The ReD EyE VieW

Je manque ma famille

2010-07-20T02:16:00.003+08:00

I miss my family...

I miss my dad.
I miss how he kept repeating the same old story for the 10th time and how I acted as if it was the 1st time I'm hearing it so I will not hurt his feelings.
I miss his cooking and how excited he is about a new recipe that he learned and just can't wait for us to try it.
I miss seeing how much he loves my mom.

I miss my mom.
I miss listening to her trying to convince me that she is fine and I should not worry about her.
I miss her saying goodnight to me before she goes to bed and reminding me to lock the gates and the doors before I go to sleep.
I miss her laksa....the best in the whole of Malaysia for me.
I miss having my mom making sure I am ok...every single day.

I miss my grandma.
I miss repeating my story to her for at least 3 times cos she just refuses to wear those hearing aids.
I miss going to the market with her and trust me, her bargaining skill is second to none.
I miss just sleeping beside her.

I miss my sister....Hanim.
I miss watching all those Korean and Japanese dramas with her...and making sure ASTRO is always at channel 303.
I miss seeing her going insane in a book shop....20 books bought in 1 visit.
I miss how generous she is...no questions asked when you needed help.

I miss my brother....Razi.
I miss the silence we shared when we sit together.
I miss that very hairy and zebra interior car he have and driving it makes me think of Africa.
I miss watching him becoming a good husband and father.

I miss my lil brother....Iwan.
I miss borrowing his PSP...hehehehehe
I miss seeing him become the genius IT expert in the house....he just know what to do or crack or download to make your IT world a pleasant one.
I miss him sharing his stories.

I miss my lil sista...Yaya.
I miss making her life a living hell with my pranks and jokes.
I miss seeing her being the evil and very angry auntie when the nephews turned from cute nephews into lil monsters.
I miss having someone to share my crazy and sometimes weird jokes.

I miss Arwah Kak Sima.
I miss her laughter when I teased her
I miss seeing her around the house and forgot to just sit down and take a break.
We miss her and how we thank Allah SWT for bringing her into our family.

I miss my family...
Only Allah SWT knows how much I miss them.
I don't get to see them every day and to think that I might not get a chance to see them....scares me.
I have a wonderful wife whom I love and I am thankful for that but she understands the need to have your own family around you sometimes. My family is not perfect but no one else can replace them.

I miss my family....I love my family.

Going Retro Are We?

2010-07-16T00:52:00.006+08:00

So, the new home kit for the 2010-11 season was unveiled today. And as most of us will agree, well me personally thinks, looks a bit....hmmmm. With the 70's and early 80's as the sumber inspirasi, the retro look is back.

Don't get me wrong. I like the retro look. It's always good to remember the history and look good and cool at the same time. But this one...I just don't know. Those white coloured collars...this is a football kit, not a polo shirt. And if you really nak jugak the collars, same colour boleh? Why have to stand out like a sore thumb?

Some more shots of the new kit...and seriously, what's with the V motive at the back of the jersey? Kalau dah letak nama and numbers, would it be just a waste of time having it in the 1st place? I don't know lah....

Some might say, takpe lah...the away kit might look better. Well, if the leaked photo below is true, just choose which one you rather waste your money on. A simple white kit with another V motive in black and white, this time on the sleeves. Another retro look...and no, not the retro look I would want to bring back. Nike really screw us..."It looks cheap" said the missus. Luckily we only have to wear this for 1 season, right?

Walaupun kit ni tak lawa, it is still the kit of Manchester United...my team. I will still wear it with pride walau di mana pun...cehhh. I'm sure we are gonna win trophies with this kit and considering what Everton have to wear in their away games, our kit looks like an Armani suit. You can call it "Lightning Pink" to make is sounds cool and macho...dude, it's still freaking womanly pink!!!

I know only 2 Spurs fan...my bro in-law and a futsal buddy. But for anyone else who support Spurs (sorry guys...seriously, I'm sorry for your team choice..hehehehe), the new kit will be unveiled tomorrow but below is the leak photo. Not bad...no more ugly fluorescent yellow lines.This one pun looks like is going for the retro look too...but good retro.

Can't wait for the season to start cos damn it....I miss live footie!!!

p/s : The pictures are not the property of this blog...

Campeón España!!!!!!!!!!

2010-07-12T22:32:00.002+08:00

Argentina's Olé said: "If Holland had won it would have been a scandal. As Spain won, football was the winner."

I can't agree more with that statement. The Oranje walked into the pitch with 1 thing on their orange head...stop Spain from playing their style of football, any way they can. They kicked, pushed, play acting and De Jong even took the opportunity to show his Karate Kid impersonation. For almost 116th minute it worked...until Andrés Iniesta, one half of the best midfield duo in the world scored the most important goal in his life and also Spain's football. Spain finally joined the elite...a World Cup winner.

Spain captured admirations around the world witht their football but come on....we got to give a hand (Well, I don't think he needs one..you get it?) to Paul the Octopuss. 8 out of 8 correct predictions. Hope the people in Germany can let him live till Euro 2012...a lot of betting people will be hoping he will. Long live Sir Paul!!! He really did write the future in the end....

The Heat is on....

2010-07-09T22:54:00.003+08:00

So, the NBA gonna feel the Heat from the new big 3... King James, D-Wade and C Bosh.

Was really hoping that James pick Chicago for his next move. With Boozer, Rose and Noah already in the roster, James would have been..maybe the perfect final puzzle to make Chicago great again...well, I guess we gotta move on. Who then should Chicago get? Think we just have to wait and see and trust the organization and Coach Thibodeau.

Victoria Para España!!!

2010-07-08T23:32:00.012+08:00

2 days...well, i guess almost a month with little sleep is making me a bit wuzzy...wizzy...wazza. 1 more game...1 more game...that's all.

All I need now to complete this journey is for Spain to win the whole thing...bring back the World Cup. And all the sleepless night will not be a waste.

Or in Spanish :

Todo tengo que completar ahora este viaje es para España para ganar todo el asunto ... devuelven la Copa Mundial. Y toda la noche insomne no será una basura.

Or in Dutch :

Alles wat ik nu nodig om deze reis te voltooien is voor Spanje om het hele ding ... terug te winnen van het wereldkampioenschap voetbal te brengen. En al de slapeloze nacht zal niet een afvalstof

So What?

2010-07-06T00:22:00.003+08:00

So what? Married 3 years with no kid is wrong is it? Cannot is it? Federal crime is it?

So what if my swimmers are not strong? Kau sibuk apasal? Nak tolong train my swimmers is it? Kena pegi Olimpik side swimming pool ke?

So what if I feel jealous with couples who can make babies like rabbits? Cannot be happy and feel sad at the same time is it? I'm not right in the head if I feel like that ke?

So what if its only the two of us? We cannot be happy is it? We cannot enjoy each other company? Would that be so wrong?

At least I am gonna spend my life with someone I know I love with all my heart....so screw you!!!

Goodbye....Hello

2010-01-02T03:15:00.006+08:00

2009...nope...not gonna write about how the year was for me. Life will always surprise you...good or bad, you just have to move on and live it. It's not gonna stop and it's not gonna wait for you. So goodbye 2009, thank you for the memories and thank you for giving me the chance to be with you.

2010...nope...not gonna write a resolution. I have never been able to achieve any of it so there is no point of making one. I just hope I will be able to wake up every morning this year and thank Allah SWT for giving me another day to live my life. I just hope I will be able to go to sleep at night thinking I did good today...no matter how small or big.

And….I hope I will write more, I miss writing.

Happy New Year!!!

What You Need To Know About Mrs. Red Raven

2009-06-18T02:16:00.003+08:00

I know…I know…it’s been awhile. My sleeping problem datang lagi so I thought why not do this tag that the wifey had tagged me ages ago where I was to present some facts about ….well her lah kan...who else!!!

1) She’s sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen?
- Either the AFC channel on 703 or Keliwon

2) You’re out to eat; what kind of dressing does she get on her salad?
- Hmmm….tricky. Your common thousand island dressing I think....hmmmm

3) What’s one food she doesn’t like?
- Ermmm….the mee kuning(a big No No) and taugeh

4) You go out to eat and have a drink. What does she order?
- Ice lemon tea or just plain water

5) Where did she go to high school?
- SM Damansara Jaya...she will kick me if i get this wrong

6) What size shoes does she wear?
- Size 8 I think….she always complaining how hard it is for her to find shoes or sandals that can fit her but she found one shop that always have her size...not that she have big feet but more like the shops here tak peka wif kemahuan penggunanya

7) If she was to collect anything, what would it be?
- Bags and more bags….don’t really know why but bags is just her kryptonite

8) What is her favorite type of sandwich?
- Hmmmm…..beef sandwich I think.

9) What would this person eat every day if she could?
-. Ikan belah belakang….hahahahahahaha

10) What is her favorite cereal?
- Hmmm…we don’t really eat cereal….but since she likes chocolates, maybe cocoa puff?

11) What would she never wear?
- Hmmmm....tricky.....what ye...hmmmm....tight fitting clothes I think

12) What is her favorite sports team?
- Brazil football team I guess or any other team that is not Manchester United or any teams that have good looking man in them.

13) Who did she vote for?
- Hmmm…I don’t think she voted the last time cos she was not in Malaysia at that time. I remembered cos I was listening to the results in the car while waiting for her at the airport.

14) Who is her best friend?
- Susah nya nak jawap cos she has many….hmmmm… thinking Aida and Lino

15. What is something you do that she wishes you wouldn’t do?
- To always sit down and over analyse things…. I think…hmmmm

16. What is her heritage?
- Huh? Betul lah…don’t really understand the question. Heritage apa? Melayu le…..campur arab sikit kot…

17. What is her favourite colour?
- Adoi…if I get this wrong memang kena lah…it’s UNGU!!!

18. What is her habit?
- I don’t know if it’s a habit but she needs the room to be totally dark…no flicker flicker of light must be seen if not she can’t sleep at all. And now her anak2 buah pun dah jadi like her…hahahah…kena tutup lampu baru can sleep.

19. What is she proud of?
- Marrying me….hahahahaha….. I guess being always a good friend

20. Lastly, do you think she will read this?
- Yes cos I will ask her to read it.

Same Old Story....Another Cup Win

2009-03-03T00:40:00.010+08:00

Well...two down, 3 more to go!!! Glory Glory Man United!!!

And I think Stevie G sums it all up for the Scousers..."We are not a worthy challenger, we are just not good enough. We bow for your mercy. We bow for the best team in the world!!!"

An Old Song...

2009-02-26T22:39:00.008+08:00

I was going through my playlist when I stumble upon this particular song, Because I'm a Girl by Kiss. No, I’m not talking about Gene Simmons’s Kiss but a Korean girl band. It has been quite some time since I heard this song. I remembered it was heavily played in my car and also kat office but the thing that made this song so special is the music video. Though the group didn’t even last till the 2nd single, the MV will always be one of my all time favourite.

I wanted to story a bit about the MV but I think its better kalau you watch it yourself. Baru best sikit impact dia(for those yang tak pernah tengok the video). No harm pun. The song is sodap and MV pun best…. I got the Korean(click here) and English(and here) version…so tengok, jangan tak tengok.

Watching this MV makes me wonder….would we do the same thing for the one we love?

Of Needles and Guilty Pleasure

2009-02-15T23:19:00.009+08:00

Getting stuck on a hard bed and being poked by needles two times a day is not what I want to repeat. A week dah cukup and I am still recovering from it. The worst experience ever…

Well for some yang didn’t know, I was admitted to the hospital due to dengue. It just amazed me what a tiny little flying insect can do. I was down and out. The worst was not being able to eat no matter how hungry I was. Its not like I don’t want to eat, just I can’t. Whatever yang I tried to masukkan in my mouth tasted so pahit I just can’t force it in. If it did pun, it will end up in the toilet bowl later. The missus was a bit irritated with me cos she said I was not trying hard enough to eat…I lost quite a bit of weight due to that. A fast and effective diet programmes but of course not recommended.

Honestly, everyone hates injections. I hate needles but when you are being warded, it is kinda hard to avoid being poke by one lah rite. So, twice a day a nice nurse in blue uniform will come in with a smile and her scary needles…I just turn the other way and hope it’s over ASAP. The worst is when they wake you up at 4am or 5am…..hmmmm...really not something you want at that time of day.

I’m just glad it’s over but I am still recovering. The doctor had given me an MC for a week but I am still trying to regain back the strength and energy I lost. I was expecting a fast recovery but I guess my body is responding slower now due to my….mature age now. At least I get to indulge myself with my new obsession…… Korean Dramas!!!

Yes…I am into K-dramas. Don’t ask me why….just my guilty pleasure I guess. My sister is the one who got me hooked when I was in back in Kuching and I can’t seem to get enough of it. I just enjoy watching it….and the missus is getting annoyed a bit because she said I’m too obsess with it. Hahahaha....I do have to admit I am bit maybe. Just one after another…

My all time favourite is Coffee Prince (or also known as The 1st Shop of the Coffee Prince). I watched it maybe 5 or 6 times and I know for a fact I can watch it a few more times. I love the acting and the intriguing story line. And the music is not bad too. For those yang nak starts with k-dramas, I highly recommend Coffee Prince….just watch it and you understand what I mean. Full House and My Name is Kim Sam-Soon should be in that list too.

And coincidentally, my favourite actress….Yoon Eun Hye, is the heroin in the drama. She only acted in three dramas (Goong or Princess Hours and The Vineyard Man is the other two) but she is so talented and a joy to watch. She has that “Drew Barrymore” cuteness about her. It has been awhile since she acted (Coffee Prince was her last acting job since 2007) and I just hope she will be out of her acting hiatus soon. Attached is one of my favourite song from the series....and some of the scenes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJBhpj2W0R4

Well…now I just have to figure out how to get myself all pump up about work tomorrow. It has been 2 weeks….So I assume it is gonna be a struggle. Or should I just request an MC for another week…hmmmmm.

It hurts....really hurts

2008-11-15T01:19:00.003+08:00

1 point from a possible 9 in away games to our rivals....and almost a draw to HULL CITY?? Hmmm...and what was Gary thinking during the Arsenal game? I love him for the services he had given us and I am happy he recovered from the injury but I am still trying to figure out what was wrong with him in that match against the Gooners? Did he just choked? Was he trying to hard to impress the gaffer?

The only positive....all three teams will be coming to OT and I wish we will show them....beat them stupid when they come.

GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED!!!!

