Kimi Raikkonen wins in Belgium to end losing streak

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen has won the Belgian grand prix with Giancarlo Fisichella of Force India, who started on pole, second. Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull was third with Brawn's Rubens Barichello seventh – but neither was able to take full advantage of Jenson Button's withdrawal from the race on lap one.

Button, alongside the reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton, was forced off after a collision that required the deployment of the safety car and resulted in four retirements. Button led his team-mate Barrichello by 18 points in the drivers' championship at the start of the race, an advantage that has now been cut to 16.

While Vettel claimed six points, moving him into third place overall, his team-mate Mark Webber failed to make up ground on Button after finishing outside the points in ninth. Webber slips to fourth, 20.5 points behind Button with five races to go.

The man to gain was Raikkonen, who claimed his fourth Belgian grand prix victory in five years to end a run of 26 races without a win for the 2007 world champion. Fisichella's podium finish gave Force India their first points in Formula One after 30 races.

AirAsia X flying to home of the Pandas soon

AirAsia is introducing a new route connecting Kuala Lumpur to Chengdu from Oct 20.

To be operated by AirAsia X, the four direct weekly flights come at all-in-fares as low as RM129 one-way.

Reservations can be done online via AirAsia’s website at www.airasia.com or mobile.airasia.com.

The booking period is from Aug 26 to Aug 30 2009, for the travel period between Oct 20, 2009 and July 31, 2010.

AirAsia’s Regional Head of Commercial Kathleen Tan said: “Our China network has remained incomplete without a presence capable of unlocking the potential of travel to the western territories of China.

“With Chengdu now added on to our network, AirAsia can now boast that we have mainland China covered with 160 weekly flights.” She added that at present, there is no direct air connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and Chengdu, home to China’s living natural heritage, the Pandas.

AirAsia X CEO, Azran Osman-Rani said that despite the gloomy global economy, China remained an important trading and economic partner for Malaysia and the Asean region.

“The launch of this new route is expected to enhance the exchange of trade and tourism, and to strengthen the economic development of Kuala Lumpur and Chengdu.

“AirAsia X’s low fares and innovative services will also stimulate more travels both in-bound and outbound from these two destinations as the Chinese public can take advantage of Kuala Lumpur’s status as a gateway to Asia, Australia and Europe,” he said.

Chinese Drama & Cultural Dance @ Esplanade : 29th Aug 2009

Date: 29th Aug 2009 Saturday
Time: 8pm to 9.30pm
Location: Esplanade, Penang
Organizer: Penang State Tourism Development & Culture
Performers: Spring Production and Art Studio

The forthcoming cultural performance to be held this Saturday 29th Aug 2009 features the Chinese culture here in Penang. Expect the buzz of the traditional chinese dance and drama as well as poetry recital which depicts the chinese culture and heritage in Penang.

The performances represents the early chinese culture in Penang, mirroring the simplicity of life here in peaceful Penang.

Be charmed by the young talents of Penang as they recite poetry in the local languages of Penang: Chinese, English and Bahasa Malaysia. Don't miss this oriental staging!

Program:
1) Dance Theater "Old Penang Act 1"- Boat Rowing
2) Dance Theater "Old Penang Act 2" - I am a Hokkien
3) Children Poem Recital (7 years old)
4) Traditional Chinese Dance
5) Children Poem Recital ( 9 years old)
6) Dance Performance: Greek Dance
7) Children Poem Recital (13 years old)
8) Traditional Dance: TBD
9) Children Theatre "12 Chinese Zodiac"
10) Dance Performance

Chong Wei, Kien Keat-Boon Heong bag Macau Open titles

Lee Chong Wei and the men’s pair of Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong lived up to their top billings in the Macau Open yesterday.

World No. 1 Chong Wei bagged his fifth title for the year, beating fellow Malaysian Wong Choong Hann 21-15, 21-19 in 36 minutes in the men’s singles final while Kien Keat-Boon Heong won the Macau Open men’s doubles title for the third successive time, defeating compatriots Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah 21-14, 17-21, 21-12

Winning the Macau Open title without dropping a single game will be a consolation for Chong Wei after his disapppointing outing in the preceeding World Championships in Hyderabad a week ago where he failed to get past the quarter-finals.

Team manager How Kim Tho said that although he emerged triumphant, Chong Wei appeared lethargic and made numerous mistakes against veteran Choong Hann.

“The last two weeks have taken its toll on him.

