The Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade takes place on Lunar New Year’s day on Thursday 3 February 2011.
Organisers have announced that all tickets for the exclusive seating area at the Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui are sold out.
However, spectators can still line the Parade route to view one of the most spectacular events in Hong Kong.
The route:
The parade starts at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui and proceeds along Canton Road, Haiphong Road, Nathan Road and Salisbury Road, and ends outside Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers.
If you’re planning to take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui, here are the directions:
To Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui
* MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit F, take passage way to Exit L6.
* MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit L6.
* Star Ferry from either Central or Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui.
To parade route
* MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit A, C, D and E.
* MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit K, L1 and L5.
(Click here to view a graphic map of the Parade route)
The Lunar New Year Parade will also pass through Canton Road, a popular shopping district in TST
Dave Grusin is one of the legends when you speak about Cape Town Jazz and the international stars who influenced its sound.
A legendary composer for some very famous movie soundtracks, Grusin is also known to have collaborated with some really HUGE names in Jazz.
But my most-famous collaboration happened in Japan years back when he introduced his good friend (and ours) Sadao Watanabe who played on one of the all-time Cape Town (international) anthems…
Friends & Strangers.
Grusin was performing live in Japan (hence the title of this recording) An album that I am still trying to get my grubby paws on. (I know that Clarence Ford from Heart 104.9 has one!)
On a personal level, I met Sadao Watanabe after a concert in Taipei, Taiwan with my kids Ethan (3 at the time) and Micaela (7 years old). It was after midnight on a school-night and he asked why they were not in bed.
I told him that meeting him was a lifelong dream and that, between him and the Cape Town legend Robbie Jansen, they were the reason my daughter was studying the sax.
He was most impressed and expressed his desire to one day visit Cape Town.
Hopefully Rashied Lombard can get him to play at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival some day.
Below, my signed CD by the Sensei himself:
I found the following clip of the track on YouTube, while not the entire song, I love it anyway…
Until I get my hands on that elusive album!
The Victoria Harbour Sundowner Sessions #25: Friends & Strangers
Over the next few Sundays, Howzit-HongKong.com will feature a YouTube clip of one (or more) of the musicians and their sounds who have influenced and shaped South African and specifically Cape Town music as part of what we like to call The Victoria Harbour Sundowner Sessions. I am fortunate to be living right next to one of the most stunning working harbours in the world… Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour. I often find myself staring across the Harbour at night, with the lights dimmed and one of my favourite musicians from home over the speakers. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do…
USA captain Steve Massiah has been reprimanded and warned of his future conduct for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct following his country’s match against Denmark in Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 3 (WCL Div. 3) on Saturday 29 January 2011.
Massiah pleaded guilty to the charge which was laid down by the on field umpires, Kevin Bishop and Vinay Kumar.
As such, after a disciplinary hearing which was held to establish the seriousness of the offence under the provisions of the code, ICC Match Referee Graeme La Brooy imposed the sanction.
Through his admission, Massiah was found to have breached Article 2 Section 2.1.3 of the ICC Code, which relates to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match”.
Explaining his decision, Mr La Brooy said, “I hope Mr Massiah has learned that there is no place for this type of behaviour in the game and that the spirit of the game should be maintained at all times. I also trust that in future, he will be more courteous and pay others the respect they deserve.”
All Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of a reprimand and a warning and, as with other breaches at this level, the ICC Match Referee’s decision is final and binding.
The offending USA captain Steve Messiah (Pic: Daniela Zaharia/ESPNCricinfo)
Meanwhile, in the match between hosts Hong Kong and Papua New Guinea (PNG) at the Kowloon Cricket Club (KCC), HowzitHongKong.com also noticed some in-your-face taunting by the visitors whenever they dismissed a Hong Kong batsman.
The very vocal team was at one stage also reprimanded by the match-official who obviously didn’t feel the need to officially sanction the team.
We felt it really unbecoming of a side who had, at that stage of the tournament, already qualified for promotion to Division 2 of the Pepsi World Cricket Cricket League.
Some more pictures from the recently completed WCL Division 3 in Hong Kong:
At the official launch of the 2011 Extreme Sailing Series™ in Estoril (Portugal) in December 2010, China was confirmed as one of nine the host countries – a new territory for this year’s circuit and a significant step into the burgeoning Asian market.
Organisers have revealed that Qingdao, the fourth largest manufacturing port in the country and known as the City of Sailing, will be the official host Chinese venue to Act 2 to be staged between 13th to 17th April.
