Metal thieves strikes again!

The prices of metal that sky rocketed these days had caused blackout and disabled the entire state of Sabah. The thieves had removed the steel that holding the transmission tower and caused it to collapsed,resulted power failure to the state grid.These are among many cases faced by the Sabah Electricity Sdn.Bhd.(SESB) ,the state electric managing company.Blackouts aren't alien to the Sabahan.A stolen power cables in Lahad Datu sometime ago,caused blackouts for 3 days.

Excerpts from The Star

KOTA KINABALU: Metal thieves blacked out almost the entire state of Sabah on Monday – for a mere RM40.

It is believed they removed steel pieces from a 132kV transmission tower that led to its collapse, triggering a major power blackout lasting nearly six hours from 6.41pm and affecting 300,000 consumers.

Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd managing director Baharin Din told a press conference yesterday that 20 pieces of steel holding the tower at Suang Parai area here had been removed.

“They could probably get about RM40 in scrap value but they caused huge losses and inconvenience to the people of Sabah,” Baharin said adding that the tower cost RM400,000 to build. Economic losses caused by the six-hour blackout would be even bigger.

Baharin said the transmission line between Kayu Madang and Universiti Malaysia Sabah collapsed, leading to a domino effect, tripping all SESB and independent power plants connected to the various grids.

“We lost about 500MW of power and 90% of the state was affected,” he said adding that power was restored in stages from 7.15pm on Monday.

Full power was restored by 12.15am yesterday. A temporary tower is now being built with help from SESB's parent company Tenaga Nasional Berhad. A permanent one will take four months to complete.

“The situation is fragile as we are using an alternative underground 66kV cable to channel power from a generating plant here,” Baharin said, adding that the west coast of Sabah was providing much of the supply to the east coast areas, where their generation capacity was low due to old diesel-powered generators.

He said SSEB might implement load-shedding depending on the demand at peak times between 11am and noon and 3pm to 4pm.

On why there was no mechanism to stop the domino effect, Baharin said such a mechanism could only be done if there was excess power supply.

Some 83,000 consumers in Beaufort, Keningau, Tambunan, Tenom, Telupid and Ranau were not affected by the blackout as their supply was not connected to the grid.

SESB received a record 3,848 calls to its hotline number 15454 during the six-hour blackout.

Kota Kinabalu police chief Asst Comm Ahmad Sofi Zakaria said a full investigation was being carried out and they were also checking with scrap dealers to nab the culprits.

Pakatan Rakyat Rules!!!!!!!!

In the Star, the news was rife that Pakatan Rakyat (coalition of PKR,DAP and PAS) will take over the ruling mantle from the current government.Its de facto leader,Dato' Seri Anwar said that the changeover will take place on 16th September,the day Malaysia celebrate its formation.

Excerpts from The Star as follows


KOTA KINABALU: The Pakatan Rakyat is in a position to form the Federal Government and it will be done no later then Malaysia Day on Sept 16, according to Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Reiterating that the three-party alliance had the numbers and was in no rush to replace Barisan Nasional, the former deputy prime minister said it would all be in the timing of the announcement.

“God willing we will be there. If not next month, the following month, if not June or July, on Merdeka (Aug 31) or Malaysia Day. I think we should not exceed beyond that,” he told reporters on arrival in Sabah on Wednesday.

As to when exactly the announcement will be made, Anwar said that discussions with the Pakatan parties were needed because Umno and Barisan were known to be rough on those intending to move.

“They are using threats and intimidation. I am for example being monitored more closely now,” said Anwar, adding that he would not be discussing with those Barisan MPs interested to move while he was in Sabah and Sarawak.

He said he had his way of discussing with Barisan MPs who had given their commitment to team up with Pakatan.

“My talks could be done in Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong although it might sound like a joke,” added Anwar, who thanked the Barisan MPs for their commitment to crossover.

He said Pakatan was ready to take in political parties from Barisan if they subscribed to the opposition coalition's agenda for the country.

On Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman’s claim that all state leaders were loyal to Barisan, Anwar said:

“ He (Musa) must know that he does not have all the members he claims to hold now. If he wants to know, I can meet him privately and tell him.”

He said Sabah and Sarawak MPs were keeping the Barisan afloat but was saddened that they were not given the due recognition with Umno dictating terms from Kuala Lumpur.

Anwar said that he was not making offers of anymonetary or personal positions for anyone crossing over as claimed by Barisan but was here to assure PKR’s commitment to Sabahans in addressing issues ranging from higher royalty to problems of illegal immigrants.