“Although there was no pressure, Chong Wei was also determined to protect his long unbeaten record against a fellow Malaysian,” said Kim Tho.

For Kien Keat-Boon Heong, the victory yesterday was their third Open title this year after their successes in the Swiss Open in March and Malaysian Grand Prix Gold in Johor Baru in June.

The successful bid also meant that Kien Keat-Boon Heong, who were bronze medallists at the world championships, are guaranteed of retaining their No. 2 spot in the world rankings behind Indonesians Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan.

Rubens Barrichello wins in Valencia

Rubens Barrichello made best of a heavy fuel load, superb tactics and a critical error from McLaren Mercedes to win the 57-lap European Grand Prix in Valencia, the tenth of his career and his first since Shanghai 2004. Wearing a tribute to the injured Felipe Massa on his crash helmet the emotional Brazilian took the chequered flag two seconds clear of pole-sitter Hamilton and in doing so moves second in the championship race, 18 points behind Brawn Mercedes team-mate Jenson Button.

Lewis Hamilton looked to be in complete control of the race in the early stages as he stormed away from the pole position with team-mate Heikki Kovalainen backing up Barrichello and allowing the Hungarian winner to pull a small advantage. Barrichello however was able to run close behind Kovalainen and with his heavier fuel load was able to gain second position following the first round of stops.

With his rear gunner now consigned to third, Hamilton pushed hard to keep the gap to the Brawn racer between three and four seconds. However it was all for nothing as on lap 38 Hamilton peeled off into the pit lane only to find the team had not prepared the tyres. As the crew scrambled around, the valuable seconds ticked by and after 14 seconds Hamilton was back in the race. Barrichello by this point was now six seconds up the road and the race was lost for McLaren.

It was a superb drive from Barrichello who may well have taken the victory regardless of Hamilton’s problem, but it would have been a whole lot closer. With Red Bull enduring an awful race weekend, Barrichello moves ahead of Mark Webber in the championship as the Australian finished ninth and out of the points, while Sebastian Vettel suffered a fuelling problem and then another engine failure to record his second straight failure to finish.

Kimi Raikkonen qualified sixth and made best of KERS off the line to vault fourth by the first corner. From this point the 2007 champion drove his usual solid race, gaining third from Kovalainen in the second and final stop. Team-mate Luca Badoer had reasonable pace in race conditions, but his return after a decade on the sidelines in place of the injured Felipe Massa was littered with small errors leaving him 17th at the chequered flag.

Kovalainen will be disappointed with fourth position after running second through the first stint but the Finn held off the charging Nico Rosberg to the line and recorded his best finish, in what has been a difficult second season with McLaren Mercedes.

Rosberg continued his string of points scoring results with a fine fifth while team-mate Kazuki Nakajima’s race was compromised in qualifying with the mechanical and then destroyed in the race by a right rear puncture. The Japanese racer has yet to score this year.

Fernando Alonso chased Rosberg for much of the race before settling for sixth position at his home Grand Prix in the leading Renault while championship leader Jenson Button had a poor race to seventh position and just two championship points.

Starting fifth, Button made a good start to the race to run alongside Sebastian Vettel into the first turn. Perhaps with his large championship lead in his mind, Button backed off and this allowed four cars to stream through. The Brawn racer soon passed Mark Webber, but was judged to have cut a chicane to gain an unfair advantage and was forced to relinquish the position. The British driver would gain the place from Webber in the final round of pit stops, but it was a poor drive from a driver aiming for the ultimate prize.

Robert Kubica claimed the final point for the BMW Sauber team with a solid run to eighth position while Webber looked lost all weekend and finished a dismal ninth and out of the points. Red Bull Renault therefore leaves Valencia having failed to score and are now 27.5 points behind Brawn Mercedes in the constructors’ championship.

WOW!!! ‘Ecofun Theme Park Resort’ in Penang?

From The Star today, this is a very interesting project. The state government really really putting up lots of effort to promote the state's tourism :)

IF all goes well, Penang is set to have the first-of-its-kind eco-friendly world class theme park in Teluk Bahang.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said a Penang-based company that was involved in the design and construction of the Universal Studios Theme Park in Singapore had submitted a proposal to the state government to set up an environmentally-friendly ‘Ecofun Theme Park Resort’.

He, however, said that just like other projects, an open tender would be called before the state would decide on which company should be given the contract.

Lim said the state hoped to call for an open tender beginning Oct 1 and the deadline would be Dec 1.