The Extreme Sailing Series Race Village will be located in Fushan Bay, which was also the home of the Olympic Village in 2008, and will be open to the public between the 15th to 17th April when the 11-boat Extreme 40 fleet will race inside the bay right in front of the spectators [13th-14th April are ‘open water’ days when the fleet will be racing outside of Fushan Bay.
Masirah Oman at the Extreme Sailing Series in Hong Kong (Pic: Mike Jansen)
Goodbye Hong Kong
In November 2009, Howzit-HongKong happily reported that the “Formula One of Sailing” the Extreme Sailing Series” was coming to the waters of Victoria Harobour, Hong Kong.
While we thoroughly enjoyed the event and even got to wet our feet on one of the craft, the Hong Kong-leg turned out to be a less-than-expected spectator event. At the time, the wind in the Harbour was not sufficient and the races had to be moved (at the last minute) to further out to Kowloon Bay, in the region of old Kai Tak Airport. This being Hong Kong, the fact that it took place in the week was always going to count against it.
It therefore comes as no surprise that Mainland China has been chosen to replace Hong Kong as the preferred Chinese venue for this exciting event.
Qingdao, after all, has the profile and (Olympic sailing) infrastructure to make this event the spectator event that it needs.
Qingdao, China
Act 2, 15th – 17th April (13th-14th ‘open-water’ racing)
Now known as the City of Sailing, Qingdao’s became the host venue for sailing for Beijing’s 2008 Olympic Games boosting its profile to an international audience. Perfectly located on the Southeast peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Yellow Sea, Qingdao is now China’s premier sailing destination with first class facilities at its International Sailing Center.
Originally opened to tourism in 1984 the city now attracts 15 million visitors a year and is the fourth largest manufacturing port in the country. Framed by miles of golden sandy beaches, combined with steady winds that make it a perfect racing location.
Qingdao is a city steeped in China’s 20th century history. Now a tourism hotspot in China, the sprawling city has a population of 7.5 million and a vibrant economy. The Downtown skyline can rival that of any major city with an impressive array of cultures, cuisines, and lively nightlife. Tsingato, the most popular beer in China operates their headquarters and main brewery in Qingdao. The brewery is open to visitors who can take a tour around the oldest working brewery in China, whilst the brewery can be observed in action and guests can enjoy the beer tasting afterwards!
2011 Calendar & Host Venues:
Act 1: 22-24 February, Muscat, Oman (20-21 ‘open-water’ racing*)
Act 2: 15-17 April, Qingdao, China (13-14 ‘open-water’ racing)
Act 3: 27-29 May, Istanbul, Turkey (25-26 ‘open-water’ racing)
Act 4: 30 June – 4 July, Boston, USA (all days public event)
Act 5: 6-12 August, Cowes, UK (all days public event)
Hong Kong beat Papua New Guinea (PNG) by four wickets in the final of Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 3 (WCL Div.3) at the Kowloon Cricket Club in Hong Kong on Saturday.
Having been set a target by PNG of 203, Hong Kong claimed victory after a superb performance by teenager Mark Chapman which set the side up for victory. By virtue of reaching the final, both Hong Kong and PNG joined Namibia, Bermuda, Uganda and hosts United Arab Emirates in Pepsi ICC WCL Div. 2 to be hosted in Dubai from 8 to 15 April.
After the group stage of the event PNG had been top of the table despite one loss to Hong Kong on Friday in the round-robin section of the tournament. Today, Rarua Dikana’s men were ready to avenge the Hong Kong side that had inflicted the only defeat on the team during the course of the tournament’s group stages, but Hong Kong had other plans in mind.
Hong Kong captain Najeeb Amar had a fantastic day with the ball claiming 3-32 including in his haul the key PNG opener Tony Ura for 51 and top order batsman Chris Amini for 60.
Amini had few team-mates to build on the total with, not helped by the four batsmen below him totalling just 12 runs, but the arrival of Hitolo Areni helped the team to respectable 202-8 at the close of the Papua New Guineans’ innings.
After the break, the locals made steady work of knocking of the runs with the key player of the innings being middle-order batsman Chapman whose knock of 70 not out was key to the hosts victory.
The 16-year-old saw many of his team-mates come and go with Hussain Butt and Waqas Barqat the only two to pass 20 runs each. PNG captain Dikana was the pick of the side’s bowlers, taking match figures of 3-40.
HK Captain Najeeb Amar with ICC President Haroon Lorgat (Pic: ICC/CricketEurope)
A delighted Hong Kong captain Najeeb Amar said of the side’s win in front of its home crowd, “Today I feel like I’m flying, like I am sat on the moon I am so happy that we’ve won the tournament. I was delighted to score the winning the runs with Mark Chapman in front of our home crowd.
