United fans vow war against Glazer LONDON, May 12 (Reuters) - Manchester United fans promised a war of attrition against Malcolm Glazer after the American tycoon took control of the world's richest football club. Glazer: The would be United owner hung in effigy. (NealSimpson/Empics) Supporters' groups, whose vociferous opposition helped prevent a 1999 takeover by satellite television company BSkyB, called a demonstration on Thursday at Old Trafford, home of the most famous club in British football, to voice their disgust. Fans say Glazer has no knowledge of the football side of the club and is interested purely in its brand, rivalled only by Real Madrid, and revenues. They fear his £790million offer will saddle United with heavy debts, forcing up ticket prices and diverting funds which could be used to improve the team which finished a disappointing third this season. United fans had planned to boycott last Saturday's home match against West Bromwich Albion to protest against Glazer's takeover moves before calling it off 24 hours before the game because they feared the boycott would fall flat. 'He's got himself an extremely tainted asset - this is by no means over,' said Oliver Houston of Shareholders United. 'Even if Mr Glazer succeeds in getting all-out control, the campaign by fans to show that no customers equals no profits will continue. 'If that means starving ourselves, and starving the club of income, in order to make this parasite detach himself from us, then so be it,' Houston told SkySports News. Stockmarket analysts believe that there is little anti-Glazer supporters, whose shareholding in the club is estimated at around 20 percent, can do to prevent the takeover if city institutions decide 300 pence a share is a fair price. However, the fans are emboldened by the memories of the takeover attempt by Australian-born American Rupert Murdoch whose one billion dollar bid was accepted by United's board. After a vociferous campaign by fans, the bid was turned down by British anti-monopolies officials who said it would not have been in the public interest because it might have reduced competition for Premier League broadcasting rights. 'It (a takeover) is never inevitable and I urge all other shareholders not to sell,' said Mark Longden, spokesman for the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association (IMUSA). 'There are far more opposed to the Glazer bid than when Murdoch tried to take over because people are more politically aware. The fight goes on until we are FC United.' United has won the European Cup twice, the league title 15 times and been the dominant side in England for the past decade under manager Alex Ferguson, who has been in charge since 1986. The 1958 Munich air crash, which decimated the team, increased the club's mystique as did players like Bobby Charlton, George Best, Denis Law and, more recently, Frenchman Eric Cantona and England captain David Beckham, now with Real Madrid. Old Trafford is the biggest club ground in England, holding 68,000. United want to increase this to almost 76,000 which will still not be big enough to contain the number of fans from all over the world who want to watch the Red Devils. GLOBAL BASE United estimate their global fan base at more than 75 million, including 40 million in Asia and just 4.6 million in the Americas where Glazer, owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers American football team, has marketing expertise. 'We've got members in over 85 countries around the world, this is not just about people who are going week-in, week-out,' said Houston. 'This is about the television audiences, Manchester United's tie-up with sponsors - people are not going to want to be associated with a Malcolm Glazer-owned Manchester United.' Glazer's bid comes at an awkward time for the club and their frustrated fans. United has been eclipsed by Chelsea, owned and funded by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, this season and has now gone two years without winning the English title, unknown since the early '90s. The feelings of the fans will have the perfect setting at the FA Cup final, one of English sport's great annual occasions, on May 21 in Cardiff where United will play arch-rivals Arsenal. Supporters' websites are already calling on fans to burn their letters from the club about 2005/06 season tickets. 'If he takes over there's no way I'll set foot in the ground ever again and a lot of people think that,' said Longden. 'When the call goes up 'Stand up if we're not for sale' 90 percent are against it.'

