BYE BYE MARADONA

Diego Maradona will no longer continue as Argentina coach after the association's executive committee unanimously agreed not to renew his contract.

Maradona met with the the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) president Julio Grondona yesterday, with suggestions a new four-year deal was on the table.

The 49-year-old had said he would sign the contract as long as his entire backroom staff were retained.

Grondona revealed the board had decided not to renew Maradona's contract.

It's like Chipsmore cookies, now you say can, now you say can't. Why cant they discus this matter before announcements.

A day that was wasted

I'm tide up with my current job engagement. Nevertheless, my firm still need me for stock count. In addition, I was assigned with 2 more juniors. I though it should be a big company that requires 3 staffs to perform stock count.

When I was there at the venue, there were 2 divisions, the list was ready for Division A, thus my junior started with his count. I went to another Division with hope that the count was ready to be performed. However, the management just started to finalise the stock figures. Thus we had to wait till lunch hour without doing anything. Half day wasted.

Then we went for lunch at Chilis' (The Empire, Subang) courtesy of the client. We came back around 2.30pm to continue the count. Then i realise, I had to go to Bursa for a briefing on the Rat Race because I'm the team leader.

Luckily my other junior finished his count at Division A, so I told him to assist my other junior for the Division B count and I left to Bursa. The briefing was scheduled at 4pm and I was there sharp on the dot.

When I walked to the room, the other leaders were also there. But the main leader was not there. Damn, the org representative was late, so the briefing was also late. When the briefing started the mike was passed to Technical head, "Mr.Anti Bulan" from FTAA.

As he started, his phone rang. He just took the phone and started answering the phone on the stage itself. Damn, doesn't he know what is stage manners. First of all he should have switched off the phone else don't pick up the phone at all. That took another 5 minutes. Then when he started the speech, he said that:

1. I have been doing this run for many years.
2. Runners don't respect me.
3. I know things because I have dealt with a lot of people.
4. Fast runners will finish the race in 10minutes

Rather than briefing, he was taking all nonsense. It was instead like sharing his egoness.

There goes 2nd half of the day. Another waste. I could have at least finalised my file for submission if I had stayed at my office.

Lessons for Life

Everyday we come across different types of people. Last week I meet and had short chat with 3 people which I felt was a worthy one.

First Person: A Finance Manager in A Listed Company
I know him as I audit the company that he is working. He worked in more than 5 companies and he was even posted to London for a shipping company.
His advise to me was:
- There no end to the world
- Enjoy your life
- If you feel what you are doing is not enjoyable, then do something else
- Live life to the fullest

Second Person: A Carpet Shop Owner
I met him at Gym and he is in his late 50s. He lost RM18million during 1997 Crisis.
His advise was:
- Nothing in life is EASY. You have to work for it.
- Don't give up in life and have the COURAGE to live. It's always a test of survival.
- Make use of whatever skills that you have but do things ethically.
- If god takes 2 dollar from you now, he will give back 10times more in future.

Third Person: Optical Shop Owner
I know him from Toastmasters and I always goes to for my Specs since 4 years ago.
His advise was:
- Don't rush for things. Pace yourself properly in life.
- Don't simply compare yourself with others. Others cant be like you.
- Earn rightfully without cheating anyone.


Overall, what I learnt from these 3 people was "Whatever happens, Life has to go on"

Mas Melor Meeting on 19 July

I started going to Mas Melor after Jamilah(Immediate Past President of the club and current Area Gov) helped my club whenever we needed including Emil Anthony (Immediate Past President Mas MAWAR). Thus, my bilateral relationship with all 3 MAS clubs became strong and I manage to improve my evaluation skills by attending the club meeting.

Last week, I was given Golden opportunity to become TME for the meeting. I accepted it open heartedly.

Here's the Vice President, Thiaga's comment:

"Toastmaster of the evening is none other than Meyappa Manikam, DTM who started the meeting going with a marvelous welcome. His voice and poise got everyone’s attention and we all paid attention. He introduces all the role players and had them reading out their roles. He stressed how important the role plays in a typical toastmasters meeting. Before that Meyappa also gave us a brief history of how toastmaster begun and was the achievement till present. He also explains the path to success very precisely. He kept us focus with interval jokes injecting in his role as toastmaster of the evening."