“Credit must not just go to the team but also our coach, Charlie Burke, he’s unbelievable, he made my job easier, he gave us a simple task, don’t panic and the results will come, which they did this week.
“Our team is full of surprises and talented guys, especially Mark Chapman among many others, they can prove themselves against any team and hopefully when we get to Dubai we can do the same. The teams in Division 2 will be a tough task, but the way we perform and play and we can make it any level and we’re confident.”
Man of the match Chapman said, “It’s an amazing feeling to win in front of my family and home crowd and then take home the man of the match medal too. I worked hard today to grind out the runs since I’ve not had a great run this tournament. I don’t know much about Dubai and the sides we’ll face, but I’m sure we’ll be ready.”
Man-of-the-Match 16-year old Mark Chapman at KCC today (Pic: Mike Jansen)
Elsewhere, Oman defeat Italy by eight wickets in the third-fourth play-off at Hong Kong Cricket Club while Denmark beat USA by 84 runs to take fifth place. Oman and Italy stay in Division 3 while USA and Denmark were relegated to Division 4.
Kowloon Cricket Club hosted Hong Kong vs. PNG today (Pic: Mike Jansen)
“Former South African President Nelson Mandela is alive and kicking.”
These were the words of Acting-President Kgalema Motlanthe late last night in a statement from the South African Government on the condition on the ailing Mandela.
This afternoon, at a press conference arranged to calm the mood in the country and to allay fears that Madiba (The clan name of Mandela) has passed away, Motlanthe confirmed that, while Mandela has indeed been admitted to the MillPark Hospital for treatment, he was fine and ready to be discharged for home-care.
I have been monitoring the news-wires for any updates the whole afternoon (Friday 28 January 2011) and finally managed to capture the pressie from South Africa via my iPhone (courtesy of Sky News here in Hong Kong):
(Turn up your volume if required)
“I’m still here” Stay strong Tata.
And then…. after the press conference, we danced, Madiba-style! Turn up the volume…
(This story initially appeared on our sister-website BlitzBokke.com)
The Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) today announced the 24 international teams taking part in the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens 2011.
This year the iconic Hong Kong Sevens march past will feature some south of the border flair as the Hong Kong Sevens welcomes Mexico to the fiesta.
Mexico is the first new competing team for the Hong Kong Sevens since Madagascar appeared in 2006.
Invited by the International Rugby Board to compete in Hong Kong, Mexico becomes the 49th country to compete at the Hong Kong Sevens in the 35 years since the inception of the event.
Mexico is also the first team from Central America to participate in the world-famous Hong Kong Sevens. The Hong Kong leg will be Mexico Sevens’ only participation on the IRB World Sevens Series 2010/2011.
This year’s Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens also sees the return of Spain for the first time since 1998, while Malaysia returns for the first time since 2003.
The 24-team line-up for 2011 Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens are:
The 12 core teams participating in the IRB Sevens World Series 2010/11
Argentina, Australia, England, Fiji, France, Kenya, New Zealand, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, USA and Wales.
Seven other teams from outside the region will join the Core teams
Canada, Mexico, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Tonga and Zimbabwe.
Regional teams
China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
The inclusion of the regional teams again demonstrates the Hong Kong Sevens’ traditional role of supporting the development of Asian rugby.
“Mexico’s participation in the Hong Kong leg of this year’s Series gives them an opportunity to compete at an international level in preparation for the upcoming Rugby Sevens competition in the Pan American Games in Guadalajara later in the year,” said IRB Sevens Manager Beth Coalter.
“With twenty-four teams in Hong Kong there is a wider range of team strengths to compete against and together with Hong Kong’s renowned atmosphere, the experience will go a long way to further assist Mexico’s preparations”, added Coalter (pictured below).
Hong Kong’s unique role as the only World Series event to host 24 teams, (with correspondingly more series points on offer over the weekend), and as the home of the largest prize purse in international rugby, ensures another thrilling weekend of rugby action played before 40,000 spectators in a highly festive atmosphere.
The world most-popular Sevens Rugby tournament may this year say goodbye to long-time sponsor Credit Suisse.
The banking group all but secured the continued existence of the Hong Kong Sevens when they came on board in 1998. The world’s economies were going through a hard time and sponsors willing to offer corporate financial support were few and far between.
In fact, the Swiss-based banking group didn’t only help maintain the tournament but, together with co-title sponsor Cathay Pacific, assisted with making the Hong Kong Sevens the premier stop on the Sevens World Series circuit.
Credit Suisse’s sponsorship agreement with the Hong Kong RFU concludes after this year’s event and all indications are that it will not be renewed.
Howzit HSBC
The International Rugby Board (IRB) last year welcomed another banking group HSBC as title sponsor of the 8-city World Sevens Series.