Young Devils Did Good

2008-09-24T10:51:00.013+08:00

Unlike last season horror show when were beaten by Conventry City at the same round, United did much better this time arond. I may had only watched the 1st half of last night League Cup match against Boro but I was impressed with the young Devils on show. 3 that stand out were:

Rafael Da Silva - Watching him play assure me there is life after Neville and I'm thankful it is not Brown. He defended superbly at the back and was always eager to join the attack. He is one fast Brazillian and being one made sure he is blessed with impressive skills. The best example was his backheel pass to Welbeck that could had been Ronaldo's 2nd goal. We might see him sooner than later as our regular right back.

Rodrigo Possebon - He was as cool as cucumber in the middle of the field. He covered the back four while letting the likes of Anderson and Nani joined the attack. He was confident with the ball and his passing vision was superb. The only blip was his injury from a bad tackle by Boro's captain, Pogatetz, who deservedly got a red card. Carrick might want to look back and work hard cos Possebon is knocking on the door.

Danny Welbeck - At only 17, Welbeck was impressive in his full start for United. He was a constant threat infront of goal and only 2 saves from the Boro keeper denied him a goal. His link up play with the other forwards was excellent and he is not one to give up on a chase. If Berba think he can slide his way into the first eleven, he might want to think again as this young lad might have something to say. Manucho who came in the last 7 minutes might want to knock Berba's head and wake him up a bit.

I JUST WISH THE WEEK WAS BETTER

2008-09-22T13:31:00.005+08:00

Hmmmm.....I guess during the Holy month of Ramadhan, all Devils kena ikat. That's why the Red Devils are not firing all cylinders right now. 15th in the league with 4 points(from 4 games) says it all. Another away lead squandered this time at the Bridge, another conference like defending at the back, another 7 yellow cards, another dissapointing end to the week.

Well, at least we got 2 tough away games against our main rivals out of the way and Ronaldo is back. We just need Rooney and Berba to find their way now and hopefully we can see what damage the Awesome Foursome can really do....hopefully.

Welcome to the Red Familia.....Berba!!!

2008-09-02T20:57:00.003+08:00

The missing link we needed upfront....Our new no 9.

Another one...

2008-06-29T14:25:00.003+08:00

No Portugal. No Holland. It’s the cup specialist Germany against the perennial under achievers Spain. I am sure it will be a good game as I am sure a lot of your male colleagues will be taking half day leave or masuk lambat office. I still tak decide lagi if I am gonna stay up and watch the game but kalau tak tengok rasa cam tak sah pulak. I’ll decide later.

Who do I think will win? I just have this sneaky feeling that Spain is gonna add to the 1964 European Championship. They cruise through the championship so far and were fantastic in the semi against Russia. Although David Villa is out due to injury but Spain have players who can certainly step up and make a difference in the game just like Fabregas who came on for Villa and inspired the semi win against Russia. And don't forget, they still have Torres upfront and we know what this boy can do. Germany might be without Ballack tonight and that might cost them. He was excellent in the semi and had been an inspired leader on the field. I can’t really see anyone else taking over his place if he really does not play. For Spain for me but if you are a betting man, just choose the opposite. You know what I did to Portugal and Holland.

The Ronaldo transfer saga is still not over. Nobody knows whether he will be wearing a red or white jersey come August. Latest news, he will be back for pre-season training but maybe just to pack his things before leaving for Madrid. Like everyone else, we just have to wait. Do I want him to stay or go? He is an out of this world player and to loose him would be a blow to United. He is still a young player and still developing and it would be a shame if United can’t hold on to him but I am always a firm believer that a club is always bigger than a player. If he wants to go and believes he belong to another team, let him go. We don’t need players who don’t want to be part of the team. We need players who go out on the field and play their hearts for us. If Madrid wants him for ₤80m, sell him and just imagine the players we can buy to make the squad stronger.

The futsal tournament kat office came to its conclusion this week. Our team made it to the QF but because we came 2nd in the group stages, we had to meet Finace Team A (Turkey) and we lost 1-0. Turkey ends up as the champion beating France (Customer Service) 2-0. So, now all of us have to work till 6 and no more lepaking at Townhall and makan free popcorn and drinks….hmmm…it is gonna be hard. Oooo….France’s cheerleading team won the Cheerleading competition and to be honest, there was no contest. If you have 3 gorgeous fe”male” who can shake their booties like there is no tomorrow, you are bound for greatness.

There are so many movies coming out thick and fast that I and the missus missed some of them. We have not watch Narnia, Hulk, Get Smart and Wanted….and there is more to come. We just need to come out with a plan and of course a budget (since the fuel price is really hitting me hard) to catch the movies….some movies are meant to watch in a cineplex u know. Hmmmm… but I do have to make sure I’ll get Wanted dvd though. Don’t ask me why ok…..it’s Jolie ok.

Music…hmmmm…still listening to the same materials since the last update. Anyone who cares to read my blog checked them out? What do u guys think? Ok…now I nak suggest a couple more. Adele if you like Duffy or Amy Winehouse….and Augustana new album Can’t Love Can’t Hurt. Do check them out…. I would not have suggested you guys to listen to them if they are no good right?? Ermmm….they are good you know..try listening to it dulu lah ye.

Well…I think that’s it for now. No bad eh….2 posts in a month….horaayyyy!!!

Finally.....

2008-06-16T23:13:00.004+08:00

I really wanted to write about Euro’08 that is currently in the last group matches but I am so malas. Maybe because England is not involved…..oh well, malas is the main reason.

But if I have to choose the two teams that will battling it out in the finals, base on current form, I would say Portugal and Holland. Portugal with Ronaldo is looking dangerous and with the soon to be Chelski manager Scolari, they do have a manager that knows how to win but Holland is looking like a different class when they beat Italy and France convincingly. For a neutral like me, that would be a mouth watering clash. But Spain is definitely with a chance but they do have to meet Holland in the semi. David Villa is scoring for fun and increasing his salary demand with every goal he scored.

Exciting times at the office now. We are having our own version of Euro at the office…..a futsal competition. There are 16 teams consisting of all the departments in the company and the team names are..well, base on the nations competing in Euro’08. And yours truly is in team Poland…and unlike the real Poland team, we are through to the quarterfinal after 2 wins in 2 matches. We have a top of the group decider this Thursday against Croatia but a draw would be good enough for us to emerge as group champion. As you can see, I am excited about the whole thing..something to look forward to when you are starting to get a bit mengantuk petang-petang at work.

What else ya….hmmm…oh yeah, I am currently listening to Ingrid Michaelson (Girls and Boys), The National(Boxer) and A Fine Frenzy (One Cell in The Sea) and I am just loving the music they are making. The kind of songs that you can listen to when you are caught in a jam to calm you down or with a good book on a breezy day on a lazy Sunday. The vocals are amazing and the lyrics are beautiful. If you are tired of Flo-Rida, Timbaland, Mariah Carey and maybe One Republic…maybe you should try giving these 3 a try.

My current tv addiction….Chuck. Why? Because the nerds are the heroes!!! But seriously, it is a good show. Zach Levi and Joshua Gomez are funny and Yvonne Strahovski makes me wish all the country’s secrets are downloaded into my brain and they have to send an agent to protect me. And that is before the missus deleted all the secrets and kicks the agent’s arse.

Well, that’s all for now….ahhhh. Finally, an update. Hopefully the next one will be much sooner.

p/s: Was planning to attach some pixs to make the posting nampak cantik...but MALAS!!!

I'M BACK FOR A REASON

2008-05-12T13:12:00.005+08:00

Need I say more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wohoooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!! 10th title in 16 years...so sweet!!!

Now....proving the best in England is the easy part....now to Moscow. Full speed ahead you Red Devils!!!

The Cup, The Blues and The Break

2008-03-01T21:32:00.009+08:00

Finally the other team from London have got something to celebrate. After 9 seasons of re-arranging their trophy cabinet to make it less boring, Spurs can now add the 2008 Mickey Mouse…ehh silap…Carling Cup into their collection. People like Shebby and my brother-in-law can smile a bit now…..hmmmm… and maybe sports outlets will finally sell Spurs jersey now. I should talk to my supplier about bringing it in too.

But to be fair, Spurs does look like a different team under Ramos. Spurs is playing attractive football and there is a sense of believe in the players that was lost under Jol before. Now they are chasing the UEFA Cup which Ramos had won 2 seasons in a row with Seville. The main thing for everyone connected with Spurs is to be patient and give Ramos time to develop. We might see Spurs in the fold in a couple of seasons. But bila fikir balik, didn’t they say Jol might be the saviour and make Spurs great again about 2-3 seasons ago and we know apa dah jadi ngan En Jol kan?

While Spurs is bathing in their glory and looking to brighter days ahead, the team they beat that day seems to be in trouble pulak. Off the pitch problems are appearing all over the papers….Kapitan Terry nak balun Ten Cate sampai orang kaya Chelski En Roman buat emergency meetings to clear straighten things up, Chelsea seems to be giving up on keeping 2 of their most important player in the shape of Lampard and Drogba (who I think may join Mourinho kat Barca…hmmmm) and their coach ponteng kelas and might not be their manager next season. Apparently, Rijkaard is rumoured tengah dipancing to be the new manager..Interesting. Aiyoo…. Apa dah jadi? Well...kena tunggu lah how do they react in this weekend game against West Ham. Yang pasti, Grant is very unhappy with the bad media reports surrounding his team for the past week.

But I think the talk of the week was the sickening Eduardo’s leg break. Masa game tu I was out with the missus and only watch the 2nd half of the game while we had our dinner kat Chilli’s 1U. I only knew about the leg break when I was already at home and checking the net for the game summary. It makes me cringe when I youtube the tackle. It reminds me of that Smith’s leg break a couple of seasons ago. For the faint hearted, mintak tolong jangan tengok the pix below.

What's the deal with Gallas when Birmingham was awarded the penalty. Cam budak kecik je...he was sulking and running all the way down the field. I mean, if you are upset pun, you have to be professional lah kan...no matter how passionate you are or maybe it was the emotion seeing your team mate suffered a horrible injury..but don't lah sulk cam a 3 year old.

Well ok…now for my predictions for this week matches. Last week I got the Birmingham-Arsenal result spot on. Yang lain tu..well, at least I got some of the winners’ right…..So, my prediction this week:

Arsenal 3 Aston Villa 1
Birmingham City 1 Tottenham Hotspurs 1
Derby County 1 Sunderland 2
Fulham 0 Manchester Utd 3
Middlesbrough 2 Reading 0
Newcastle Utd 1 Blackburn Rovers 2
West Ham Utd 1 Chelsea 1
Manchester City 2 Wigan Athletic 0
Bolton Wanderers 2 Liverpool 2
Everton 2 Portsmouth 1

Last week result:

Birmingham City 2 (McFadden 28’,90’) Arsenal 2 ( Walcott 50’,55’)

Fulham 0 West Ham 1 (Solano 87’)

Liverpool 3 (Torres 28’,29’,61’) Middlesbrough 2 (Tuncay 9’; Downing 83’)

Portsmouth 1 (Defoe 69’-pen) Sunderland 0

Wigan Athletic 2 (Schaner 61’; Valencia ’85) Derby County 0

Newcastle Utd 1 (Faye 79’) Manchester Utd 5 (Rooney 25’,81’; Ronaldo 45’,56’; Saha 90’)

Reading 1 (Shorey 90’) Aston Villa 2 (Young 45’; Harewood 84')

Blackburn Rovers 4 (McCarty 25’-p,67’-p; Bentley ’71; Pedersen 90’) Bolton Wanderers 1 (Davies 50’)

Manchester City 0 Everton 2 (Yakubu 30’; Lescott 38’)

Week 27

2008-02-23T16:03:00.004+08:00

I was planning to write a very insightful and full of crappy facts review about this week games but I was down with a very dangerous virus. A virus commonly call MALAS and instead of writing possibly the best ever review anyone had ever read, I will just give u my prediction. But ni bukan just letak ikut suka hati….I buat research before I predicted the scores. And to think Shebby gets paid for doing this.

Birmingham City 2 Arsenal 2
Fulham 1 West Ham 1
Liverpool 2 Middlesbrough 1
Portsmouth 2 Sunderland 0
Wigan Athletic 3 Derby County 0
Newcastle Utd 0 Manchester Utd 3
Reading 2 Aston Villa 1
Blackburn Rovers 1 Bolton Wanderers 0
Manchester City 1 Everton 1

Itulah dia prediction kita untuk minggu ni. Last week score predictions satu pun tak kena..so to all yang ingin menggunakan my predictions as the main source to take a bet, please don't. Baik u duduk kat kedai mamak pekena teh tarik while watching the game or buy some snacks if ur watching at home.

All Fantasy Football Managers, Wigan is playing against Derby so....fill ur team with Wigan players... Heskey, Scharner and Palacios might be scoring a lot of points for ur team.

When the Tykes is High......

2008-02-21T13:03:00.005+08:00

A friend was wondering.......

if Barnsley were in Serie A, would they be on top of the league now?? Hmmm.... it does makes you wonder right?

The Round of 16........

2008-02-16T04:33:00.012+08:00

Harlow football fans....

There’s no EPL(or is it BPL now?) matches this weekend…so all you fantasy football managers’ out there can just sit back and not worry if your players are injured or suspended and if any team is taking on Derby so you can score more points.

This week is all about one of the oldest cup competition in the world, The FA Cup and it is the round of 16. There are surprisingly only 6 Premier league teams in this round and we might end up with only one top flight team in the quarter final after all the matches are played. Hmmm….that would definitely be interesting but would be a big disaster for the TV stations lah…honestly, who nak tengok a Preston V Huddersfield final? Personally, I wouldn’t.

It is really hard nak review some of the matches cos kat Malaysia ni we don’t get a chance to actually watch some of the teams like Bristol Rovers or Cardiff play every week. So, kenalah buat research sikit about the teams, their current performance and their players so I can give a fair review, for people who care lah. For those who don’t give a damn, it will actually be a good read before u go to sleep u know. The missus can attest to that claim.

So here we go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bristol Rovers (League 1) V Southampton (Championship)
Venue: The Memorial Stadium

Bristol Rovers had not lost at home and only lost once in all competition since the turn of the year while Southampton form took a dip since beating Bury in the round of 32 in the FA cup. The Saints had failed to win in the last 4 games, losing 3 out of the 4.

According to form, The Pirates have the upper hand and looks good to make it to the quarter finals which they last achieved in 1958. It will be a close game as Southampton is in the league above with a few players who have experience performing in the big stage but I do think Bristol will pull it through especially with their good home record so far.

Score Prediction: Pirates to win 2-1

Facts:
Best Achievement in the FA Cup:
Bristol Rovers – QF 1951, 1958
Southampton – Winners 1976

FA Cup Head to Head record – Bristol Rover 1W, 0D, Southampton 2W

Last match - 1980/81 Round 4 Southampton 3 Bristol Rovers 1

Cardiff City (Championship) V Wolverhampton Wanderers (Championship)
Venue: Ninian Park

Cardiff is just above Wolves in the Championship only due to goal difference. It will be a hard fought match and The Bluebirds would definitely want to avenge their defeat at home in the league back in October. Cardiff does have Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in the squad and he will definitely be a threat to the Wolves defence and luckily for them Robbie “The God” Fowler will not be involved due to hip injury.

