a ring than in becoming the greatest player to grace the courts.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Good to pass this on to your children....
This is a powerful message in our modern society. We seemed to have lost our bearings & our sense of direction.
One, young, academically excellent person went to apply for a managerial position in a big company.
He passed the first interview. The director who did the last interview, made the last decision.
The director discovered from the CV that the youth's academic achievements were excellent all the way, from the secondary school until the postgraduate research. He never had a year when he did not score.
The director asked, "Did you obtain any scholarships in school?" The youth answered "none".
The director asked, " Was it your father who paid for your school fees?" The youth answered, "My father passed away when I was one year old. It was my mother who paid for my school fees."
The director asked, " Where did your mother work?" The youth answered, "My mother worked as a clothes cleaner. The director requested the youth to show his hands. The youth showed a pair of hands that were smooth and perfect.
The director asked, " Have you ever helped your mother wash the clothes before?" The youth answered, "Never, my mother always wanted me to study and read more books. Furthermore, my mother can wash clothes faster than me."
The director said, "I have a request. When you go back today, go and clean your mother's hands and then see me tomorrow morning."
The youth felt that his chance of landing the job was high. When he went back, he happily requested his mother to let him clean her hands. His mother felt strange, but with mixed feelings, she showed her hands to her son.
The youth cleaned his mother's hands slowly. His tears fell as he did that. It was the first time he noticed that his mother's hands were so wrinkled and that there were so many bruises in her hands. Some bruises were so painful that his mother shivered when they were cleaned with water.
This was the first time the youth realized that it was this pair of hands that washed the clothes every day to enable him to pay the school fee. The bruises in the mother's hands were the price that the mother had to pay for his graduation, academic excellence and his future.
After finishing the cleaning of his mother hands, the youth quietly washed all the remaining clothes for his mother.
That night, mother and son talked for a very long time.
Next morning, the youth went to the director's office.
The Director noticed the tears in the youth's eyes and asked, " Can you tell me what you did and learned yesterday in your house?"
The youth answered, " I cleaned my mother's hands, and also finished cleaning all the remaining clothes.'
The Director asked, " Please tell me your feelings."
The youth said,
- Number 1, I know now the meaning of appreciation. Without my mother, there would not be the successful me today.
- Number 2, by working together and helping my mother, only now I realize how difficult and tough it is to get something done. Number 3, I have come to appreciate the importance and value of family relationship.
The director said, " This is what I am looking for in my new manager.
I want to recruit a person who can appreciate the help of others, a person who knows the sufferings of others to get things done, and a person who would not put money as his only goal in life. Son,you are hired."
Later on, this young person worked very hard, and received the respect of his subordinates. Every employee worked diligently and as a team. The company's performance improved tremendously.
A child, who has been over protected and habitually given whatever he or she wanted, would develop the entitlement mentality and would always put himself first. He would be ignorant of his parent's efforts. When he starts work, he assumes that every person must listen to him, and when he becomes a manager, he would never know the sufferings of his employees and would always blame others. This kind of person, may be good academically and may be successful for a while, but eventually would not feel a sense of achievement. He will grumble and be full of hatred and fight for more.
 If we are this kind of protective parents, are we really showing love or are we destroying the kid instead?*
You can let your kid live in a big house, eat good meals, learn piano, watch a big screen TV. But when you are cutting grass, please let him experience it. After a meal, let him wash his plates and bowls together with his brothers and sisters. It is not because you do not have money to hire a maid, but it is because you want to love him in the right way. You want him to understand, no matter how rich his parents are, one day their hair will grow gray, same as the mother of that young man . The most important thing is your kid learns how to appreciate the effort and experience the difficulty and learns the ability to work with others to get things done.
I want to recruit a person who can appreciate the help of others, a person who knows the sufferings of others to get things done, and a person who would not put money as his only goal in life. Son,you are hired."
Later on, this young person worked very hard, and received the respect of his subordinates. Every employee worked diligently and as a team. The company's performance improved tremendously.
A child, who has been over protected and habitually given whatever he or she wanted, would develop the entitlement mentality and would always put himself first. He would be ignorant of his parent's efforts. When he starts work, he assumes that every person must listen to him, and when he becomes a manager, he would never know the sufferings of his employees and would always blame others. This kind of person, may be good academically and may be successful for a while, but eventually would not feel a sense of achievement. He will grumble and be full of hatred and fight for more.
 If we are this kind of protective parents, are we really showing love or are we destroying the kid instead?*
You can let your kid live in a big house, eat good meals, learn piano, watch a big screen TV. But when you are cutting grass, please let him experience it. After a meal, let him wash his plates and bowls together with his brothers and sisters. It is not because you do not have money to hire a maid, but it is because you want to love him in the right way. You want him to understand, no matter how rich his parents are, one day their hair will grow gray, same as the mother of that young man . The most important thing is your kid learns how to appreciate the effort and experience the difficulty and learns the ability to work with others to get things done.
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