FIFA rules out probe into WCup voters' payments

FIFA Ethics Committee Chairman Claudio Sulser displays a copy of FIFA's Code of Ethics during news conference after the meeting of the Ethics Committee at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Nov 18, 2010.


ZURICH - FIFA will not examine allegations made in a BBC television documentary that three senior football officials took secret payments related to marketing deals.

"The investigation and the case are definitely closed," FIFA said Tuesday, two days before its executive committee decides on the hosts of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

The BBC program Panorama alleged Monday that FIFA executive committee members Ricardo Teixeira, Nicolas Leoz and Issa Hayatou received cash from FIFA's former marketing partner ISL between 1989-99. ISL collapsed in 2001 with huge debts, sparking a fraud trial.

FIFA said the ISL case was dealt with by a Swiss court in 2008 and no FIFA officials were accused of any crime.

Teixeira, Leoz and Hayatou will all vote on Thursday.

The Confederation of African Football on Tuesday denied claims that Hayatou, a Cameroonian who is an IOC member and also serves as CAF president, received 100,000 French Francs from ISL in secret. CAF said the money was an aboveboard donation to the federation.

"The context within which this information was broadcast does not reflect the truth of what happened," CAF said in a statement. "The amount refers to a donation by ISL to its partner CAF, on the occasion of preparations marking its 40 years celebrations."

CAF said the organization's executive committee approved the donation.

"The transaction dates back to more than 15 years ago and has nothing to do with the designation of candidates hosting the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups," CAF said.

The BBC said Tuesday it was standing by its allegations.

"Mr Hayatou now seems to be saying that there is an innocent explanation for the payment from ISL," the BBC told Britain's Press Association. "However, when Panorama wrote to him repeatedly and approached him in person offering him an opportunity to put his side of the story, he offered no explanation.

"In fact, he chose not to respond at all in the lead-up to the broadcast. Panorama did not allege that Mr Hayatou is currently being bribed."

The International Olympic Committee said its ethics panel will examine the allegations against Hayatou.

"The IOC has taken note of the allegations made by BBC Panorama and will ask the program makers to pass on any evidence they may have to the appropriate authorities," the IOC said in a statement. "The IOC has a zero tolerance against corruption and will refer the matter to the IOC ethics commission."

The IOC ethics commission has the power to recommend suspension or expulsion of members accused of misconduct.

Hayatou has been an IOC member since 2001.

The Oct 24, 2006 file photo shows then South African President Thabo Mbeki (R) being presented with a FIFA pennant by FIFA Executive Committee member, Dr Amos Adamu, at the opening of a 2010 soccer World Cup Kick Off Workshop in Cape Town.

(Agencies)

Barca master class humbles Real Madrid 5-0 in 'Clasico'

Real Madrid's goalkeeper and captain, Iker Casillas (front), attempts a save as he faces Barcelona's midfielder Xavi Hernandez (left) and forward David Villa (right) during their Spanish league match at Camp Nou stadium on Monday in Barcelona. Barcelona won 5-0.

Mourinho nightmare as reigning champion crushes his side and goes two points clear at the top

BARCELONA - Barcelona conjured up a magical performance that rolled back the years to Johan Cruyff's "Dream Team" of the 1990s to crush archrival Real Madrid 5-0 and move two points clear at the top of La Liga on Monday.

In a festival atmosphere at their rain-lashed Nou Camp stadium, the Barca players entertained their ecstatic fans with a breathtaking display of free-flowing football that left Real's array of expensive talent chasing the ball for long periods.

Watched by millions around the world, it was the Catalan club's most emphatic victory in Spain's "Clasico" since Cruyff's all-conquering side, featuring current coach Pep Guardiola, thrashed Real 5-0 in the 1993-94 season.

It also put a severe dent in Real's resurgence under new coach Jose Mourinho, a former assistant at Barca who had led his side into the match undefeated in all competitions.

Xavi and Pedro struck early to put Barca 2-0 up before David Villa scored in the 55th and 58th minutes to raise the noise levels to a deafening pitch.

Substitute Jeffren added a fifth in stoppage time and Real defender Sergio Ramos was sent off for a badly-timed challenge on Lionel Messi at the death.

Barca has 34 points from 13 of 38 matches, with Real on 32 and Villarreal third on 27.

"Today Barca were far superior and enjoyed playing in its own style," Spain striker Villa said.

"Madrid did not feel at ease and did not know how to, or could not I think, dominate the midfield which is the strength of our team," he said.

"We are two points clear, very happy, but we have to continue working as we are only in November and we need to carry on winning."

Left: Barcelona forward David Villa celebrates his team's second goal during its match against Real Madrid at Camp Nou stadium. Right: Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts at the end of the match against Barcelona at Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona.

Slick surface

The eagerly-anticipated clash between the world's two richest clubs was seen as a first genuine test of Real's resurgence under Portuguese Mourinho.

Featuring 13 players from Spain's World Cup-winning squad, eight from Barca and five from Real, it also pitted Barca's Argentina forward Messi against the man he succeeded as World Player of the Year, Real's Cristiano Ronaldo.

The champion dominated from the start on a slick playing surface that favored its swift passing game, with Real sitting back and looking to strike on the counter.

Messi curled a shot against the post in the sixth minute and after the home side went ahead four minutes later it never looked back.

Xavi was played in by Spain teammate Andres Iniesta and he lifted the ball neatly over Iker Casillas from close range.

The Spain midfielder was dictating the play and was instrumental in Barca's second in the 18th.

He played the ball wide to Villa and Casillas could only palm his cross into the path of Pedro, who gleefully sidefooted home.

Messi totally outshone Ronaldo and carved open the visitors' defence for both of Villa's goals as well as coming close to scoring several times in the second half.

Villa beat Casillas with a powerful angled shot for his first in the 55th and sped clear to add his second three minutes later, netting with the outside of his boot as his internatioal teammate rushed off his line.

