This is my second time I spent Eidul Fitri at Manchester... its have been a year since my family and I left Malaysia. Eid will be either on Sunday or on Monday... sigh... hopefully muslims over here will someday follow Malaysia's way of calculating the first day of each Muslim calender month... hopefully its a Sunday.
Anyways... Maaf Zahir and Batin... for those who are going back to their kampungs... drive safely and stay alert... biar lambat asal selamat... poket pun selamat gak... jangan dilenjan kereta tu... minyak mahal ;)
Took Ryne to his first live match... a friendly match between Manchester United against Valencia. This is the final friendly for United before the Premiership starts. Ryne was so excited... for the past week he ask for the date every time he wakes up... Went with Abe and his family.
The atmosphere was great and it was a full house on that day. Its good to be back to the Theater of Dreams after 15 years... yup... still remember my first Man Utd live match. The game starts with a one minute applause tribute for Sir Bobby. United started brightly with Owen and Rooney had a couple of chances but the first half ended 0-0. Second half United scored with Rooney and young Tom Cleverley... Berbatov scored a third but was disallowed for infringement. It was a good match.
Ryne was happy and so were Abe's son and daughter... they really enjoyed themselves. Ryne now wants to watch more live games... ayoo... kena cari $$$ lebih le... hehehe.
Sir Bobby Robson loss his battle against cancer today... he was 76. One of the football legends... he is in my opinion... one of the best British manager in modern times. Took Ipswich to win the UEFA cup in '81... could win the World Cup with England if not for Maradona's Hand of God goal (1986)(how the hell the referee didn't saw the hand ball while the whole stadium saw it... I don't know) and Stuart Pearce penalty kick miss (1990).
He had great success managing European clubs... PSV... Sporting Lisbon... FC Porto... Barcelona... won loads of titles for them. Keen eye for talents... Ronaldo... Figo... Guardiola... Ruud Van Nistelrooy... to name a few. Heck if it were not for him we would not have Jose Mourinho... Mourinho got his break in coaching from Sir Bobby starting from Sporting Lisbon and followed him through Porto and Barcelona.
His departure from managing Newcastle United was the starting point of Newcastle's downfall. He is truly UK's only successful manager outside the UK... do you here any English man successfully manage a European team now days?
...I've made mistakes as a parent, and I'm sure I will make plenty more. There have been days when the demands of work have taken me from my duties as a father and I’ve missed some moments in my daughters’ lives that I’ll never get back. So I’ve been far from perfect.
But in the end, it’s not about being perfect. It’s not always about succeeding; but it’s about always trying. And that's something everybody can do. It’s about showing up and sticking with it; and going back at it when you mess up; and letting your kids know -- not just with words, but with deeds -- that you love them and that you're always -- they're always your first priority.
On the influence a father has.
A lot of folks know I love playing basketball. But it was my father who gave me my first basketball. Even though he wasn't a part of my life, in the few weeks that I was with him, he gave me a basketball...A lot of folks know I love jazz. It turns out he took me to my first jazz concert. I didn't remember this until later on in life, but just that imprint is powerful. And imagine if that's sustained every day. And especially, young men, when they hit the teenage years, to have somebody there who is there to steady them and to provide them with some guidance, that makes all the difference in the world.
On the sacrifices fathers make.
And what it does mean is, is that fathers sometimes have to give up stuff that they'd like to do instead, like just sit there and watch Sportscenter....I like watching the highlights -- but sometimes instead of watching the third, fourth, fifth time Sportscenter, I just watch it once so that I can then spend time with the girls -- because they don't like watching basketball that much.[Being a father] isn't an obligation. This is a privilege to be a father.
On gaining your kids' respect.
...You can't use anything as an excuse not to be involved with your children. Because kids -- they won't judge you based on whether you're wealthy or poor. They will judge you if you are abusive to their mother. They will judge you in terms of you not showing up when they need you. That's what makes a difference. And kids will respect their fathers if their fathers are showing kindness and are modeling -- that they're working hard and trying to do what's right for their families.
On balancing work and family and deciding to run for President.