Liverpool 1 - Chelsea 1

(From UEFA.com)

A headed own goal deep into added time by Liverpool FC substitute John Arne Riise rescued a draw for Chelsea FC after Dirk Kuyt's first-half opener had looked like giving the home team a significant advantage in their UEFA Champions League semi-final.

Awkward header
Riise, a 62nd-minute replacement for the injured Fábio Aurélio who has not scored for Liverpool all season, stooped low to try to clear Salomon Kalou's cross from the left, but his awkward header flew past Pepe Reina and into the top of the net – giving Chelsea an away goal they had virtually given up on getting. It could have been so different for Liverpool, had visiting goalkeeper Petr Čech not spectacularly tipped over a late Steven Gerrard drive before denying Fernando Torres seconds before the equaliser.

Cagey opening
Both sides were slow to start and the cagey, tactical match predicted by many appeared likely to materialise. Chelsea seemed to have the upper hand thanks to a slightly more measured passing game, until Rafael Benítez's men created the first real opening of the tie. Xabi Alonso's long and hopeful ball over the top of Chelsea's back line found Kuyt, who beat the offside trap but failed to control properly and a combination of Čech and Ricardo Carvalho cleared the danger.

No rhythm
Still, Liverpool frequently struggled to find their rhythm as the half wore on and possession of the ball looked to be a luxury commodity. Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard almost caught the five-time champions off guard with a dangerous crossfield pass which the well-placed Joe Cole, in two minds, was unable to get a true touch on. Torres was presented with an even better opportunity at the other end on 30 minutes after being released by Gerrard, yet the striker could only fire straight at Čech when clean in on goal.

Kuyt strikes
Liverpool's fears were eased by the first goal of the semi-final in the 43rd minute. Kuyt capitalised on confusion between Claude Makelele and Ashley Cole after Javier Mascherano's miscued shot was skied over their heads, keeping both his eye on the ball and his nerve to drive the ball past Čech at the Kop end. The Dutchman's strike had a huge galvanising effect on the home side and on the match in general as the tempo was markedly increased, especially just after the break when the Reds made several threats to move further in front.

Drogba struggles
Suddenly the likes of Alonso and Ryan Babel could find each other with incisive interchanges that were previously beyond them, and the home crowd turned up the volume again. With Didier Drogba looking an isolated figure up front for Chelsea as he chased in vain a succession of long balls pumped in his direction, a goal for Avram Grant's team seemed more likely to come from midfield. Michael Ballack and Lampard combined to set Florent Malouda free in the box, where Mascherano's last-ditch block kept his effort off target.

Different complexion
The visitors did, however, force the pace as the clock ticked down, although Liverpool might well have doubled their advantage as first Gerrard then Torres tested Čech. Had either of those chances gone in, next Wednesday's second leg would have taken on an altogether different complexion – as it did, to the Londoners' benefit, when Riise beat Reina.

Nickelodeon's International Tour, Dora the Explorer Live!

Nickelodeon, the world's only multi-platform brand dedicated exclusively to kids, announce the Asia Pacific Tour of"Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer Live! Dora's Pirate Adventure". After thrilling over 2.2 million people in America and Europe, Dora will voyage to the Philippines and Singapore, before heading down under to perform for fans in Australia and New Zealand.



Dora's Pirate Adventure!is based on the hit pre-school television series and global phenomenon,Dora the Explorer. Dora is a seven-year-old multi-lingual heroine, whose adventures take place in an imaginative, tropical world filled with jungles, beaches and rainforests. Dora explores her world just as pre-schoolers do. Both the TV and stage shows are designed with a variety of learning techniques emphasizing onNickelodeon's 'play-to-learn' philosophyby actively engaging kids to have fun and interact with Dora along the way.



Each step of their journey consists of a problem or puzzles that Dora must solve in order to move on to the next challenge. Dora invites kids to join her and shares different ways that they may help her to overcome obstacles and accomplish her goals. She actively engages kids by teaching them new words or phrases in English and a different language and then asks kids to use them to solve a problem and forge ahead.



InDora's Pirate Adventure!Dora, her best buddy Boots the Monkey, and the rest of their friends embark on an exciting trip to Treasure Island. For the first time ever, the family-friendly stage show will feature Dora's cousin, Diego– a nature and science expert. The audience will help them navigate over Music Mountain, through silly Singing Bridge and help them confront the Pirate Piggies. Along the way, the audience will use their map-reading, counting, musical and language skills to successfully help Dora reach the treasure. All ends happily onstage with a"yo-ho-ho!"