He said a 12.14ha land belonging to the Penang Water Corporation located downstream near the Teluk Bahang dam would be leased out if the proposal were to be approved.

“If the green light is given, then the project will take about four years to be fully completed. The estimated cost for the theme park is RM100mil. This will boost tourism, as the park will only be 3km away from the Batu Ferringhi tourism belt.

“And if the proposed Penang Hill cable car project were to take off, it would be a value added service, as one of the stops could be at the theme park,’’ he said.

FILA warehouse Sales 21st Aug - 25th Aug 2009

Fila Warehouse Sale (Discount up to 80%)

Date : 21st to 25th Aug 2009

Venue : FILA store @ Island Plaza ground floor

If you are looking for some bargains of sports wear and do not mind wearing a FILA (I know this brand is not so popular among you out there :p), then head on to the shop to have a look. I remembered my friend once told me that FILA sales is quite a good time to hunt for bargain buys :)

Food and fun fair : 29th Aug 2009

Penang First "Mega Food Carnival"

Date : 29th Aug 2009. Saturday

Time : 10:00am - 4:00pm

Venue : PISA Concourse Area, Bayan Baru

LOOKING for a weekend event that suits the whole family?

Head to Penang Inter-national Sports Arena (PISA) then on Aug 29 for a food carnival.

The event, Mega Food Carnival, organised by Penang First Assembly of God (English section) boasts more than 50 stalls selling hawker food, Japanese and Thai fare, as well as cakes, pastries and international dishes.

Church administrator Molly Yeap said there is also the famous salted chicken brought in specially from Ipoh. “Other than that, we will also have jumble sales with all sorts of merchandise from household appliances to toys. And there will be stage performances as well during the day,” she said.

CNBC features Penang hospitals

Are you feeling proud of this? I AM DEFINITELY !!!

PENANG has been featured in a CNBC video which promoted its medical tourism.

State Tourism, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said the news network broadcast a six-minute video last Friday highlighting the reasons why patients chose Penang.

“We offer high quality ser-vices with more affordable pricing compared to Singapore as well as some western and European countries.

“So coming to Penang to seek medical treatment is like coming for a holiday as the state is a vacation destination with lots to offer,” Law said yesterday.

He said medical tourism not only helped the medical industry as other industries like airlines, hotels and food also benefited.

The video clip can be seen at http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1214756303&play=1.

Law said Penang Health Association chairman Datuk Dr Chan Kok Ewe was quo- ted in the broadcast as sa-ying that the state reco- rded RM171mil in profit from medical tourism last year with the figure expected to increase to RM180mil this year.

“The earning is two-thirds of the RM250mil profit from medical tourism nationwide. Dr Chan also said we had 212,000 foreign patients last year and the number is expected to climb to 230,000 this year.

“We have a steady 15% growth in the industry each year. This is good despite the current economic slowdown,” Law said.

He said the state government was grateful to all private hospitals for their initiative and continuous effort to upgrade their facilities and services.

Kebun Bunga Charity Run 27th Sept 2009

Date / Tarikh : 27th Sept 2009. (Sunday)
Time / Waktu : 7.30 am / pagi
Venue / Tempat : Amphitheater Youth Park, Penang.

In Aid of Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital “Needy Cancer Patients Fund”

This is a very meaningful event to help Mount Miriam fund raising. I'm sure you definitely have some relatives or friend's relatives that receive treatment there, so it's time we do our part and contribute back to the society :)

'RIDE WITH CHIEF MINISTER' 25th Oct 2009

Date: 25 October 2009

Venue: Town Hall, Esplanade, Penang

G Club and The Rotary Club of Tanjung Bungah are organizing a cycling event of the year - CAMPAIGN FOR A LANE: COME RIDE WITH CHIEF MINISTER.

Rides are opened to everyone. Whether you are an avid rider, a weekend rider or haven't been riding for years; we invite you to join us! You do NOT have to be a member of any clubs or associations to ride with us!

We hope you and your love ones will join us in this fun ride with our Chief Minister YAB Lim Guan Eng on the 25th October 2009. We would love to see you in this event.

There will be 3 categories of rides to cater for all levels of bicycle enthusiasts. Each category has limited to certain number of riders. Once the registered number reached the maximum number of registration, the organizer will stop taking new registration. The categories inclusive of:

A) Family rides (Difficulty: Easy & open for 200 riders) 20 km from Town Hall Esplanade to Gurney Drive, looped around E&O housing area at Tg Tokong and back

B) Teluk Bahang rides (Difficulty: Easy to Moderate & open for 300 riders) 50 km ride from Town Hall Esplanade to Teluk Bahang and back.