...This was a joint decision -- was could our family handle it? And frankly, if it hadn't been for Michelle's extraordinary strength and commitment, I could not have done it and would not have done it. Now, I want to emphasize we are luckier than most; we've got more resources than most...but it was still a very difficult decision.
The person who suffered the most was me, because I would be calling from God knows where and they'd be having fun and laughing and kids don't talk on the phone that well. So I'd be, "Sasha, how was your day?" "Fine." "What did you do?" "Nothing." You guys have had those conversations.
On getting the skills you need and making a difference.
I’ve made my share of mistakes; I've had to ask a lot of questions.But I've also learned from men that I admire.
And we need dads -- but also men who aren’t dads -- to make this kind of commitment not just in their own homes to their own families, but to the many young people out there who aren’t lucky enough to have responsible adults in their lives. We need committed, compassionate men to serve as mentors and tutors, and big brothers and foster parents. Even if it’s just for a couple hours a week of shooting hoops, or helping with homework, or just talking about what’s going on in that young person's life. Even the smallest moments can end up having an enormous impact, a lasting impact on a child’s life.
Today is the 40th anniversary of man first setting foot on the Moon. A truly historic event where the cold wars were fought not by killing people but fought in a race to reach the moon first. The show of might through the display of knowledge... something the superpower seems to forget now days.
The phrase 'One small step for man... one giant leap for mankind' still sounds catchy after 40 years. Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins... I salute you. You guys inspire a whole lot of people including me...
Manchester United won their first match in their Far East tour. But they nearly held to a draw by the Malaysian side if not for Michael Owen to save United with a late winner. Good for Malaysia... and congratulations for Amri Yahya who scored the two goals for Malaysia. Mind you that Malaysia only field two fully international for this match. Hopefully the team gained valuable experience and become a team that we can be proud of just like the old days...
Update 04.07.09: The Malaysian was revealed as Ananda Krishnan... banyak tul duit mamat ni... read it here.
*************************************************
Just read in soccernet.com about a Malaysian consortium interested in buying Newcastle United Football Club. Read it here.
A good buy..? I think so... the Geordies are very passionate about their football club and if managed well, it is a profitable investment. Currently they are in the Championship after been relegated from the Premiership but I think they will bounce back (if they don't repeat the mistakes and mismanagement they make like last season). Bring back Kevin Keegan... hehehe.
On other note... Man United are currently on top to sign Michael Owen! Owen who is a free agent after deciding not to extend his contract with Newcastle, is currently in Man Utd training ground and undergoing a full medical check up. Man Utd were trying to sign a top striker after the departure of Carlos Teves but efforts to land Karim Benzema or David Villa were to no avail. Guess Sir Alex are keeping his cash in his pocket and going for free... excellent... I think Michael Owen still got his scoring fire power... its only injuries that have kept him out from playing. So... if he manage to keep fit... he is sure going to be a hugh asset for Man Utd. Hopefully Giggs could give Owen some tips on getting fit...
To tell you the truth... he is not my favourite singer... but he is a music genius and absolutely a legend. I grew up listening to Billie Jean, Thriller, Beat It, Smooth Criminal, Bad, Black or White... fuh... they were all not just excellent music... the music videos were equally legendary. It really shows how creative he is.
He is still holds the record of having Thriller the best ever selling record of all time... about 50 million album sales worldwide. A record that will not be broken... yes... it will not be broken just because in this day and age... people download their music ;)
He is a true legend with the title "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"—13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles in his solo career — more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era and the sale of 750 million records worldwide. His last concert tour was way back 15 years ago but his supposed to be 50 last comeback tour "This is It" sold out in 4 hours. Shows that his music still have a place in this day and age. Tribute from people all over the world came pouring in once his death was announced...
Like Elvis... the King of Pop lives on... moon walking in the sky... Here is my favourite MJ song...
The Sultan of Johor has rejected the proposed third bridge linking Malaysia and Singapore. Read here and here.
The Sultan convey his message through the Tunku Mahkota during the Johor state assembly opening.
So how now Datuk Seri Najib..? My advice to you... just start back the Scenic bridge project that our old sleepy PM put to sleep. The Sultan wants it... Johoreans wants it... only Singapore doesn't want it... now why do we need to kow tow to Singapore?