Prior to the current Asia tour,Dora the Explorer Live! Dora's Pirate Adventurehas performed throughout the US and Europe to sold out audiences.Dora the Explorer Live! Dora's Pirate Adventureis fully adapted to reflect local tastes and culture and to date, has featured casts playing to local audiences in Israel, France, Belgium and Holland.



Dora's Pirate Adventure! Live Showis based on the original direction byGip Hoppe, who first worked with Nickelodeon and Live Nation onBlue's Clues Live!andBlue's Clues Live!– Blue's Birthday Party, as well as the first Dora the Explorer live productionSearch for the City of Lost Toys. Hoppe wrote and directed the Broadway playJackie: An American Life. He is a founding member and co-artistic director of the Wellfleet Harbor Actor's Theatre. The production is designed by TONY-Award winners David Gallo (Scenic) and Gregg Barnes (Costumes).



CatchDora's Pirate Adventure TV Movie Specialon Nickelodeon Southeast Asia Channel1st May and 19th May 2008.



Design Dora's Pirate Flag Contest:Dora will also be inviting kids from the respective local countries, Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines to design a pirate flag for her live show. One winning entry in each country will be produced into a flag where it will be distributed to every kid who is attending the Dora's Pirate Adventure Live Show. Plus, every submission in each country will stand a chance towin tickets for fourto attend the Dora's Pirate Adventure Live Show.'Design Dora's Pirate Flag contest' is from 14th March to 13th April 2008.

(Excerpts from nicksplat.com)

Berbatov......For Sale!!!!

Rumours said that Dimitar Berbatov could leave Tottenham Hotspurs after EPL season is over. Newspaper reported that a discussion on renewing his contract has broken down.

The 27 year old striker and captain of the Bulgarian Football Team has two years left on his contract with Spurs. The desire to win games and trophies forced the Bulgarian not to renew his contract as it was reported.

It is unclear which clubs he will sign but he is keen on signing with any club that plays regularly in the Champions League. Manchester United and Chelsea already shows their interests in the former Bayer Leverkusen player. Several other European clubs also has also shown their interest in getting him.

Berbatov has played key role in helping Spurs to victory especially under Juan de Ramos and Martin Jol. Every Spurs fans will recalled the day he scored 4 goals in a game against Reading.His battling spirit is equal to Bulgarian Football legends like Hristo Stoickov,Emil Kostadinov,Iordan Letchkov,Krassimir Balakov and many more.No wonder he was the Bulgarian Footballer of the year for 2002,2004,2005 and 2007.This was proven we he scored 23 goals in his first EPL season.

Whichever teams he choose to play,definitely it will worth their money.This guy never stops until the referee blows his whistle!

Ooohhh....Ahhhhh...Ronaldo!!

No doubt that Cristiano Ronaldo is the new king of Old Trafford. The boy from Madeira was so hot this season that he had scored 28 goals in the Premier League,six more that close rival,Fernando Torres of Liverpool.

The wonder kid was the key success factor to Manchester United this season and has helped the club reaching the semi final of the European Champions League competition.The team currently at the top of the table and most likely to win the Premier League.

Below are the interesting facts about Cristiano Ronaldo

1) His full name is Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro.

2) He was named after Ronald Reagan,US President.

3) He started his career with Andorinha,an amateur football team at the age of 8.

4) He later joined Sporting Lisbon and make history as the only player to play for different team in a season. (He played for the club's U16,U17,U18,B and senior team).

5) He was spotted by Sir Alex after a friendly match in which United lost 1-3. Ironically, Ronaldo scored one of the goals.

6) He was signed 12 million pounds as potential replacement for David Beckham.

7) Ronaldo can play both as a winger or a striker.

8) He can play with both feet,an asset which enables him to switch position (left-right) occasionally.

9) He wore the number 7 jersey,traditionally worn by United legends like George Best,Bryan Robson,Eric Cantona and David Beckham.

10) He initially asked for number 28,but was urged to wear number 7 by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

What's new for Malaysian Civil Servants?

The demands from Malaysian Civil Servants has been heard by the Federal Government.As a result,four out of five demands was agreed by PM after a meeting Cuepacs,the umbrella body for civil and public service staff.

The demands

1) The extension of retirement's age from the current 56 to 60 years,

2) The reinstatement of critical and housing allowances,

3) Pension payment to be based on actual years of service,

4) To scrap the Penilaian Tahap Kecekapan (PTK) exam.

was basically agreed and excepted by the government. However,the demand for an honorarium of RM2,000 was disagreed as the government wanted to prevent snowball effect on prices of good.

