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Rafael Nadal the King of Clay in Monte Carlo, again
2008-04-28 03:34:00
"Maybe I didn't play my best for sure. But it's tough against him and he deserves to win in the end... because he's a hell of a clay court player" - Roger FedererRafael is definitely the best clay court specialist in the Open Era. He has just made a historic win last night at Monte Carlo by winning 4 consecutive titles in a row. What more he won the doubles final on the same night together with Tommy Robredo!I was worrying in the second set when Federer lead by 4-0. Who knows Nadal will fight back and win the second set 7-5. That's exactly the same Rafael Nadal and his fighting spirit when I first saw him play at the Australian Open against Lleyton Hewitt in the quarterfinal.Now, Rafael Nadal, the undisputed claycourt king, will be out to maintain his dominance when he chases a record fourth consecutive title at the Barcelona Open, which starts today.(Photo by Claude Paris/Michael Steele/Getty Images)
More About: The King , King , Clay

Guess who and win a cup of latte
2008-04-25 07:36:00
Yes, I'll buy you a cup of latte and a muffin (worth RM20) if you guess this correctly.Who is the player in this picture?This contest is simple. Just do the following in the comment page of this post. No emails will be entertained.1. Guess who is the tennis player in the picture.2. Tell me in 20 words or less why you like or dislike tennis.3. Leave your email address.The first contestant who guess it right will win. If there are more than one correct entries, winner will be based on your reason why you like or dislike tennis. Winner will be contacted via email.Conditions: I will only bank in RM20 to the winner via Maybank2U or Public Bank. Contest only open for Malaysians.Closing date of submission is tomorrow, 26 April, 2008 midnight.
More About: Guess Who , Latte

Birthday bash for Maria Sharapova
2008-04-25 07:18:00
I guess Maria Sharapova is one of the very few women tennis players that has posh birthday bash every year hosted by their sponsors.This year, again, luxury watch brand TAG Heuer hosted another invitation-only birthday party for Sharapova set in New York hotspot Tenjune. Of course there are a whole bunch of well-known people attended the party such as Michelle Trachtenberg and Vera Wang.During the night's celebration, TAG Heuer President and CEO, Ulrich Wohn toasted the 21 year-old before presenting her with an elegant white and pink eight-tier cake."Maria is part of the TAG Heuer family and we are honored that we were able to celebrate this special day with her. To have accomplished so much by this age is truly amazing and the embodiment of TAG Heuer’s ‘What are you made of?’ principle.”(Image from celebrity-gossip.net)
More About: Birthday , Bash

Rafael Nadal shows he rules the clay court
2008-04-24 01:54:00
Nadal had a fierce start at the Monte Carlo Tennis Tournament. After all this is his favourite surface. With the result 6-0, 6-3 in just 76 minutes over Croatian Mario Ancic, I believe Nadal still got what it takes to win his first title of the year and his 4th (!) consecutive Monte Carlo titles.Believe it or not, Nadal has 94 out of 95 clay court matches since April 2005. He only lost to Roger Federer at the Hamburg final last year.By the way, Rafael Nadal has revamped his official website. I really love the favicon and the flash in the middle that features the main links to the rest of the site.(Image from Getty Images and rafaelnadal.com)
More About: Rules , Court , Clay , Nadal

Monte Carlo Royalties
2008-04-23 02:56:00
Robin Soderling and Jose AcususoIt's funny to see Tennis Served Fresh highlighted some photos taken at the Monte Carlo Masters in this blog post. I agree the photographers must be having a blast at the city that is famous for its casinos.There are more of those pictures here.Igor AndreevIvo Karlovic(Images from Getty Images)
More About: Royalties

Nadal and Djokovic ala-James Bond in Monte Carlo
2008-04-22 02:35:00
Both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic might look like winners in their James Bond suits but ultimately who has the winning hand?It's the start of Monte-Carlo Masters, and Nadal has won here in the last three consecutive years. Will he make it a triple? Personally I believe Nadal still has it on clay surface. However I do not want to undermine Djokovic although I think he is a much better player on hard court.Well, before the real title chase begin, let them enjoy a good game on the blackjack table.(Images from Getty Images)
More About: Monte Carlo

Why can't men knee on a bench?
2008-04-21 02:23:00
One of the gay jokes is that you don't bend down to pick up the soap at communal shower. I would like to add that, you don't knee on the bench either like Rafael Nadal.In this picture, Rafael Nadal knees on a bench during a practice session in Bremen at the Davis Cup World Group quarterfinal match between Germany and Spain.(Image from AP Photo/Joerg Sarbach)
More About: Bench

