Thought For The Day

Ludwig Heinrich Edler von Mises (German: [ˈluːtvɪç fɔn ˈmiːzəs]; 29 September 1881 – 10 October 1973) was a philosopher, Austrian School economist, sociologist, and classical liberal. He became a prominent figure in the Austrian School of economic thought and is best known for his work on praxeology, a study of human choice and action. Fearing a Nazi takeover of Switzerland, where he was living at the time, Mises immigrated to the United States in 1940. Mises' thought has exerted significant influence on the libertarian movement in the United States in the mid-20th century.

How Tony Roma Won The Battle

I really thought that Tony Roma would fail by turning halal to come to Malaysia. If you talk of baby back ribs, nothing beats pork ribs. Well, sometimes its useful to trash what you know best in a new situation. Tony Roma was brave to do what they did and came through with flying colours. I mean, I still won't patronise the Malaysian outlets because I know pork ribs is the best there is, still there is sufficient critical mass for Tony Roma halal to succeed in Malaysia and would be a blueprint for them to expand to other Muslim majority countries.



Business Insider:

Tony Roma’s and baby back ribs are pretty much synonymous. Sure, it’s got steaks and barbeque chicken and seafood on its menu, but it’s the pork ribs that made the barbeque establishment so famous.

So how did this American steakhouse restaurant, owned by Dallas-based Romacorp, manage to become so popular with Malaysia’s Muslim-majority population?

If you thought it involved cutting pork from its menu, you’re half right.

When Tony Roma’s first made its debut here, it replaced its signature ribs with grilled beef ribs. It later introduced lamb ribs, an entrée that’s only available in its Malaysian joints.

It was a no-brainer: take pork off the menu and offer Malaysians a halal option.

But Tony Roma’s faced stiff competition from other American rivals so it decided to try out a move that would differentiate it from the rest: it got rid of its bar areas.

In Malaysia, many halal establishments have bars and serve liquor. This is because most Muslims here are more tolerant of drinking, as long as they are served halal meat.

Tony Roma’s decided to do away with its bars anyway. Romacorp president Ken Myres says revenue jumped after that.

“We didn’t think that (having a bar on the premises) would be offensive, but after we removed the bars, sales were up by double-digits,” he says.

Removing the bars also meant more space for more tables.

“We were doing pretty good sales at all our restaurants, but what we noticed in Malaysia is, if you want to go drinking, you go to a pub, but if you wanna eat, you go to a restaurant… so our bars were always quite empty,” says George Ang, CEO of Revenue Valley, the sole franchise holder of Tony Roma’s.

“So I thought if we took out the bars, we could fit in four more tables and have even more turn because every night we had to turn away customers at 8 or 9 o’clock. So by replacing the bars with the tables, we managed to turn more tables and that’s how our sales increased,” he explains.

Tony Roma’s has opened seven outlets here — the latest being the joint in Nu Sentral, Kuala Lumpur — since it was first introduced in Malaysia in 2006. By the end of the year, it plans to launch one restaurant each in the administrative capital of Putrajaya and the southern state of Johor.

Thought For The Day

Visual Delights @ Opera House

Somebody at Opera House got a new toy and can't stop playing with it ...

Why We Lost The Thomas Cup To Japan

Queen Forever

Queen is my all time numero uno band. There have been many pretenders to take over Freddie Mercury. The fans do not need someone to sound exactly like him but rather take what Freddie Mercury represents and collectively make the Queen sound again. You can never mistake a Queen sounding record, it has more to do with Brian May's guitar works, Roger Taylor's drumming and John Deacon's bass lines. Even though Deacon won't be joining the tour, the sound stays quite intact.

I must say from the videos, Adam Lambert is probably a fantastic fit for Queen, his theatrical presentation, flamboyance, solid vocal skills ... seems just about right to be fronting Queen. I guess I might have to start booking for a trip to OZ land in August, I mean Brian May and Roger Taylor are in their 60s already. Come to think of it, there are not many bands/artistes whose songs I can recite by heart (and I mean nearly all of them).

