Conjunction Junction

Grammar Rock Verb

Grammar Rock Adverb

Grammar Rock Adjective

Mad Tv - Public School House Rock - Nouns

Life

SUSANA WERNER
Talking of the WAG whose charismatic presence and fanciful dress sense has been most memorable at a World Cup, none could beat the former girlfriend of legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo - il fenomeno. Back in France 1998, when Ronaldo was on top of his career and his Brazil national team was packed with the high-voltage talents that earned the squad the top post on all polls, Werner was all spectacle on the Zamba front of the stand. Unlike the English Wags who usually clad themselves in super brands and look prim and proper snuggling their Hermes Birkin, Susana brought into Stade de France (and whatever stadium Brazil played in) the Carnival spirit of Rio de Janeiro, summed up in her fancy outfits steeped in the duo palette of Brazil's green and yellow as well as a tone of sparkling gold. Brazil lost to the host team in the final, but Susana had already won the hearts of the press, photographers and public alike.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Werner is of German descent. A model by profession, she is also a skilled football player and a true fan of the sport, even competing in the official championship of Rio for Fluminense. The blonde bombshell made the headlines when she struck romance with World No.1 striker Ronaldo in 1997. Her vibrant appearance at France 1998 earned as much coverage as the rumoured injury and stress of her partner. Photos were taken before all matches and she was captured in the stands from time to time.

The pair broke up in early 1999 and even though her ex may already be something of the past for the Zamba squad, Werner isn't. The Brazilian beauty is married to current goalkeeper Julio Cesar, keeping intact her status as the No.1 team WAG in one of the world's strongest national squads ever.

Entertainment

In Thailand "pretty" has become a common word used in both Thai and English language sentences to refer to top models that manufacturers and companies employ to boost the profile of their products at motor shows and events.

But according to the girls, being a "pretty" is not all about good looks.

Brains and beauty
Kanokkarn Tempithak, 23, is a pretty for one of Europe's most respected automobile marques. She first started work as a pretty when she was an intern for an event-organising agent.

One day, Kanokkarn said, a pretty didn't show up for the launch of a clothing range. Being 177cm and having a lovely figure, Kanokkarn was asked to take her place, and she has never looked back.

Since then, she has worked at numerous events, including many motor shows.


However, keeping her eye on the future, Kanokkarn is also studying at the Royal Sky Aviation Center.

"I would like to be a pilot and follow my grandfather and father's footsteps," said Kanokkarn, who graduated with first class honours from Mahidol University. With her degree in Thai, Kanokkarn also serves as a motor event MC.

"To tell you the truth, I prefer being an MC to a pretty because I have a chance to apply what I've been studying for the job," she said.


Kanokkarn Tempithak
A challenging task
Landing a role as a pretty for motor shows can be tough, according to Kanokkarn. Thousands of beautiful women attend castings to strut their stuff and hopefully win over the judges.

The girls are chosen for their beauty, physique and personality.

"For a run-of-the-mill event, I just send my photos to the organisers for their consideration. But for something like an annual motor show, we are cast about three to four times, by the organisers, a group of judges and finally an executive team from the brand owner," Kanokkarn said.

"With a cast of thousands, only eight to 10 girls are chosen to take part in the event," she added.

Of the three criteria, Kanokkarn believes personality is the most important.

"We must be outgoing and friendly as we have to interact with so many people," she said. "However, being photogenic does go a long way."


Looking like a million dollars
Motor expos and shows are popular with pretties because they usually run over 14 days straight.

"If I'm chosen to work for a big event, it means that I will get a lump sum when it finishes," she said. "It also boosts your profile and generates more work in the future."

Working as a pretty for a motor show, Kanokkarn earns a minimum of 2,000 baht a day for an eight-hour day. That can double if she is hired by a big auto company. And as an MC, she can earn about 4,000 baht a day.

At a motor show, Kanokkarn will pose with cars for photographs, introduce cars to audiences and entertain visitors.