Takeover near as Glazer buys Irish stake Manchester United have been plunged into turmoil as Malcolm Glazer's £790million takeover dream moved within touching distance of becoming reality. Man United fans make their feelings known. (NealSimpson/Empics) The American effectively seized control with the shock confirmation that John Magnier and JP McManus had accepted Glazer's £3 per share offer and sold their 28.9% stake. Even as United supporters arrived at Old Trafford in their droves to protest at Glazer's involvement, news filtered through that another key shareholder Harry Dobson had opted to cash in his 6% stake. It is now thought Glazer has netted more than 112 million shares in the club, taking his own personal stake to 70%. A clause in the original proposals, which forced Glazer to secure 75% of the club's shares in order for JP Morgan to fund a bid has now been scrapped, leaving the 78-year-old free to garner the remainder at will. And though he will not formally lodge his bid until tomorrow morning, it is now inevitable he will get total control. Some of the more militant United fans were accepting the battle for ownership is almost over. The renewed threat of a breakaway club has already been raised, while other strategies, such as a boycott of season tickets and club merchandise are sure to be on the horizon. Of more immediate interest is the reaction of the United board, who were locked in meetings at Old Trafford, refusing to make any public statement on the latest development. Given they have previously described Glazer's proposals as 'aggressive' and 'potentially damaging', it is difficult to see how they can be any part of an American buy-out, with chief executive David Gill and chairman Sir Roy Gardner looking particularly vulnerable. The position of Sir Alex Ferguson will also need to be clarified as a matter of utmost urgency. It has previously been suggested by the Glazer camp that Ferguson is seen as an essential component in any deal and the Scot is expected to receive a £25million transfer `war chest' should he extend his 18 year stay with the Red Devils. That is far from certain however. Ferguson has previously spoken out against any attempt to delist the club from the Stock Market and at 63, the most successful manager English football has ever known may decide he does not want to be part of the Glazer revolution. While the loss of Gill, and his vast depth of knowledge of the United operation, would be a blow, Ferguson's departure would be a PR catastrophe for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner. Already, major question marks have been raised as to how Glazer will squeeze greater profits from the Old Trafford machine than it currently generates. It is estimated Glazer has had to borrow in excess of £300million to seal the deal, so he will need far more than the vastly-reduced £12.4million half-year profits announced in March. United's second successive third place Premiership finish has already ensured there will be no major increase in Champions League income next season, so attention will turn to the current Premier League TV contract. It is widely acknowledged that United - with their vast army of global supporters - could make far more by pursuing their own TV deals. However, this could only be done through legal channels as the Old Trafford club are currently bound by Premier League rules, which require a two-thirds majority to change. Documents will be released to the remaining shareholders at some point next week, detailing Glazer's £3 per share offer, although it is not thought, as yet, either Malcolm, or sons Joel and Avi, have any immediate plans to head to the United Kingdom. Predictably, the major fans' groups who have campaigned so extensively against Glazer are aghast at today's news, with the blame being pinned on Magnier and McManus, who it had been reported would not sell at the price offered. Around 1,000 United fans had descended on Old Trafford by 6pm, and Shareholders United vice-chairman Oliver Houston said: 'We feel completely betrayed by John Magnier and JP McManus. 'They said they were long term investors but they have taken the 30 pieces of silver offered by Malcolm Glazer. 'But we will not give up the fight just yet. There will be no shaking of the hands on this one. 'We warned Glazer a long time ago that no customers means no profit and he is about to see how much strength supporters at this club do have.' Jules Spencer, chairman of the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association, added: 'If this is to be the end then we will go down kicking and screaming. 'And if he (Glazer) does get control then we will do what we said, which is up sticks and form a new club which will continue the traditions and heritage and the legacy of 125 years of Manchester United. 'We don't want Malcolm Glazer, we want a club run for the fans - and that is what we will do.' Chanting supporters carried banners declaring the club 'Not for Sale' and burned effigies of the American billionaire outside Old Trafford tonight - and Greater Manchester Police said a number of fans were arrested tonight. A force spokesman said: 'There have been some arrests for public order offences. 'The protest has been fairly peaceful but the group were warned under the Public Order Act to move on and clear the site. 'We do not want them there and a number of arrests have been made.' Sports minister Richard Caborn tonight said: 'Who owns Manchester United is a commercial decision but of course anyone seeking to buy the club would be foolish not to take account of the views of the fans. 'I hope Mr Glazer sets up constructive discussions with the club, its supporters and employees, as well as the footballing authorities, as soon as possible. 'It is important that the club continues to play its central role in English football in the years to come.'