It is a hard match to call with both sides is aiming for that money spinning quarter final place. I think it will be a hard fought English football style draw.

Score Prediction: It will be a 0-0 or 1-1 draw

Facts:
Best Achievement in the FA Cup:
Cardiff City – Winners 1927
Wolves – Winners 1893, 1908, 1949, 1960

FA Cup Head to Head record – Cardiff 1W, 1D, Wolves 1W

Last match – 1920/21 Semi-final (R) Cardiff 1 Wolves 3

Chelsea (Premiership) V Huddersfield (League 1)
Venue: Stamford Bridge

Huddersfield is the lowest ranking team left in the competition and their wonderful run look set to be ended in this round. Chelsea will be too good for the Terriers and will be hoping that it will not be a drubbing. Chelsea is facing Olympiacos in mid-week so they might be taking it easy after scoring the 2nd goal.

It will be an easy win for Chelsea but Huddersfield with Frank Sinclair, the former FA Cup winner with Chelsea back in 1997, will try to tackle their way into Chelsea’s defence.

Score Prediction: A 3-0 win for The Blues.

Facts:
Best Achievement in the FA Cup:
Chelsea – Winners 1970, 1997, 2000, 2007
Huddersfield – Winners 1922

FA Cup Head to Head record – Chelsea 3W, 1D, Huddersfield 1W

Last match – 2005/06 Round 3 Chelsea 2 Huddersfield 1

Liverpool (Premiership) V Barnsley (Championship)
Venue: Anfield

Liverpool is playing at home against a mid-table Championship team…any fool would be crazy to bet against The Reds losing. Liverpool is virtually out of the league title race and facing a rather daunting task of trying to get past the mighty Inter Milan in the last 16 round of the Champions League, it does seems like that the FA Cup might provide them with a silverware for a clearly disappointing season after a promising start.

The Tykes are struggling away from home and Anfield is a tough place to go. It would definitely be good for them to look at what Havant & Waterloo did well in the last round and maybe take advantage of Liverpool having one eye on the Inter match. But I do believe Liverpool are just too good for the Tykes and will book their place in the last 8.

Score Prediction: Liverpool 3 Barnsley 0

Facts:
Best Achievement in the FA Cup:
Liverpool – Winners 1965, 1974, 1986, 1989, 1992, 2001, 2006
Barnsley – Winners 1912

FA Cup Head to Head record – Liverpool 4W, 1D, Barnsley 0W

Last match – 1984/85 Round 6 Barnsley 0 Liverpool 4

Coventry City(Championship) V West Bromwich Albion (Championship)
Venue: Ricoh Arena

Another all Championship match in the cards and the last time West Brom visited Ricoh Arena, they came away with a 4-0 win. If you take into account their league position, West Brom does have the upper hand. While The Baggies are chasing for a promotion, The Sky Blues are fighting their way out of the relegation zone but suprisingly they are doing well in cup cempetitions this season. They had beaten Man Utd at Old Trafford in the Carling Cup tie and also beaten Blackburn Rovers 4-1 in the 3rd round.

West Brom form has not been at its best latelt and Coventry seems to a different opposition in the cup. So I am going for a win for the Sky Blues. Who knows they might get Man Utd in the next round and beat them for a place in the semi final? Who knows?

Score Prediction: They met twice in the league and both had been high scoring games. I don’t think it will be the same as the stakes are different here. Im going for a 2-1 win for the Sky Blues.

Facts:
Best Achievement in the FA Cup:
Coventry – Winners 1987
West Brom – Winners 1888, 1892, 1931, 1954, 1968

FA Cup Head to Head record – Coventry 2W, 2D, West Brom 3W

Last match – 1994/95 Round 3(R) West Brom 1 Coventry 2

Man Utd (Premiership) V Arsenal (Premiership)
Venue: Old Trafford

Everyone in the world is looking forward to this game after the draw was made. After this match, one of the team have to say goodbye to their treble dream. Man Utd is suffering a little set back in recent weeks after only able to take 1 point from the last two league matches and the derby lost was definitely a kick to the mouth for United. Arsenal took advantage of the situation and opened up a 5 points lead in the league. Arsenal are riding high on confidence and looking for another great performance at the Old Trafford.

Man Utd will look to this game to erase their recent poor run and put pressure on The Gunners and will hope they can beat The Red Devils to further dent the team confidence and morale. This may be a different competition but many sees that the winner of this match will carry on the momentum to win the league title. It will be a display of two top marksmen in the league so far in the form of Devil's Ronaldo and Gunner's Adebayor. Both looking to add on to their amazing goal tally.

A replay is definitely a no-no for both teams with the amount of important games ahead. It is a tough game to call and the head to head record showed both team are par with each other but I think United might nick this one. Rooney is back and he will bring that sting and spirit that was definitely lost in that derby match. His performance will be the difference to seperate the two sides in this match.

Score Prediction: A hard fought and interesting 1-0 win to United.

Facts:
Best Achievement in the FA Cup:
Man Utd – Winners 1909, 1948, 1963, 1977, 1983, 1985, 1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004
Arsenal – Winners 1930, 1936, 1950, 1971, 1979, 1993, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005

FA Cup Head to Head record – Man Utd 5W, 2D, Arsenal 5W

Last match - 2004/2005 Final Arsenal 0 Man Utd 0 (Arsenal win 5-4 on penalties)

Sheffield United (Championship) V Middlesbrough (Premiership)
Venue: Bramall Lane

Losing your manager before an important match is not ideal for any team but The Blades will have to deal with it. The new manager, Blackwell, will hope that the couple of days he had with the team will be enough to tackle another premiership team. They had knocked out Bolton and Man City from the competition and will definitely hope Boro will be added to that list.

Boro had not lost in the last 7 games and seems to turn their luck around since the new year. They had secured an important player for the team when Downing signed a new 5 year-deal and that would definitely lift up the team. With Alliadiare looking like a re-born player up front, Boro looks set to add more misery to the Blades.

Score Prediction: Downing to score in a 2-1 win for Boro.

Facts:
Best Achievement in the FA Cup:
Sheffield Utd – Winners 1899, 1902, 1915, 1925
Middlesbrough – Runners Up 1997

FA Cup Head to Head record – Sheffield Utd 1W, 1D, M’boro 0W

Last match - 1922/23 Round 2(R) Sheffield Utd 3 M’boro 0

Preston North End (C) V Portsmouth (P)
Venue: Deepdale

Preston was the surprise winner from the last round when they beat Premiership side Derby…hmmm….ok lah, kira a surprise. But Portsmouth is a different side from the sorry Derby. With their African stars back in the team, Pompey will sail through this round. It will be a heart breaking end for the once an invincible team but they are just not good enough. It will be smarter to concentrate on their relegation dog fight in the Championship.

Score Prediction: Preston 0 Portsmouth 2

Facts:
Best Achievement in the FA Cup:
Preston – Winners 1889, 1938
Portsmouth – Winners 1939

FA Cup Head to Head record – Portsmouth 2W, 0D, Preston 1W

Last match - 1947/48 Round 4 Portsmouth 1 Preston 3

No More......

2008-02-14T17:22:00.005+08:00

I used to bore people around me about facts they don’t need about football or any other sports and no one had it worst than the missus…poor woman. So, a friend introduced me to the wonderful world of blogging. I suddenly found a place for me to channel my crazy passion for football and share (or not) with people who cares to read about it. But somehow, I got lost along the way and started to write about things way off the original purpose the blog was created. There are more posting about my personal life than about sports in general and football especially.

I decided that the trend will stop now. There will only be sports postings on this blog. There will be no more whining, no more feeling bad for oneself…no more!!! Well…unless the whining and the feeling bad for oneself are connected to sports, then it is allowed. This blog will talk everything the wonderful world of sports have to offer…..except for the very confusing sport of cricket. I honestly don’t even know how they score points in that game. Once I figure it out, maybe I will be reviewing the Cricket World Cup??

So, welcome to the wonderful world of sports from me, your host, Gagak Merah. I hope I am able to cater to your needs and demands.

P/S : Happy birthday Ayieh!!!

Am I Not Likeable?

2008-01-19T03:49:00.002+08:00

I know I’m not the friendliest person around and my 1st impression is not the most memorable. I have to admit that I do look like I got something stuck in my arse but…. I don’t know lah.It’s not like no one is talking to me or “memulau”ing me but when nobody asks you to join them for lunch after 4 months of working together, you do have to wonder what is the problem? Bad breath? Body odour? Bad attitude? A Man United fan maybe? Or they just don’t like me. But what have I done to make them not like me?

I understand, when a person comes into a place where everyone had known each other since the beginning of time, or in this case, for almost 10 years of working together…it is kinda hard to knock that door and join in to be part of that group. Hearing the crazy and sad things they had shared all these years made u realize that they are just not colleagues, they are close friends. And for a person like me, where I sometimes wonder what else can I do with my mouth other than to eat....it is not easy. Unlike my better half who can just walk into a room full of strangers and in less than 5 minutes after that will make them feel like they had been friends for years. I wish I have that confidence and aura sometimes….

On Fridays, while the others pergi solat Jumaat in groups, I’ll be going alone..and having lunch alone I must add too. It does sound sad and pathetic huh…but some of you might say and think…open lah the mouth. Try lah tanya if you can join them. Well friends, I did that a few times before and I never thought that I needed to ask them every single time lah right? Malu lah pulak cos you do hope someone would actually come up to you at 11.30 Friday morning saying, “Kau ikut sama ke nanti solat Jumaat?”… So far, when it’s 12.45pm on a Friday….. I angkat kepala, I ‘ll be the only muslim guy still around. Just to pujuk myself, I like to think that there are not enough space for me to fit in the car. I am quite a large human being anyway...yeah, that must be it...rite?

Well, the least I can do is to take the positives from the whole situation...I lost 3 inches from my waist since the lunch skipping and I don’t have to worry about having enough money for lunch. I don’t need it and I get to do a little bit of savings.

For the people who knows me, am I not likeable? What can I do?

The Annual Win at Anfield!!!!

2007-12-18T10:58:00.003+08:00

Why does Rafa Benitez(Liverfool Manager for those who don't know) likes to rotate the squad?

Because he doesn't want the robbers to know who is not at home during match day.

That's a really funny joke... I guess the Scousers like to leave the door open huh? Just like what happened last Sunday. Leave one of the main threat to your goal open to pounce....thank you Scousers!!!

WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And we scored at the Kop End again!!!!!!!!!!!! OOOOOO...that sinking feeling!!!!

I Hope

2007-12-15T01:19:00.001+08:00

It's that time of the month.....

And she cried again tonite.

I just don't know what to say anymore.

It seems like I am out of words to try and make her feel better.

So I just laid there beside her and hugged her.

I hope she knows that I am there for her and that I understand her frustration and sadness.

I hope she knows that I feel them too.

I hope she knows.........

My First Tag Ever......

2007-12-10T22:26:00.001+08:00

1. Name one person who made you laugh last night.
A friend who said Liverpool lost because they were concentrating on the Champions League game this week and they will murder United next weekend….hahahahahaha.

2. What were you doing at 0800?
Snoozing the darm handphone for the 3rd time

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
Made some business in the toilet

4. What happened to you in 2006?
I got enganged…….

5. What was the last thing you said out loud?
“Arsenal Kalah?? Liverpool Kalah?? United menang???” to a bunch of sorry looking Gooners and Scousers…

6. How many beverages did you have today?
4, Water, Milo, Café Mocha and Tea

7. What color is your hairbrush?
I don’t own one. My hands do all the work.

8. What was the last thing you paid for?
Toll at RM 1.60

9. Where were you last night?
Stadium Merdeka with My Chemical Romance…wohoooo!!!!!!!!!!

10. What color is your front door?
Ermmm…..hold on..let me check. Yeah… Brown.

11. Where do you keep your change?
Car. House. Wallet. Pocket.

12. What’s the weather like today?
It rain all day…..as a colleague said…it’s mating season.

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor?
Anything laa….. semua masyuk!!!

14. What excites you?
Good music and a good football match...United involves of course

15. Do you want to cut your hair?
Just had a hair cut.

16. Are you over the age of 25?
Yes. But I am young at heart.

17. Do you talk a lot?
No.

18. Do you watch the O.C.?
No.

19. Do you know anyone named Steven?
Hmmm…. Like Des, Steven Gerrard count or not?

20. Do you make up your own words?
All the time. Ask the missus.

21. Are you a jealous person?
No…well…I don’t think I am.

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’.
Abdul Aziz…there you go.. double A lagi.

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’.
Kamilia..ehh..she’s my sister… wait, let me scroll in my contact list dulu…yeah…ada sorang, Kenny.

24. Who’s the first person on your received call list?
The missus

25. What does the last text message you received say?
From my sister asking me to listen to the new The Killers new single.

26. Do you chew on your straw?
No.

27. Do you have curly hair?
No.

28. Where’s the next place you’re going to?
to bed....sleeping

29. Who’s the rudest person in your life?
The freaking driver of a Nissan Camry who tailgated me because he thinks he owns the farking road....

30. What was the last thing you ate?
Bubur ayam…with ikan bilis goreng, telur masin and hotdog….fuhhhhhhh…

31. Will you get married in the future?
I am married…. and before I can think of getting married again in the future, I’ll be 6 feet under.

32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks?
Enchanted…well, that’s the last movie I saw in the past two weeks anyway.

33. Is there anyone you like right now?
Yes.

34. When was the last time you did the dishes?
Ermmmm…..about 2 months ago I think.

35. Are you currently depressed?
Nope.

36. Did you cry today?
Nope.

37. Why did you answer and post this?
Because Des tagged me and I have not updated my blog like forever.

38. Tag 5 people who would do this survey.
1.Ifzan “The Design Diva” Ibrahim
2.Sista Adorable
3.Trueblue
4.Eddy Sparrow
5.Aphroditekuzz

I'm Fine but.....

2007-10-07T17:26:00.000+08:00

Assalamualaikum Mak,

Apa kabar kitak ngan bapak? Sihat kah? Kamek ngan Sherie, Alhamdulillah sihat. Dalam bulan posa tok, adalah panas sikit cuaca kat KL tok but syukur juak sebab kerja dalam ofis ada air-cond…sik kedak sidak bekerja di luar nun dalam tengahari retak ya. Cuaca kat Kuching camne?