Kanokkarn admits most people think pretties are highly paid for doing little. But this career is a short-lived one with most models peaking in their mid-20s.

"A pretty car girl aged over 30 is rare. She must be very special. Most of us are in the job for just a few years," she said.


Paying attention to detail
Before taking on a job, Kanokkarn is careful about her employer's conditions. Her major concern is to ensure this sideline doesn't interrupt her study.

Clothes provided by organisers are also a big worry for her. She won't wear sexy costumes because she doesn't want to look like someone from a girlie magazine.

"Before casting and signing a contract, I have to check with the organiser on the concept of clothes. I just say no to sexy clothes even if the money offered is high. My parents would not accept it for sure," she said.

Preeyaporn Seadpaisong was an amateur fashion model. She decided to become a pretty event girl because it provides her with a good chance to experience life.


Preeyaporn Seadpaisong
"There are a constant stream of events so I can get good rewards," said Preeyaporn, a political science student at Ramkhamhaeng University.

One of the highlights, she said, is being chosen as a pretty for a leading motor show.

"I think that the majority of pretties dream about becoming a car girl. This is because we are the centre of attention.

"Visitors gravitate to us. And it is great fun posing beside elegant and luxurious cars."

At 177cm, Preeyaporn has attracted a great deal of attention from organisers. But beauty and a good figure are not enough for her to be successful.

"First impressions are very important when we are dealing with people," she said.

For her, she believes that punctuality can create a favourable impression. Being friendly and reasonable are her tricks of the trade. In addition, she is not fussy about the clothes organisers provide. And she doesn't argue if the payment is just the standard rate.

"I allow myself to be different and stand out. I always prove my worth. Then I can be a preferred choice for a job. Often, I get many repeat jobs from organisers. I have no need to go for casting."

A versatile girl
Preeyaporn understands that beauty fades so she has always improved herself in different areas. She has diversified into related activities and can now host a news conference or MC a grand opening or launch.

Preeyaporn believes excellent communication skills are required along with spontaneity and resourcefulness.

"I've faced some difficult situations. Once, when a star was late for an event, I had to find a way to keep the audience focused. I was nervous at the beginning. Over time, experience has helped me better handle such situations."

Careful financial management
Although Preeyaporn has some useful skills, she is entirely lacking in financial management. So she has turned to her mother to help manage her income and savings.

Each month, Preeyaporn has about 10 jobs on average - earning in the region of about 50,000 baht.

"Being a pretty is a money-spinner. And I don't have to work every day. Unfortunately I'm a spendthrift, so my mother keeps all the money and gives me what I need," said Preeyaporn.

Creating a connection with people
Being a pretty has afforded Preeyaporn great experiences, but it is not a secure profession. The job allows her to meet different people in different fields and she has built up a good network of connections.

"I was asked by many companies to join them but I haven't made up my mind yet. I enjoy what I'm doing now. I think it will not be difficult for me to find a good permanent job after quitting this job," she said.

Being a pretty allows her to practise different skills and exercise responsibility and patience, she said.

On the negative side, most people think that being a pretty is long on looks but short on brains.

"Well, we cannot change the way people think. I just ignore it and do my best," Preeyaporn said.

Also, she feels men sometimes do not treat her with the proper respect.

"When I am hit on by men I dislike, I still have to control my feelings and keep smiling, talk to them nicely and politely - that's what I'm expected to do," she said.

Business

Travel agents have joined airlines in hammering the International Air Transportation's global payment system in the wake of 550-million-baht fraud involving the industry body's Bangkok office.

The International Air Ticket Agency Association (ITA), which represents about a third of the 300 agents in Thailand, asked IATA to stop threatening to remove them from the system that allows them to sell tickets.

The ITA, whose members accounted for 60-65% of the 30 billion baht in ticket sales channelled through IATA's billing and settlement plan (BSP) last year, has also called on IATA to stop blaming agents for the fraud.