Tok Guru Nik Aziz has ask Nasharudin to join UMNO if he still wants to pursue unity talks with UMNO. Read here, here, here and here. Rasa macam Tok Guru baca posting aku je... hehehe :D
In a flash... what Tok Guru said was a bit harsh but I personally stand behind Tok Guru on this. Why is he angry..? Simple... Nasharudin had it coming and somebody from the top have to stop him. Kasi berdesing sikit telinga dia tu. I still stand for what I wrote... Nasharudin have to answer the 60 questions and if he still adamant to push for the unity talks then its better for him to join UMNO. Last time before the election... UMNO/ BN launch 'Zero Opposition' campaign... in Kelantan 'Pade Doh' campaign... remember that campaign Nasharudin... or you are in the 'Melayu mudah lupa' group..?
Tun Mahathir was asked about the unity talks... read here for his reply. He raised some good questions about the talks... something to ponder upon. I like this quote:
“Without the opposition, we may not know what we are doing wrong. This is something we should uphold. We should not have a one-party state like certain countries,”
Today we went to Longsight Market and bought some salmon fish heads. And here is the result...And I can tell ya all... its delicious :D ... yum yum... salmon curry fish head... tangkap leleh...
When I was studying here a decade ago... you can get fish heads for free... hell... you can get chicken liver and 'tongkek' for free which I got like bucket loads as I was living on top of a halal meat shop. Now its 50 pence for a fish head and 2.50 quid/kg for chicken liver. Guess the Brits caught up with our craze for fish heads and chicken liver... nothing is free now days... sigh.
These are questions that I think Ustaz Nasharudin have to answer... read it here as posted in Kickdefella.
Personally I am with Tok Guru Nik Aziz... its a ploy by UMNO just to save their currently burning asses. It is a clear ploy and it baffles me why some of the leadership in PAS can't see it. Are they blinded by positions offered by UMNO is anybody guess... but it does raised questions.
I am not a member of PAS but PAS has always been close to my heart... it was disheartening to see Husam lost to Ustaz Nasha but hey... its democracy... and its not a total loss to Husam or to PAS. But to see Nasha keep on harping on this unity government when it is totally obvious it is not favourable to PAS makes me think of him as a nincompoop. And he is dragging Tok Guru Haji Hadi with him which makes it even worse.
So... Ustaz Nasha... stop what you are doing and take your time to answer these questions... and if you still feel that you need to go and talk about unity government then I guess go and join UMNO la... simple as that.
It was heart breaking but to lost to Barca... no shame to that. Man United did took the fight to Barca head-on for the first 10 minutes but lost the plot when out of the blue... Barca scored through Eto'. The reliable Vidic suddenly lost concentration and Eto' managed to out smart him.
Look... the only way to outplay Barca is to play like Chelsea played them. Very tight defence and hit them through counter attack. I surely think Sir Alex realize this but hey... this is the final and you don't want to see a boring game where one team is doing all the attacking and the other team but a bus in front of the goal.
Some say Sir Alex got the tactics wrong... I disagree with that... Sir Alex got it right actually coz for the first 10 minutes... Man United were making Barca sweat. The only thing that messed up the tactic is Man United defence. Yes...unfortunately that night... they failed. When Barca got the goal... it was hard for Man United to push more forward.
If I was Sir Alex last night... I straight away substitute Park with Teves and let Rooney, Teves, Ronaldo and Giggs ran havoc while Carrick and Anderson marking Iniesta and Xavi. Not to forget if Fletcher were to play... Anderson would be on the bench. Just wished Rio,Vidic and Carrick played better last night... they lack the concentration I feel... Rio and Vidic for the sloppy goals they conceed and Carrick for not controlling the midfield very well.
But congratulations to Barca... they were playing good that night. Hey... they are my favourite team in the Primera Liga so good for them as they secure a Treble just like Man United did in 1999... the first Spanish team to do so... eat that Real Madrid :D
So... back to the drawing board... huhu... there is always next year... no celebrations in the city of Manchester today... everybody at work sume monyok je... Lucky I got my picture taken with the cup... fuhh.