C) Round island rides (Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging & open for 500 riders)80 km from Town Hall Esplanade to Gurney Drive and proceed to Lebuhraya Jelutong passing through Bayan Lepas then Balik Pulau follow by heading to Teluk Bahang then Batu Ferringhi and back.

More detail at http://www.pbb.com.my/

Part of road to Batu Ferringhi collapses

Reported in the Star today:

A stretch of road leading to the popular tourist spot of Batu Ferringhi here sank by about 5m, causing one lane of the 15m stretch of road near Moonlight Bay to be closed to traffic.

Fortunately, nobody was injured when the stretch sank at 9.40am yesterday due to a burst water pipe.

The Public Works Department (PWD) immediately deployed seven workers to carry out repairs.

A PWD maintenance worker had earlier noticed a hairline crack on a water pipe next to the road at about 8.30am.

He immediately alerted his superior but the cracks became bigger an hour later and the pipe burst, washing earth, rocks and gravel down the slope. A tree also toppled over.

Penang PWD director Shahawai Awang said remedial work was being carried out.

He said the road sank because of the burst water pipe. He was unsure when the repairs could be completed.

134 more WiFi hotspots in Penang

PENANGITES can now access the Internet at 134 free WiFi hotspots on the island and the mainland compared to a mere 26 hotspots in March.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said REDTone International Bhd which provided all the hotspots, was now embarking on phase two of its rollout plan.

“This will add another 250 hotspots by year end,” he said when launching the 100th hotspot at a shopping mall in Bayan Baru here yesterday.

He said the company plans to have some 750 hotspots by end of 2010 by which time the state will have at least 90% coverage.

“Currently there are 10,000 registered users of the free WiFi services and the number is likely to hit 30,000 by end of this year,” he said.

The hotspots are scattered around places like Komtar, Bukit Jambul, George Town, Queensbay Mall, Prai and Seberang Jaya.

Anyone out there enjoying this free WiFi can tell me the reception? Thanks a lot :)

ASW 2020 income distribution at 6.30 sen

Amanah Saham Nasional Bhd (ASNB), a wholly owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), today announced an income distribution of 6.30 sen per unit for Amanah Saham Wawasan 2020 (ASW 2020) for the financial year ended Aug 31, 2009, versus seven sen per unit in the previous year.

PNB chairman Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid said the distribution would involve a total payment of RM592.26 million to 872,322 unit holders with 11.01 billion units.

Up to Aug 17, 2009, ASW 2020 recorded a gross income of RM661.28 million, an increase of 12.62% from RM587.18 million in the previous financial year.

Ahmad Sarji said the gross income comprised RM311.27 million profit from the sale of shares (47.07%), RM223.69 million dividend income from investee companies (33.83%), and RM126.32 million interest and other income (19.1%).

"The first seven months for ASW 2020's financial year was challenging because during this global economic crisis, the share market was traded within a narrow range," he told a media briefing here today, in conjunction with the announcement on the income distribution of ASW 2020.

Ahmad Sarji said ASW 2020's investment strategies had generated returns to the unit holders when the share market showed recovery from April 2009.

PNB president and group chief executive Tan Sri Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman said the fund had the capacity to distribute 8.30 sen per unit but the group decided to reserve the income for the next financial year.

The income distribution will be reinvested in the form of new units and will be credited to the unit holders' accounts automatically. Unit holders will be able to update their accounts at ASNB head office, ASNB branch offices or via ASNB agents beginning Sept 1.

Investors who participated in ASW 2020 through the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members' investment scheme will have their income distribution credited directly into the respective EPF accounts.

Please make it move and back to normal operation...

Our very own 112 years old Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee clock, better known as Victoria Clock Tower located at Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakhbah in George Town, Penang, has stopped ticking since Aug 7.

If you make your way past that area, you will notice that the hands of the clock is pointing static at 12 o'clock.

I must admit that as a Penang local boy, I do not really pay much attention to the clock tower but it's very different for tourists from other places. The only thing I knew was that it looked grand from far and there are many photographers snapping the pictures of the tower as well as the 'buah pinang' sculpture. Even my secondary school outfield research was done on Fort Cornwallis as well as this clock tower :)

Hopefully the state government will take fast action in repairing the clock tower and back it operates normally. It's such a shame if we have such a nice clock tower that is not functioning, right? What's the point?