Real barely threatened the goal of Victor Valdes and after Jeffren had made it five its dejected players trudged off to leave the Barca fans celebrating a fifth-straight "Clasico" win.

Mourinho, hired from Inter Milan to end Barca's two-year reign as Spanish champions, has now failed to win a match at the Nou Camp in six attempts, including three defeats and two draws with Chelsea and Inter.

"We weren't expecting it but there is a good deal of the season left and nothing has been decided," Real midfielder Xabi Alonso said.

(Reuters)

James, Wade too hot for Wizards

Washington Wizards JaVale McGee (top) collides with Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade under the basket during the first quarter of their NBA game in Miami on Monday.

'Big Three' make major contributions as Miami easily wins 105-94 at home

MIAMI - LeBron James and Erik Spoelstra had a pregame meeting on Monday afternoon to talk about Miami's offensive woes.

Early returns suggest it was a productive chat.

James scored 30 points, Dwyane Wade scored 26, Chris Bosh finished with 20 and the Heat beat Washington 105-94 on Monday night, keeping the Wizards winless away from home this season.

James had 20 of his points in the first half, Wade added 15 in the third quarter, and though it didn't get into a blowout until the fourth quarter - it's the fifth time already this season where the Wizards have lost by double digits away from home - it was comfortable for Miami throughout.

"We have to figure out how to complement each other on the court," James said.

That wasn't an issue on Monday.

The Heat topped 100 points for the first time in seven games, and led by as many as 22 on the way to just its second win in its past six outings. It came in the first contest following a Saturday loss in Dallas that remains a hot topic, for James' shoulder-bump of Spoelstra during a time-out when Miami was coming unglued in the third quarter, then a 40-minute players-only postgame meeting.

"We move on. You know, we can't dwell on this. It's a step in the right direction," said Spoelstra, whose career record moved to 100-82. "And now we have to continue to build these habits and remember that pain. I won't forget the pain of the other night, the third quarter, and I don't want our guys to forget that, either."

Andray Blatche scored 26 for Washington, which is 0-8 on the road. Gilbert Arenas added 23 for the Wizards, who lost to the Heat for the eighth time in the teams' past nine meetings.

Nick Young scored 13 and JaVale McGee finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds for Washington.

"We know they have a lot of talent," Wizards guard Kirk Hinrich said. "You have to give them credit. Their 'Big 3' kind of carried them tonight."

The Wizards were without No. 1 draft pick John Wall, who missed his second straight game with a bruised right knee, and went largely with a seven-man rotation for much of the night. Washington was also again without Al Thornton (ankle) and Yi Jianlian (knee).

"It got to the point late where we didn't have enough runs left in us," Wizards coach Flip Saunders said.

Miami's lead was only 55-49 with 10:31 left in the third quarter, before Wade - who has been slumping - got his scoring touch back.

He did it in a hurry, too.

Wade scored 15 points in the quarter, matching a Heat season best for any quarter this season, and needed only 6:17 to get that done. Consecutive jumpers 27 seconds apart, both set up by James, got him started, and he went on the attack the rest of the quarter - getting all 11 of his remaining points either at the foul line or on driving layups.

"Bron kept telling me the whole game, stay aggreessive, stay aggressive ... Finally got some shots to fall," Wade said.

Wade's personal spurt ended with 3:17 left in the period, when he split defenders on a spin move, got fouled, made a layup from the left side and hit the free throw for a 76-63 lead.

From there, things got chippy.

Washington's Hilton Armstrong and Miami's Juwan Howard were ejected with 32.3 seconds left in the third. Armstrong flagrantly fouled Heat center Joel Anthony on a layup attempt, pushing him with both hands in what was deemed a flagrant-2 infraction. Howard's night ended after referee Bill Kennedy saw he had pushed Armstrong in the back while coming to Anthony's defense.

"I love what the veteran on our team did," Wade said.

(Associated Press)

'Super Dan' focused on London 2012

China's badminton star, Lin Dan, gets ready to shave during a Gillette press conference in Beijing. As one of the nation's most popular sports figures, Lin is a big attraction for different commercials.

BEIJING - The handsome face and muscular figure of Lin Dan make him an ideal candidate for the big screen.

However, the Chinese badminton superstar says any speculation about a career in the entertainment industry will have to wait until his on-court career ends.

"Right now, I'm just focused on the 2012 Olympic Games. I will not think about the possibility (of acting) as long as I'm still able to play the sport," said 27-year-old Lin during a press conference on Sunday organized by razor brand Gillette.

The reigning Olympic and world champion is determined to hold on until the 2012 London Olympics, even though he achieved a grand slam by winning the Asian Games in Guangzhou.

"I will try my best and hold on to play at the 2012 Olympic Games," said Lin, who won the MVP Award at the Asian Games thanks to his men's singles title and his overwhelming popularity with fans and the media.

"I know it will be a tough two years. I know rising stars and old foes will come up and pose bigger threats during my preparation. But I'm ready to accept the challenge," 'Super Dan' said.

The Asiad title was the only major crown missing from Lin's glittering resume, which includes one Olympic title and three consecutive world crowns.

He said the pressure going into the Asiad was even greater than that at the 2008 Beijing Games.

"I know lots of people expected me to pick up the title. There was big pressure on me," said Lin, who was upset by Malaysia's Hidayat Taufik in the Doha final four years ago. "So when I did it, I felt more excited than when I won the Olympic title."