Been playing Yahoo Fantasy Football for ages... this season is my greatest achievement yet :D Champion in my own private league... and rank 3,883 in the world... next season will be better... targeting for <1000 rank.
To all my friends in the league... be ready to fight for next season...hehehe :)
I know... I know... Pak Lah has resigned and we should leave him alone. But who can resist if he still wants to be in the limelight. I am talking about his appointment as MAS advisor. Read Husin Lempoyang's comments and Mesin Taip Buruk's. Even Tun Dr. Mahathir mocks his appointment... read here. Supposly ex-PM will be the advisor of Petronas... but since Tun Dr. Mahathir is still alive and breathing and still the advisor, Najib has to put Pak Lah somewhere... kat MAS pun jadi lah... hehehe... wondering what advice Pak Lah can give to MAS... if you read Mesin Taip Buruk 's writing... I don't think Pak Lah can give any... except maybe advice to make the seats more comfy so people can zzzzzzzzzz better ;)
I say leave Pak Lah alone... he has enough stick already what... ni ada chance nak dapat tiket free gi Australia pun ada orang nak kacau... hehehe.
Man Utd won the semi finals of the Champions League with an aggregate of 4-1. A massive win 1-3 at the Emirates eventually buried the Gunners. Man Utd took the lead in the 8th minute through Ji-Sung Park and a stunning free kick by Cristiano Ronaldo in the 11th minute totally finished off the Gunners dream of reaching the finals. Second half Man Utd slot in another goal with a superb counter move between Park, Rooney and the scorer Ronaldo.
Unfortunately Darren Fletcher was sent off for an alleged tackle in the penalty box with Fabregas. Reply show that Fletcher did get the ball and did nothing wrong. Sadly the decision could not be reversed and he will miss the final in Rome.
Congratulations for Man Utd... this will be their second consecutive final.. one step closer to winning the title again :D Tonight I'll be watching the match between Chelsea and Barca. They will fight for a place to be the runner's up... hehehe...
Today my friend, Bell from Ireland came to my flat for a visit. We haven't met for a long time as he work as a doctor in Ireland after graduating. The last time I've met him was at his wedding in Bandar Baru Bangi... now he has 2 kids... the youngest is his 4 months old baby boy who looks exactly like him.Will plan to visit him in Ireland... it has been 10 years since I've been to Ireland... a lovely country indeed...
Went to Hullard Park at Old Trafford. The weather was very nice... just like in Cameron Highlands. The trees are blossoming with flowers. It was a great opportunity to take pictures :D
My wife got this pictures from our latest car boot excursion for like 3 pounds I think. Does made the previously dull living room look lively. Took me 2 weeks to hang it up... hehehe... don't ask why...
I've been meaning to post this earlier but waiting for the video clip to be loaded in You Tube. Didn't realize that it has been a hit in You Tube with over 13 million hits so far...
It's about the latest sensation in Britains' Got Talent... Susan Boyle. She wows not only the judges but the whole audience with her voice. To tell you the truth... nobody expects that she can sing... yeah... including me... because we get this all the time in reality tv shows where people make fool of themselves thinking that they can sing. With her appearance and also cheeky grin and quirky reply... the audience laughed when she said she is inspired to be as successful as Elain Paige. Everybody were being cynical towards her... But boy... when she lets her voice out... the audience went crazy... and gave her a standing ovation there and then... she turned the audience laughters into tears. As described by one of the judges... it was a privilege to hear her sing. She is now in the forefront to win this competition... and this is just the first episode of Britain's Got Talent..!
She is now not only a hit in Britain but a massive hit in the US... apparently the Yanks just love her... even Demi Moore was said to have cried listening to her performance. To top that... the song 'I Dreamed A Dream' from the play Les Miserables is massively being downloaded with sales topping up the charts :) The lyrics is so inspiring when she sings it.
Have a listen to her singing... you will be suprised... click here.