Ain't No Djoke: First Vogue then GQ
2008-04-20 12:32:00
From a tennis clown to a Grand Slam champion, now Novak Djokovic is transforming himself into a fashion icon.After being featured recently in Men's Vogue , he now serves up Gucci for GQ's May issue, looking hotter than ever!(Images via GQ)

Rafael Nadal and Caroline Wozniacki are not dating
2008-04-18 07:26:00
Nadal: Will you like go date with me?Caroline : Yes. Nadal: VAMOOOOOOOOS!Nah, that's just a joke I've read from Talk Tennis forum.Caroline Wozniacki, the WTA world no.37, in her blog, denied dating Rafael Nadal ."I saw from a lot of newspapers and on the internet that people start talking that I’m dating Nadal. But this is NOT true. We have never been together. The speculation that we were together in Miami is also false. I’m 17 years old, and for the moment Tennis is my main priority."Hope that quash the rumour.
More About: Dating , Nadal

James Blake downs 15-year-old Ryan Harrison
2008-04-18 07:02:00
Ryan Harrison shows his frustration by tossing his racket after losing a game while serving against James Blake during the second set.Boy, you gotta keep that cool. Know what makes Rafael Nadal a champion? By being discipline and never toss or throw that racquet. You gotta respect your weapon.Yesterday, top-seeded James Blake beat Ryan Harrison 6-3, 6-2 to move into the quarterfinals in the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship. In just 50 minutes, Blake eliminates the Texas teenager, who earlier this week won his first-ever tour match. Harrison is only the 11th player since the Open Era began in 1968 to win a main-draw match at 15.(Images from AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
More About: Ryan , Year

What's Roger Federer wearing?
2008-04-15 18:38:00
I can't help but crazy over this yellow and white t-shirt worn by Fedex recently during a training session at the Estoril Open.This Nike Co-[Lab] Tee is a 100% cotton round neck tee shirt featuring a graphic print by guest artist Misha Hollenbach of Perks & Mini from the 'Running Man' Co Lab collection. There's an embroided Nike logo on the hem.It's also available in brown colour.By the way, at the Estoril Open, Fedex is getting help from 55-year-old Spaniard clay court specialist, Jose Higueras who has helped guide Michael Chang and Jim Courier to Roland Garros crowns. So, I'm kind of nervous for Nadal this season.(Images from FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP/Getty Images and Endclothing)
More About: Roger Federer , Federer

Chance to lick Serbian tennis stars
2008-04-15 17:48:00
The Serbs are taking their participation very seriously in the tennis event at the Beijing Olympics. I would say that they do stand a better chance to win gold medals compare to any other countries.To kick off the Olympics campaign, top tennis players Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic have received the honor to be featured on first day covers and stamps as well as their male colleagues which include Novak Djokovic, world No.41 Janko Tipsarevic, and world No.6 doubles player and Australian Open mixed doubles champion Nenad Zimonjic.Ana IvanovicNovak DjokovicJanko TipsarevicNenad ZimonjicThe images for these five stamps were created by academic painter Marina Kalezic.Surprisingly, I couldn't find Jelena's first day cover on the Internet at all.(Pictures from anaivanovic.com and ebay)
More About: Stars , Tennis , Chance , Serbian

What are the men tennis players' nicknames?
2008-04-08 02:39:00
Esther, the biggest tennis fan, loves to refer ATP players by their nicknames. Like in the previous post, she refers MIkhail Youzhny as Misha. I believe some of you knows that Roger Referer is famously known as Fedex and Novak Djokovic is known as Nole or Djoker. Here's a list of tennis players and their nicknames. The next time you read a tennis post or article, you know who the writer is referring to.Almagro, Nicolás - NicoAnčić, Mario - Super Mario, Baby GoranBaghdatis, Marcos - Baghs, Baghster, Baggy, Bagman, BaghdaddyCañas, Guillermo - Willy, Giant KillerDavydenko, Nikolay - KolyaDjokovic, Novak - Nole, NoDjoke, Djoker, Djokster; Nokia; NoxFederer, Roger - Rog, The Federer Express (FedEx), (The) Fed, Captain Wasabi, Darth FedererFerrer, David - FerruFerrero, Juan Carlos - Juan Carlos Ferrero Donat, Juanqui, (el) Mosquito; Chavalito; JCFGasquet, Richard - Richie; Baby FedGonzález, Fernando - Gonzo, Speedy González; El Bombardero de la Reina; Mano de PiedraGrosjean, Sébas...
More About: Players , Tennis , Nicknames