(China Daily)

Fair Enough: Miami 2010

Click for Marketing Mondays: 6 Degrees of Representation
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Mel Bochner at Rhona Hoffman Gallery, Chicago, last year at ABMB
And I'm off.
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A big thank you, gracias, merci, obrigada, arrigato, grazie and much obliged to everyone who sent in donations via Pal Pal or check to send me to Miami.  I am deeply appreciative of your generosity. (Anyone else who's so inclined, the Pay Pal button is just

Draw for 2011 women's World Cup unfolded

(L-R) Steffi Jones, head of the organization committee of the Women's Soccer World Cup, Worawi Makudi, chairman of the committee for women's football and the FIFA Women's World Cup, and Tatjana Haenni, FIFA's head of women's football, hold a sign ahead of the draw in Frankfurt for the 2011 FIFA women's soccer world cup, Nov 29, 2010.

BERLIN - The draw of the four groups for the women's World Cup to be held from June 26 to July 17 next year was unfolded Monday in German city of Frankfurt.

Following is the result of the draw:

Group A: Germany, Canada, Nigeria, France.

Group B: Japan, New Zealand, Mexico, England.

Group C: United States, North Korea, Colombia, Sweden.

Group D: Brazil, Australia, Norway, Equatorial Guinea.

It will be a tough job for Australian girls in next year's Women's World Cup, as a draw determined that they are due to take on former winners Norway and Brazil. The Australians will play in group D at the tournament.

It is the second time Australia has been fated to confront Norway in the group stage of a World Cup after a 1 to 1 draw in the 2007 tournament.

Brazil also played the Matildas in the tournament three years ago, knocking the Australians out in the quarter-final stage on their way to a runners-up finish.

"I think we've drawn a tough group but I think group A, C and D are all tough groups," the Coach Tom Sermanni said, "If you look purely at the rankings Group B is probably the easier group on paper but at a World Cup all teams are difficult.

"For the first match, the Australians will be against Brazil in Moenchengladbach on June 29.

(L-R) England's coach Hope Powell, Japan's coach Norio Sasaki, Mexico's coach Leonardo Cuellar and New Zealand's coach John Herdman from Group B pose with the World Cup trophy after the final draw in Frankfurt for the 2011 Women's World Cup, Nov 29, 2010.

(L-R) FIFA ambassador Adriana Karembeu, Steffi Jones, head of the organization committee of the Women's Soccer World Cup Germany, Tatjana Haenni, FIFA head of women's football, and Germany's former soccer star Guenter Netzer present the final groups during the draw in Frankfurt for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, Nov 29, 2010.

(Xinhua)

Mavericks win 5th in row

Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (center) is defended by Miami Heat center Joel Anthony (left) as point guard Eddie House watches during the second half of their NBA game in Dallas, Texas, on Nov 30, 2010. The Mavericks won 106-95.

A 106-95 loss was fourth in five games for James and the Heat

DALLAS - When Dirk Nowitzki drove for a layup during Dallas' game-turning run to start the second half, he split a gap between Dwyane Wade and LeBron James - with all three all-stars in the air at the same time - to get to the basket.

Even with Wade's new help in Miami, the Heat still can't beat the Mavericks in the regular season.

After losing for the fourth time in five games, 106-95 on Saturday night, the Heat (9-8) had a players-only meeting. That comes a month into the season that James and Dallas-born Chris Bosh joined Wade in Miami.

"We felt like we needed it. Sometimes it's a feel. We haven't had a team-only meeting. We're playing like 9-8 and we needed it," Wade said. "This is a new team, a new group of guys. Guys need to understand each other and hear each other talk. We all feel better after the talk we had."

At the same point a year ago, Miami was 10-7.

"It's tough because I know the potential of this team, the vision I had when this team was put together," Wade said.

Caron Butler scored seven of his 23 points in that third quarter spurt for the Mavericks, who haven't lost a regular-season game against Miami in 6 1/2 years.

James and Wade finally appeared in the interview room about 45 minutes after the game. Neither would get into specifics of what was said in the closed locker-room.

"It was a well-needed team meeting where everybody had a chance to get off whatever they had on their chest or in their head about us figuring things out," James said. "Right now we are a 9-8 team and we have to own up to that. Does our record speak of the quality of team we can become? I don't think so. But right now we're 9-8 and we're playing like that."

The Heat were coming off a 99-90 home win on Friday night over Philadelphia, which has the worst record in the Eastern Conference. That snapped a three-game losing streak.

Dallas has won 13 consecutive games over Miami since March 2004, and 16 of 17. That doesn't include the 2006 NBA Finals, when the Heat won in six games after losing the first two.

Dallas played for the fourth time in five nights, having ended significant winning streaks by its past two opponents. After ending Oklahoma City's five-game winning streak on Wednesday, the Mavericks ended San Antonio's 12-game winning streak on Friday night.

"This was a big week for us," Kidd said. "It's a big four wins, especially on back-to-backs. ... We've been telling (Butler) to just catch and shoot and take that first one, and then go into your tricks and the game will be a lot easier. Tonight, we went to him and he delivered."

James had 23 points, making only five of 19 field goals. Bosh and Wade both had 22 points.

Nowitzki had 22 points for Dallas, while Tyson Chandler had 14 points and 17 rebounds.

Howard nets winner

Meanwhile, Dwight Howard had a simple message for Jameer Nelson with the Orlando Magic trailing by a point in the final seconds against the Washington Wizards.

"Just throw it up, and I'll go get it," Howard said.

Howard made good on his promise, putting back Nelson's airball to give the Magic a 100-99 win, the final basket among Howard's season-high 32 points. He also had 11 rebounds.

Nelson sent his shot high to get over the Wizards' shot-blocker JaVale McGee, who had come out to contest the jumper. The ball came down short of the rim but Howard pulled in the rebound and then banked it in to give Orlando the lead with 4.3 seconds left.

"When he threw it up, I knew I didn't have a chance to come back down and try to go back up because they were going to foul right away," Howard said. "So I just tried to shoot it off the glass as quick as possible."

Gilbert Arenas had a chance for a game-winner of his own at the buzzer, but his floater hit the back of the rim and bounced away.

Arenas scored a season-high 31 points, including Washington's last nine over the final four minutes, but on the last shotb Howard was again right in the middle of the play.