Macheda!!! This kid is a super sub. Solskjaer must be proud. Man Utd were leading early on with Scholes scoring but Sunderland were proven resiliant when they draw level... well its actually a goal keeper's error but credit to Ben Foster.. that is the only mistake he made that match... and lucky for him Macheda saves the day... Man Utd are still leading the Premiership... Kop still chasing :D
BTW the picture above have nothing to do with the Man Utd match... its just my son practising his passing... another Giggs in the making..?
Najib has already announce his cabinet line up... and boy does it cause a stir in the blogsphere as for the first time the Chief UMNO Youth is not in the cabinet line up. Imagine that.. KJ is not in the line up! And to add salt in the wound for KJ... Mukhriz and also the Deputy Chief UMNO Youth is in the cabinet.
One thing that we can conclude from this line up. What Tun Dr. Mahathir wants... Tun Dr. Mahathir gets... and Najib is wise enough to listen to him and not appoint KJ. But will this be enough to totally wipe out KJ's political career? Only time will tell... and we will see if KJ has the guts and will to fight for a place in the political arena. What I know is that many were cheering when they know that KJ is not in the line up... well.. most of my friends anyway...
Its April Fool's day today... and normally in the UK, the papers will publish some prank news or report just for the fun of it. And normally this is the day where I read the papers just to find what ingenious idea they come up for this year. I just love the way they pull the prank news.. some of them are really believable and they are getting better at it every year. Only in the UK... call it British humour :D .
I only manage to read The Metro (also The Sun in the Internet) but could not spot any unusually news can can be considered a prank... but I spotted this advert in the news paper.
Its from BMW...And I found the article in BMW's website...
Magnetic Tow Technology 01/04/2009
BMW’s award-winning EfficientDynamics programme has been taken to the next level with the announcement of an innovative fuel and emissions saving system called Magnetic Tow Technology (MTT). In a bid to retain its World Green Car of the Year crown, BMW will launch MTT across its range today.
The unique system, developed in conjunction with NASA, works via a discreet unit located in the front valance that projects an enhanced magnetic beam 20 metres in front of the BMW. Once a suitable target car is located and the BMW is magnetically locked on behind it, the driver is then able to take his foot off the accelerator, turn off the engine and let the car in front do all the work. The towing car will not notice any change in manoeuvrability.
The BMW driver can unhook from the towing car at any time by depressing the clutch pedal to start the vehicle. This is the same method used to operate the existing Start Stop system. Drivers of automatic transmission BMWs need only move the lever into the ‘D’ position to continue on their way. Early research indicates that MTT could save as much as 30 per cent in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Gurus from BMW’s in-house driving etiquette guide suggest flashing the car in front and giving a friendly hand gesture to thank them for the free ride.
BMW’s Head of Innovation, Dr Noitt All, a specialist in Kinetic Ride And Propulsion, said: “BMW has always been a leader in the application of the very latest automotive technology. Up until now the EfficientDynamics programme has looked at ways of improving the performance of our own products, but we thought why burn your own fuel when you can burn someone else’s?”
The 56-year-old boffin promised more to come from his innovation workshop but in the meantime recommended people email his colleague uve.vollenvorit@bmw.co.uk to be kept abreast of further developments.
For more product information please call 0800 777 119.
Can you spot the prank? I was sure it was a prank all because the email they gave... uve.vollenvorit which sounds like 'you've fallen for it'... geddit? :D The name of the Head of Innovation also sounds funny... Dr. Noitt All... hahaha... 'know it all'.
Apparently BMW have been publishing April Fools advert for years... and they are quite funny and believable... read more here.
My son was made Player of the Week in his soccer practice yesterday. It was a surprise as I didn't expect him to get the weekly trophy... he didn't go to the soccer coaching that frequently and only started to play football. He got the award for his fast dribbling. Guess that the practice he has with me every week paid off. Well... guess he has to go next week to return the trophy whether he misbehave or not... hmmm... Right now the trophy is proudly displayed besides his bed...
Khairy Jamaluddin won the UMNO Youth Chief post... polling in 304 votes out of 793. Khir Toyo came second while Mukhriz Mahathir; the favourite in terms of nominations, came last. Shows that KJ won because Mukhriz votes were split with Khir Toyo's.