The 18.2m-high clock tower, which is Moorish in design, was built and donated by local millionaire Cheah Chen Eok in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s 60th year of reign.

Hungry Ghost Festival starts tomorrow!

Date: 20th August 2009 ~ 18th September 2009
Venue: Around the streets of Penang
Organizer: Penang State Government

The Chinese believes that on the 7th Lunar month the Gates of Hell will open and the hungry ghosts will be free to roam in the living world for a month.

In Penang, the Taoists erect make-shift sheds and make offerings to the King of Hell and the hungry ghosts. Chinese Opera in various dialects and puppet shows are staged to "entertain" the deceased.

Enclosed is a list of locations for the Chinese Opera or Phor Thor and Puppet shows in Penang island. Compiled by Persatuan Tiong Guan Pulau Pinang:

Teow Chew Opera Shows:
1) 19th - 22nd Aug 7.30pm @ 1108-A, MK 13, Jalan Paya Terubong, Penang
2) 19th - 23rd Aug 7.30pm @ Vacant land at 24, Lorong Seck Chuan, Penang
3) 20th - 26th Aug 7.30pm @ Vacant land at 1006, Mk 2, Bayan Lepas, Penang
4) 21st - 23rd Aug 7.30pm @ Vacant land at 291, Jelutong Barat, Penang
5) 23rd - 26th Aug 7.30pm @ Vacant land at 618-A Jalan Ayer Itam, Penang
6) 23rd - 25th Aug 7.30pm @ Taman Tun Sardon, Glugor, Penang
7) 24th - 25th Aug 7.30pm @ Tingkat Paya Terubong, Penang
8) 25th - 27th Aug 7.30pm @ 615, Jalan Jelutong, Penang
9) 26th - 28th Aug 7.30pm @ 534A Tanjong Bungah, Penang
10) 27th - 5th Sept 7.30pm @ In front of Block 1, Taman Sri Bunga, Jelutong
11) 28th - 1st Sept 7.30pm @ Vacant land at Brown Estate, Penang
12) 30th - 31st Aug 7.30pm @ 247, Jalan Himat Relau / Jalan Bukit Kechil, penang
13) 30t - 1st Sept 7.30pm @ Jalan Mount Erskine, Penang
14) 30th - 1st Sept 7.30pm @ Vacant land at Lintang Paya Terubong, Penang
15) 31st - 2nd Sept 7.30pm @ Behind market of Lip Sim Lama, Penang
16) 2nd - 3rd Sept 7.30pm @ 663B Sungai Ara, 11700 Penang
17) 4th - 6th Sept 7.30pm @ Jalan Phee Choon and Penang Road
18) 5th - 7th Sept 7.30pm @ Jalan Mount Erskine, Penang
19) 6th - 8th Sept 7.30pm @ 29-31 Lorong Kinta, Penang
20) 6th - 10th Sept 7.30pm @ Inside Pusat Belia, Lebuh Achin, Penang
21) 8th - 11th Sept 7.30pm @ Beside 1028A, Jalan Rambai 1, Penang
22) 8th - 12th Sept 7.30pm @ Jalan Semak Api, Penang
23) 11th - 12th Sept 7.30pm @ Block 6, Lintang Kg Melayu, Penang
24) 12th - 13th Sept 7.30pm @ 74, Jalan Tanjong Tokong, Penang
25) 12th - 16th Sept 7.30pm @ 591, Jalan Teluk Awak, Tanjung Bungah, Penang
26) 15th - 16th Sept 7.30pm @ Block 7A, Lebuhraya Thean Teik, Air Itam, Penang
27) 15th - 17th Sept 7.30pm @ 1, Jalan Anson Pasar, Penang
28) 16th - 18th Sept 7.30pm @ 308, Jalan Jelutong, Penang
29) 19th - 21st Sept 7.30pm @ 725F Jalan Sungai Dua, Penang