(Associated Press)

Fergie salutes five-goal Berbatov

Manchester United's Bulgarian striker, Dimitar Berbatov (right), celebrates after scoring his fourth goal with English forward Wayne Rooney during the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford in Manchester, Nov 30, 2010. United won 7-1.

Bulgarian striker becomes 4th player in EPL history to achieve the feat

MANCHESTER, England - Sir Alex Ferguson saluted Dimitar Berbatov after the Manchester United striker ended his goal-drought by becoming only the fourth player in Premier League history to score five.

Berbatov's five-star display at Old Trafford on Saturday helped United to a 7-1 win over Blackburn, which swept them to the top of the table for the first time this season.

Ferguson believes it will be the perfect confidence boost for Berbatov, who hadn't scored since a hat-trick against Liverpool in September and did not even make the squad for last weekend's triumph over Wigan.

"It was a fantastic achievement," Ferguson said. "He could have scored six too because Paul Robinson made a fantastic save near the end.

"When strikers are not scoring they don't think they are doing their job right. That has always been the case. Today it came back."

Berbatov follows Andy Cole, Alan Shearer and Jermain Defoe as men who have netted five in a game since the new league was formed in 1992.

Cole's haul was for United against Ipswich in 1995, Shearer was on the mark for Newcastle against Sheffield Wednesday in 1999 and Tottenham's Defoe notched his record tally against Wigan last year.

"We've been waiting for that performance for weeks," Ferguson told Sky Sports television after his side's best result of the campaign so far.

"There was some great football attached to those goals and getting off the mark early helped him of course because he hadn't scored for 10 games. And that does prey on strikers' minds because that's the way they are," added Ferguson.

Top scorer

Berbatov had last been on the scoresheet when he hit a hat-trick against Liverpool in September and Saturday's five sent him top of the Premier League scoring chart with 11 goals, two more than Manchester City's Carlos Tevez.

Failing to make even the bench for United's previous game against Wigan Athletic, the club's record signing scored twice before the break and had wrapped up his hat-trick with the second half barely underway.

"I still can't quite believe I scored five goals," 29-year-old told Manchester United television (MUTV).

"I have scored five in a match before but it was a long time ago back home in Bulgaria ... to stand alongside the likes of Shearer and Cole is a great honor.

"The first one (goal) was probably the most important," he said. "It gave us the confidence to go on and play the way we know we can."

Just as pleasing to Ferguson was the way the Bulgarian linked up with England striker Wayne Rooney, making his first start since early October when he talked of leaving the club.

Rooney nodded the ball down for Berbatov to volley home from close range after 71 seconds and they linked well all afternoon.

"I think it was a good combination today, they interchanged play tremendously well today and they were aware of each other's positions. It was a really, really good performance," said the manager.

"Wayne did fantastic today considering it's only his second game back."

(Reuters)

Marketing Mondays: 6 Degrees of Representation

.  [This is the last Marketing Mondays post of the year. Reports from Miami will begin later this week and continue throughout December. MM will resume on January 3, 2011. ]..
 We're talking gallery representation, not rocket science, but this picture does make a point, which is that while the sun is that big hot thing in the middle of the solar system, there's plenty going on in the outer

Nestor, Zimonjic win ATP doubles title

Daniel Nestor (R) of Canada and Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia pose with the trophy after winning the doubles final against Mahesh Bhupathi of India and Max Mirnyi of Belarus in 2010's ATP World Tour Finals in London, Britain, Nov. 28, 2010. Nestor and Zimonjic won 2-0.

Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia shares the trophy with his daughter after winning the doubles final with Daniel Nestor of Canada against Mahesh Bhupathi of India and Max Mirnyi of Belarus in 2010's ATP World Tour Finals in London, Britain, Nov. 28, 2010. Nestor and Zimonjic won 2-0.

(R-L) Daniel Nestor of Canada, Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia, Mahesh Bhupathi of India and Max Mirnyi of Belarus pose with the trophies after their doubles final in 2010's ATP World Tour Finals in London, Britain, Nov. 28, 2010. Nestor and Zimonjic won 2-0.

Daniel Nestor (R) of Canada and Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia pose with their children and the trophy after winning the final against Mahesh Bhupathi of India and Max Mirnyi of Belarus in 2010's ATP World Tour Finals in London, Britain, Nov. 28, 2010. Nestor and Zimonjic won 2-0.

(Xinhua)

Federer outplays Nadal at ATP Finals

Roger Federer of Switzerland poses with the trophy after winning the single's final against Rafael Nadal of Spain in 2010's ATP World Tour Finals in London, Britain, Nov. 28, 2010. Federer won 2-1 to claim his fifth season-ending title.

LONDON, Nov. 28 -- Swiss world No. 2 Roger Federer defeated archrival Rafael Nadal in three sets, becoming the final winner of the ATP World Tour Finals on Sunday.

It's the fifth time that the 16 Grand Slam titles holder was crowned at the season finale.

"It's fantastic. I'm really thrilled the way I played all week," said Federer. "I'm just really happy the way I was able to finish the season in style, playing some of my best tennis, really saving the best for last."

Federer, 29, has been in stunning form by winning all three group matches and the semifinal without losing a set. He continued to dominate the court in the O2 Arena by taking the first set 6-3 against world No. 1 Nadal, but was broke in the second set by the Spaniard to concede a set 6-3.

"I think the game I got broken, I hardly made any first serves," said Federer. "He was able to find a way to break me in that game. So I just really tried to focus harder on my first serves to make sure I make them, just focus even more of doing the right things. Then I knew that I could come through."

Federer kept his sharpness in the deciding set while the 24-year-old Nadal revealed sign of tiredness as he fought three hours and 11 minutes to send off British top Andy Murray in the semifinal on Saturday.