"Without breaking the promise Toastmaster of the evening, Meyappa Manikam, called for the most exciting moment of the meeting ……….the BREAK."

"Once again toastmaster of the evening Meyappa Manikam energized everyone in the meeting and inspired the entire new member to follow the journey with fun and passion. He is indeed a great Toastmaster and it was an honor having him for this meeting and looking forward for the future ones…. "

Thanks a lot for the invitation. Looking forward for future meetings.

No More Man United Jersey

If you are supporting Man United, it means you are supporting the DEVIL (Saturn). This is the believe of certain smart Malaysians. CRAP.

Recently, there's issue saying that all jerseys which contains Alcoholic, Gaming, Christ and Devil should be banned in Malaysia as it's against Islam.

Damn, We are not supporting the alcohol or Gaming, it's just the team. what a mentality this people has. Off course this attire should not be worn during official function or in the mosque. But we can definitely wear it during outing or matches.

The Perak mufty said that this practise should not be banned or discouraged but should be avoidable at certain holistic area.

As we are developing, our mental also need to develop. If you are going to ban such thing, then why did Malaysia invited Man United last year and Brazil 8 years ago to play friendly match?

Leaders are Dealers of Hope

I was area Governor for B1 in 2008/2009. Of course its challenging to manage 5 clubs at 1 go. Furthermore, one of the club was in Kerteh and the rest were along LDP Highway @ Damansara. It's definitely pressurising with top 2 district officers are from area.

In addition, I was also involved in road races and participated in more than 15 races during the year. Apart from that, I was also given the honour to be team captain for my firms athletics team and I had to keep up the training and motivation of the team to defend mine and the firms title and I MADE IT.

Moreover, I had to jumped from Deloitte to EY during the term where I had to manage the culture change in the firm. Adding to that, I had mega change/promotion in my life which was "I got MARRIED". I was even following up with my area progress from India with my area members.

I achieved and performed all these, but I didn't complain and proved that I'm a capable leader by exceeding all the targets set in my area except for chartering new club which slipped at dying seconds.

BUT looking at Area B1 Governor of 2009/2010:

1. He too had change from student's life to working life, but he failed to manage it.

2. We never knew what was going on in the area as he was rarely communicating with us. (Once in a Blue Moon)

3. Area contest that he organised was DAMN screwed up, where he got role players whom doesn't know what to do.

4. He was no even capable of getting external role players for independence purpose. The worst thing was getting same test speaker as the club contest where it gave advantage from that particular club contestants. And all he said was, I didn't know much people. That's a lame excuse.

5. When he got injured on his legs, he use that as reason of not taking care of the clubs.
All he could have done is ask people for advice and learn from predecessors, which he didn't do it.

whatever, things are over. Hope he learn something from this mistakes.

Siemens Run - 18 July 2010

After running 7km yesterday, I just wanted to go slow as the medal offered was 350 for my category.

But when I reach there today early morning, I say a guy in my category with bib strting with A98*. Damn, there are more than 900 in my category.

I usualy go to the starting lane 10 minutes before tha race. But today, I had to go to toilet twice to clear all the "outgoing calls". As I reached the starting point, it was so pack that they asked me to go right at the back which is 100M from starting lane.

What the heck? So I just stand by the side, at the pavement and started the race. Thats what you call "legally cheat".

I saw so many of them already in front including Suresh, kei Ming, Thurai, Chen Pong Pong. I couldn't push much. As I overtook thurei and Suresh at Bank Negara, I just maintained the pace.

I know it's going to be hilly task, but manage it through. Good part was, there 4 water station and 1 100+ station. That kept me hydrated througout the race.

When I was at Bkt Tunku, I saw a Chinese Lady overtaking me. I just followed he from behind till Parliment. Then I manage to overtake her.

As we reach Bank negara again, my thigh felt like heavy, but I still pushed as the juniors were also running with us for the last 3 km.

They were a bit of disturbance as they were slow runners and made it though for me to overtake them. At maju Junction, I saw Rozmi Yunus. I finished behind him yesterday. So I though I can overtake him today. So I just followed him from the back.