Kamek dah nak masuk sebulan kerja tempat baru tok. Setakat tok, oklah juak. Colleague semua very helpful and friendly. Sidak really cuba to make me feel comfortable and fit in fast. Tapi tempat kerja tok pelik sikit lah. Sik kedak tempat kerja biasa kita. Sik ada tempat kerja fix pake kita. Meaning dalam seminggu ya, kamek might be working at 5 different places. Setiap sorang diberik kotak digelar sidak “toolbox” pake nyimpan stationeries and masa nak balit, all personal stuffs simpan dalam locker. Even boss2 besar [un duduk kat luar…sik ada ofis khas pake sidak. And paling best, kerja pun make casual clothes. Sik payah nak smart-smart lagik nak pegi kerja…..tiap2 harilah kamek make jeans ke ofis. Rasa janggal juak mula2 cos dah biasa ngan your shirt and slacks but now ok dah. Kamek rasa more comfortable and sik terkongkong gilak masa bekerja.

1st time posa kat KL as a family man. So sik lah cam tahun2 sebelum tok Setiap kali nak sungkei, kenak lah makan nasik bungkus and duduk sorang kat apartment ya. Sedih juak rasa but kamek yang milih nak datang sitok ria nak? Tahun tok, at least makan nasik and lauk straight from the kitchen…home cooked. Mak mentua pande masak so sik tauklah berat tok turun or nait bulan tok..hehehehehe. But rasa-rasa nya mungkin turun kali cos seluar pun dah longgar sikit. Sherie pun ada masak mun nya ada masa, especially weekends. Nya suka experiment with her cooking but selalunya menjadi. Sik jauh tumpah nya kuah, kata pepatah melayu. Alhamdulillah….at least mun kamek duak diam kedirik kelak, sik lah dapur ya sik berasap and harap fast food or tapau dari kedai nak?

Walau camne pun, kamek tetap rindu keadaan posa kat Kuching. Pegi Pasar Satok meli tapai madu, ikan terubok n sardin panggang, umai….. but gine-gine pun sik dapat lawan bubur pedas nenek. Rasa sik complete bulan posa tok sik makan bubur pedas nenek. Masih ingat lagik masa kecik2 dolok nolong nenek grind bahan2 make molah resipi bubur pedas nya. Sampe kepak rasa tangan but sik maok berhenti sebab rasa orang paling penting jak….hahahahaha. Siapa nolong nenek grind resipi kinek tok I wonder? Hmmmm…I miss all that.

Kamek mintak maaf benar2 lah cos sik dapat balit raya tahun tok. Memang kamek duak dah plan nak balit tapi gine nak molah. Kamek baruk jak start kerja so kamek sik ada cuti. Sik apalah, cuba cerik rasa beraya kat tempat orang. Harap2 sik banjir lah Sg Petani. Mun ada nengar kat berita di tv Sg Petani flash flood, tauk2 lah siapa penyebab nya. Mak iboh sedih indah pagi raya kelak, I make sure I call pagi-pagi mintak maaf ngan mak, bapak and nenek. Tapi terus terang kamek madah lah yang kamek malas gilak nak mikir pasal raya tahun tok. Bukan sik suka nak raya tapi just rasa sik best sik dapat beraya ngan famili dirik pun kat Kuching. Ne nak molah nak, dah ada hidup kedirik so kenak lah biasa kan dirik ngan situation cam tok. Lagikpun famili Sherie are a wonderful bunch of people. I am sure they gonna make me feel ok. Insya Allah, mun sik ada aral melintang, kamek duak balit raya tahun depan.

Kamek akan really miss daging rendang, manok masak kicap and manok kari masak mak. Apa ndak kah nama kuih-kuih lapis tahun tok kah…after Tsumawi, Senyum Sokmo…mabe this year ada Wazzup Wazzup kali? Banyak meli kuih kah tahun tok? Mun boleh jangan berlebih meli…takut kelak sik abis, membazir ajak.

So camne preparation nikah Razi. Glad nengar my brother is settling down. Roslind is a nice girl and Hopefully Razi can direct her to the right path lepas nya masuk Islam. Mun boleh, biarlah sidak bapak,Hanim,Yaya,Iwan and others ngator hal nikah ya. Kamek sik maok mak gago and bingong sampe sakit mak datang. Ya ajak mintak kamek. Mun ada perlu nak mintak tolong dari kamek, padah jak lah. Insya Allah, mun kamek mampu nolong kamek akan cuba.

Ok lah mak. Mata pun dah ngantok tok cos malam tadik tidur akhir. Hehehe… lepas nanggar game United malam tadik, terus sik dapat tidur. Memang besar bah... 4-0 and on top of the league. Bukan mak sik tauk anak mak sorag tok nak. Alang2 dah sik tido, berjaga nanggar ragbi World Cup dari pukul 3 pagi. Nasib berbaloi cos it was a really interesting and a very good game.

So…kirim salam ngan semua from kamek and Sherie. Peluk and cium for nenek for me. Kamek rindu kitak orang semua and I love all of you. Always remember that no matter where I am, all of you are in my thoughts every single day.

Your loving son,

Red Raven

p/s : to all my friends out there, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Mintak maaf kalau terkutuk, tercerca, tergurau lebih atau tersilap bahasa…..dan saya maafkan sesiapa yang terbuat benda yang sama kat saya. Have a safe journey to and from kampung saya doakan…Amin.

Goodbye.......Hello!!!

2007-09-01T01:50:00.002+08:00

He gave us a lot of wonderful memories. The magnificent 4 goals in 12 minutes against Forest after coming on as a sub. And who can ever forget that nite in the Nou Camp. To all United fans…Ole is more than THAT goal. Thank you for the 11 years of pleasure and devotion you have given us. You are a true United Legend...Salute!!!

While we are saying goodbye to one legend, another is coming back to Old Trafford this weekend...Keano is back, well, for a short visit. He is bringing the Black Cats to his old stamping ground and will be trying to outwit his ex-gaffer. Well, I do wish him luck for the rest of the season and hope he can keep Sunderland up…but after 90 minutes tomorrow, United will turn his team into kittens.

Before the game tomorrow, ada karaoke session with the missus and our friends. Lama gila tak karaoke…. It’s just not the same without you Eddy.

p/s: Eddy, think can potong me in the league this week? Hehehehe.....I’m waiting!!!

Panic?

2007-08-23T23:00:00.002+08:00

3 games, 2 points, 1 goal…….

Nak panic pun buat apa kan? We got 35 more games to go and 9 more months. Ni baru je opening weekend…..disappointed, terkilan, sedih…semua tu ada. Tipulah kalau tak kan…but panic? Like I said tadi, nak panic apasal?

Teruk jugak lah nak kena layan all the trash talk and the kutuking from all the communication sources available to mankind….yang berani tahap Gaban cakap face to face, yang berani sikit cakap on the phone, yang cuak guna sms or email. Well, itulah risk nya when supporting pasukan bola sepak paling terer dalam dunia ni….even a draw pun orang lain sibuk cos susah pasukan bola sepak paling terer dalam dunia ni nak get bad results. So, for the time being…jadi a good sport and terima segala cemuhan dan kutukan itu. Ni baru August.

To be honest, of course lah nak tengok United on top of the league instead of City. But bukan nya United playing horribly…just like all the papers and websites are saying, we are a bit light upfront with 3 strikers out injured. Tevez is doing well considering the short time he have been with the team but he still needs time to adjust. Hopefully, he will adjust faster…we need him now. All the chances that were created in the past 3 games would definitely end up in the net if Saha, Ole or Roon were playing,. Agree tak Des…UBA? Heard United might be in for Anelka or Martins before the transfer market close. If we do buy Martins…hmmm…wouldn’t he be the same type of player like Roon or Tevez? Well, Fergie knows best….we trust his decision.

Hagreaves impressed me. He cam kena rasuk in that derby game….run away man of the match for me in that game. Hmmm….still tak tau what Anderson is all about…tak sabar nak tengok this boy play. Without him pun the midfield look impressive already with Nani, Scholes, Carrick and of course Hagreaves.

The defence look solid. Heinze might be off to Madrid though….he is a good player but we don’t want a player who actually wants to play for Liverfool….no way. Please do leave….thanks for the memories.

All is good….2 points maybe…but still ada 105 points up for grabs kan? So…Spurs at Old Trafford this weekend. Of course a must win game for us….and for Jol. He might be out of White Hart Lane if Spurs kalah. Well, poor Jol better pack his things before he leave for Manchester……tak payah lah sibuk nak balk office lepas kalah….kan? Kan? Kan?

I Promised............

2007-08-16T01:01:00.001+08:00

The past 2 days, I tba-tiba rasa cam sedih. Cam rasa empty je this little heart of mine. Terasa pelik and wonder jugak lah cos baru last week happy je. Nak kata I miss my family tak pulak cos I just talked to them on the weekend. Nak blame it on the draw ngan Reading last Sunday, tak make sense pulak cos I got over it (trying very hard) the next day. And further more, Tuesday is my futsal nite so selalu nya excited giler lah but somehow cam takde mood and was playing half heartedly je. I didn’t enjoy the game at all. But I did a good sweat out of it though.

That feeling continued today and it made me worried. I finally got to sit down and try to figure out what is wrong after I came back from lunch today. I took a quick lunch and I got the whole office to myself as the others tak balik lagi. It was a good thinking session as I figured out the reason for the sadness and emptiness I am feeling.

I am sad because I know you are sad. I am upset because I know you are upset. It happened every single month since we got married. You might not cry now but I can hear it in your voice how sad and disappointed you are. I can see in your eyes that wanting and longing feeling every single time you hold your nephew and niece. I know how you wish it is your own son or daughter you’re holding and cuddling, not someone else. I know, sad it is for me to say, you somehow feel that I don’t really care or even bother if we ever be blessed with a child of our own.

I do care. I want a child of my own too. I am sad and disappointed too when you told me that you’re having your period but I chose to not show it because I know I kena be strong for you. It saddens me because I tak boleh do anything much to make you feel better other than saying “We will try again. Insya Allah, kalau rezeki, it will come.” It saddens me for letting you wait for another month to know if we succeed. It saddens me because I failed once again to give you what you want badly….we want badly.

I promised you that I will make you happy for the rest of your life and that is a promise I intend to keep. We are in these together ok? I promise I do whatever you want me to do to make it work. Drink more soya bean? I buy Jenny Hong’s soya bean every day. Eat more taugeh? I eat everything with taugeh...taugeh is a must in my meals now. Drink less ice water? I drink hot water only..even after futsal. Just tell me, and I do it. More sex? Well, by all means, more sex it is then.

And yang, no matter what happens, I always love you.

Another Week...........

2007-08-12T22:50:00.001+08:00

I got about half an hour before the game start so I thought nak update the blog. It has been a good week for me..so, let me just ceritera sikit la ye….

*********************************
It all started with…

Another one for the Trophy Cabinet….a lot more tempat lagi reserved for a few others coming by May.

Another Lamp – oon, and he is holding back his contract nego? Not a good idea now kan En. Lamp-oon?

*********************************
Well, we finaly got him. Hope he is worth all the hassle. He looked his all that 2nd half of the season for The Hammers.

*********************************
Yellow Fellow gave me a call and hired me………Fuyooooooohhhhhhhh!!!!! To all yang doakan and wished me luck, terima kasih banyak-banyak ye!!!!

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And I tendered my resignation and akhirnya I am saying goodbye to that devil’s reincarnation of a boss. I just wish I can read apalah dalam kepala hotak dia when I told her I’m leaving cos she acted so cool. I really wanted her to suffer….deep down inside I rasa she is. Hmmm….that though alone makes me feel so gumbira.

**********************************

AND THE PREMIER LEAGUE IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOHOOOOOOOO!!!!

p/s: Planning to watch go watch some of the Champions Youth Cup once dia orang main kat KL…anyone interested?

The Week That Was............

2007-07-30T21:39:00.003+08:00

The week that passed…..

My 2 sisters were in town to do their annual shopping .Purple Raven came after a 4 day vacation in Jakarta/Bandung with friends while Lilac Raven flew in from Kuching. Bought lots of DVDs boxsets (almost 12 titles which included One Three Hill, Smallville, Grey’s Anatomy, etc) and books (almost 50 if I’m not mistaken). It was a short trip and I managed to squeeze 2 days leave (an MC…thanks Dr. C and a legitimate requested leave) to spend time with them. The missus was feeling a bit ignored but being a wonderful wife that she is (she did not pay me anything to write this Eddy) she understood. Having family around is a privilege for me and I am very close to my sisters especially Lilac Raven. She is my football buddy as she is also a United fan. I thought after a lot of experiences sending family off to the airport, I would be less emotional but still, it gets me every single time. Maybe it’s the thought of not knowing when you will get to see them again makes me feel kinda sad.

*********************************

Had my 2nd interview last Monday at the “Yellow Fellow” TelCo. I thought after the 1st interview which I personally rated as “CRAPPY”, I would not hear from them and pretty much given up hope. But on cue, just a day after I told the missus that they must have shredded pushed my resume in the KIV file…I received a call for a 2nd interview. And a 2nd interview which I will again rated as “CRAPPY”. I wished I had done better that day to impress the interviewers but I knew I was less than impressive. The only thing that I can do now is just to hope and pray that I had convinced them enough to offer me the job. I need a new job…..and the benefits they are offering sounds good.

**********************************

A colleague tendered his resignation….without a back up plan. No job offers but he just couldn’t stand the b*%$# boss anymore and besides she seemed determined to push him out. I don’t think anyone in the department can stand her but some of us just have to suck it up until a genuine opportunity present itself…..like yours truly. My feelings towards the boss had gradually changed from “I Don’t Like Her” to “I HATE Her” to “I Despise Her” to “I Want To Run Her Down if I See Her Crossing the Road”. The thought of another department meeting and hearing her for the umpteenth time telling us what a good boss she is and how lucky we are to have her as a boss makes me want to poke my eyes out like Kassim Selamat. To us, she is the closest you can ever get to a boss from hell.

***********************************

United ended their Tour of Asia in China. Only Nani had the opportunity to show us why he is worth £17m and looks like he is worth every pound. The Tevez saga is getting absurd and Heinze is really pushing our loyalty to the limit. I just hope all this will not get in the way of United’s preparation to defend the title. The EPL will start in 12 days time and I just can’t wait. I am even excited about watching The Charity Shield this weekend against Chelski.

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Watched The Simpsons with the missus and I enjoyed it. After 2 months of blockbusters and over-hyped movies, this movie is what I needed. A whole one hour plus of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie and you can’t go wrong with the Simpson’s bunch. Leave the story line, the concept, the expectations out the door…it’s The Simpsons. Just drink your Coke, eat your popcorns and get ready to be brainless for just a short period of time….for some of us.