After breaking twice, Federer won the final set 6-1 so as to become the third player in the tournament's 41-year history to win the title five times, joining Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras.

"He played unbelievable," Nadal commented on Federer, who reached nine finals this year and won seven times. "He played unbelievable during all the week, so his level was very high. I try my best this afternoon, but he was better than me."

But Nadal, reaching the final of the season finale for the first time was satisfied enough with his result in London. "I'm more happy about all the week. It's a fantastic week for me, winning four top eight players in the same week in a difficult surface for me. I think it has never happened before, so that's very good news for me."

Roger Federer of Switzerland returns the ball to Rafael Nadal of Spain during the single's final in 2010's ATP World Tour Finals in London, Britain, Nov. 28, 2010. Federer won 2-1 to claim his fifth season-ending title.

Roger Federer (R) of Switzerland is greeted by Rafael Nadal of Spain after their single's final in 2010's ATP World Tour Finals in London, Britain, Nov. 28, 2010. Federer won 2-1 to claim his fifth season-ending title.

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot during the single's final against Roger Federer of Switzerland in 2010's ATP World Tour Finals in London, Britain, Nov. 28, 2010. Federer won 2-1 to claim his fifth season-ending title.

Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the runner-up trophy after losing the single's final against Roger Federer of Switzerland in 2010's ATP World Tour Finals in London, Britain, Nov. 28, 2010. Federer won 2-1 to claim his fifth season-ending title.

(Xinhua)

Miami Heat lose to Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (C) is defended by Miami Heat center Joel Anthony (L) as point guard Eddie House watches during the second half of their NBA basketball game in Dallas, Texas November 27, 2010.

Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler celebrates after making a shot against the Miami Heat during the second half of their NBA basketball game in Dallas, Texas November 27, 2010.

(L-R) Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh, small forward LeBron James, shooting guard Dwyane Wade and center Joel Anthony stand at mid-court during a break in action in the second half of their NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas, Texas November 27, 2010.

Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (L) drives on Dallas Mavericks shooting guard DeShawn Stevenson as point guard Jason Kidd watches during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Dallas, Texas November 27, 2010.

(Reuters)

Hot Neha Dhupia Bikini Song in Balakrishna Dasari Param Veera Chakra Movie

Neha Dhupia bikini song in the Latest Balakrishna and Dasari Narayana Rao combination film ‘Param Veera Chakra’ is going to be a highlight in this movie. Recently the song is picturized in kulumanali and the hot song with hot dresses of Neha Dhupia is going to be a highlight song in this movie. Balakrishna is playing the roles of an army officer and as a movie hero role in this movie. Amisha patel, Sheela, Neha Dhupia are working in this movie. C. Kalyan is produicing this film. In this movie the ‘Robo’ spoof is going to be played by Ali and Brahmanandam. Ali is playing as a Robo and Brahmanandam as a scientist. This movie is going to be released in January.

Puri Jagannath ‘Idiot 2’ Sequel with His Brother Sai Ram

We all know Puri Jagannath and Ravi Teja combination movie ‘Idiot’ was a big hit. Puri is busy in preparing sequel for this movie ‘Idiot 2’. His brother ‘Sai Ram’ is the hero and puri want to give a hit to his brother with this movie. He is in busy in preparing screen play for this movie but the direction is going to be done by one of his associate directors. Natti Kumar is going to produce this film.

Sekhar Kammula Next Film “Life is Beautiful” with Varun Sandesh

Varun Sandesh is selected for Sekhar Kammula’s latest film ‘Life is Beautiful’.  Sekhar kammula want to repeat the old combination of Happy Days.  Recent Varun Sandesh movie ‘A mainde Vela’ is an average and sekhar is also looking for a hit after ‘Leader’ movie. 

Nadal edges out Murray at ATP Finals

Spain's Rafael Nadal (L) hugs Britain's Andy Murray following their singles semifinal at the ATP World Tour Finals in London November 27, 2010.

LONDON, Nov. 27 -- World No. 1 Rafael Nadal reached the final of the ATP World Tour Finals for the first time after beating British top ace Andy Murray through tiebreak in the deciding set on Saturday.

Nadal, 24, edged Murray 7-5 in the tiebreak of the first set, then lost to his aggressive opponent 6-3 in the following set. The duo fought hard in the deciding set with each one broke once, but the Spaniard managed to came from 3-0 down to win the tiebreak again in 8-6.

"I'm disappointed to lose, but it was a great match," said the 23-year-old Murray, who also lost to Nadal in the semifinals at this year's Wimbledon Championships.

"I was obviously very disappointed with the way I played against Roger," said Murray, who suffered straight set defeat to Swiss World No. 2 Roger Federer in the group stage. "I think the match I played today is how I want to play all the time."

"I think Andy played at very good level almost all the time, and I was a little bit lucky in the beginning of the third with

1-0 for him and love-30. He had two mistakes, very important mistakes for me in those moments because I was a little bit tired," said Nadal who were tough enough to save his service in the second game of the third set at that situation then broke in the third game.

But Murray didn't let his momentum down and finally took one back in the 10th game to make a tie at 5-5. Then, he started the tiebreak greatly by leading at 3-0, but were still not strong enough to hold back Nadal, who sealed the win 8-6.

Nadal is going to face the winner between Roger Federer and Serbian world No. 3 Novak Djokovic in the final on Sunday.

(Reuters)

China wins men's basketball gold at Asiad

China's Wang Zhizhi (L2) and Zhu Fangyu hug following their victory over South Korea in the men's gold medal basketball game at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, November 26, 2010.

GUANGZHOU - Defending champions China beat South Korea 77-71 to defend their men's basketball title at the Asian Games here on Friday.

The two sides played a close game from the very beginning which marked several lead changes before China, who defeated South Korea 76-66 in the preliminary round, finished the first quarter 27-21.