Since the beginning of the season, tournaments in Dubai (UAE) and George (SA) were heavily branded in the red and white of title-sponsors HSBC. The series was also re-branded as the HSBC Sevens World Series. However, because one of the co-sponsors of the Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens is also a banking conglomorate, HSBC’s branding will not be seen around the city or as part of their promotional campaign.
Should the HKRFU decide to say thank you and goodbye to Credit Suisse this year, the Swiss-based group will exit knowing that the 2011 Hong Kong stop had the almost-ignominious title of the only tournament NOT to be branded in the colours of the Series title-sponsors.
Come 2012, perhaps we will see the city branded as the home of the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has secured itself promotion to Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 2 (WCL Div. 2) to be held in April in Dubai after Rarua Dikana’s men beat Denmark in Hong Kong today to take its fourth victory in a row of Pepsi ICC WCL Div. 3.
Usman Shuja led USA to victory today, helping to secure the Americans a win over Oman in a tightly fought contest at Hong Kong Cricket Club, while hosts Hong Kong battled to beat Italy by one wicket.
By PNG securing promotion today, it means Friday’s games will be crucial for the five other teams in the tournament with regards to the second available promotion spot, the two relegation places and the two berths that will see two sides remain in WCL Div. 3
PNG continued its domination of this event today seeing off with ease a challenge from Denmark at Kowloon Cricket Club. The Danes batting line-up failed once again today with the top seven batsmen in the side all departing after being caught in the field by the in-form Papua New Guineans.
Aftab Ahmed was the top scorer for the Danish side with his 39 not out to help his side to 112, but his efforts were in vain as Loa Nou, Hitolo Areni, Chris Amini and Chris Kent claimed two wickets each leaving one each for their captain Rarua Dikana and team-mate Mahuru Dai.
Having given the Danish a master class in fielding, it was then up to PNG’s batsmen to showcase their abilities to the European side. Unfortunately for Asad Vala it wasn’t his day to give a batting exhibition, with the 23-year-old departing for a duck, but he made way for Chris Amini who alongside Tony Ura knocked off the required runs in just 22.3 overs.
Today’s victory has secured the side a place in Saturday’s final no matter what the results are on Friday when all the teams square up for the final round-robin section of the tournament.
PNG head coach Andy Bichel was pleased with the side’s strong performance and sees the promotion to WCL Div. 2 a culmination of hard work that has paid off. “I am immensely proud of the boys and feel that qualifying for Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 2 achieves a goal we set ourselves18 months ago.
“The final on Saturday is now a short term goal and taking home the title is an important part of finishing this tournament,” said Bichel.
Man of the match Chris Amini said, “It is nice to finally contribute at this level and have a really strong game. I’ve not won an ICC man of the match award since Pepsi ICC WCL Div. 3 in 2007 in Darwin and I feel proud to again achieve this honour.
“I feel at this stage as a team we are approaching our best and I know we still have more to achieve.”
Aftab Ahmed takes a tumble (Pic: ICC)
In the highest scoring fixture of the day, Hong Kong battled against Italy in a thrilling match that saw the hosts claim victory by one wicket with just two balls remaining.
Alessandro Bonora won the toss at Mission Road and elected to bat first and despite his opening batsmen failing to fire, he put on a hard-fought 77 while Peter Petricola provided his first century of the tournament to help the Italians to a total of 235 on a track that saw little action for the bowlers.
When Hong Kong took to the field the top order continued its poor run of form and none of the side made a solid partnership until the arrival of the middle order duo Nizakat Khan and Waqas Barkat and then later on captain Najeeb Amar.
The trio helped the side to rise up from being 68-5 to a point where victory was in the side’s grasp but with one wicket remaining and only one over to go, the match looked sure to be in the grasp of the Italians. However, tail-end batsman Aizaz Khan had other ideas, smashing his way to 24 in just eight balls, including three sixes, to help steer the side to victory with just two balls remaining.
Hong Kong captain Amar was naturally thrilled with the side’s comeback but is keen to remain focussed on Friday’s big fixture against table-toppers PNG.
“I’m obviously relieved we won today after a tightly fought game where the track wasn’t really giving anything to our bowlers but when it came to us making the runs the task fell to the bottom order. They deserve credit for how they played, all of them taking responsibility to help us to victory.
“Friday we face PNG who have been having a great tournament here but I’m not worried, we’ve a psychological advantage over them. We beat them in the warm-ups with a Hong Kong side that wasn’t full strength so I believe we’ve the upper hand going into Friday’s game, not them,” said Amar.
Tomorrow is a rest day with play resuming on Friday.