An interesting article..nomads what do you think on this issue? Steve Pope Friday March 11, 2005 The Guardian Sol Campbell, Thierry Henry, Kofi Annan, Trevor McDonald, Frank Bruno, David Lammy MP. Why is it that prominent black men so often choose white partners? Some will balk at the question - and of course, who a person finds attractive is entirely a matter for them. But while that is true on an individual basis, when you look at the bigger picture the question is valid: for while most men choose a partner of the same race or cultural background, black men are much more likely to marry a different-race partner, and in most cases a white one. Article continues According to the most recent National Survey of Ethnic Minorities, half of Caribbean-origin men had a white partner, and 40% of Caribbean origin children had one white parent. In contrast, 80% of Asian men had same-race partners. "For most of us, the mixing of races is the inevitable result of socialising in big cities," says the writer Sophie Radice. True. In fact, white female fascination with black men, and vice versa, is as old as slavery and stereotypes of the black male libido. But what is happening now is not the result of random, individual choice but a manifestation of a rejection of black women. Sure, you hear all the cliche rhetoric about "I don't see colour" or "love is colour-blind", but not even the person saying it believes a word of it. The unfortunate bottom line is that most of these "brothers" think their sistas are an inferior product. What makes the situation galling is that rather than accept that's how they see things, the men try and come up with a thousand reasons why black women are their own worst enemies. When black journalist David Matthews explained in an Evening Standard column why he dated only white women, predictably it wasn't because he thought white women were "better". It was simply that black women had so much "wrong" with them. Dr Grace Cornish, psychologist and author of 10 Good Choices That Empower Black Women's Lives, knows the reason for the self-denial. "A lot of black men struggle to reach a certain level, and they never feel they have reached the level of their white counterparts," she says. "They feel they need a white woman as part of that lifestyle. These are the ones who have a backlash against black women. They have not dealt with their own internal anger. Instead, they see the opposite sex within their own race as the problem." Some would argue that because so many images in the modern world portray beauty and status as being manifested in Europeans it is not surprising that black men will have white partners. But if that's the explanation, why, compared to black men, do relatively few Indian, Chinese or Pakistani men choose white women? After all, they are exposed to the same Eurocentric cultural bias as us Caribbean males. No, our partner-choosing habits have more to do with self-loathing and lack of sista love. So what has made the situation in which half of black British males refuse to have a black wife or girlfriend? The explanations are wide-ranging and complex. Alienation between black men and women goes as far back as the "divide and rule" days of slavery, when traditional family structures were broken up. Look at post-apartheid South Africa, which has the highest recorded number of rapes in Africa, to see the legacy official practices of destroying family structures can have on black male-female relationships. Decades of racial repression and, more recently, the breakdown of solidarity among black communities, have helped create a climate of lack of self-respect among black males. One only needs to listen to the typical "Ho, b**ch, N****r" lyrical content of the average rap record to realise that black self-hatred is alive and well. A growing number of black women are fed up waiting for their black knight in shining armour, who is more interested in rescuing Rapunzel. The most recent UK figures showed that 30% of black Caribbean women have white partners. I asked a prominent Asian businessman why so many in his community had prospered in the west. "We have strong family structures and support," he said. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the black population. With most black children being raised in single-parent households and so many boys - in the absence of a black father-figure - growing up to fail, it is clear why building strong black male-female relationships is vital. Without this in place, what social or economic hope is there for the black community's next generation? souce: http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1435203,00.html