South Korea opened the second quarter with a 6-0 run and took the lead 37-31 with 5:10 minutes left in the quarter. Wang Shipeng's consecutive three jumpers and Sun Yue's one three point play and one 3-pointers put China 43-37 ahead at the end of the first half.

Teams shot a high percent with South Korea 67 (13-for-19) and China 59 (17-for-29), but China outscored the Korean in 3-pointer shooting 5-4.

South Korean twice trimmed the deficit to five in the third quarter before entering the fourth 56-64.

The hosts used an 8-2 spurt to expand the lead to 72-58 capped by Sun Yue's jumper. But the Korean fought back with a 13-2 charge, which included two 3-pointers, with 2:15 minutes remaining.

Trading back to back no baskets for both sides, Wang Zhizhi, who scored 20 points for China, tipped in a second chance with 50 seconds left for a 76-71 edge before Ding Jinhui hit one of two free throws to seal the victory.

Wang Zhizhi, who led all Chinese starters to score double-digit, nailed in six of his 11 in the second half. Ding Jinhui and Sun Yue each added 14 while Wang Shipeng, who hit a key 3-pointer in the last seconds to help China beat Iran 68-65 in semifinal Thursday night, and Liu Wei got 10 apiece.

South Korea had three players scoring double-figure with Kim Joo Sung and Cho Sungmin each 15 points, and guard Yang Donggeun 17.

Members of China's men's basketball team throw Wang Zhizhi into the air following their victory over South Korea in the gold medal game at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, November 26, 2010.

Members of China's men's basketball team throw Wang Zhizhi into the air following their victory over South Korea in the gold medal game at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, November 26, 2010.

China's Zhang Qingpeng (L) goes for a layup during the men's gold medal basketball game between China and South Korea at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, November 26, 2010.

China's Sun Yue (R) drives to the rim during the men's gold medal basketball game between China and South Korea at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, November 26, 2010.

China's Liu Wei drives past a South Korean defender during the men's gold medal basketball game at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, November 26, 2010.

(Xinhua)

X Marks the Spot: Vivid, Pavers, Mendieta

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In Vivid:  Sigrid Sandstrom, Bruce, 2010, acrylic on board, 18x14 inches

Before I head off to Miami, I want to focus on the X chromosome. There has always been good painting and sculpture by women, of course, but the past few months in New York there have been a number of really good shows as well.  Previous posts on this blog (here, here, here, here and here) have noted some of those shows.

Football

Football

Football

Milan, Marseille march on

AC Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati (2nd right) jumps to make a save during a Champions League Group G match against AJ Auxerre at Abbe Deschamps stadium in Auxerre on Tuesday. Milan won 2-0 to advance to the last 16.


Ibrahimovic scores a double for former champion; Real, Chelsea win

LONDON - Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit the target for AC Milan yet again on Tuesday as the former winner took its place in the last 16 of the Champions League along with an inspired Olympique Marseille.

The pair qualified with a game to spare by taking runner-up spots in their groups after Milan won 2-0 at Auxerre and Marseille thrashed Spartak Moscow 3-0 to reach the knockout stages for the first time since it won the trophy in 1993.

Arsenal's hopes of joining them were put on hold after the North Londoners, needing only a point to qualify, suffered a late collapse and lost 2-0 to Braga in Portugal.

Holder Inter Milan can secure a place in the knockout phase at home to Twente Enschede on Wednesday, with former champions Manchester United and Barcelona also set to progress.

AC Milan had Ibrahimovic to thank once more as it beat Auxerre to go through from Group G, with the in-form Swede opening the scoring with his fourth goal in five group games.

"We tried our hearts out. It was a difficult match, a difficult venue. We can relax a bit in the last game", he said.

The Italian side secured the runner-up spot behind rampant Real Madrid, the nine-time European Cup winner which triumphed 4-0 at Ajax Amsterdam thanks to a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo and goals from Karim Benzema and Alvaro Arbeloa.

Real finished with nine men after Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos picked up a second booking for time-wasting late on.

Arsenal stumbles

Marseille's win in Moscow assured it of second place in Group F behind Chelsea, now the only team with a 100 percent record in this season's competition after beating Slovakia's MSK Zilina 2-1 with a young-looking side at Stamford Bridge.

Spartak had failed to beat French opponents in Moscow in five previous attempts in the Champions League, and its hopes of success in the sixth had already faded before it lost Brazilian striker Welliton to a red card in the 64th.

While the Russians caved in, Zilina gave Carlo Ancelotti's depleted Chelsea side an early scare.

The visitor, with just one goal in its previous four group matches and with 15 against, took the lead after 19 minutes through Babatounde Bello and kept the London side waiting until Daniel Sturridge equalized in the 51st.

Florent Malouda made it 2-1 four minutes from time.

"It was important to win and move on," said Ancelotti.

"We have now had 60 shots at goal in our last two games but only scored twice. We have been unlucky not to score more, but the young players have had some good experience tonight and showed the quality they can bring to the team."

Arsenal needed only a point to join its already qualified Premier League rival but imploded against an opponent it had beaten 6-0 in its group opener. Brazilian Matheus scored both goals for Braga in the last seven minutes.

Shakhtar Donetsk seized the opportunity to push Arsene Wenger's men off the top of Group H with a 3-0 win at Partizan Belgrade that left the Ukrainians on the verge of going through and condemned the Serbians to a fifth straight loss.

"We have to win the next match," said the Arsenal manager. "With these results, Shakhtar become favorites to win the group".

Roma rebounds

Already qualified Bayern Munich lost 3-2 to Roma at the Stadio Olimpico and lost its 100 percent record despite Mario Gomez scoring with two quick-fire strikes in the 33rd and 39th to send it in 2-0 up at halftime.

Booed off at the break, Roma fought back with goals from Marco Borriello, Daniele de Rossi and substitute Francesco Totti, who converted an 84th minute penalty for the winner.