Hokkien Opera Shows:
1) 20th - 22nd Aug 7.30pm @ Lorong Selamat, Penang
2) 20th - 22nd Aug 7.30pm @ Vacant land at Taman Free School, Penang
3) 25th - 26th Aug 7.30pm @ Temple Jeutong timor (Pentas Tetap)
4) 26th - 28th Aug 7.30pm @ Tanjong Tokong Laut (Pentas Tetap)
5) 26th - 29th Aug 7.30pm @ Lebuh Tye Sin, Penang
6) 1st - 3rd Sept 7.30pm @ Jalan Osman Bin kadir, West Jelutong, Penang
7) 3rd - 6th Sept 7.30pm @ Lebuh Raya Thean Teik, Farlim, Penang
8) 4th - 7th Sept 7.30pm @ Rumah Pangsa, Noordin Street, Penang
9) 4th - 8th Sept 7.30pm @ Car park of Lebuh Nagore, Penang
10) 13th - 14th Sept 7.30pm @ 32, Lorng Prangin, Penang

Cantonese Opera Shows:
1) 29th - 1st Sept 7.30pm @ In front of Jalan Semak Seni Pelangi, Penang

Puppet Shows:
1) 20th - 21st Aug 8.30pm @ Jalan Lenggong, Pulau Pinang
2) 27th - 29th Aug 2.30pm @ Lorong Samak Api 1, Penang
3) 1st - 2nd Sept 2.30pm @ In front of 192, Carnarvon Street, Penang
4) 1st - 3rd Sept 2.30pm @ Lot 2466 Kampung Jawa, Penang
5) 2nd - 3rd Sept 2.30pm @ In front of 717D Sungai Dua, Penang
6) 11th - 12th Sept 2.30pm @ Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Penang

Bollywood @ "Esplanade In Action" 22th Aug 2009

Date: 22nd Aug 2009
Time: 8pm
Location: Esplanade, Penang
Performers: Temple of Fine Arts

Come watch and experience the fascinating dance of the Indian culture in Penang at the Penang Esplanade this Saturday 22nd August 2009 from 8pm to 9.30pm! You will be in for an unforgettable treat as the dance group of the Temple of Fine Arts in Penang will perform some ever-popular Bollywood dances and will also include an oldies theme medley which will feature indian dances from the 50's up till the current times to give an insight to the evolving indian dance culture. So be prepared as they dance to the latest and also the classical dances just exclusively for you!

Be in awe of their spellbounding dance movements and costumes of vivid colours! That's the enchanting Indian Culture for you! If you are really up for a fun filled memorable night, make sure you dance along with these talented dancers to the craze and excitement of Bollywood! See you there!

YONEX-SUNRISE BWF World Championships '09 - Three in the bag for China

Two-time world champion Lin Dan pocketed his third title after trouncing compatriot Chen Jin in the men's singles final at the Gawchibowli Indoor Stadium here Sunday.

The thrill of a true final was certainly missing today, disappointing many badminton fans, but Lin Dan in his impeccable form still displayed some fine world-class skills to entertain the crowd at the Yonex-Sunrise World Badminton Championship.

Exploiting his error-prone opponent, Lin Dan was in complete command and piled up his points to easily secure the first set 21-18.

But Chen, the 2007 world championship bronze winner, rallied to level the game in the second match -- levelling at every point but some unforced errors allowed Lin Dan to increase his tally.

Despite some beautiful stroke play by Chen, he failed to stop Lin Dan who advanced to clinch the crowning match 21-16, when Chen's last serve fell short, confusing the empires before Lin Dan was announced the winner.

"I am very happy to win the title for the third time. China's training has been very effective. I am not considering myself a genius, I will try to perform well in the future," Lin Dan told the media after the final.

Lin Dan took the gold, becoming the first player to win the title thrice (won in 2006/2007), while Chen settled for silver and Indonesia's Taufik Hidayat and Sony Dwi Kuncoro shared the bronze.

Badminton powerhouse China continued to display their supremacy in the game, dominating most of the finals in Hyderabad, while Indonesia and Malaysia failed to shine in the tournament.

In the all-Chinese women's singles final, seventh-seeded Lu Lan outplayed Xie Xingfang 23-21, 21-12 to become the new world champion.

In the exciting men's doubles, the Chinese pair Yun Chai-Haifeng Fu worked hard to clinch the gold, defeating South Korea's Jae Sung Jung and Yong Dae Lee 21-18, 16-21, 28-26.

In the women's doubles' final China's Yawen Zhang-Tingting Zhao beat Shu Cheng-Yunlei Zhao 17-21, 21-17, 21-16.

In the mixed doubles, the energetic Danish pair Thomas Laybourn-Kamilla Rytter Juhl defeated Indonesia's Nova Widianto-Liliyana Natsir 21-13, 21-17.