SUBJECT: SPECIAL HIGH INTENSITY TRAINING In order to assure the highest levels of quality work and productivity from employees, it will be our policy to keep all employees well trained through our program of SPECIAL HIGH INTENSITY TRAINING (S.H.I.T.). We are trying to give employees more S.H.I.T. than anyone else. If you feel that you do not receive your share of S.H.I.T. on the job, please see your manager. You will be immediately placed at the top of the S.H.I.T. list, and our managers took S.H.I.T. before they were promoted, they don't have to do S.H.I.T. anymore, and are full of S.H.I.T. already. Employees who don't take their S.H.I.T. will be placed in DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYEE EVALUATION PROGRAMS (D.E.E.P. S.H.I.T.). Those who fail D.E.E.P. S.H.I.T. seriously will have to go to EMPLOYEE ATTITUDE TRAINING (E.A.T. S.H.I.T.). If you are full of S.H.I.T., you may be interested in a job training others. We can add your name to our BASIC UNDERSTANDING LECTURE LIST (B.U.L.L. S.H.I.T.). For those who are full of B.U.L.L. S.H.I.T. will get the S.H.I.T. jobs, and may apply for promotion in DIRECTOR OF INTENSITY PROGRAMMING (D.I.P. S.H.I.T.). As you see that our managers take S.H.I.T. seriously at work, please see your manager. If you have further questions, please direct them to our HEAD OF TRAINING, SPECIAL HIGH INTENSITY TRAINING (H.O.T. S.H.I.T.). Thank you, BOSS IN GENERAL SPECIAL HIGH INTENSITY TRAINING B.I.G S.H.I.T

1. WHY ARE MEN SUCH JERKS? It's a testosterone thing. Much similar to your PMS thing. We men suffer from testosterone poisoning. Why do you think the average life span of a male is typically 10 years shorter (and it's not just from all the griping and nagging we have to endure)? Hormones modify behavior. We're just misunderstood. 2. WHY DO MEN ALWAYS HAVE TO OGLE AT OTHER WOMEN? Again, this is a testosterone thing. Do you honestly think that all the testosterone just fell out of our bodies the moment we met you? Besides, women do it as well. Women are just much better at not getting caught. I'm fairly certain it's some sort of photographic memory deal. Women take one quick look and memorize it for later reference. Since men lack this ability, we try to burn it into our memory by staring as much as we can. 3. WHY DO MEN ALWAYS SAY SUCH THINGS? We like to. It's actually a whole lot of fun to see our partner frustrated by a few simple (and well-chosen) words. 4. WHY ARE MEN SO UNCOMMUNICATIVE? You'd learn to keep your big mouth shut too if every time you open it you get into trouble with your partner. 5. WHY DO MEN HAVE TO ACT LIKE SUCH RETARDS? Well, we don't actually have to; we do it because we enjoy it. It's the old fashioned pride in a job well done that's missing in so much of the world nowadays. 6. WHY CAN'T MEN JUST SHARE THEIR FEELINGS? Do we look like women to you? Why is it so hard to understand that men and women are different? How are we supposed to share how we feel when we have no idea how we feel? Unless we're experiencing some extreme emotion like rage, hatred, disgust, or a brick on our foot, we have no idea how we feel. Personally, I get a headache whenever I try to figure out how I feel. 7. HOW CAN MEN SIT ON THEIR BUTTS ALL DAY WITHOUT MOVING Men have very powerful sets of sitting muscles developed by evolution that enable us to sit for extended periods of time without getting tired. In prehistoric times, it was often necessary to sit in one spot for extended periods of time while hunting for prey. The more successful hunters were able to sit very still for very extended periods of time thereby passing on this ability to their progeny. The fidgety types were all gobbled up by saber-toothed tigers etc. The result is that almost all-modern men are born with this innate ability. 8. WHY CAN'T MEN JUST SAY, "I LOVE YOU?" Men are taught from a tender young age to be self-sufficient. To say that we love you is equivalent to saying that we need you. Most men consider that a character fault. It's not easy to admit to one's own character faults. 9. WHY DOESN'T MY PARTNER EVER ANSWER ME? We just simply don't have the energy to answer every single one of your questions. If we think we do not have the answer, or that you will not like the answer, we simply remain quiet and save the energy for other things. 10. WHY WON'T MEN EVER PICK UP AFTER THEMSELVES? Why should we? It doesn't really bother us that much. Besides, we know darn well that you'll pick it up eventually. 11. WHAT'S WITH ALL THE BELCHING AND FARTING? This usually only occurs after months of courting. It's our way to let you know that we're comfortable with you. Believe it or not, it's actually a sign of affection. Besides, holding it for extended periods of time gives us stomach cramps. 13. WHY DO MEN HATE SHOPPING? It's an evolutionary thing. Men hunt. Women gather. We just want to go out, kill it, and bring it back. Who wants to spend hours and hours to look at things we have no intention of killing? Err...buying?