"We gave the match away like a present," Bayern coach Louis van Gaal told German TV. "It is unbelievable. We were so dominant, then our concentration was gone. This defeat is not good for our self-esteem."

FC Basel kept alive its slim hopes of getting out of Group E with a 1-0 win over Romania's CFR Cluj.

The Swiss champion needs a win at Bayern in its final game while hoping Roma loses at Cluj, which is already eliminated.

(Reuters)

Hurdler Liu wins redemption

China’s Liu Xiang throws his shirt into the stands after winning the men’s 110m hurdles fi nal at the Asian Games on Wednesday.


Victory soothes his pain from injury-induced Olympic-pullout two years ago

GUANGZHOU - Superstar hurdler Liu Xiang won redemption Wednesday in front of home fans for his Beijing Olympic disaster by claiming Asian Games gold on a day tarnished by a second positive doping test.

On Day 12 of the showpiece multi-sports event, dominant table-topper China made the Guangzhou Games its most successful ever in terms of total medals.

Li Caixia's gold and Li Ling's silver in the women's pole vault were the 343rd and 344th for the host, surpassing the previous record of 342 that China won in Beijing in 1990.

China is also on course to beat its best-ever haul of gold, which stands at 183 in the Beijing Asiad. It now has 173 with three days left.

Liu contributed to his country's tally by winning the 110m hurdles in front of 80,000 screaming fans at Aoti Main Stadium and an estimated television audience of up to 600 million.

The former Olympic champion and world record holder crossed the line in a season-best time of 13.09 seconds, ahead of teammate Shi Dongpeng (13.38) and Korea's Park Tae-kyong (13.48).

It was Liu's third successive Asiad gold after claiming the title in 2002 and 2006.

His win came 27 months on from his calamitous outing in Beijing, when he limped out of his heat with an Achilles' tendon injury to shatter the hopes of a nation.

"I didn't expect to run 13.09. I thought of running about 13.20," he said.

"We are very proud to add a gold and a silver medal to the Chinese team."

His gold was one of three China won in track and field, including Li's pole vault triumph.

Su Xiongfeng denied double defending champion Hussain al-Saba of Saudi Arabia a third title with a best of 8.05m in the men's long jump, while Iran's Ehsan Hadadi defended his discus title with a best of 67.99m.

Meanwhile, Uzbek wrestler Jakhongir Muminov became the second athlete to fail a drugs test.

The 23-year-old did not win a medal.

"The athlete has been disqualified from these Games and his performance has been nullified," said Dr Mani Jegathesan, chairman of the Olympic Council of Asia's medical committee.

The Asiad, which began on Nov 12, has seen one previous drugs scandal, also involving an Uzbek athlete who was also named Muminov, although they are not related.

Judoka Shokir Muminov won a silver medal but had it taken away after testing positive for methylhexaneamine, a stimulant which was the same drug involved in Wednesday's case.

Elsewhere, Malaysia's Puvaneswaran Ramasamy won the 55kg kumite (sparring) gold to become the first karate competitor to climb the podium at five straight Asian Games.

In the men's basketball quarterfinals, host China beat Qatar 71-66 to advance into the last four.

Korea, Japan and Iran grab bedthe remaining three spots.

(China Daily)

Nadal beats Djokovic, Serb suffers eye trouble

Spain's Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Serbia's Novak Djokovic in their singles match at the ATP World Tour Finals in London Nov 24, 2010.

LONDON - World number one Rafa Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic 7-5 6-2 to close in on the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour Finals on Wednesday after his Serb opponent suffered eye trouble.

What had been a high-quality Group A battle for more than an hour in front of a sell-out O2 Arena crowd suddenly became a stroll for Nadal after world number three Djokovic began to struggle with his vision.

"Playing with one eye, especially against Nadal, is not enough," Djokovic, who described the problem as "irritation" in his right eye, told reporters.

"I feel sick even talking about it to be honest. It's just incredible that this happened to me because it never happened in my life. I was feeling great.

"But my right eye got irritated, and from 5-5 I could not play. I could not see a ball, especially the return. It was just terrible. It's out of my control. Unfortunately, it happened in the very important match, in a very important moment."

There was no sign of anything wrong with Djokovic's vision as he more than matched Nadal until 4-4 but after the first point of the ninth game he suddenly gestured at the umpire and left the court for several minutes.

He was still rubbing his eyes on his return and he surrendered his serve easily at 5-5, giving Nadal the chance to serve out an opening set that lasted 76 minutes.

Spain's Rafael Nadal (L) talks to Serbia's Novak Djokovic after their singles match at the ATP World Tour Finals in London Nov 24, 2010.

Djokovic, who was beaten by Nadal in this year's US Open final, had more treatment on his eye at the changeover but then offered only token resistance as his ruthless Spanish opponent stormed through the second set in 36 minutes.

Nadal closed out victory when Djokovic wafted a return out and now leads Group A with two victories although he is still not guaranteed a place in the semi-finals.

"For sure I'm very sorry for him," Nadal said. "I don't remember what it was in the eye or something like that.

"I ask him at the net what happened. It seemed like something went inside of his eye. After, he didn't see the ball very well."

"For sure this is a very important victory for me in the group because I am in a good position, no?"

Djokovic and Tomas Berdych, who earlier beat Andy Roddick, have one win with Roddick yet to get off the mark.

All will be decided on Friday when the unbeaten Nadal plays Berdych and Djokovic takes on winless Roddick.

"I will try to see a doctor and see if there is something more serious going on and in two days hopefully I can be ready," Djokovic said.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic serves the ball to Spain's Rafael Nadal in their singles match at the ATP World Tour Finals in London Nov 24, 2010.

Czech Republic's Tomas Berdych serves the ball to Andy Roddick of the US in their singles match at the ATP World Tour Finals in London Nov 24, 2010.