When he saw Dataran Merdeka, he sprinted to finishing lane and I didn't had energy to push anymore. At last Finished in 49th placing with timing of 46:21 minutes.

After finishing the race, they gave goodie bag and there was Lipton greaan tea counter giving out can drinks. I just went there and grabbed the maximum that I could and realise that I had 27 cans. Then Nature's Valley biscuit of 7 packets with 1 doxen banana and 3 bottle fo mineral water.

What a marvelous run and worth it for the money paid.

LARIAN FIESTA MUZIUM TELEKOM 17 July 2010

After missing last week's CENTRO run, I wanted to increase my fitness. I didn't had much training after my IAFG 2 weeks ago.

So I decided to go for the run at very last moment. I went to register for the run on Friday and they game me goodie bag which had only a tissue paper with T-Shirt. Surprisingly, They even inserted the certificate of completion. never even start to run, but got certificate already.

During the starting of the race, I got stuck at behind, as the starting lane was narrow. I had to rush in front for the next 500M so that i can place myself in top50. That took of my energy. Then, we went into KL Tower where it's a hilly task for 1.5km. I manage to overtake some runners there and recovered my energy when I'm coming down from the hill.

As we were approaching KLCC, I saw Amutha in front of me. I didn't overtake her but just "run after her" by maintaining a decent gap. When I reach at the Kg.Baru Junction, saw Jeya walking and I knew it was final 2km before the completion, so I over took Amutha and moved forward.

When I reached Standard Chartered, I saw Kei Ming in front of me. I over took him but he still paced me from behind. I increased my pace as I thought the finishing lane is nearby. Suddenly, the official asked us to turn into St.John Church. Damn, that's another hilly task.

I had to slow down and Kei Ming overtook me again. After St.John school, I knew it's only another 500M, so I overtook kei Ming again and just went all out till the finishing lane.

Glad that I got 11th position with timing of 32.00 minutes.

After that is the fun part:

1. They only gave us 1 bottle of mineral water and a bun. Where got enough? At least give us more water or Isotonic drink lah.

2. The water stations were hidden at bus stop. I couldn't see the 1st water station. The 2nd one was at the side at the corner junction where the lady was not ready with the water. Why can they put it on the road so that it will be visible to everyone.

3. We had to wait for 3 hours for the medal. Why cant they give it at finishing lane itself. That would make our life even easier.

4. The medal was a "plastic medal", remembers my school days. So "cheap skate".

5. The way they manage the distribution of medal was also in a mess. We had to go to 2nd floor and Q up for the medal and it was like pasar malam inside there. I had to collect for Suresh and Kei Ming and these people gave me "Wanita terbuka" medal. What The F***? I had to go back to them and ask for replacement.

6. The best part for top 3 winners, the cash price was reduced and was not informed. Those runners were damn pissed off.

I just wonder, we are using the land line and most of us are using their Streamyx and Celcom. Why can they be more heart full to give our more goodies as to appreciate for our loyalty.

Hope they can do something better in future.

4 new gift from Goverment

Yesterday our dearest Prime Minister announced that price of Petrol, Diesel, Gas, and sugar will increase from range of 5 cents to 25 cents.

So the petrol price will be RM1.85 per litre from Today onwards and will be changed on monthly basis. The increase is in line with Government's' plan to reduce subsidies in various products and use those savings to build our nations economy.

The best part, they still say that we are one of the cheapest in ASEAN. Damn, look at middle east countries lah. They are even cheaper than us. else where our neighbouring country Singapore has on of the most efficient transport system. Thus the people don't bother about petrol hike. But our country is not like that. The transport system in Klang Valley is so screwed up.

I have recommendation to build better economic country:
1. Ministers to stop taking corruptions.
2. Ministers to pay their long outstanding income tax.
3. Ministers to bring back and declare their Swiss Bank deposits.

then our country will definitely prosper.

Spain is No.1, Malaysia is No.142

In the latest FIFA Spain regain their number 1 spot from Brazil and the samba team dropped to 3rd where they were leapfrog by Dutch at No.2.