Very sad and disappointing. May ALLAH shower his mercy on those who killed in this non-sense. Those who said Xamar is peaceful good example. Now C/Y has one more reason to stay in Nairobi.

The goal was questionable for those of us who were watching but the official might have a better look ...i suspect it passes the line..that is why the blue's didnt protest...but the game was great and i enjoyed it very much.

After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security. The woman behind the counter asked me for my driver's license to verify my age. I looked in my pockets and I realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later. The woman said, "Unbutton your shirt." Therefore, I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair she said, "That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me", and she processed my Social Security application. When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office. She said, Rolling Eyes "You should have dropped your pants... you might have gotten disability, too."

Indeed they deserve it. Day in and day out they played consistantly and showed the world what they got. GOOD JOB CHELSEA till next year, you meet the stronger and more focused gunner, enjoy it. CONGRA CHELSEA

nuune keep this one abti...since its orginal

I am better than Rooney but I couldnt make it coz ma *** is Somali. Somka feeling is mutual..that is what i been saying to my freinds all the time...101 convincingly i can bet roony while wearing macawis. Believe that & Never understimate these skinny legs they are 360 degree flexable the 21th of May will be ....hmmm

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiun. Stay strong walaal. Its right path we all are heading to, its merely a mater of who goes first.

loool.. i hope you are not offending those 80+ guys who frequently visit this site...adeeroyal its just a joke.

Rooney, lets wait be patient till the day comes..I know one team will take it all. But honest question, does this guy (Rooney) is a great player deserve to be as popular as he is or am i the only one who think that he is not that good? nomads help me dee Aggah! :mad:

Rooney i bet you saw the tape how poorly (as usual) you & your team preformed with Everton. What do you expect when you meet with the GUNNERS? Unless you change your game dramatically you will be sadly disappointed. Btw. What do you guys think about this so called Rooney? Is he a world class player, or just the Brits and thier media need somebody from thier country? As far as i am concern, he is nothing but a bunk. Do you agree with me?

He really didnt do it...After i saw this convincing tape..ila firiya bal http://www.ebaumsworld.com/nevercoppedafeel.html

Sister, According to the recent study made at University of Nowereville, Somalia indicates Man U supporters do develop a unique type of behaviour that can affect Society. The reason merely being fear of ARSENAL. Sorry Man you and supporter you fate is nothing other than DEFEAT. With totally domination and control of the game result = 3- 0 by the gunner

April 14, 2005 Posted to the web April 14, 2005 Washington, DC Prime Minister of Ethiopia Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Your Excellency: We write to express our concern and dismay over the recent expulsion from Ethiopia of representatives of the International Republican Institute (IRI), IFES, and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) by your government. With support from USAID, the three organizations sought to assist the democratic process and preparations for your May 15 general elections. These organizations carry out nonpartisan programs and support a democratic environment in which the integrity of the election process can be ensured and all parties understand their rights and responsibilities. IRI, IFES, and NDI were coordinating with the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia to support the work of the election commission, dialogue among political parties and election authorities as a means of enhancing confidence and participation in the electoral process, political party pollwatching, and the creation of a code of conduct for the elections. All three organizations have been making good faith efforts to gain registration in accordance with established laws and procedures and were assured by representatives of your government that their registration would be approved expeditiously. In over 20 years of working around the world, until now no government has expelled NDI, IRI, and IFES. We are particularly perplexed by these expulsions at a time when your government has stated its intention to organize an open and democratic election process. This action will only raise questions about the credibility and transparency of these elections. The United States and Ethiopia have a history of friendship and cooperation. We continue to support the democratic aspirations of the Ethiopian people, and look forward to returning to Ethiopia to assist with future elections. Until then, we urge the Government of Ethiopia to work towards creating an environment conducive to increasingly free and fair elections. Sincerely, U.S. Senator John McCain Chairman of Board of Directors International Republican Institute Relevant Links East Africa Ethiopia United States, Canada and Africa Legal and Judicial Affairs Hon. Madeleine K. Albright Chairman of Board of Directors National Democratic Institute This letter was delivered to the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, D.C. April 13, 2005. source: http://allafrica.com/stories/200504140859.html