Rossi wins Chezh GP as Lorenzo falls at Brno

Valentino Rossi has extended his championship lead by winning the Czech Grand Prix at Brno on Sunday afternoon. The Italian rider and current World Champion led from pole position as team-mate Jorge Lorenzo lost control whilst fighting for the lead to crash for the second consecutive race.

With Lorenzo having been fastest in all sessions this weekend bar qualifying, it was Rossi who led from pole position as the red lights went out. The two Yamahas ran in tandem for the majority of the afternoon although the drama would reach its climax when the Spaniard - second in the championship and the only challenger to Rossi with Casey Stoner missing three races - let the pressure get the better of him and crashed.

Rossi's win in the Czech Republic increases his points advantage over Jorge Lorenzo to a large 50 points at the top of the championship standings with six races remaining in 2009; the Italian is now in an even stronger position to clinch his second consecutive and sixth overall MotoGP crown. Pedrosa moves to within 15 points of the absent Casey Stoner for third in the title race.

The MotoGP circus will head to the United States next time out for the second time this year and the legendary Indianapolis circuit in a fortnight's time.

It was a really exciting race...MotoGP is getting more and much better compared to Formula One nowadays...

SEC Warehouse Sales 14th to 16th Aug 2009 @ SEC Warehouse Bayan Lepas

Event : SEC Warehouse Sales

Date: 14th (Fri) to 16th (Sun) August 2009

Time : 12pm to 8pm

Venue : SEC Warehouse Bayan Lepas

Hmm...hopefully can really find some good bargain there. I went to the previous 2 SEC sales at Penang Times Square and Bukit Jambul, not really that attractive....so I'm not really putting any high hopes or expectations even though I still dream of some bargain buy...

Malaysians can observe meteor shower tonight

Malaysians will be able to sight up to a total of 100 Perseid meteors per hour streaking across the northern sky in the wee hours of Thursday morning.

Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Astronomy Atmospheric Science Unit lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Chong Hon Yew said that according to the International Meteor Organisation (IMO). the meteor shower is expected to be best viewed from 1.30am to 4am on Thursday.

“The shower could have started on July 24 and is expected to be observed until Aug 17.

“It is however predicted that during the peak viewing time (Thursday morning), the moon will be high in the sky, outshining the fainter meteors.

“There is a good chance for observers to spot the brighter meteors however,” he said on Wednesday.

Dr Chong also hoped the weather would be favourable for the Perseids to be seen.

Those who miss tomorrow’s meteor shower may still catch a “lesser version” after midnight Thursday, or early Friday morning.

Dr Chong said the Perseids are a prolific meteor shower associated with the comet Swift-Tuttle which are usually fast, bright and occasionally leave persistent trains.

“The point they come from lies in the constellation of Perseus,” he said.

The Perseid meteor shower has been observed for about 2,000 years, with the first known sighting coming from the Far East.

Every year in August, the Earth passes through rock and dust fragments left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle. As these small particles collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, they burn up, often creating a startling streak of light across the sky.

The shower is visible from mid-July each year, with the greatest activity between Aug 8 and Aug 14, peaking at about Aug 12.

Badoer to replace injured Schumacher at Ferrari

After the news on Tuesday morning that Michael Schumacher will be unable to replace Felipe Massa due to injuries of his own, Ferrari has announced that Italian reserve driver Luca Badoer will be partnering Kimi Räikkönen at the European Grand Prix next weekend.

With Felipe Massa missing the race on the streets of Valencia after his skull-fracturing accident in Hungary, Badoer has been called in by Ferrari after Schumacher too was left on the sidelines due to neck weaknesses sustained in a motorcycle crash half a year ago.

A regretful Schumacher has also made a public statement in which he states how he was forced to pull out: 'I really tried everything to make that temporary comeback possible, however, much to my regret it didn't work out. Unfortunately we did not manage to get a grip on the pain in the neck which occurred after the private F1-day in Mugello, even if medically or therapeutically we tried everything possible.'

Stoner out for three races as Kallio steps in

In a crucial twist for the 2009 World Championship, Casey Stoner will be unable to take part in the next three Grands Prix due to his ongoing health problems. Currently thirty-seven points behind championship leader Valentino Rossi, the lengthy absence could spell the end of the Australian's title challenge as Mika Kallio deputises.