Our "1 Malaysia" improved it's position by 4 spot where they are now ranked at 142.

Other top 10 teams were;
4.Germany
5. Argentina
6. Uruguay
7. England
8.Portugal
9.Egypt
10.Chile

Surprisingly, African Champion Egypt was placed in top 10 although they didn't qualify for the World Cup.

Sadly, "ciku" teams such as Gambia, Rwanda, Guinie and Tanzania are ranked higher than Malaysia. Those countries are poorer compare to Malaysia and they need to borrow money to buy boots and jerseys, where else, our players are provided with everything from Socks to Underwear.

Moreover, war torn country like Afganistan, Palestine and Iraq are also ranked better than Malaysia.

Don't know what else to say about Malaysian Football team. Furthermore, both father and son of Pahang Royals are trying to conquer the management again. Should sack them 1st.

Maradona's contract Extended

When Dunga's team had slim lost, he was sacked from the team. Similar case to Marcelo Lippi when Italy crashed from World Cup. But for Argentina, when they were bashed with 4-0 by Germany, but Diego Maradona's contract was extended for another 4 years which will be till end of next world cup.

People may say that he is not a good coach or leader as he was involved with drugs, rapes and fight. However, in Argentina, people look at him as god of Football after his hand of god in 1986. They still admire him as player and some also felt that he deserves the Player of Millennium which was finally awarded to Pele.

Hope he can turnaround the team by wining Copa America next year.

VIVA ESPANIA

Finally Spain won their maiden World Cup with help of Andrea Iniesta at 116 minute. This has proven " Paul Sotong's" prediction was true.

A total of 12 yellow cards were flashed and 1 red card. This was a record for a cup finals. Though the match was started evenly, certain bad tackles performed by Spain was not identified by the referee and this has turned the orangies to be hard core.

They were piste off with the referee which made the game to be even uglier. Some said that referee Webb helped Spain to win the cup.

Whatever it is, a European team made it for the first time outside European soil and Spain got their 1st ever World Cup.

Golden Boot went to Thomas Mueler of Germany with 5goals. Although there were 3 other players with same number of goals but Mueler had more assist compare to the rest.

Golden Ball went to Diego Forlan of Uruguay. What I can say is, both the winners were not the players whom played in finals.

Aryen Robben could have changed the results when he had 2 chances where he was facing 1 to 1 with the keeper, but he fumbled.

It was great that the Spanish team already prepared their new Jersey in red which they wore after the match which had a star at the jersey. Looks like they were really confident of winning the trophy.

Whatever it is, the fiesta came to an end yesterday with many events taking place within this 30 days. France were knocked out in group stage without a point. Defending Champion Italy was knocked out without a win in the group stage. 1st timer New Zealand scared 3 points from 3 matches without loosing any match. All 5 South American teams qualifier for 2nd round but only 1 qualified for semifinals.

Stars like Messi, Rooney, Kaka, Tores, Ronaldo, Eto, Drogba and Anelka failed to perform.

These are the ups and downs of the tournament.

Let's meet up in Brazil next in 2014.

Octopus says SPAIN

Holland vs Spain (Spain to Win)
Uruguay vs Germany (Germany to Win)

Germany vs Spain (Spain Won)

Germany vs England (Germany Won)

It's just an octopus called "Paul", but our people put believe and trust in it. Originated from Germany, the care taker puts 2 box sticked with the country flag which contains food for Paul.

The box that opened by Paul and eats it is considered as winner. So far except for Ghana Uruguay match, the other predictions were all correct.

Now it predicted SPAIN to win the World CUP. Let's see if it's going to be hailed or just being "boiled" for soup on Monday.

My Prediction Failed

Initially I thought, Argentina or Brazil will win the World Cup, but prediction failed.

Then, I thought Uruguay will win the cup as there history showing that Europeans don't win in foreign soil and it's always alternate continent wins i.e:

2006: Italy (Europe)
2002: Brazil (South America)
1998: France (Europe)
1994: Brazil (South America)
1990: West Germany (Europe)
1986: Argentina (South America)
1982: Italy (Europe)
1978: Argentina (South America)
1974: Germany (Europe)
1970: Brazil (South America)
1966: England (Europe)
1962: Brazil (South America)

Then, with my numerology, I predicted Germany to win.
But now all gone.