An old Arab lives close to New York City for more than 40 years. He loves to plant potatoes in his garden, but he is alone, old and weak. His son is in college in Paris, so the old man sends him an e-mail. He explains the problem: Beloved son, I am very sad, because I can't plant potatoes in my garden. I am sure, if only you were here; you would help me and dig up the garden for me. I love you, your father. The following day, the old man receives e-mail response from his son: Beloved father, please don't touch the garden. It's there that I have hidden 'the THING'. I love you, too, son At 7 p.m the US Army, the Marines, the FBI, the CIA and the Rangers visit the house of the old man, take the whole garden apart, search every inch, but can't find anything. Disappointed they leave the house. A day later, the old man receives another e-mail from his son. Beloved father, I hope the garden is dug up by now and you can plant your potatoes. That's all I could do for you from here. I love you, your son

@SUUDI!!! AH!! this guy is nothing but a knuclehead "in dadka hoogaan rabaa" GOD FORBID I felt sorry for those who held him as a leader.

Bilan what these questions has to do with politics section? :eek:

WOW!! SOL Vs. OG GIRL As everyone she is entitled to her opinion whether one likes it or not. Lets not get emotional here guys. As somali says gari laba kama qosliso Isnt that true? Are we dismayed because six robbery killed by Suadis or we are bitter because they merely are somalis killed by suadis? ALLAH knows the fairness of this trial and whether justice is surved or not, is another mater. What is the different Somali that is killed by somali and somali presumably crimals that is killed by suadis? How many innocnent let alone robbery got killed day-in and day-out all around somalia? What a hypocrat!!!Had we somalis been tough on crime and crimals we would not have been in this situation. Untill, we mend the fence from inside out and build a solid foundation we will continue to suffer everywhere.As lander and other said if the perpetrators were westerners King Fahd would be.... True to that. So, here is my Solution presidant C/Y must demand a thorough explanation while Riyale must warn grave a economic (trade)sanction on Saudis Originally posted by macalimuu: I suggest Somalis in DC area to congregate in front of the Saudi Embassy in DC and re-enact a protest skit depicting the barbaric slaughter of these unfortunate poor somali immigrants as a protest to shame the inhumanity and savagery of saudi cutting throat punishment and sentence. Mucalimu, that was good idea but Bush yuusan ku maquil, you know how much the royal family mean to him? if you dont watch F/911.

i believe that Somaliland is a wonderful idea, the concept of a united Somalia is fading with the wind. I agree 110%

The Chinese influnce is in this part of the continent is undeniable and one need to be skeptic when you see Ethiopia and China forging a strong alliance as this. But lets hope it is for good. And i agree with J11, Somali in general should play their card cleverly this time around. No doubt, Ethiopia is becoming another Chian in the horn Africa. Only if Ethiopia brokers a reasonable deal with Somalia of non-interference and good pay in the transportion of Ethiopia's newly-found gas (in the Ogden mostly) via pipe-lines planned to go across Somalia and, be exported from new-port to be built in the Somali coast That is their main reason and something they couldnt resist, to be even an "UNINVITED" peace keeper its tempting for them. Its in thier best interest for them to establish some form of pupit goverment that will allow things to be thier way. Furthermore, in one of other outstanding issues, Somalia must - and should- make its protestations known about Ethiopia's diversion (in Godey with the help of Scandenevian construction companies) of River Shabelle, which may result in the starvation of water from the Somali hinterland. The Shabelle dam project, according to secure sources, is already complete and holds the capacity to reduce River Shabelle to a trickle of water, with crippled velocity that hinders water travelling to Somali regions. This is not acceptable in any condition, and in any foreseeable future. What is your solution for that J? Do you know that, the people of Godey have never seen any benefit of webi shabelle yet? As far as i am concern, lack of water is the major problem in that region. I believe if that water adiquately utilized the entire region will change for better. The poeple of Godey have been suffering God knows for how long and while there is a valuable resouce in their own back yard. Its about time to utilize that by any means. I hope presidant A/Y wont threaten to invade Ethiopia on this issue this time