"All these problems stem from the system under IATA's supervision, so IATA needs to be held responsible for the damages that occurred," ITA secretary-general Surasak Bunyanankij said.

"IATA should not put the blame on other parties involved [or] issue letters to intimidate agents."

Eighty-four carriers were affected by the fraud involving the global system that collects money from travel agents on behalf of airlines. They say the IATA system lacks transparency and efficiency.

The defrauded 550 million baht came from amounts due by certain agents in Thailand from January 2005 to August 2009 that were not received by IATA's Bangkok clearing house.

Shortly after an investigation was launched into the Bangkok office last August, the IATA employee who was suspected of having committed the crime was found dead. Police are still investigating the death.

IATA said the fraud, which involved counterfeiting bank statements, falsifying bank account reconciliations and destroying transaction records, was unprecedented.

Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways were among the hardest-hit carriers with bills of 150 million and 55 million respectively. They were outraged by IATA's statement that they are contractually bound to cover the stolen funds.

The IATA Bangkok office has demanded travel agents show payment records dating back several years to aid its investigation. If they do not hand over the information soon they will be barred from the system, it said.

Mr Surasak of the ITA said there was a lack of communication between IATA's Bangkok office and agents.

"They hardly talked to us but always remind us in writing what we need to follow under the established rules," he said. "Yet they never made clear how they work. They have transparency problems. They are just indifferent to agents."

Aleksander Popovich, IATA's senior vice-president for industry distribution and financial services, said the association had demanded proof from agents that payments were made because IATA's auditors identified certain gaps in the BSP's account history.

"Agents unable to provide proof are placed in default and bank guarantees are presented for encashment," he said.

He said IATA was pursuing all available options to recover losses, part of which would come from the insurance that provides US$4 million for criminal acts - less than a third of the defrauded amount. Mr Popovich said airlines may get "around 40%-plus" of their money back from the fraud.

travel

For almost 150 years, the famed Phu Khao Thong, or the Golden Mountain at Wat Sa Ket Ratchaworamahavihan, has been a landmark in the historical part of Bangkok.


The Golden Mount shines again after its restoration.
The large golden chedi is 79 metres high. Resplendent in gold, it is an architectural landmark in the historical area.

The construction of this chedi, one of Bangkok's most photographed icons, began during the reign of King Rama III and was completed during the reign of King Rama V of the Rattanakosin era.

Construction of the gigantic chedi took about 50 years, said Phra Thamsitthinayok, who is an assistant abbot of Wat Sa Ket.

When the large chedi was completed, Lord Buddha relics which came from the city of Kabilpat in India were installed at the top of the chedi.

The chedi has now been standing at Wat Sa Ket for more than 145 years. It has gone through five renovations. The last renovation involved a year-old repainting of the chedi from March 2008 to March 2009. The paint renovation has brought back the chedi's bright golden colour.

''I feel proud that Thais still recognise the value of this architectural heritage. Without doubt, it is a national showcase for foreign visitors,'' said Thitiyaphorn Traimongkhoncharoen, a 24-year-old lawyer.

Jesda Thoduang, a student who visited the Golden Mount with friends, said he heard about the renovation of the Golden Mount on the internet and decided to see the place for himself.

He was happy with the Golden Mount's fresher look, said Mr Jesda.


Wat Sa Ket Ratchaworamahavihan is viewed from another angle.
Wiphawee Sathitphanwecha, a young business woman, hailed the renovation, saying it was a tremendous effort to conserve the national treasure and a necessary fight against nature's wear and tear.

The Golden Mount is also a place where important traditional Buddhist activities are held. Maintaining the chedi also helps preserve the religious events which bind people together, she said.

Jatuphat Tangkaravakoon, who is the managing director of TOA Paint which co-sponsored the renovation, said the work was a collaboration between his company and the Fine Arts Department, Wat Sa Ket and people in the neighbourhood of the temple.