An European team is going to win for the 1st time in foreign continent for 1st time.

Moreover, it will be 1st time for either Spain or Holland to win World Cup.

Till Semifinals, Holland is yet to loose any match. Will they keep up the record.

Let's wait and see.

Germany will win World Cup

This world cup is already determined by the numbers....

1. Brazil won the World Cup in 1994; before that they also won in 1970. Adding 1970 + 1994= 3964

2. Argentina won its last World Cup in 1986; before that they also won in 1978. Adding 1978 + 1986= 3964

3. Germany won its last World Cup in 1990; before that they also won in 1974. Adding 1974 + 1990= 3964

4. Brazil also won the World Cup in 2002; before that they also won in 1962. Adding 1962+ 2002= 3964

5. Therefore if you want to know what nation is going to win the World Cup in 2010, you only have to subtract 2010 from the magic number that we have determined: 3964.
3964 minus 2010 = 1954... In 1954 the World Cup was won by Germany!!!

Probably not scientific... but pretty interesting..
LETS WAIT & WATCH......

IAFG 2010 - 3 July 2010

One of my aim/target this year was to get back my gold medal which I lost it last year. Though I couldnt train that much compared to last year due to heavy workload, but I had determination to go for the gold.

The venue was new this year, "Panasonic Sports Complex" and the time was at 5pm. It's always difficult for me to manage my diet should the event is held during evening.

When the race started, there were 7 of us and the defending champion was not around as he has resigned. So the favourite was me. I had tremendous pressure as teh whole team was looking up to me. I felt like Lee Chong Wei ( If I loose, the whole team will loose).

The race started, DKC runner lead the pack and I followed him. After 50M, he slowed down and I overtook him and lead the pack. The group started to break and KPMG runner was following me from the back.

I went on slow pace to let him to overtake me, but he didn't wanted to overtake me and just kept following me behind.

2 nd lap gone, 3rd lap gone. When comes to final lap, Iknew I need to increase my pace else I might be in danger. So I incresaed and he couldnt follow me after that. The crow was cheering for me. I could hear that. I tried my level best to increase my pace further and went all out in final 100M and grabbed my glory.

There were cameraman taking my pictures although my fgace looks like half dead. Feel like "hero" for the day. All runners came shaking hands with me. When I went to the grand stand, I got to know that the KPMG guy slowed down in final lap and only got 3rd place.

My timing was 5:15 (personal worst), but I didnt target timing this year. My aim was only on Gold Medal.

Then, after all events, came 4x400M where I was one of the runner. The 1st runner got off with good start, but got muscle pull at final 200M. That allowed 3 runners to overtake him. The 2nd runner amnage to overtake 2 runners and gave the baton on 2nd place. The 3rd runner ran and closed the gap to 100M btw the 1st place. When the baton was passed to me, KPMG was close to us at 3rd place.

I just shooted off, but the KPMG runner manage to close gap with me. But he got tired towards last 200M and gave up chasing me. But my speed increased and mage to close the gap btw champion with 50M. But end of the day, we had to settle for a silver.

Its alright, atleast we finished with something.

Whatever it is, I felt satisfied with then gold medal. Maybe my last gold medal for IAFG.

My Vietnam Trip

Finally I got the real brea, which i wanted. My firm gave me 3 weeks break as I need to clear of all my balance leave and OT.

Thus I decided to get out from the country. My intention was to cover all ASEAN countires. I have been to Krabi, Bali and Singapore. Next stop would be Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City(HCMC) came to my mind as there were Hindus there once upon a time and the place could turn into commercial place in years to come.

Thus, I booked the ticket. It was 2 weeks befor I fly, so it went to RM500 per person. Furthermore, I booked tour from here, thought that iot would be cheap, but later only I realise, I should have done it at HCMC itself.