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A war-torn country, Iraq, became Asian Champion against all odds while Malaysia is still figuring out how to beat the likes of the Philippines and Brunei in the next Sea Games in Korat. FAM…open your eyes and see, open your ears and listen. Wake the old brain up and do something.

*************************************

SMS a friend to wish her Happy Birthday. A minute later I received her reply that said – Hahaha… U got the wrong date lah bro.

Hmmmm…..thanks Baby!

Dear Football Association of Malaysia,

2007-07-20T00:12:00.001+08:00

Red Raven Bin Gagak Hitam
No. 1, Old Raven Road
Raven Kelang Valley
47400 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan

19th July 2007

Human Resource Department
Football Association of Malaysia
3rd Floor Wisma FAM
Jalan SS5A/9, Kelana Jaya
47301 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan

Dear Sir,

RE: APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF FAM

With reference to the above matter, I would like to express my interest in applying for the position of the Deputy President of FAM.
I do believe I am the right person for the position as I am not of royalty blood so the FAM Committee Members are allowed to criticise me without worrying being dimurkai. I am also not a politician so I will not be promising something I cannot deliver just to get the votes. I am also way below the retirement age as FAM do need young blood to help Malaysian football team out of the doldrums they are in now.
To show that I can incorporate fresh new ideas in bringing back the glory days of our nation’s football (other than reminisce about Allahyarham Super Mokh and Ghani Minhat terrorising the defence while “Spiderman” Arumugam making saves after saves at the back), I am listing down proposals that will be implemented if I am chosen for the job.
1. We will not send our football team for the next four years to any tournament and qualifying rounds. The money that we are using to pay for the air tickets, accommodations, win bonuses (against team like Bhutan, Nepal, etc) and allowances will be used to organize more football clinics for youngsters around the country. We hope that the clinics will be able to uncover raw talents that we can develop to be the future of our football.
2. Each state must have their own football academy which will accommodate players from the age of 13 until 18. Football theories and practice will be part of the syllabus so that students who cannot make the grade as a player can still be involved in football such as being a coach, dietician, etc.
3. We will send scouts to find players of Malaysian origin playing in the leagues around the world and persuade them to play for Malaysia…obviously they have to be better than the current crops of players we have now. If countries like the Philippines and even Germany are doing that, why can’t we? If question of pride and loyalty of these players are raise….are the current crop of players we have right now have those? The public wouldn’t mind because if we are proud of a Malaysian born Miss Michigan or Kentucky and an Idol in Australia….it wouldn’t be a big issue when it comes to football.
4. We will also do what our neighbouring country, Singapore, is doing. We will try to naturalize players to represent us. We have been doing that in other sports anyway…Yufang in athletics and Bibiana (I think) in shooting. Players like Keita Madjou would definitely help Malaysia in the FIFA ranking from the pathetic 149th we are currently in.
5. We will take advantage of Air Asia being one of the sponsors for Manchester United. We will send selected players from the state academies, coaches and management team to gain knowledge to help Malaysia. Teams from the big leagues always claim that they are not here to cash-in but also to help the development of Asian football. This programme should be sponsored 100% by Air Asia so that Malaysian football will fly high again.
6. We will also send officials to Japan to study how the J-League is being organized and planned. JFA must have done something right seeing J-League success in a short period of time. We will also study the marketing and branding strategy of J-League and figure out how to make our stadiums full of passionate fans again.
7. FAM should be helmed by professionals. Anyone with political ambitions and agenda should not be part of FAM. Thus, politicians and royalties should not hold any post in FAM.
8. We will only employ a coach with international success and credibility. Winning the Malaysia Cup and the Liga Super will not be the only qualification to be Malaysia’s coach.
9. Nasi lemak will be banned among Malaysian players. Healthy diets will be introduced.
The above are only the beginning of my elaborate plan to improve the state of our football team. I believe that there is hope for our footballers to be world class players and may one day be one of the giants in Asian or even world football.
I would therefore appreciate the opportunity of an interview to discuss why I believe I am a good match for your requirements. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours truly,

Red Raven Bin Gagak Hitam

ALONE

2007-06-29T22:31:00.001+08:00

The house feels so empty and very quiet. Except for the sound of the fan, it is dead silent. I don’t even hear the sound of the little boy knocking on the door demanding it to be open. And no one is reminding me to close the lenses solution's cap. The air in the house is also Gudang Garam free.

Just had my dinner, Subway’s Turkey Ham and Roast Beef sandwich with a glass of Sky Juice (to some…air kosong). The TV is on but I am not really watching it. My mind is miles away…

It had been months since I last felt this way. The sense of loneliness....which I thought would never haunt me again but I was wrong. I don’t like feeling like this. I don’t like the concept of being alone. And no one should have this kind of feeling.

I wish I could change it…I wish I could do something about it but I don’t have any secret ability I could rely on. I just have to accept the fact that I am destined to be alone and single this weekend. I just have to make the best out of the situation. So what should a married man with the missus out of the town for the weekend does to make his weekend a happening one? Where should he go and have fun but without feeling guilty not doing it with the missus? And I don’t golf, by the way…

p/s: I miss the missus. The weekend seems like a waste without her planning where to go, what to do and how to spend it. It is just not the same……
Honey, I go buy that "Alone" DVD for you, ok?

Cracking a Joke....

2007-06-25T23:40:00.001+08:00

“Patutlah bontot perempuan-perempuan kat Sarawak ni besar2…..duduk kat dalam bas lama sangat”

How would you feel when someone says that to you? How would you feel if that someone is your boss? How would you feel if that someone is old enough to be your dad? How would you feel if you have to face that someone 6 days a week??

My good friend, Tikus had just joined this company in Miri about a month ago. And trust me, it took a lot of persuasion on my side for her to finally accept the job. It’s not because she is scared to be alone at a new place or not wanting to leave her family behind but because her boyfriend of 7 years is in Kuching and working so far away will disrupt their plan to get married. But then I reminded her that she is getting triple of what she is getting paid, accommodation and transportation provided and she is finally gonna do something that she wants most......so, she tendered her resignation and left for Miri. And did I mention that the new company is willing to pay her old company one month’s salary in lieu of her 24 hrs resignation? Lucky gal I tell you.

Tikus and I have a special bond. We are very close and we share our problems with each other, we love hanging out and we share sick sense of humour. The missus was a bit concern about it at first but she came to realise that we are just good friends….more like brother-sister. To be honest, Tikus is not what u can call a pretty girl but she is cute. When I first met her, she was this new girl in the office who doesn’t wear make-up, always with the same black or brown head-scarf or “tudung” (that kinda have this weird smell I must add), a pair of sandal and a sling bag where she put almost everything you can think of. “Never will I wear heels”, she once said to me. Well, now after 5 years of friendship she’s wearing hazel coloured contact lenses, make-up which is a must before going out and well, not heels, but at least shoes a lady would normally wear. One thing she’s always been concern with is the size of her butt. Seriously, coz she whines about it everytime we meet. “You think this jeans make it look bigger? Should I wear black jeans more to make it look smaller?” are some of the things she would ask before we go out. I do have to admit, it is…..sizeable. One of our good friends, AbuAbu always joked that her butt has a life of its own. Don’t worry, she was there when all the jokes were made.

So anyway back to the story. After 2 weeks at her new job, she called me.

Tikus: I’m fine, the housemate is great, work is hard but I’m coping with it but damn…. I just hate my boss!!! He is a rude, inconsiderate jerk!!! The others warned me about him but I just give him the benefit of the doubt. Oh My God!!! He gets on my nerve!!!

Raven: Ok…I’m fine too by the way. Ermmm…sabar..sabar!! He asked u to make coffee is it? Bully u? Gives u a lot of crappy work?? Biasalah kan… new kid on the block.

Tikus: I don’t mind the work and well, I don’t even mind if he asked me to make coffee!!! His mouth…his mouth is the problem!!! He just says things and it is disrespectful!!! He is the biggest jerk in the universe!!

Raven: Ok…tell me about this boss of yours?

Tikus: He is 55 and a divorcee. He’s from the East Coast and had been with the company for almost 4 years. The others told me to be careful with him….Orang Tua Lanji* they told me. He actually has a 22 year old girlfriend, a local girl who is a student in one of the college here.

Raven: Woooo…..is this guy a Sean Connery look a like or what? A 22 year old girlfriend? Are you for real? What’s his secret?

Tikus: Yes I am you idiot!!! Is that the only thing you care about??

Raven: Ooopppsss…..sorry. So what did this orang tua lanji did or say to you that got u all wound up?

Tikus: The 1st week I just ignored it cos being the new staff, malas nak tunjuk perangai. He was telling me about his girlfriend, about his VIP Armani card, VIP Guess Card, his Diners with a RM20K limit, his BMW is his luxurious house in Putrajaya….aiyo….everything lah. One day, he asked me where did I buy my baju cos I look nice so I cakap le I bought kat Sogo cos I’m not loaded. He selamba yaya told me that I should come shop with him sometime and he can buy nicer baju for me using his VIP Armani card…..he is like so desperate to tell everyone that he got money.

Raven: Wahlau….. kau perah lah dia….hahahahaha….buy me one Armani shirt or something (laughter stopped immediately after a loud, high pitch and ear drum tearing scream was heard)

Tikus: Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…………I am gonna hang up if you continue laughing!!!!

Raven: Ok..ok…sorry. Pathetic lah pak cik tu….guess I know his younger girlfriend’s secret already. So he flirts with you? Flirting only what…

Tikus: Flirting only!!! I haven’t finished my story, Paloi*!!!

Raven: My bad. Please do continue.

Tikus: Ok…thank you. I mean, I can take it if he just cakap besar…I can just ignore it but…..arggghhhh….when he starts to make dirty jokes, I just can’t take it anymore. Rasa cam nak cucuk his eyes…..ishhh….geli lah. Just like in the malay movies when the bad guy nak do something….usap2 his dagu…

Raven: Ala-ala Jalaluddin Hassan lah…knowing you, u must’ve done something to make him stop, right?

Tikus: Of course lah….u know me too well. Like before, I surrounded myself with big bulky men so they can protect me from that old gatal man! You were one them before, remember?

Raven: Which one, the old gatal man or big bulky men?
Tikus: Hmmm….betul jugak kan? Which one? Big bulky men lah, idiot!!

Raven: Wohooo…ok, so did that work?

Tikus : NOOOOOOOOO!!!! He is still at it. The last draw was when he said“Patutlah bontot perempuan-perempuan kat Sarawak ni besar2…..duduk kat dalam bas lama sangat”. Arghhhhhhhhhh…… I was too mad to say anything.

Raven: What? He actually said that?!! Tu dah melampau….too much!!!

Ok, I mean that is too much right? I mean, we do joke around with our friends…..only close friends, not someone whom you’ve just known for 2 weeks, and that person is cracking jokes about your “cracks”? I mean he’s her boss and old enough to be her dad! Shouldn’t he be the one to set a good example? To be a role model or something? Isn’t that sexual harassment? What should she do?

p/s: Henry and Ronaldinho in the same team? Better hold on tight to that title Real!!!

Anyone wants to tell their machine anything?

2007-05-28T19:26:00.001+08:00

You scored 58 Idealism, 33 Nonconformity, 45 Nerdiness

Can we play Scrabble tonight?

Congratulations, you're Micah Sanders!

You're good-natured, intelligent, perceptive, and naturally inclined toward technology. You're also quite innocent and loving. You've got a fondness for computers and Scrabble.

Your best quality: You're extremely perceptive

Your worst quality: You can be a little demanding at times

Link: The Heroes Personality Test written by freedomdegrees on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 76% on Idealism

You scored higher than 16% on Nonconformity

You scored higher than 43% on Nerdiness

Hmmm....I'm almost half a nerd?? Well at least I got special ability...right MohinDesparil???

Headache......Help Me!!!!!

2007-05-28T19:26:00.000+08:00

My head....I feel like drilling it and finding out what is wrong in there. I had been having headaches for the past 3 days. I don't feel like eating cos if I eat pun it will end up in the toilet bowl anyway. Tried Actifast..nope...didn't work. Sleep...not working too. 100 Plus...Nope..still no signs of it recovering. Putting ice kat belakang leher...it just made my neck numb. Ohhhh...anyone knows any other petua to help me?? Please....one day of headache is a torture already but 3 days in a row. Argghhh......

Playing in My CD At The Moment

2007-05-21T20:38:00.000+08:00

Yups...a new album from this modern day crooner. The songs from the cd:

1. The Best is Yet to Come
2. It Had Better Be Tonight
3. Me and Mrs. Jones
4. I'm Your Man
5. Comin' Home, Baby
6. Lost
7. Call Me Irresponsible
8. Wonderful Tonight
9. Everything
10. I've Got The World On A String
11. Always on My Mind
12. That's Life
13. Dream

Good album...you can't go wrong with the classics right but Buble seems to know how to inject new and refreshing ideas to the arrangement of the songs. For those who listened to buble before, another one for your CD collection and for those who never heard of him...well, just try..you might even lke it.

Recommended Track:
3. Me & Mrs. Jones - Great vocals on this track by Buble
5. Comin' Home, baby - Boyz II Men are featured on this track. Catchy and makes you wanna dance
8. Wonderful Tonight - Another version of this ever popular love song but this one, guranteed before bed action song.
9. Everything - A new song and been playing quite a lot on MTV
11. That's Life - I just love this song...even the original one...just one of those great songs ever.

Sumo-lah...... A Must See Movie!!!!!

2007-05-17T12:20:00.000+08:00

Enough with the spider movie already. Get your families, friends, colleagues, the stressed up guy in the car beside you in the jam, the gal who is sweating her pretty bum in the Pilate class infront of you..whoever....get them to see this movie. I laugh so hard i left my arse in Cineplex 3 GSC 1U after the movie......

I promise you, worth the RM10/-.If you can bear with Jangan Pandang Belakang, you definately gonna emjoy this. The best to come from Afdlin so far. So if we want more brilliant products from him....go see this movie.

NOKOTTA! NOKKOTA! NOKOTTA!

Selfish?? Really??

2007-05-11T11:42:00.000+08:00

Hmmm...United are selfish is it? Coming to Asia to play and giving a chance for fans who might never get a chance to see their beloved team play in a flesh rather than from a coloured box is selfish? Giving fans from young to old to meet and see their heroes with their own eyes is selfish? Rather than enjoying their holidays in their million pound houses to come all the way to Asia to play a Malaysian team who can't even qualify for any major competition in the past 20 years is selfish?

Just makes me wonder...why are AFC so afraid that A SINGLE match in KL...2 days after the last game of the so important ASIAN Cup to be played in the city will divert the attention of football fans around the Asean region AFC actually think they are promoting a much inferior product than the Manchester United tour? Are they looking down at their own product? What a way to say Asian football is on the way up right? You don't even believe your product can compete against a club team?

