Due to our time difference, we in this part of Asia, have just welcomed 2008. Wishing everyone A Happy New Year! I hope it's a smashing one!

No more resolutions for me. Infact, I've renounced the ritual for the past few years.

I don't see any point in making resolutions, where I am heedful it shall not be fullfilled until year ends. So, why waste time?

But, for this year, I shall still try to fomulate a list. But it shall not be pegged as 'New Year Resolutions'. I shall call it 'New Year Targets'...or...'New Year Milestones'...or...'New Year Objectives'.

It may sounds too work-oriented, but I tend to take things seriously if it seems like datelines. So, this will be my little experimental project for next year and let's see if this works.

Happy New Year to you peeps!

Channelnewsasia, 27 December 2007

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan : Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a suicide attack on Thursday, just two months after the former premier returned from exile for a political comeback.

Bhutto, a two-time former prime minister, had just addressed a campaign rally for next month's parliamentary elections when a suicide bomber blew himself up outside the venue, killing her and at least 10 other people.

There were unconfirmed reports that the attacker had also opened fire on her with a weapon before the explosion.

"It may have been pellets packed into the suicide bomber's vest that hit her," interior ministry spokesman Javed Cheema told AFP.

It was the second suicide attack at a Bhutto event since she had returned from exile in October, aiming to contest the elections, and comes amid an unprecedented wave of violence in the country.

The deadliest terror attack in Pakistan's history targeted her homecoming rally just hours after her return, leaving 139 people dead.

After that attack, authorities repeatedly warned her they had information that Islamic militants were trying to killer her.

Government officials said President Pervez Musharraf had been privately told of her death.

The killing will deepen the political crisis in Pakistan, where Islamic militants have vowed to disrupt the vote and Musharraf's opponents - including Bhutto - accused him of planning to rig the result.

There have been more than 40 suicide attacks in Pakistan this year that have left at least 770 people dead.

Bhutto, educated at Oxford and Harvard, became the first female prime minister of a Muslim country when she took the helm in Pakistan in 1988. Her father, also a Pakistani prime minister, was hanged by the military in 1979 after being ousted from power.

Recalling how she stood at his grave, Bhutto once wrote: "At that moment I pledged to myself that I would not rest until democracy had returned to Pakistan."

She had repeatedly accused President Musharraf of being dictator and had been campaigning with fierce criticisms of what she said was his autocratic rule, vowing her Pakistan People's Party would deliver democracy.

Her killing was immediately condemned by the United States, which counts Pakistan as a pivotal ally in the US-led "war on terror". - AFP/ac/de

Source : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/319436/1/.html

         vs             

Today's game will definitely be THE MATCH worth waiting for.

With 4 clubs racing for the title chase, it certainly has add more excitement towards the end.

After a trashing Marseille 4-0, Liverpool is at its peak and should have no doubt bagging 3 more points after tonite.

Looking at the home advantage, it'll not be easy for the Red Devils to beat the Mighty Reds for now!

My prediction, Liverpool 2 Man Utd 1.

Is 2008 to be better than 2007?

In less than a month, we shall wave goodbye to 2007 and welcome the new year 2008.

But how do you think it will fair? Will the forecast of 2008 is expected to be much better? Judging at statistic reports from the media, 2007 has hit numerous unexpected growth. The Singapore's economy bloomed further up to 8%. The unemployment rate were down to the lowest 1.7% in the past 10 years. Increased in wages and bonuses, higher value in property markets with a higher returns...etc..etc.

But are all these just political ploys in the numbering game to attract new investors and secure the existing ones? Does that proof we are better than others in the region?

Looking at the current world affairs, the madnest rise of oil price, the drastic increased in our daily domestic spending, the inflation reaching 7%, it certaintly holds back my positive expectation for the rest of next year. I would certainly be more cautious stepping into 2008. Infact, it will be the most crucial period to monitor and to be prepared for the worse.

I could vaguely remembered 1986 was the year Singapore hit the economic crisis. In 1997, the Asian region squandered into Asian financial turmoil. After we've enjoyed a splurgging economy 2 years before, things turned out unexpectedly. It crippled many start-ups, enterprises and the number of job loses grew. The painful time has seem gone but never to be forgotten.

Not sure if it's just coincidence, crisis periods came after the 10th year. Let's add 11 years to 1986. It has been 1997, isn't it? Then add another 11 years to that. Will it not be the year 2008? So, Will there be another economic downturn very soon? And everytime a crisis happens, it will always be more severe and painful.

Recent events around the world have signaled that 2008 is never going to be the same. The US credit and mortgaged woes, the weaker greenbacks, high crude oil prices, are factors that could disrupt the world's economy. What more, some of the world's political icons have changed and this will mark a major shift at the world stage. To make matters worse, the brimming war against Iran if, the US decides to make aggression. That will certainly pull the world to sub zero!

Personally, I shall not indulge into making major financial commitments at the moment. I believe, the next 2 years (2008-2009) will be a testing time. If we could survive after 2009, then I'll make another prediction.

Nevertheless, in every crisis, there will always be new opportunities.

Wishing you guys A Happy New Year in advance.

Got the chance to catch the movie Golden Compass a while ago.

If you are fans of Harry Porter, Lord of The Rings or maybe Star Wars, this fantasy epic may have some analogy.

The storyline is pretty average, where you can predict what comes after next. I'm not sure if it's appropriate for kids below 13 of age due to some violent scenes and loud sound effects. It's ironic to see parents tagging their children along. Maybe, the movie 'Enchanted' will be far more suitable for them.

The best scene of all, is the furious fight between the 2 armoured bears, Iorek & Ragnar. You gotta watch that! It was a 'jaw-breaker'...and I really mean A JAW-BREAKER!

The Daemons animations were awesome! You can't tell the difference.

The ending was quite abrupt and it leaves you hanging. From how the story goes, definitely there will be another sequel.

Lyra (Dakota Blue Richards) stole my heart! Iorek Byrnison (The giant armoured bear) is definitely the real hero in the picture. I'm totally bewitched!

I'm not going to elaborate much, so not to spoil your excitement. You'll be more comprehend if you read up the sypnosis first and learn the language of it before viewing. If you have enjoyed the books, then chances you'll enjoy the movie more.

Go to http://www.goldencompassmovie.com/

I'm giving 4 out of 5 rating. Commendable.

Happy watching, guys!

ps : To the guys from SKM, thank you for the movie tickets. :-)