1st day
-Landed at HCMC and checked into the hotel
-Went around the city to look for temple and the market
- Took dinner at KFC

2nd day
- Went to Chu Chi Tunnel
- City tour (Chatedral, Post Office and War Museum)
- Lunch at Punjabi Restraunt
- Shopping at Ben Tahn Market
- Dinner at Saigon River Cruise

3rd Day
- Mekong Delta River Tour
- Dinner at Western Restraunt

4th Day
- Visited all 3 hindu temples
- Wnet to Independent Palace
- Shopping at Ben Tahn market
- Lunch at Airport
- Sayonara


What's nice in HCMC
- Silk for ladies
- fake shirts, belt and wallet (with 60% bargain)
- marvelous massage (11 USD for 90 minutes)
- wood carvings

Funny part of HCMC
- They appreciate USD more than their currency (advantage for Malaysians)
- The weather was hotter than KL and rains only for a while dueing day time
- Gets dark at 6pm
- Motorist dont bother about signals ( I just followed Johnson's advise - Dont stop, Dont Run, Just Walk)
- Motorist horn like nobody's business
- pasengers get down from the bus without bus stopping at one point.
- Majority of the people dont know English, that was the killing part for us.


It was an educational tour for me to know how backward they are compare to Malaysia and how they suffered when US troops were there.

My advise would be just book your flight ticket and hotel. Go there and fix your tours or expeditions. That would be more economical.

So Long 2009/2010

Today marks 1st day of new term in Toastmaster for 2010/2011.

Looking at what our Division B has achieved for the past 365 days, nothing to feel great about.

Zaharah's Term
President Distiguish Division
3 President Distinguish Area
2 Select Distinguish Area

Oi Wah's Term (as at 25 June)
Select Distiguish Division
2 Select Distinguish Area
2 Distinguish Area
1 Area didnt qualify for anything.


During last term, the division governor was from Division W, but she cant use that as excuse to say that she couldnt perform. If Fabio Capelo whom coudlnt even speak good English can lead England to World cup 2nd Round, Oi Wah is not starnger to Div B.

In addition she had Dennis Wee whom is twice District Finalist for Int Speech, Irene Lee, whom was Area Gov of the Year for Div B.

Is it because she was lacking of sharing of vision to the members?
Is it because she has "tak apa" attitude?
It is because she could not appoint people whom can deliver the results?
IS it because she didnt give adequate chances to Div B members to ply roles and obtain position in Div B council?

What ever it is, the term has ended. No use to do more research on this. Whatever happens life goes on. Hope Irene can overcome all this and get back the divison to where it was 2 terms ago.

All the best Irene.

Half Yearly Report on Tamil Movies

For 1st 6 months of 2010, 58 movies were released. Some with big stars, some with big budget and some with big controversials. At the end only 5 movies made the break which is:

1. Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya (romantic)
2. Singam (Masala)
3. Tamizh Padam (Comedy)
4. Angadhi Theru (Reality)
5. Paiya (Action)

Let's see if Rajinikanth and Kamal Hasan can beat the odds to go more than 150days during 2nd half of the year.

Good Bye Rafa Benitez, Welcome Roy Hodgson

Roy Hodgson

Rafa Benitez

Finally, The exit door was shown to Rafa Benitez after leading the club for 6 seasons. With great achievement of winning the Champions League in 2004/2005 and reaching semifinals in 2007/2008 and also Europa Cup semifinals in 2009/2010. There were nothing else came from him especially not winning the elusive title of English Premier League during his tenure as manager.

During his term, as Spanish, he brought Luis Garcia, Xabi Alonso, Fernando Tores, Pepe Reina and Fernando Morientes from his home country. Apart. from it new stars were born, i.e Ryan Babel, Steven Gerard, Jamie Caragher, Dirk Kuyt, Peter Crouch and Craig Bellamy.

Now its time for an Englishman, Roy Hodgson to be the successor.

His mega achievement was bringing Fulham to the finals of Europa Cup before loosing in a slim margin to Athletico Madrid. he was also voted as manager of the year for 2009/2010.

Now there's talks going on that he may take charge of England team too for Euro 2012.

Looking at his experience: Halmstad (Sweden), Bristol City (England), Inter Milan (Italy) & Blackburn (England) and International experience with UAE, Switzerland and Finland.

Hope he can bring Liverpool to greater heights in coming seasons.