I am sure the result will be the talking point for this week. Even when I check my Facebook, comments about KJ popping up like crazy. And almost all are not so kind. It will be interesting to read the analysis of this result.. what will KJ's supporters and also his detractors say. Surely his supporters will hail him while his detractors will definately have some unkind words for him.
Will he be a minister in Najib's cabinet soon? Normally Youth Chief will be appointed a junior minister post like Youth and Sports Ministry. Only Najib has the answer...
And on another note.. Sharizat Jalil won the Wanita Chief post.. beating her mentor Rafidah Aziz. Well... for me she deserves to win. Rafidah has over stayed her welcome... she should have passed the baton long time ago... perfect example that its really hard to relinquish power once you have tasted it. Bye bye Rafidah... now go take care of your cucu.
It has been a while since I blog. Not that I don't want to blog... I just moved flats and my broadband provider Virgin Media could not manage to reconnect my broadband. It usually takes them about 10 days to get the lines reconnected which I find rather odd since in Malaysia you can get it connected much faster. Anyway... they messed up my application (twice) due to systems error and I was left without broadband for about a month. This is a pure example of over dependence on software systems... and letting the error happen twice to a customer makes you wonder do they really serious in their business. Nobody picked up the problem and I'm not sure if they really solve the problem. I can tell you that since I've been living in the UK, their customer service here is not something that you can proudly mention... the standards are falling. There is a system but I think too much redtape to get things going here.
Anyway... I got me broadband back and got a couple of months of broadband fees knock off as a form of compensation. Still feels sour about Virgin Media though...
Manchester United is on top again with 2 points and a game in hand after a 0-1 win against West Ham United. Ryan Giggs scores the winner with a delightful right foot strike which is a record as Giggs is the only player to score in 17 consecutive league seasons. United are also in a 13th consecutive Premier League clean sheet record and Edwin Van der Sar has smashed the British record for not conceding a goal which now extends to 1,212 minutes. :D
After this league title record ler... and I have to thank Rafa Benitez for his crazy wacko rants which never did much to the United team but rather fired back and unsettled his own team... hehehe. The only record that Liverpool is going to break is to be the first team that was top of the league on Xmas but never won the Premiership that season... ;)
I am supporting this campaign. I am absolutely angry with all the bullshit that is coming out in Perak... truly disgusted. When the Rulers decides with you... you are full of praises but when the decision is against you... you starting to wave your middle fingers.
The Perak MB really disappoints me. You leave it to the Sultan to decide but defy him when his decision goes against you. Apa ni? I thought he was better than this. I thought PAS is better than this.
This event really shows the true nature of Pakatan Rakyat.... still a loose coalition, full of low quality 'wakil rakyat' especially from PKR. Please la... don't follow Anwar's tactics blindly... tak habis-habis nak demo. Stop blaming the Sultan... for God sake... he was the Lord President before... jangan main-main daa... itu Karpal Singh duduk diam-diam aaaa. Just accept that you have lost. It is a small battle lost... you still could win the war. Use common sense le...
Here is something to ponder about... Most of what written was also practiced by Prophet Muhammad... why are they not practiced by most Muslims is something that needs questioning.
United beat West Bromich Albion 0-5 to stay 3 points clear at the top of the Premiership. It was a record breaking day as United have kept 11 consecutive league clean sheet which Edwin Van Der Sar has gone 1,032 minutes without conceding. Mind you this is done with most of the back four defence not fully first choice players. Congratulations to Van Der Sar... at 38 he still is one of the best goal keepers in the world.
This year is going to be Manchester United's year again. Can't wait for the home match against Everton this Saturday. I'll be taking my picture with all the three cups United won last season... the Premiership Cup, the Champions League Cup and the World Club Cup... and as I am one of the staff in United, I can get it cheap :D . I do enjoy working with United even on minimum wage... it's a fan dream come true :D
Are the people in the government deaf? Are they so desperate... so full of greed that they are now behaving like the devil's incarnate and might I say behaving just like the Zionist attacking Gaza right now. Get your dirty hands of IJN. It is built for the people... not meant to be a commercial institute but a centre of research, a premier academic institute as said so here. Even the grand daddy of privatisation disagrees.