Last year the government has reviewed and increased the salary of its staff.But the initiative meant nothing as certain parties took advantage of it by increasing the prices of their goods.Looking at a bigger picture,the price increase not only affecting the civil servants but the public as well.

Although many will accept the government initiative with open arms,but does it really matters to the majority of the public?

After salary revision last year,Cuepacs had urged their members to repay by giving back to the society.This will meant increasing the quality of services to achieve total public satisfaction.

Personally, I think the level of services by our civil servants still not to the expected level yet.So often,we heard or read grouses from the public especially about the service and treatment the received.

Let's hope that the government move will change the attitude of few non-performing civil servants.

For those who well perform - keep up the good work and thank you very much!

Blogging For Dummies! Message for UMNO Youth.

UMNO or the United Malays National Organization, Malaysia's leading Malay political party has set up new rules. All candidates vying for the party's youth wing top post are required to set up their own blog.The reason - to introduce themselves and their plans before the party election coming December.

Blog has become popular especially in the local political scene because its impact was great especially during the March 2008 election in which the ruling party lost many of its seats.This was totally contrary where in the past, party politicians have accused bloggers of spreading lies and rumors. Many of Malaysia's blogs contain critical commentary on the government.

Looking on a different perspective, the ruling can give many opportunities. Firstly,Amazon.com or maybe bookstores like Borders,MPH,Popular or even Hussein Book Stores sales will go up especially books on blogging.By setting up blogs hopefully will create jobs to school leavers,unemployed graduates or even homemakers - if the politicians too lazy or don't have much time to blog,engage their service.It is also hope that by following this rule,the IT literacy especially among politicians will increase.

The problem is we hope that while the ruling gives many benefits,it is not miss used.Let's hope that politicians not using their blogs to lash other politicians.Let's also hope that the money allocate to them for buying computers - being use the right way!

Man U...Won! Again ??????

Manchester United has done it again! This time they beat Arsenal 2-1 on Sunday clash at Old Trafford.The Gunners took the lead from Emmanuel Adebayor's goal after the score was tied 0-0 at first half.
It was very exciting game that few minutes later,Man Utd got the chance through Christiano Ronaldo.Scoringfrom the penalty spot,it was Ronaldo's 38th of the season.Sure bet that he was the top scorer this season.The roar greeting the equaliser was deafening, as if the reality of what was at stake in this even contest had suddenly grabbed the home fans by their vocal chords.
Double changes made by Sir Alex at 55th minute was to show that he meant business.Park and Scholes was replaced byTevez and Anderson,the season's signings to add more fire power to United's attack.Tevez proved that he still hungry for goals though he scored in Champions League 2nd Leg Quarter Final game against AS Roma.Immediately afterhe tried just to see that his effort past the post.
But it was former Bayern Munich player Hargreaves who got the postgame plaudits with a shot that was struck so well that it left Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, Germany's No. 1, frozen and helpless on his line.Hargreaves' goal, which curled just inside the left post, came 18 minutes from the end,left Arsenal fans speechless.That goal not only the second goal of the game or barely 18 minutes before time but mathematically ending Arsenalchances of winning this season's premiership.
This was the second time Greavesie produces something special.In the AS Roma game,he was the provider to Tevez headerthat sealed their chances in the Champions League.
The win gave Man U an edge over other Premiership title chasers.The only Premier League team that now has a chance of catching Manchester United is second-place Chelsea, which needs to defeat Wigan on Monday to close to within three points of United.Unless Chelsea or Manchester United slips up before then, the title probably will be decided April 26 when United visits Stamford Bridge.Even a Chelsea victory that day might not be enough, however, because of the far superior goal difference free-flowing Manchester United has piled up.

Ara....Who???

Hi!My name is Aramaite.Young thirties urban male from South East Asia.This is my first blog.Yeah...!I just started.Kinda late is it?Well,you can say what you want as I can't stop you.After all,we're all free living thing on this tiny planet call earth.We're free to do what we like,free to roam,to work,to talk,to eat,to socialise well basically free to do anything or everything.

As this is my first blog,I choose to express the worlds around me.Yupp! Lots of things happen everyday.There are things that made us laugh,cry,angry,sad,dissapointed and thousands other feelings.That's why I called my blog Three Sixty.Hopefully,I'm sensitive enough to touch everything that happen around me everyday.

I welcome any comments or inputs from anyone or anybody.As I said before,we live in a free world,therefore you're free to speak or express yourself as long as you're not hurting the feeling of others.

Cherrio!