Having suffered from on and off spells of illness due to mild anaemia and slight gastritis since the Catalan Grand Prix in June, Stoner made the decision to postpone his racing activities having consulted with doctors. Whilst the Australian recovers at home, Finn Mika Kallio will be moving from the Alice Ducati satellite team to partner Nicky Hayden for the Grands Prix of Indianapolis and Misano as well as this weekend's meeting at Brno. Michel Fabrizio, in turn, will take Kallio's Alice spot.

"After five extremely difficult races due to my health, I returned to Australia to visit the sports doctors who have looked after me for many years," 2007 Champion Stoner explained. "We have taken the difficult decision not to contest the next three rounds of the championship to allow my body time to recover from the recent stress.

"The doctors believe that, during the Barcelona race, I was suffering from a virus and that I subsequently pushed my body too hard, leading to problems that have caused my fatigue since then. The doctors are continuing with many tests to try to understand these problems and make sure it does not happen again.

"I have spoken with Ducati and thank them for their understanding at this time. I feel very sorry for the factory, my team, my sponsors and the fans and I am also disappointed because the bike has been very competitive in the last races; I will be doing everything possible to come back to full strength for Portugal."

Penang Hill Corporation on it's way?

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has tabled a bill to set up Penang Hill Corporation in the state’s bid to promote the hill as an international tourism destination.

Lim (Air Putih-DAP) said the corporation would be given the clout, among others, to enter into contracts and acquire property of every description as well as assign, transfer and dispose of any movable or immovable property.

He said once the corporation is approved by the House, the Penang Hill Ordinance 1950 for the Penang Hill Railway Services would no longer be in place.

The corporation will comprise a state-appointed chairman, four ex-officio members (the state secretary, state financial officer, state public works director and state forestry director), three federal officers, six members appointed by the state authority and a general manager.

Current employees of the Penang Hill railway unit will be absorbed into the corporation. Lim said the corporation would set up a fund and would eventually be self financing.

Lim said the development of the hill would have to be done carefully to preserve the ecosystem and the forest reserve including the hill’s water catchment areas.

A two-pronged approach would be employed to ensure the flora and fauna, landscape and structure of the hill are retained, he said.

Lim said setting up of the corporation was timely as it would boost the federal government’s RM60 million project to upgrade the railway services.

Merdeka Ride for Green 2009 : 16th Aug 2009

Date: 16th August 2009
Start venue: Polo Ground (Padang Polo) - opposite the Penang Hospital
End Venue: (1) Esplanade - 15km ride (2) Queensbay Mall - 52km ride
Organizer: Penang Youth, Sports, Women, Family and Community Development Committee and Lions Club of Gold Coast
Fees: RM10
Gift: a certification of completion, T-shirts and a chance for a lucky draw.
Contact: Edmond Keoh at 012-407 3821
Register at: http://www.merdekaride.net/

If you are not keen on the running event @ Larian Merdeka this Sunday, then is cycling suits you? You can gather a group of friends and enjoy the 15km ride, and if you opt for more challenging ride, then why not try the 52km round the island ride. I know my hiking gangs are all in for the longer distance challenge, so what are you waiting for?

POST Penang Peace Run 2009

Hmm...how do I start here. I wasn't even planning to join this event in the first place. Waited for the very last day of the extended dateline to register for the event, and when I woke up yesterday morning it was raining quite heavily. I was a bit hestitate to go or not for the run and eventually drove myself there (not on bike coz it's still raining) when the rain became smaller and gradually stopped when I reached there.

It was already 710am when I reached the Youth Park parking lot, so as expected, the place is already full. With not much choice left, I turned out and parked by the roadside further down the road leading to Botanical Garden. Quite surprised so many people turned up even though it's a early morning rainy day. Registered myself, and met with Mr Champ, John and waited together for the race to be flag off.

Overall, this year was a much better race for me compared to last year. Didn't stop for the entire race, and even managed to complete it at a much shorter time. I guessed it must be because I'm running all the way together with John. He timed our time at 33 mins for the 6km distance journey. I'm actually quite happy with my timing (of course pls don't compare with those regular runners and much fitter people) given that I haven't run for around 2 months prior to this event and also had a tired day on Saturday painting the house and then 'hand and leg itchy' went for a full session of badminton late Sat evening.

Didn't wait for the lucky draw though as I'm going off back to home to clean up myself before heading out to join my gal for the house painting session again. Can't leave her alone there right....kekeke. A tired weekend, but a very productive one indeed...