It seems that the EPU is very insistent in the privatisation while MOF oppose it (read here). Tsk... tsk... EPU is under the PM Department which will only pinpoint to Pak Lah. Enough is enough... this PM is truly destroying the foundations of this country. Is this one of your unfinished work you must do before you step down? The RM400 million is truly mouth watering... 7 keturunan tak habis makan eh? Stop justifying this privatisation by saying that this will benefit the people... that the welfare of the people will be taken care of. Do they think we are dumb? To commercialize IJN means that it will become a company and becomes a business. And business is all about making money... where is the welfare in that? Stop the lies.. stop this crap. Leave IJN alone... and leave now Pak Lah.
Thousands in the UK marched in protest of the Gaza strikes. More than 12000 in London, 2000 in Manchester and hundreds more in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Portsmouth and elsewhere. The march was to urge the Zionist government and Hamas to stop attacks and ceased fire. People are so disgusted with the strikes... shoes were thrown at the gates of Downing Street in protest :D (remember the size 10 shoes Mr. Bush?)
The Zionist government has always justify their actions as defending themselves from Hamas rockets. Its the same pathetic response from Israel... a response to justify its excessive actions. To date... Zionist attacks have killed more than 400 and injured thousands while Hamas rockets killed... 4. That's 100 to 1 ratio... if that figure is not excessive than I don't know what to say. I also condemn the rocket attacks of Hamas but Israel just making the rocket attacks as an excuse to annihilate the Palestinian people... simple as that... its just amaze me why the western leaders can't figure this out. Israel is behaving like a school bully.
Although the rally won't stop the Zionist government from attacking (at this time of writing... they are stepping up the attacks using artillery and tanks), it should pressure the local government to step up diplomatic pressure to Israel.
Stop the killings and start talking. It worked with Northern Ireland... it will work for the Middle East. Make war a criminal act.
The barbaric and wanton massacre of the Palestinians in Gaza which started some days ago and is now still continuing is yet another example of the blatant war crimes committed by Zionist Israel since its establishment in 1948.
Supported and encouraged by the United States and Britain, Israel has ignored international condemnation and insists that she has the unfettered right to murder innocent men, women and children on account of some rocket attacks by Palestinians who were retaliating against the blockade of Gaza. The blockade over the last 9 months has brought starvation and untold suffering to the Palestinians. The heroic Palestinian people have every right to take action in self-defence to break this inhuman siege.
The United Nations has condemned this attempt to starve and deny the medical needs of the Palestinians in order to force them into submission, but as usual, Israel backed by the United States has ignored international opinion and international law.
The peace loving peoples of the world must not just sympathise with the Palestinians but must take concrete action to bring the war criminals to justice.
For various reasons Governments will not do anything to put a stop to Israeli intransigence. It remains for the people to take positive action individually or through their Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO).
We propose that the peoples of the world boycott Israeli products and stop all trade with Israel.
Secondly we call upon the international community to abandon the use of the US Dollar in international trade, and to stop buying United States' bonds. Such purchases have enabled the United States to grant substantial aid to Israel and supply it with the weapons now being used against the people in Gaza and elsewhere. The concerned peace loving peoples of the world must not, even if it is in a small way, be the participants and financiers in the massacre of the Palestinians, the Iraqis and the Afghans.
Finally we call upon the United Nations General Assembly to condemn Israel the same way that the Security Council condemns Darfur, Rwanda and Burundi and to set up a Tribunal to try Israeli war criminals.
Last night I encountered the worst ever traffic jam in my life. Imagine a 7 minute journey took me 4 hours to complete. Went to Trafford Centre and on my way out got trapped in a crawl... I managed 150m in 2 hours. We were trapped in the car for 4 hours and with low fuel I just turn off the engine and waited in the cold.
It was an experience albeit a boring one... me wife and the kids kill the time by sleeping off. Most of the people trapped in the jam got out and bought some food at the nearby petrol station. A little picnic in the car. At the end I didn't what had caused the jam. Tried to search in the net but nothing being reported.