Well..maybe Hammam is a Chelski fan...who knows. He does have a lot of good things to say about Chealski...

In another slap to the Red Devils, the AFC supremo pointed to their arch-rivals Chelsea as a team that was putting back into Asia.

"We have a very good example from Chelsea who have signed an agreement to develop football at the grassroots in Asia, That is a good example," he said.

In March, Chelsea signed a deal with the AFC to provide financial and technical support to mainly grassroots football clubs across China until 2010.

I am a United fan and my excitement of finally watching them live are now fading away. I am one of those fans who might never get the chance to go all the way to Old Trafford and United coming t town is the 2nd best thing for us. Well,guess we have Asian Cup to look forward too..........NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Champions Again!!!!!!

2007-05-05T11:11:00.001+08:00

Saying Goodbye is hard to do....the outgoing Champion

The goal that claimed our title back...the Main Man Ronny

The save from Our Giant Dutchman..our new Van the Man

The English Premier League Champions 2006/07 Squad

And ohhhh.... Keano's Sunderland is the English Championship League Champion....way to go Keano...1st job...1st title..."There is only one Keano!!"

Let's Just Say It With Pix........

2007-05-05T11:11:00.000+08:00

The Treble Destroyer

The rain falls hide the tears

That Sinking feeling

On a good note....Keano is back in the Premiership next season!!!!!

And to think he took over the Black Cats when they had lost their 5 opening games of the season to maybe champion of the Championship.....

Been Awhile

2006-12-23T15:12:00.000+08:00

Some may think I stop blogging. Some may think that the Red Planet had vanished from the blogging universe. Some may think that the view from the red eye had been closed. Well...it's not. Just that, the Red One had been busy with a lot of things..with life, with work, with things I expect will happen and things I didn't expect to happen... futhermore..I promise to myself I will only blog again if United loose...which they did last weekend.I'm back so hopefully it's not gonna be another 3 months before another update from the Red One.

So how's things with you guys/gals? Anyone miss me...or not? Had anyone actually been checking my blog and felt dissapointed cos no updates for the past few months...which I doubt..hahaha. Did anyone life change within this few months? Did it change the way u life your life? Did it give ur life a new meaning.. a new light?

Well..something did change in my life...something I never thought would happen. Something I never thought I would go through...but it happen and I couldn't ask for a better partner, even if I try to. I can't wait for it to be finalise. How happy would that make the Red One feel? United winning the treble for another 2 seasons...and Des, you should know how good that is rite dude?

5th WIN???

2006-09-15T21:29:00.000+08:00

4 straight wins.. top of the league.. and the big game on Sunday at Old Trafford with the Gooners still looking for their first win in the league.. and somehow I don't think it is gonna come from the game this Saturday.

Why didn't I review or written anything about the matches before? First and foremost.. I was freaking busy with work and by the time I had the time, the only thing I can think of is resting. Second.. I just don't want to halt United run to just 3 straight wins..keeping in mind we never win 4 straight matches for 21 years. Last Saturday win against Spurs marked the best ever start for United. If we include the Champions League win against Celtic on Thursday.. that's 5 straight wins and 14 goals scored. An impressive start and I am praying that it will continue and leaving the likes of Chelski, Gooners and Liverfools eating our dust... Amin.

After 3 seasons of injury nightmare for Ole,he is coming back with a vengeance. 2 goals so far and we can expect more from our legendary no 20. His goal in the clash with Scottish giant, Celtic proves once again that he is still our baby face assassin and making sure the 3 points in the bag. He would definitely play further and important part in United games with another red hot veteran, Giggs is sidelined for a month with a hamstring injury and Park will be out for 3 months after undergoing an ankle operation. Well, with Ole fit and scoring, I think we will be ok... and of course Scholes will be back. He was superb in that Celtic game... and obvious proof that his eye problem last season is a thing of the past.

5th win in the bag?? Well, looking at the current form...it looks like it but form will go out the window when it is United and Arsenal game... but I think I can count on these two boys to bring us another win and another step to bring the trophy back home.... 3 seasons is a long long time...

p/s : He played for two of the best managers in English history... he came in and so far two wins... Welcome Gaffer Keano and can't wait to see you at the sidelines next year maybe???

How You Doin'?

2006-07-29T15:57:00.000+08:00

Football

I've taken my much deserve summer break but now I'm back. Why? Because in about two weeks time, football season is back. But I am not gonna write about football here...no no...Why? Cos there is nothing worth it to talk about. Just that United just sold one of our best striker of all time to a team that might cut short United dream of another European glory. A team of which contains Beckham who supplied more than half of Van the Man goals when they were playing together. And in return, United might get a Fletcher-look-alike who only played bit-part in England's World Cup campaign....and to be honest, he sucked. 2 weeks before the season starts... United got no one but might be losing more players. Just need to get that out of the system...hmmmm..fuhhh. And 1 more thing... what is up with United jerseys??? I thought signing up with Nike will give a better look. Bring Umbro back (price a bit cheaper)!!!

Unless she comes with it..

Latest Happenings
I'll be moving into a new place next week...Insya Allah. So I have to do a bit of bargain shopping for household items....namely Tesco. Right now, I'm "menumpang" at my Uncle's house in USJ2....and after a month of traffic jams, tolls, petrol-killing-me drive... I am so looking forward to be moving to a place nearer to the office. That is why automatic cars are a better choice in KL... I am driving a manual and I built up muscles in my legs I never knew existed.

Work
I interviewed a few candidates for vacant positions in my department. Kinda cool and interesting cos I actually get to see what it feels like on the other side of the table. To actually judge someone if they are suitable for the job is really hard. And to actually look important and smart enough as an interviewer, is much much harder when you are interviewing someone much older and with more experience than you. FYI, none of the candidates were recommended to the 2nd interview... and I am not being mean.

Music

I am hooked on two songs for the last one month. Songs that will just make you bop you head up and down and just wanna shake that booty. "Maneater" by Nelly Furtado and "Mas Que Nada" by Sergio Mendez feat. BEP. Both had a lot of airplays on our local radio stations. Well, I am gonna add one more song to the list and trust me, it is terrific. Apparently, Stacy Ferguson or better known as Fergie(that hot sassy sexy mama) is coming out with a solo album and her 1st single "London Bridge" is making waves all over the world. Wanna taste of it, well... just click.

That lucky bugger Josh Duhamel

Movie

Well... my ever lovely Sherie, who loves horror flicks, had a few movies she had lined up to make my heart stop a bit or two. First up, most probably tomorrow...will be "American Haunting". And judging the trailer, I am in for a rough 1 1/2 hours. "The Dorm" was supposed to be in the list too but her brother saw it and apparently, it is not that good. She is gonna buy a DVD copy instead....YEA for me. So, next in line is Keanu "Lookig confused and lost all the time" Reeves and Sandra "Please say my last name as glamorous as possible" Bullock flick... The Lake House. This is just the perfect role for Keanu. "I'm lost,lonely, confused...what?? She's 2 years apart?? How can that be? I'm confused... I need to find the truth". Oh Keanu, can't you get any other roles?

Rockstar

Am rooting for rooting for Toby and Dilana. Those two rocks.... and if Dilana ends up as the lead singer, I think she will give a piece of her knee if Tommy Lee try anything. Storm Large....hmmm.... with a name like that, with a performance like that...hmmm...Tommy Lee is thinking of a sequel to "On the Boat 2" maybe??

One in A Million
Suki got the highest vote and have immunity for next week..hmmm. No, it is not Survivor. Just curious, why and what makes people vote her? I really don't see anything special about this 16 year old? Or maybe the voters are confusing this with the next Manga comic character?

Am rooting for Faizal and Dayang. Those two are just terrific. Zai is another one of my fave but she kinda disappoint me with her two last performance. Need to gain her confidence back and control her nerves. It is effecting her performance.

The Gladiators V The Musketeers

2006-07-09T20:50:00.000+08:00

It happen again to me. Again....what are the odds. Everything gone cos this stupid pc thinks it's funny...DAMN YOU ONCE WHITE COLOUR PC IN A CYBER CAFE!!!!

Let's try to recap what i said in the now lost creation of mine.

- not much excitement...still mourning cos England, Brazil, Argentina is out
- watching as a neutral
- hope it is gonna be a good match and worth to stay up for game on a working day
- Will the balding and one of the most talented player in our time Zizou wil get his dream sent off for his retirement or will Cannavaro cap his 100th game with the ultimate football prize?

Prediction - France will win to give Zizou the best ever retirement or going away present anyone can ever have. To make it more dramatic.. let's Zizou be that single goal scorer in the last minute of extra time.....

That's what i can remember... oh...before i forgot.. the p/s part...

P/S: Sherie is supporting Italy to win. Reason - France dumped Brazil out. For my sake, please let Lippi's men do something and win it.

THE FINAL FOUR

2006-07-04T11:39:00.000+08:00

England is out……………. losing on the penalty kicks again. What a surprise!

Argentina is out…………... Germany winning it on penalty kicks again. What a surprise!

Brazil is out. France outplayed them again with Zizou becoming the Samba Boys'destroyer. What a surprise!

So what is left for me in the World Cup? Absolutely nothing….well, except for my fantasy team in the fantasy football league, which is also not doing well. I am 4th out of 10 teams and too far to challenge the top three.

I told Princess Sparkle that England will loose if it goes to penalty kicks…. The history books does not side the English. Last Saturday disappointment just adds to England sorry association with penalty kicks. Lampard who had been banging in the goals for Chelsea through out the season just couldnt hit the back of the net. He got the most shots on goal so far in this WC but none of it resulted in a goal. Even given the opportunity to score from the penalty spot pun tak boleh.

Stevie G was playing with his heart on his sleeves when playing for Liverpool but somehow he just ran out of steam when playing for England. He is not the major force he was with Liverpool. He did not rally the team like he did for Liverpool when they are 3 nil down to AC Milan in last season CL’s final or this season FA Cup final against West Ham. He was just Gerrard, the English midfielder who ran and ran but don’t know what to do with the ball except playing long balls. No creativity, no passion, no charisma.

Well, I could talk all day about the England team… the disappointment and sadness it brought to me when they were out yet again after so much promise…and don’t get me started on Brazil’s lackluster performance but let’s just concentrate on my prediction on the semi-final match…. but I do have to say that Hagreaves and Lennon do worth a mention. I personally think that they are the only bright spark in an England team containing suppose to be star players like Lampard, Stevie G, Becks and Rooney. I guess Sven brought Theo just to enjoy the his summer holidays under the german sun.

Germany V Italy

Prediction – Germany will win this one. Heck, they will go all the way to win the whole thing anyway. Italy might have beaten Germany 4-1 in a friendly recently but this is a totally different German team. They have the all important 12th player with them…the home fans.

Score – Germany 1 Italy 0 ( Klose will score)

France V Portugal

Prediction – France prove to the bogey team for Brazil yet again. Portugal has always been dubbed as the “European Brazil” and with a Brazilian coach. Hmmm… end of the road for Scolari? France will win this one. Zizou is in the form of his life and I believe he wants to win the WC to end his career on a high. You can’t have a better sent off than that.

Score – France 2 Portugal 0

The Quarter-Final

2006-06-28T21:59:00.000+08:00

Well...it is gonna a boring 2 nights for me. No football action. Nothing to rush home to. No headache of wondering if the mamak will be full for the 11pm matches (damned astro...taking all the early games and England games and making people like me suffering...not fair) and hoping Sherie faham and ask me to come over to waych the game with her family..hehehehe. Well...at least me and a few other people who were not as clever as Javard to schedule their sleeping and waking up time to catch the much needed sleep...normal human being sleep.

Well, now to the the last 8..the Quarter Finals... 3 games away for one of this team to hold aloft the Cup of Life on June 9. Will it be England with their ugly game(I'm having tears in my eyes)? Will Brazil samba their way to win it for a record 6th time? Will the Argentina win it without the hands of god? Will Ukraine did a Greece and go all the way? Will Italy tackle their way (or bribe....) to bring it back and maybe salvage whatever dignity Italian football have (FYI-When Italy last won it in 1982, Italian football was also in humiliation when top players and officials are involve with bribery. Rossi was banned for 2 or 3 years from football because was found guilty and he became the golden boot winner that WC)? Will German with their ungerman like defense win it for the home team? Will France with their aging squad prove that experience will prevail? And...will Portugal act, dive, elbow, tackle and waste time to win it? Well, we have two days to wait before the first QF match kick off....

England V Portugal

The Prediction - England to win and Rooney will prove to Portugal he will is ready for a fight...trust me. You don't want Rooney angry. Even he is not angry he is a scary 20 year old.

The Score - England 1 Portugal 0

The Reason - Cos I am an England fan and I want them to win. Kalau tak puas hati, like Leen Ashburn said, you have a problem with that? Pergi turun car park lah kita settle. They have not played well(they suck I know) but they are in the QF but Ghana is packing their bag already...fyi Leen.

RED CARD FOR PORTUGAL

Brazil V France

The Prediction - Brazil to win lah...c'mon lah. Ronaldo gonna score and France will be wishing Laurent Blanc is still around to kiss Barthez head.

The Score - Brazil 2 France 1

Reason - It is Brazil. Ronaldo is 95kg but he makes me believe I can score in the futsal game every Tuesday nite and beside, Ronaldinho will make sure he will not suck like he did in the last 4 games...Don't you think. He is really making you asking "Ronaldinho ke Ronaldikin is on the pitch.

Thanks for the memory Zizou

Germany V Argentina

The Prediction - Aiyo...susah nya nak predict this one. Hmmm.. I want Argentina to win so that its. Well, on more professional opinion, I do think Argentina will win this exciting and hard fought game

The Score - Argentina 2 Germany 1

The Reason -This is because although Germany is great upfront but anyone who has been following football knows that the German defence is below the par they have always set for themselves. Lahm tedency to attack will give more room for Riquelme to expose a shaky German defense and it could be a Messi affair.

AND THAT GOAL.....SWEET LEFT FOOT MAXI!!!!

Italy V Ukraine

The Prediction - Italy to win it.

The Score - Italy 1 Ukraine 0

The Reason - Not enough threat in the Ukraine team except for Svechenko. Italy are short on central defenders but I think they will bring in someone to replace the injured Nesta and Matterazzi who is not available after the red card. Hopefully Toni and Gillardino will find their mark and if not, you got Pippo Inzaghi on the bench. Unleash him and let him fly.

And take note, no cut and paste from Words here. I hope the disaster that day will be the last and if you can read this, meaning I manage to not do any stupid things. Javard is writing a review for the WC...man...just imagine that. Javard turning his AF blog(in the midst of AF season) into a football blog. And he is doing great...so, if you find my WC review is not up to your standard..you got Javard's blog to go to or maybe my fellow mancunian, Des (sorry about the Oranje exit dude).