When tennis turns bloody: Mikhail Youzhny's racquet self-abuse
2008-04-02 13:58:00
I hate seeing blood. When I first saw this video, it freaks me out. Mikhail Youzhny gets too emotional by his poor play against Nicolas Almagro at the Miami tennis tournament, he smacked his head three times enough to draw blood running down his face.
More About: Abuse , Tennis , Bloody

Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams play tennis on water
2008-03-27 01:01:00
Nevermind Rafael Nadal lost at Indiana Wells last week.To kick off the Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament in Miami, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams played a spirited in water game of tennis in the 110-foot long, 43,000-gallon swimming pool at the Gansevoort South Hotel.Balanced on acrylic, invisible platforms at either end of the Bisazza-glass tiled infinity edge pool for the players to stand, the water-covered court took seven days to build."This was a once in a lifetime chance to play tennis on water," says Serena Williams, the defending Sony Ericsson champ. "And it was a new challenge to play against Rafael. Especially since he volunteered to play at the deep end!"(Pictures from Getty Images)
More About: Tennis , Play , Water

Do you have children studying in lower secondary level?
2008-03-24 04:25:00
I'm looking for parents whose children are studying in the lower secondary level (Form 1 - Form 3) to complete a questionnaire (via online) for my pilot test on parents-school partnership.TitleLower secondary students’ academic assessment: Implications for parents-school partnershipsResearch ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to analyse parents’ perceptions of lower secondary school assessment. Understanding these perceptions may shed some light on parents’ knowledge of assessment in order to identify their need for further information to be better involved in their children’s education.Research Questions1. What do parents of lower secondary school children know about both children’s academic assessment and the procedures teachers use for assessment?2. Do parents understand the school report card properly?3. What are parents’ daily practices at home to assess their children’s academic progress?4. Do parents expect some support from schools so as to be b...
More About: Children , Studying

Pacific Life Open: Issit Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic for the final?
2008-03-21 15:34:00
Who is more fierce? Djokovic or Nadal? Rafael Nadal have tough opponents at the Pacific Life Open but he managed to beat them all including Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and James Blake to be in the semifinal. I say, go Rafa and beat Novak Djokovic too! The winner will have a chance to meet Roger Federer or Tommy Haas in the final.
More About: Final

Oh, UMNO can protest but not Bersih and Hindraf
2008-03-15 01:03:00
I'm not suppose to blog but I think I need to write this short post.I condemned Bersih and Hindraf rallies and now I'm going to do the same about the UMNO protest in Penang yesterday.Pak Lah, shame on you for not taking immediate action to stop or even comment about that irresponsible and dangerous act by the people in your party. I'm curious tear gases and water cannons were not used to disperse the crowd, just like what it happened to Bersih and Hindraf. Is UMNO people less dangerous or is it double standard? I think it's the latter.Pak Lah, that is your own hometown and you don't even give a damn if Penangites get hurt or die in that event. Shame on you for being the Prime Minister in this country.
More About: Protest

I Need A Break From Blogging
2008-03-13 16:58:00
I seriously need to stay away from blogging, at least for this month to really concentrate on my project paper.While I'm away from my own blog, I will still be visiting your blogs. Wishing everyone a great weekend.
More About: Blogging , Break

UMNO meeting today: Is Pak Lah resigning?
2008-03-10 04:46:00
Reuters India mentioned today that UMNO has called for an immediate meeting later in the afternoon. It is not clear the main agenda of the meeting. Is Abdullah Badawi resigning? Or will he continue to rule the country? We'll wait and see.The Malaysian prime minister's party has called for a special meeting of its supreme council at 12 p.m. on Monday, an official at the party's headquarters said. It was not immediately known why the meeting of the party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), had been called. The move comes amid mounting pressure for Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to resign after the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition suffered its worst defeat in 50 years during the weekend's general election.
More About: Today , Meeting

Syabas to PAS: No More Water Rationing in Air Putih, Kuantan on CNY Eve
2008-03-09 06:04:00
I live on the border between Air Putih and Semambu. In this general election, I voted in Semambu while my siblings casted their votes in Air Putih (under Beserah state).Surprisingly, PAS' Syed Mohammed Tuan Lonnik won the Beserah seat over Faizal Abdullah of Barisan Nasional.*On a positive note, I must say that I'm grateful that there will never be water rationing during Chinese New Year Eve again for the next four years in my area. *It's okay if you don't get what I mean. This post is meant for my friends and family back in hometown.
More About: Water