Like our own INXS, iconic English stadium rock band Queen spent many fruitless years trying desperately to find a lead singer with half the charisma of a tragically-departed icon. 

Now Queen has announced its first Australian tour in 29 years, in the process apparently settling on a replacement for Freddie Mercury: former American Idol runnerup Adam Lambert. He is probably best-known to Australians for finishing runner-up in the 2009 series of American Idol and for two top-10 singles the same year (Whataya Want From Me, If I Had You).

At this point Freddie-devotees and fans of Queen's classic-lineup will no doubt howl in outrage: the cheek of suggesting a reality television show contestant (and a runner-up at that) is fit to lace Mercury's boots!

Adam Lambert with Brian May. Photo: Christine Goodwin

Queen truly replacing Mercury was seen as every bit as difficult as INXS replacing Michael Hutchence. Make that harder; Mercury is widely acknolwedged as the greatest rock frontman of all time. The combination of his brazen showmanship, enormous likeability and a voice made for rock anthems was a unique package of talents.

Since Mercury died in 1991 from an AIDS-related illness, no fewer than 11 singers have fronted Queen, among them some music legends: Elton John, David Bowie and Annie Lennox. Robbie Williams even had a crack.

While Lambert, 32, doesn't have Mercury's giant stage presence, he has earned impressive reviews for his fine vocals and his own magnetism. Of his performance with Queen at the iHeart Radio concert in Las Vegas last September, Rolling Stone wrote: "Lambert astounded the audience on songs like We Will Rock You and the closing We Are The Champions and A Crazy Little Thing Called Love." Hollywood Reporter wrote: “Adam Lambert, Queen bring down the iHeart house.  With the perfect mix of rock attitude mixed with style, theatricality, sex appeal and impressive vocal gymnastics, [Lambert] took the band’s music to new heights.”

No account of Queen's revival can leave out its former bassist, John Deacon, who retired from the band in 1997. According to an article from the official Brian May website, Deacon has said: "Freddie can never be replaced." Since 2011, Neil Fairclough has played bass on tour. 

But there is no surer sign of the remaining original band members' confidence in Lambert than committing on its first major tour in nearly 30 years: before the four Australian concerts, Queen with Lambert will play 19 shows over a month in North America, starting June 19th.

At a press conference announcing the North American leg, guitarist May said "This happened organically with Adam. People are going to ask whether it's Queen without Freddie. I don't know. We just want to go out there one more time. Adam isn't an imitator. We're going into new territory."

Drummer Roger Taylor added: "Adam is the most incredible frontman. He's a great diva, and I mean that in the best possible way. We need that theatrically."

Lambert himself is suitably respectful of the situation: “The thought of sharing the stage for a full set in Australia is so beautifully surreal. I'm honoured to be able to pay my respects to Freddie's memory; he's a personal hero of mine, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to sing such powerful music for fans of this legendary band.

"I know this tour will be a huge milestone for me, and with the support of Brian, Roger and the rest of the band, I feel like magic will be on display.”

While it is probably too late for Queen to regain its place as one of the biggest rock acts on the planet - May and Taylor are 66 and 64 respectively - the likelihood of memorable (rather than regrettable) Queen concerts is extremely promising.

QUEEN TOUR DATES

PERTH: Friday 22 August – Perth Arena

SYDNEY: Tuesday 26 August – Allphones Arena

MELBOURNE: Friday 29 August – Rod Laver Arena

BRISBANE – Monday 1 September – Brisbane Entertainment Centre

QUEEN TICKETS

On sale 10am Wednesday 28 May from ticketek.com.au or 132 849. Visa pre-sale from 12pm (local time) Thursday 22 May until 11pm (local time) Sunday 25. Go to www.visaentertainment.com.au

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/queen-australian-tour-announced-with-best-freddie-mercury-replacement-20140520-zrhls.html#ixzz32GLrw7C9

Louis Van Gaal ... Good Choice

Its a good choice, I'd still be preferring Martin O'Neill but Louis has the credentials I guess. I like the fact that the board moved fast to secure him before the World Cup, so he can start selling and buying. We need to sell at least 3-4 players. Well I guess, Red Devils will have another reason to root for Holland in the upcoming World Cup! Vidic has indicated he is going already. We need to sell Ferdinand, Valencia, Nani,... 