Well, enjoy your 2 days rest for all football fans..sleep, eat and rest properly. To the spouses, girlfriends, partners..... take the opportunity to tell your love one what has been happening around the world or even around the house while the WC was on (utilities bills, baby's milk, shaving maybe).

INGERLUND-INGERLUND-INGERLUND

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHH

2006-06-24T22:24:00.000+08:00

That is why u write what u want on Microsoft Word before you copy and paste it to your blog. BECAUSE YOU WILL HAVE THE TENDENCY TO DO SOMETHING STUPID AND DELETE WHATEVER YOU HAVE WRITTEN FOR THE PAST 2 HOURS AND LOOSE EVERY SINGLE WORD OF IT WITHOUT ANY CHANCE OF RECOVERING IT BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!

All the predicitions and pictures and funny things(well..no way to find out if it is funny now kan) are gone. I don't know what I did but the main thing is...IT IS ALL GONE!!! Ah...crap..i just write the prediction of the matches for the last 16. Malas want to think and write whatever I wrote. It was so beautiful.... 2 weeks of World Cup reviews.....the teams reviews...ALL GONE!!!!!

Germany 2 Sweden 0
Argentina 3 Mexico 0
England 2 Ecuador 1
Portugal 0 Netherlands 0 ( Netherlands go through after penalty shoot out)
Italy 2 Australia 0
Switzerland 0 Ukraine 1
Brazil 2 Ghana 0
Spain 2 France 1

There....I am so frustrated...I wrote all those things and it is gone.. that should have help my application to ESPN and Star Sports for that football pundit vacancy.

Group D-H

2006-06-12T14:31:00.000+08:00

I didn’t have time to review Group D to Group H…I am sorry. Work and time didn’t permit me to do so but I think I want to see how accurate am I and does my knowledge about world football can actually help me predict the correct team that will progress to the 2nd round from group D to H. So here goes….

Group D: Portugal will top the group. Too much quality and they have not been beaten under Scolari since that Euro 04 final against Greece. Mexico will accompany them in 2nd place. Angola and Iran might give Mexico a run for their pesos but just not good enough.

Group E: I think this will be a very interesting group. In my opinion, another group of death in this WC edition and will certainly be the most interesting outcome. I think the Czech Republic will be the group champion and Ghana might sneak in above Italy for that 2nd spot. Why don’t I think Italy will make it? Because The Azzuris this time around does not have a quality side to give a good challenge and couple with the bribery controversy back home and also injury to important players like Gattuso and Totti who is still recovering.

Group F: Anyone wanna bet that Brazil will not top this group? Only the brave and crazy will do that I guess. Of course Brazil will samba their way to the top of the group. Australia and Japan had shown in recent friendly matches that they are ready for a battle. Japan might nick that 2nd spot but Australia do have a shout if Kewell is injury free.

Group G: France will top the group. After that disastrous WC 02, the whole squad would want to erase that painful memory. South Korea will be there with France in the 2nd round at 2nd spot. Togo might be a surprise package if they can recover from losing their coach.

Group H: Spain will be the top dog in this group and a Shevchenko inspired Ukraine will accompany them.

Well, that’s my prediction. And to be fair, football is a strange game. You can’t really base the winner of the game on paper…with a bit of luck…with a bit of spirit….anything can happen at the end of the 90 minutes plus injury time.

Group C

2006-06-07T10:21:00.000+08:00

I wish I had time on my hand to review each team in each group but I realize I am not blessed with that option. Come to think of it, I might have if only I have my own PC or laptop at home for me to work on it. So, I don’t have any other option but to review the group in general and not each team as I would have loved to do. I mean, I have to be realistic lah kan… 3 more days before the greatest football show on earth start and I still have 5 more groups to go.

Group C

The so-call Group of Death in this WC edition. Two teams with a lot of tradition, history and success in WC grouped with two teams with a lot of potential and coming to Germany with an impressive and convincing qualifying round. Argentina and Netherlands are the obvious favourites in this group with the wealth of talent in their squad but nobody is going to write off Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro before the ball is kick.

Argentina are coming to Germany with an exciting, young and talented attacking players like Tevez, Aimar, Saviola and the apparent heir to Maradona, Lionel Messi would definitely want to come out of this group on top. After being knocked out from the competition so early in the group stages in the last WC in another group of death, Argentina will definitely want to do better. Other than the young talents, veterans like Ayala, Sorin and Crespo will bring the experience to an otherwise young squad to face the other teams in the group. Pekerman’s tactics and strategies on the field are carried out by his trusted man on the field, Riquelme. The main target for United this summer, his performance this season had helped Villarreal to the CL semi-final. His vision and performance this summer will be important to Argentina push to their 3rd title. The problem with the squad is they are becoming too dependent with Riquelme. When Riquelme is out or under performing, the whole team ceases to function. Will young players like Messi be able to step up or one of the veterans can take over?

The Netherlands is one of the major under achievers in the WC other than Spain. Bless with talented players like Cruyft, Van Basten, Gullit, the De Boers twins and the current Barca coach, Rijkaard throughout the years, the Oranje failed to live up to expectations and to deliver when it matters. After the 4th place finish in France 98, Oranje failed to qualify to Korea/Japan 02 and would want to show the world that they are still a football powerhouse. A dark horse to win the title, the squad is filled with exceptional talents on every position especially in attack. The out of favor striker at United, Van Nistelrooy is still the main threat upfront and supported the exciting Robben with his pace and trickery. Should be able to claim the other spot to qualify for the last 16.

Serbia and Montenegro had showed their defensive qualities in the qualifying round which included Spain. With an impressive record of only letting in one goal in 10 matches, it would be interesting to see if they can hold off the attacks from two of the best attacking team like Argentina and Netherlands. If they can do that, Serbia would have a very good chance to create an upset in this group. Upfront, the deadly finishing of Kezman is the main concerned for any opponents. He had done well with Atletico Madrid after a disastrous season with Chelsea. He would want to prove to Chelsea that he is better than the three current Chelsea’s strikers; Drogba with Ivory Coast, Crespo with Argentina and Robben with Netherlands; and that it was a mistake to let him leave.

Ivory Coast booked their place in Germany at the expense of African football powers such as Cameroon and Egypt. The Elephants will want to prove that their qualification is not just pure luck but base on merit. Being grouped with strong opponents such as Argentina and Netherlands will give them the chance to show that. The squad are largely made up of players who are plying their trade in the French League but the main forces in the squad are base in London. Chelsea’s Drogba is the main threat upfront while Arsenal’s Toure is the rock at the back.

This is a hard group to predict and every game is important and promise excitement but I am putting myself out there and predict Argentina and Netherlands to come out tops in this group. The last game between Argentina and Netherlands will determine who tops the group. Ivory Coast and Serbia will push to the end but the other two teams have a lot of quality and talents in depth. On the other hand, Ivory Coast might be the dark horse in this group and might…might squeeze through at the expense of Netherlands

Main Man

Argentina – Riquelme

Ivory Coast – Drogba

Netherlands – Van Bommel

Serbia – Stankovic

Player to Watch

Argentina – Messi

Ivory Coast – Fae

Netherlands – Robben

Serbia – Zigic

Babe Magnet of the Group (if you have to watch it with ur man)

Argentina – Crespo, Aimar

Netherlands – Van Nistelrooy, Van Persie

Serbia – Kezman

Ivory Coast – a hard one here….

Group B

2006-06-01T14:17:00.000+08:00

England

England is coming to Germany with a squad dubbed as the most talented assembled bunch of players in recent times. Each player wearing the England jersey on the pitch is among the best in the world in their respective position. If England are to win the World Cup again after 40 years, this is the squad to do it. The only problem is, can the players lift up their performance and fulfill the promise everyone sees in the team?

When Rooney crumble down after the tackle from Ferreira at the Bridge, everyone believes England chance to be a real contender for the WC crumble with him. Rooney is indeed a special player and it would be a task to replace him but I do believe England still have a lot of players who can step up and propel England further into the competition. England midfield is considered as the best in the world with the likes of Beckham, Cole, Gerrard and Lampard operating the team’s engine. Gerrard performance had been spectacular especially in big games and can be exemplify in last season CL’s final and this season FA cup final while Lampard is the top scorer for Chelsea in winning their 2nr consecutive EPL crown. The only concern is if he can actually transfer his club performance into international games. Hopefully with his experience playing in the CL would help his confidence. He might be the star player for England this WC. The partnership of Terry and Ferdinand in the centre of defence looks solid with Neville and Cole on the right and left of the defence who can also provides the attackers with their crosses. Without Rooney unfit, Crouch is the front runner to partner Owen, who is still regaining his fitness after the same injury Rooney is suffering now. His height would be a plus point in set pieces but at the same time he does have a good touch for such a tall man.

England does look like a solid team on all areas but the most important factor is if the players can step up and prove that they can actually be a world class team. Sven would definitely love to win the WC as his last assignment with England and that would help him to get more coaching offers when he becomes available after the WC.

Main Man: I would love to say Beckham but I don’t think he is the player he was once before. I would love to say Rooney but as of now, he would likely be a spectator in this WC edition. For me personally, I think Gerrard would be England’s main force this time around. As I have mentioned before, he definitely showed he is a man for big games. A future England captain, his relentless work rate in the middle of the field and the ability to read the game would take England through before Rooney is fit enough to take part.

Player to Watch: He was bought from Southampton by Arsenal and didn’t even play in the EPL yet so his inclusion into the England squad was a surprise to everyone. Theo Walcott is only 18 but everyone is raving about him. I can’t say much about him because I have never seen him play before and to be honest, I doubt anyone else have to. He might be use late in the game when the other team is tired and his pace would definitely trouble the defence.

Paraguay

This is Paraguay 3rd straight appearance in the WC and definitely establishes them as South American football powerhouse with Brazil and Argentina. They qualified 4th behind Ecuador but with the same amount of points, they were struggling in the early stages of their qualifying round. They picked up their rhythm later and manage to secure the last qualification place with a game in hand and even losing the last home game against Colombia did not deny their place.

With a defence packed with experience players such as Caniza, Caceres and Gamarra would be a tough assignment for the opponents attacking players to crack down but the only worry is with age not on their side; a fast attack would probably catch them off guard. In midfield, Acuna and Paredes will definitely be the link to change from defence to attack while Dos Santos and Barreto will be creating havoc and opportunities for the forwards. Santa Cruz has showed to Germans his instinct for goals when playing for Bayern Munich while Cardoza might be an old hand but he is the top scorer for Paraguay in the qualifying round. If Santa Cruz is still not fit for the WC, Nelson Valdez who is playing for Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga had already shown he is a capable player to replace the Bayern Munich ace.

Main Man: Germany 2006 would be Acuna’s 3rd appearance in the WC and his experience would definitely help the young players in the squad such as Dos Santos and Barreto. This should be his last WC so he would want to lead his team past the last 16 after 2 WC failing to do it.

Player to Watch: Dos Santos is considered as the best young player in Paraguay and he has made his marked in Germany already. He is Santa Cruz teammate at Bayern Munich and he is usually given a free role in the middle of the field by the coach to use his creativity to carve an opening for the front two.

Trinidad & Tobago

T&T is one of the countries that will be making its debut in this WC edition and also the smallest among the 32 teams. The Socca Warriors, as they are known, qualified after beating Bahrain in a play-off. Being grouped with England would be a blessing in disguise for T&T as most of the players are plying their trade in the English league.

It would be an achievement for T&T if they can even win one game at this edition. There is not much quality in the team as most players are playing in the lower leagues in England. Their biggest star is obviously Captain Yorke, who played for Aston Villa before helping Manchester United to that famous treble in 1999. Now playing in the Australian League with Sydney FC, he is still a major threat. Latapy is one of the oldest player at 38 had come out of retirement to help the team would be the supplier from midfield with Birchall. T&T defence is not highly rated with their lack of pace but with a 201cm tall Lawrence in the centre, it would be hard to get a cross over him and he would definitely be a threat in set pieces at the other end of the penalty box.

Main Man: Dwight Yorke is the most successful player from T&T and had made an impact in the EPL with the Villains and United. He might not be as fast as he was before but he’s experience and his deadly finishing is still a threat. He would be the major key to T&T performance in the WC

Player to Watch: Christopher Birchall was born and raised in England but have the right to play for T&T because of his grandparents. He is the creative spark in the team and he would want to perform well in the WC to earn a transfer to an EPL club. He is currently playing for Port Vale.

Sweden

For a 2nd consecutive time, Sweden is being drawn together with Sweden but they are not complaining. Sweden has a good record against England…the English have not won against the Swedish in 11 meetings since 1968. The game in Korea/Japan 2002 ended in a draw but both team got through to the last 16.

Sweden is blessed with a strong line of attacking players. Henrik Larsson was impressive coming from the bench for Barcelona in the CL final when he created both goals for them. Partnering Larsson up front is Ibrahimovic who is an imposing figure at 192cm. For a tall man, he is fast and use his height well in set pieces as he proves with his team Juventus (hmm... would Juventus be relegated to Serie B for that bribery allegations?). He scored 8 goals in 8 qualifying games for Sweden and that is a goal a game ratio. Ljungberg fitness had limited his first team action early in the season with Arsenal but he played a significant role in helping Arsenal to the CL’s final and also securing the 4th spot in the EPL. Team captain Mellberg give that reliability and assurance at the back with his partner in the centre of defence Lucic who would be playing in his 3rd WC.

Main Man: No doubt it is the veteran Larsson. He is a smart player with a deadly finishing but at the same can create an opening for others to score. He has been a very important in Sweden football for a decade and he has been voted as “the greatest player in Swedish football”.

Player to Watch: With a goal a game ratio, Ibrahimovic would be a tough customer for any defenders. He uses his strength to dominate the ball and for a big man he is quite fast. He is always lurking for that special pass from Larsson or Ljungberg to score. His height means he would be a handful in set pieces situation.

Prediction

I think the other three team managers in this group were actually giving a huge sigh of relief when Rooney is deemed not fit for the group stages. One less headache for them and they can actually concentrate on beating England rather than stopping Rooney. But I still think England still have a lot of quality in dept and claim the top spot. Assuming Germany would top Group A, England wouldn’t want to finish as group runner-up because it would set up a meeting in the last 16 against the host nation. Sweden is England major threat in this group and would likely accompany England to the last 16. Paraguay would be the dark horse in this group but with Santa Cruz still recovering and has not been playing regularly, it does not look good for Paraguay. Trinidad should be the points giver in this group and we just hope Yorkie will keep on smiling when they have to pack their bags after their last game on the 20th June against Paraguay.