Malaysia General Election 2008: Pak Lah, are you listening?
2008-03-09 03:22:00
This is not a shocking results.The blogosphere is a reliable source to understand what majority Malaysia ns want.Urban people are dissatisfied with Barisan Nasional.Unexpected cities like Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Kuantan fall into Opposition parties.Negeri Sembilan people are unhappy with Khairy Jamaluddin.MCA is shaken.MIC has lost his wings.Gerakan can tutup kedai.General ly Malaysians are unhappy with Pak Lah.So what's next?My main concern now is education as SPM and STPM results will be out by next week. Eyeing for scholarships especially from JPA or a place and favourite course in the local university? I'm worry that it will be very tough especially for non-bumiputra students from the 5 states which has lost to the Oppositions.
More About: Election , General Election , Election 2008

HCFoo votes
2008-03-08 07:06:00
Today is the day that Malaysia decides.Unlike states like Penang or Kelantan, it's pretty obvious which party dominates the electoral campaign in my hometown, Kuantan, Pahang. The situation here are completely different than what I've read about other 'hot states' as the people here seems to show undivided support for Barisan Nasional.Mom, Dad and I walking towards SK Semambu passing by BN camp.My family and I decided to go out early to cast our votes. The five of us went to different schools. The time taken to cast our votes were pretty fast. We spent only about 5 minutes, almost doesn't need to queue up.Quite a number of people already lining up according to their lining stream.I'm glad I'm not on this stream.I'm next in line to exercise my rights.Here are the candidates that I had to decide on:Parliament (P82 Indera Mahkota)1. Salamon Ali Rizal Abdullah (BN)2. Azan Ismail (PKR) - wonTotal voters: 51,235DUN (N13 Semambu)1. Nancy Khong Saw Gek (PKR)2. Pang Tsu Ming (BN) - w...
More About: Votes

Going Back to Kuantan for Election
2008-03-07 00:45:00
I'm already disgusted by all the propaganda and drama by both Barisan Nasional and the Opposition parties. And seriously I have enough of all the bias posts in the blogosphere too.It's time for me to go back to my hometown and do what I have to do. I'll be voting for the first time and it's an easy decision for me. It was a decision I have made since day one. But for most friends in states like Penang and Kelantan, it's going to be a tough call. I can't wait for the results.Happy voting and have a good weekend!
More About: Election , Back

Answers to Spot the Difference #3
2008-03-06 01:58:00
These are the answers to yesterday's Spot the Difference #3.
More About: Answers

Spot the Difference #3: How do you see Malaysia's political future?
2008-03-05 06:00:00
See if you can spot the difference. No prize for the correct answer. This is just for entertainment purpose with no intention to offend (or please) anyone or any parties.Hint: There are 5 differences altogether.(Original picture via The Star, alternative picture photoshopped by HCFoo)
More About: Political , Future , Spot , Difference

Answer to Spot the Difference #2
2008-03-05 02:10:00
To those who's still puzzles who's the person in the picture in yesterday's Spot the Difference #2, that's Khairy Jamaluddin.
More About: Answer

Spot the Difference #2: Umno Youth and 600 motorcyclists campaigning in Kel
2008-03-04 06:00:00
See if you can spot the difference. No prize for the correct answer. This is just for entertainment purpose with no intention to offend (or please) anyone or any parties.Hint: Look for the leader of all Mat Rempits.(Original picture via The Star, alternative picture photoshopped by HCFoo)
More About: Youth , Spot , Difference , Campaigning

Rafael Nadal visits the Burj Dubai
2008-03-04 02:00:00
Here is a magnificent picture of world number 2, Rafael Nadal , signing autograph at the world's tallest free-standing structure, the Burj Dubai .Fearless on the court, the world number two was at ease as he took the external lift up to the 158th floor – at over 600 metres – with Greg Sang, Director, Projects, Emaar Properties, who answered the Spaniard’s questions about the $1 billion tower.“It’s incredible, insane,” said Nadal, who helped fasten the bolt into the steel construction and signed his name on the steel structure. “I was a little scared when I was in the lift but from the top it was unbelievable. I was reassured to learn the lift will be on the inside when it is completed!”Nadal will meet Philipp Kohlschreiber (who made quite a mark at the recent Australian Open) in the first round today at the 2008 Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships.Unlike Roger Federer who was defeated by Andy Murray in the first round yesterday, I hope Nadal will have a great performa...
More About: Burj Dubai

Barisan Nasional supports BERSIH too
2008-03-04 00:41:00
This picture is taken from thestar.com.my. This billboard along MRR2 highway is showing BN candidate for Pandan Datuk Ong Tee Keat.