(Agencies)

Billionaire Boys Club (The Early Days)

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At the MoMA Abstraction show (which  I hope to write about after Miami), several vitrines held papers and publications documenting the early days of the movement. The price list shown above was one of them. (Click pic to see an enlarged image.)

Captain Crawl Dead Again?

Looks like the site is down
CaptainCrawl.com IP address http://85.131.190.173/

CaptainCrawl is on Facebook
Last post was Nov 3.

CaptainCrawl is on Twitter
http://twitter.com/captaincrawl
Last tweet was Nov 3.

CAPTAIN ARE YOU STILL ALIVE???

UPDATE: from the Twitter feed "cc will be back in a few days. don't worry ! ;)"

Captain Crawl Dead Again?

Looks like the site is down
CaptainCrawl.com IP address http://85.131.190.173/

CaptainCrawl is on Facebook
Last post was Nov 3.

CaptainCrawl is on Twitter
http://twitter.com/captaincrawl
Last tweet was Nov 3.

CAPTAIN ARE YOU STILL ALIVE???

UPDATE: from the Twitter feed "cc will be back in a few days. don't worry ! ;)"

Screen saver football club

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Screen saver football club
======================

^V^ Hello Lu lu, is Harta still a buy >5.60 ? how now ? cut loss n run ? Hello Taufik, what say u now ? ^V^

^V^

Lulu called to buy Harta if price > 5.60 , read this >

Chart 1: Harta's last 16 quarterly results

Valuation

Harta (closed at RM5.53 yesterday) is now trading at a trailing PE of 12 times (based on last 4 quarters' EPS of 47 sen). At this multiple, Harta is deemed undemanding.

Technical Outlook

Harta is still consolidating, with upside capped by the strong horizontal resistance at RM5.60-5.66. However we can see that the MACD indicator has hooked up, which could be signaling a potential re-test of the RM5.60-5.66 level.


Chart 2: Harta's weekly chart as at Nov 9, 2010 (Source: Quickcharts)

Conclusion

Based on good financial performance & undemanding valuation, Harta may be good for long-term investment. However, the stock's upside is capped at RM5.60-5.66. If it can break above that level, Harta could become a good trading BUY.

Posted by Alex Lu at 11/10/2010 08:19:00 AM 10 comments .

**********************************************************

Look at d above historical prices by Harta , high @ 5.63 after lulu's call , based on lulu call 2 buy Harta @ >5.60 , how now ? cut loss n sell ?

Why cut loss ? arent u telling yr fans harta is a buy if she break above 5.60 ? then how now ? sell ???

Hello lulu, do I need 2 tell more ? ^_-

____________________________________________________

Samgoss
samltt88@yahoo.com
118.100.85.130
Submitted on 2010/11/23 at 1:20pm

Back… know what I did yesterday ? ^_- ha ha… just got my new car yestreday ^_- it was awarded by 3 Mr FAs :- Genting sp , Bstead n Sunrise ^_- anyway… I dont feel excited at all cos this is not d biggest gain I hv ever got, 2 those old osk fans , u shld know which r my biggest darlings ^_-? They r ytl-wb n Ijmwb ^_-

2 ta losers, is my new car Merz or BMW ? ^_-.. dont worry baby, it is kancil only..Uncle Sam pokai liaooo , boh lui liaooo n cham liaoooo, happy 2 hear that ? as long as u feel happy , I am happy ^_- ha ha

http://samltt88.blogspot.com/2008/12/v-299returns-in-26-months-is-no-big.html

I am not showing off here , I just wanna 2 let u guys know that FA is nothing but d best !

2 118, yes ! agreed with u on kkk, this guy like 2 show off very much esp when they r leading ! Tan also another bugger whose didnt played with strong determination ! u can see when cai or kido make mistake, they blame themselves but when tan make mistake , he smile !!! see d differences here ?

We can’t blame dato, he played very well oledi , too bad…lin dan is even better at that night !

I wonder how taufik feel now after lin dan captured d asian game title, 4 us esp those who know what is badminton , we know very well Asian game champion is not a major title at all ! d four major titles were Olympic, World Championship , World cup n All Engalnd , where got such thing as Asian Games Champion 2 be listed as major title ??? it is bcos of taufik Jealous on Lin Dan’s success ! Hello taufik, what say u now ? Lin Dan won all liaooo ! how about u ? Where is yr All ENGLAND title ? mana ?

2 Dywin , mail 2 amltt88@gmail.com">samltt88@gmail.com , my technical guy will solve it 4 u .

2 JASON>> NOT A BAD BUY ^_-

2 coolstock, suncity wa has gone up quite alot liaooo, not my style 2 chase ^_-

2 Sharity fun , of coz it is a good catch , but dont buy in all in 1 shot , buy in stages , says 4.10, 3.90 , 3.80, 3.70….I am waiting 2 buy back my 2 lots that hv sold @ 4.34 ^_-

2 vike… if u strike from ipo, congrats ! if u wanna 2 buy in in open mkt , then it depends on what price u enter , let c how on friday ^_-

K..guys, once again, I wanna 2 repeat d beauty of my swap method, as known 2 u all, I hv taken profit on sunrise @ avg 3.04 n Muhibah @ 1.34+- , after my disposal , both of them shot up another 15% from my exit price , but look at their last traded price ..oledi down below my selling price liaoo, this show noone could sell @ highest n buy @ LOWEST , as long as u feel comfortable with yr profit , sell in stages n swap.

After my disposal of Muhibah b Sunrise , I swap some 2 s???? @ 1.16 , XXXXX @ 1.42 n NNNNNN @ 1.12+ , see yrself how much all these buggers last traded ? not much differences from my cost ! why ?

Cos my method is right n safe ! when one stock outperformed d others , u take profit n swap 2 those underperformed buggers , this is one of d way 2 protect yr profit n lower yr holding risk ^_-

I am now waiting 2 buy back Muhibah @ 1.18+- n Sunrise @ 2.60+-