Under the project which restored the chedi, TOA Paint works with its partners and paint experts on the renovation of important historical sites in Bangkok, said Mr Jatuphat.

The Golden Mount is the second historical site that has been renovated under the project.


Bells line the base of thetemple leadingup to the golden chedi.
Assoc Prof Piyanan Prasarnratchakit, an adviser to the paint design team on the project, said the team studied details of the Golden Mount before designing paint colours for the chedi.

The team established four priorities for its work.

First, the colours and lighting of the chedi must inspire people's faith in the sacredness of the chedi and the Lord Buddha's relics at the top of the chedi.

Second, the external paints must be durable.

Third, the paint should blend well with the overall atmosphere of the neighbourhood around the temple.

The fourth factor is the beauty of the chedi itself.

The restoration team discovered the chedi had cracked in areas covered by grime and mildew which took away the surface sheen.

sports

Paul Pierce scored 27 points and Kevin Garnett had 18 with 10 rebounds as Boston beat Los Angeles 92-86 to put the reigning champion Lakers on the brink of elimination in the NBA finals.


Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics draws contact as he drives against Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers. Pierce scored 27 points and Kevin Garnett had 18 with 10 rebounds as Boston beat Los Angeles 92-86 Sunday to put the reigning champion Lakers on the brink of elimination in the NBA finals.
Rajon Rondo had 18 points and eight assists for the Celtics, who defended their home court Sunday for the second straight game to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.

Pierce shot 12-of-21 from the field as Boston put on a shooting clinic in front of a crowd of 18,624, hitting 56.3 percent from the field to move within one victory of capturing their second championship in three years.

"This is a tough mental group," Pierce said. "As the series goes on we are finding things we can do.

"We have been one of best road teams all year and we are too close to our goal. We got to get one (more win). We got to get one."

The series now shifts back to California, where the Celtics will try to win their NBA-leading 18th title in franchise history with a win in game six Tuesday at Staples Center arena. A game seven would also be in Los Angeles.

Kobe Bryant did his best to rally the troops, scoring 19 of his game high 38 points in the third quarter for the Lakers who became the first team in the series to lose two games in a row.

Spain's Pau Gasol finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Lakers, who are not only vying for back-to-back titles but seeking a measure of revenge after losing to the Celtics in the finals two years ago.

Bryant didn't get much help from his teammates as the Lakers shot just 39.7 percent from the field.

Jackson seemed convinced the Celtics would fold down the stretch, telling his players during a fourth quarter timeout to not give up hope.

"This team has lost more games in fourth than any other team in the NBA," Jackson said in the huddle. "They know how to lose in the fourth and they are showing us that right now."

Unfortunately for Jackson and the Lakers, Boston had already set the tone early. The Celtics came out quickly at their Garden arena, scoring the opening six points of the game before taking a 22-20 lead at the end of the first.

Pierce scored eight points in the first quarter and continued his hot hand in the second with seven more. The Celtics bench, that was so crucial in game four, also chipped in Sunday as the Celtics built a six point lead at the half, 45-39.

The Lakers seemed to have no answer for Los Angeles native Pierce, who boldly predicted last week that the series would end early and the teams wouldn't be heading back to the west coast for a game six.

While his prediction didn't come true, Pierce did his best to make sure his Celtics at least went back to LA with a series lead.

"We knew Kobe would come out aggresive and we did a good job of making him make tough shots," Pierce said.

Game four was the most physical contest in the series and some of that aggression carried over to game five. Late in the second quarter Rondo was slapped with a technical foul for giving Laker Ron Artest a one-arm shove under the Lakers basket that made Artest wobble.

Rondo was upset because he felt Artest had been too aggressive in stopping teammate Garnett on a drive just seconds earlier.

Artest, like many of his teammates, had a disappointing game shooting just four-of-14 from the field and sinking just one of four three throws.