The Dutchman, who has won titles with Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AZ Alkmaar, will take charge at Old Trafford after leading the Netherlands at this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

"This club has big ambitions; I too have big ambitions," he said. "Together I'm sure we will make history."

He added: "It was always a wish for me to work in the Premier League.

"To work as a manager for Manchester United, the biggest club in the world, makes me very proud.

"I have managed in games at Old Trafford before and know what an incredible arena Old Trafford is and how passionate and knowledgeable the fans are."

After ending the reign of Moyes in April after a troubled 10 months, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is convinced he has appointed the right man this time.

"His track record of success in winning leagues and cups across Europe throughout his career makes him the perfect choice," said Woodward.

Glory for Van Gaal

National titles: Ajax (1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96), Barcelona (1997-98, 1998-99), AZ Alkmaar (2008-09), Bayern Munich (2009-10)

Champions League: Ajax (1994-95)

Uefa Cup: Ajax (1991-92)

"In Louis van Gaal, we have secured the services of one of the outstanding managers in the game today.

"Old Trafford provides him with a fitting stage on which to write new chapters in the Manchester United story. "

It seems Van Gaal has wasted no time in making his intentions clear.

"Louis has already communicated some great ideas for how the club can move forward," said United co-chairman Avie Glazer.

"The board is right behind him in his plans and everyone here is already looking forward to the start of next season."

Giggs, 40, who took charge for the final four games of the season following the departure of Moyes, met Van Gaal in the Netherlands last week to talk about his future.

Club legend Giggs, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti and Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp had been linked to the post, but Van Gaal is the man trusted to restore the club to the top of the domestic and European game.

Known for employing an attacking style and his demands for discipline from his players, he came to prominence when he guided a young Ajax team, featuring Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davids and Patrick Kluivert, to a surprise Champions League final victory over AC Milan in 1995.

Second time around?

Louis van Gaal

Van Gaal claimed in his 2009 autobiography he had been lined up to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at United in 2002, but the Scot changed his mind to continue at the helm for another 11 years.

He won two Spanish league titles with Barcelona, but failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup with the Netherlands.

Van Gaal returned to Barca, but left the Catalans only three points above the relegation zone in La Liga when he was dismissed after half a season.

He revived his reputation back in his homeland, leading AZ Alkmaar to only the second Dutch title in their history, and then, in his first season in charge, took Bayern Munich to the German title and the Champions League final in 2010.

He was dismissed after results tailed off in the following campaign but laid the foundations for Bayern's current domination of German football by promoting young players such as midfielder Thomas Muller.

He has a strong relationship with United striker Robin van Persie, whom he installed as Netherlands captain in June 2013, and is expected to be given significant transfer funds to bring in new players as the club plot path back to the top.

"I have also been extremely impressed by his intelligence, thoughtful approach to the role and his diligence," said Woodward. "I am looking forward to working with him."

Van Gaal named United manager

- Club appoints Dutch national coach, who won multiple titles in Holland, Spain, Germany
- Ryan Giggs to be assistant manager
- Frans Hoek and Marcel Bout join as assistant coaches

Louis van Gaal will take over as manager of Manchester United from the 2014/15 season. He has signed a three-year contract.

Louis, 62, has managed at the top level of European football for over 20 years and in that time has won domestic titles and domestic cups in three countries, as well as the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Cup, an Intercontinental Cup, two UEFA Super Cups and domestic Super Cups in Holland and Germany. 

He will take up his post after the FIFA World Cup, where he will manage the Dutch national team.

Ryan Giggs, English football's most decorated footballer and the United player with the most appearances in the club's history, has been appointed as assistant manager. Ryan took charge of the first team for the last four matches of the 2013/14 season.

Announcing the appointments, Ed Woodward said: "In Louis van Gaal, we have secured the services of one of the outstanding managers in the game today. He has achieved many things in his career to date and Old Trafford provides him with a fitting stage on which to write new chapters in the Manchester United story.