Group A

2006-05-27T13:18:00.000+08:00

Germany

As the host nation, nothing less is expected from Klinsmann’s men from the people of Germany…….come 9th July 2006, Germany will be lifting the World Cup to become champion for the 4th time. It is obviously a big pressure for a team who were knocked out from Euro 2004 in the group stages but playing in front of their own fans and also a world cup pedigree only bettered by Brazil, Germany would be one of the favorites.

With the tussle for the no 1 jersey is finally over with Lehman having the coach’s vote, Germany can now concentrate on their defence unit. Although in Lehman they have a goalkeeper who is in a wonderful form, the defence are relatively untested and the new pairing of Mertesacker and Huth, who can’t even break into Chelsea’s first team, lacks the reliability and confidence the once famous organize German had. But with Ballack operating in the midfield and Klose and the exciting new striker Podolski upfront, Germany will absolutely be a major threat to Brazil’s dream of a 6th title.

Main Man: Ballack, the new Chelsea man performance would be the major key to Germany’s success. If he can lead the team to their 4th WC title, he would justify his nickname…The Little Kaiser and also his name in Germany’s football history just like The Kaiser himself.

Player to Watch: Podolski moved to Germany from Poland at age 2. Poland’s lost is Germany’s gain. He scored 8 goals in 12 games last year and with Klose, also originally from Poland, on fire by being the top scorer in the Bundesliga this season, their partnership would certainly bring in the goals for Germany.

Costa Rica

It is Costa Rica 3rd appearance and 2nd in a row in the WC. They finished 3rd in the CONCACAF qualifying and coming to Germany with a lot more experience behind them. With Paulo Wanchope leading the country and the attack, the Ticos would want to do better and if possible to emulate or do better than the 1990 World Cup squad, who in their 1st appearance qualified into the last 16.

Their qualification round did not start well for the Ticos but they overturn their fortune to secure their place in Germany with 3 wins in the last 4 games of the qualifying round. Other than the veteran like Martinez, Solis and Wanchope in the team, new players like Saborio will be looking to make an impact in Germany. Saprissa FC which represented CONCACAF in the FIFA Club World Championship, made out more than half of the national team would also use their experience when paying in the competition to good use in Germany.

Main Man: Wanchope is the national hero and football icon. His performance is unpredictable and inconsistent but when he is in form, he just dazzle.

Player to Watch: Saborio is an exciting young striker and the Ticos will be hoping he would not succumb to pressure and get them the goals to take through.

Poland

Poland pushed England all the way in the qualifying round but the lost to England in the last game means they could only finished 2nd. But luck was on their side and they booked the ticket to Germany by being one of the best group runner-up. Poland was one of the major football force not so long ago but was not good enough to even qualify for any major competition since 1986 until their appearance in the last WC edition.

With Celtic’s Zurawski who scored 7 goals in the qualifying round and also on fire in the Scottish league, goals can be assured with Southampton’s Rasiak lurking behind him with his 191cm figure. With Smolarek providing the fire power to the front two, it does look worrying for the Polish defence marshal by the veteran Jacek Bak. Jerzy Dudek was dropped and Celtic’s Artur Boruc will be wearing the no 1 jersey. The performance of Wigan in their 1st season in the EPL had helped their custodian Tomasz Kuszczak to be included into the team. The defence looks a bit suspect and vulnerable. Poland would hope to qualify to the last 16 this time around without the controversy that seem to affect their performance in the last WC when the players protested about bonus payment and were eliminated in the group stages.

Main Man: Zurawski is the major threat in front of goal. Poland would be hoping he would bring his performance while helping Celtic winning the SPL this season to the WC.

Player to Watch: Boruc is another Celtic man but rather than getting in the goal, his job is to stop the goals going in. In outstanding performance at Celtic, he gave the manager enough confidence to not including the Liverpool European Cup hero Dudek out of the team.

Ecuador

Qualified 3rd behind the South America power houses Brazil and Argentina, Ecuador came into the tournament this time as the favorite to qualify from the group stages. Once consider one of the South America’s minnows, their 2nd straight qualification showed a major improvement in the country’s football standard. With most of the players that played in the last WC still in the team, Ecuador would want to improve on their performance. Although they did beat Brazil and Argentina at home, most would say they won because of the city’s altitude.

Delgado is their main goal poacher with his 5 goals in the qualification helped Ecuador through. The veteran Ayovi and Tenorio are the main men in midfield while the exciting new player Luis Valencia would be a major torn with his pace and overwhelming force of play. Hurtado and Espinoza are the key men at the centre of defence but fast pace attack would crack them if the overlapping full back De La Cruz forgets his defensive duty.

Main Man: Edison Mendez would trouble opponents with his passing ability and also the powerful shots will trouble goalkeepers.

Player to Watch: Nicknamed “Tsunami”, this young midfielder will be creating havoc with his pace down the left and also his no fear attitude. He scored 3 goals in 7 qualification matches for Ecuador.

Prediction

I don’t expect any surprises in this group. With home support and what seems to be an easy group, Germany would definitely top the group and qualify to the last 16. Poland and Ecuador would be fighting for the runner up spot but I believe the Polish team would have the upper hand. Costa Rica, well, the team just lacks quality players to really challenge for a spot in the last 16.

List of Rules During the World Cup

2006-05-23T14:23:00.000+08:00

1. From 9 June to 9 July 2006, you should read the sport pages so you are aware of what's going on regarding the World Cup and will be able to join in conversations.

If you fail to do this, you'll be looked at in a bad way or be
totally ignored. DO NOT complain about not receiving any attention.

2. During the World Cup the television is mine at all times - without any exceptions.

3. I don't mind if you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game - as long as you do it crawling on the floor and without distracting me.

If you decide to stand naked in front of the TV, make sure you put clothes on right after because if you catch a cold, I won't have time to take you to the doctor or look after you during the World Cup month.

4. During the games I will be blind, deaf and mute - unless I require a
refill of my drink or something to eat.

You are out of your mind if you expect me to listen to you, open the door, answer the telephone, or pick up the baby that just fell from the second floor....it won't happen.

5. It would be a good idea for you to keep at least two six packs in the fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things to nibble on.

And please do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come over to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV between 12am and 6am, unless they replay a good game that I missed during the day.

6. Please, please, please if you see me upset because one of my teams is losing, DO NOT say "get over it, its only a game" or "don't worry, they'll win next time".

If you say these things, you will only make me angrier and I will love you less. Remember, you will never ever know more about football than me and your so called "words of encouragement" will only lead to a break-up or divorce.

7. You are welcome to sit with me to watch one game and you can talk to me during half-time but only when the adverts are on, and only if the score is pleasing me.

In addition, please note I am saying "one" game, hence do not use the World Cup as a nice cheesy excuse to "spend time together".

8. The replays of the goals are very important. I don't care if I have seen them or I haven't seen them, I want to see them again. Many times.

9. Tell your friends NOT to have any babies, or any other child related parties or gatherings that requires my attendance because:
a) I will not go,
b) I will not go, and
c) I will not go.

10. But, if a friend of mine invites us to his house on a Sunday to watch a game, we will be there in a flash.

11. The daily World Cup highlights show on TV every night is just as
important as the games themselves. Do not even think about saying "but you have already seen this...why don't you change the channel to something we can all watch?" The reply will be: "Refer to Rule #2 of this list".

12. And finally, please save your expressions such as "Thank God the World Cup is only every 4 years".

I am immune to these words, because after this comes the Champions League, Italian League, Spanish League, Premier League, etc etc.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Regards,

Men of the World

World Cup Is Here!!!!!!

2006-05-22T09:48:00.000+08:00

I am just glad that I won’t have to wait for too long for my dose of football like the past 4 years. 3 months of no football in the weekend, 3 months of not talking about last weekend matches, 3 months of not feeling happy or sad about a result…..3 months of getting to know the weekend again…3 months of agony..3 months of football starvation. But not this year….no no….in less then a month, every single football fans in the world will be focusing their attention to Germany……The World Cup is here…. WOOHOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After almost 2 years of grueling qualifying rounds, 32 teams from all over the world will be vying for that dream to be the World Cup champion. The usual suspects in world football like the current World Cup holders Brazil, Argentina, Italy, England, Holland and the host Germany alongside WC debutants like Togo, Ivory Coast, Angola, Trinidad & Tobago and Ukraine will be competing in this month long football extravaganza with billions of football fans around the world watching every game religiously and of course one of them would be yours truly. A month where every other sports will mean nothing at all, well, unless you are not a fan that is.

The great thing about the World Cup is…even non-football fans became fans, just like Sherie. Well, I don’t blame them. The euphoria that the World Cup brings can never be matched by any other sports in the world. The passion, the adrenaline, the suspense, the suspense, the elation and every single emotion that a football maniacs like me feel every single week during a football season will be shared by people like Sherie. For the record, Sherie supports Brazil and her favourite player is Ronaldinho for obvious reason (definitely not his looks)…he just amazes her with his brilliance on the pitch back in WC 2002 and he still does till now. At least she appreciates the beauty of football and not how good he looks in shorts. Well, she still does but at least she recognizes talent and skills lah.

Me, I am an England man but I do have a soft spot for Brazil because the men in my family are Brazil supporters. My first WC experience was Mexico 86 and I can still remember how devastated my late grandpa and dad when Brazil were knocked out by France in the penalty shoot out….although I was peeking from a slightly open door to catch the game on a double decker bed. I was 11 so staying up late for a game on a school night was not something my parents would have allowed me to do .

I am football crazy, or a football nerd as Sherie like to refer me as, and I think anyone who knows me would confess to that but the World Cup brings another level of craziness in me. It will be the single most important thing in my life for one month. For that one month, every football match is important...it doesn’t even matter if it is Costa Rica V Ecuador. It’s the World Cup and it only comes once in 4 years. It is not the same like any other football matches I’ve seen for the past 8 months (except United matches of course). This is the pinnacle of world football…to determine who the world champion is. It is a big deal and that will ALWAYS….ALWAYS be my argument. I hope my other half will understand, but somehow deep down inside I know she will (Ya Allah, semoga Kau bukakan dan lembutkan hati Sherie untuk memahami kegilaanku semasa Piala Dunia nanti, Amin!).

Maybe being an insomniac does have its advantage. I would have no problem staying up for the early morning kick off. I am so thankful, as others who are not blessed with owning ASTRO, I can still catch most of the game on the 6 free channels. The only task now is determining which game I will be watching if it is playing on the same time. Hmmm…. it is gonna be hard but someone have to do it. I mean, it would be waste of the government money if nobody watch the live coverage kan?

Well, as I would be analyzing each group and trying to predict which team will be going through to the next round just like the past WC, I might as well share it with anyone who cares to read it. Anyway, would Brazil stroll again to their 6th World Cup or would there be a team that will do a “Greece”? I hope it would help “football fan when it is the World Cup” to get to know the teams and players in the World Cup and the chances of the teams in Germany 2006 according to an unprofessional and uncertified football pundit like me. Maybe if I am accurate enough, someone from ESPN terstumble with my blog would be impress and offer me a job. Ahhh….that would be like a dream come true.

Next posting….. we will be analyzing Group A with the host nation Germany will be up against Poland, Costa Rica and Ecuador.

The Fantastico

2006-05-22T09:27:00.000+08:00

Arsenal just needed to defend their goal to add to the impressive 10 straight clean sheets en route to their first European Cup final. Arsenal was only 5 minutes short for a total of 1000 minutes without conceding a goal in Europe. Arsenal was just 15 minutes away from capturing the pinnacle of European football. But in a space of 5 minutes, two goals were scored and everything that they had achieved before was just not good enough to make sure the European Cup stays in England.

A game hyped by the prospect of watching arguably two of the best players in the world in the shape of Ronaldinho and Henry was justified not just by them but the overall performance of both teams. Great defending and attacking play can be seen all over the pitch but the game was decided by three great substitutions by Rijkaard. Innuesta, Larson and Balletti were introduced in the 2nd half and all three made an impact on the team performance. Innuesta was a constant threat with his runs and was putting the Arsenal defense under a lot of pressure. Larson created both goals while Balletti was at the end of a superb pass from Larson to score the winning goal and ensure Barca’s 2nd European Cup. Eto’o scored the equalizer after collecting another superb pass from Larson.

I do have to take my hats off to Arsenal though. Playing for almost 70 minutes with 10 men after Lehman was showed the red card in the 18th minute of the game, they actually went ahead when Campbell scored from a free kick by Henry. After a lot of pressure especially in the 2nd half in the heavy rain at Stade de France, fatigue took over them and surrendered two goals in the space of 5 minutes to seal their faith. No arguments about the sending off of Lehman but a few debated that Eto’o was offiside when he collected the pass but to me, Eto’o sheer pace push him through the defense.

Well, Barca capped an astonishing week for Spain sports. Seville wining the UEFA Cup, Pedrosa winning his first MotoGP in Beijing, Alonso became the first Spaniard to win the Spanish GP and Nadal put his name in the tennis record book for winning his 53rd straight win on clay……and the only thing that can outdo this astonishing and wonderful week of sport for the people of Spain is Spain being crowned as the World Cup champion come this July. Well, I think after the performance of Spanish teams in both European competitions…..they might be a real threat come this summer in Germany.

Well, that’s all for club football for now. Next…the World Cup and it is just 3 weeks away. Will be coming up with my own thoughts and predictions for the World Cup next…so we’ll see if I am a good football analyst as I think I am.

Season in Review

2006-05-16T10:27:00.000+08:00

I know that my season review came a week late but been busy with stuffs and my health was not in tip top condition. After 10 months of football, both the beautiful and bad sides of it, the season came to a close with a very good game in the FA Cup with Liverpool winning it on penalty…. A second consecutive penalty shoot up after last season Arsenal win against United. Let’s just summarize the season as per below.

Milestone

- Shearer and Henry became the new record goal scorer for their respective clubs. Henry also became the first Arsenal player to score 200 goals for Arsenal.

- Sunderland became the new lowest points holder in a season beating their old record of 19 points. They only manage to collect 15 points this season.

Goodbye

- Alan Curbishley said goodbye to Charlton after 15 years in charge at The Valley. He took charged for the last time in the game against Manchester United at Old Trafford with a 4-0 defeat

- Alan Shearer said goodbye to football and his adoring Newcastle fans. Although he had to say goodbye earlier due to an ankle injury, he will always be his local team hero forever…(and always the one who snubbed United)

- Denis Bergkamp last season with The Gunners. I am not sure if he is retiring though.

- Souness and McCarthy said goodbye to their clubs, Newcastle and Southampton respectively and the only managerial casualty of the season. Newcastle fortune turn for the best after that and even qualifying for an European competition next season (Intertoto Cup if I am not mistaken..another entry route for the UEFA Cup…correct me if I am wrong), Sunderland continue to slide down.

- West Bromwich, after last season incredible last day escape, was not able to save themselves this season. Birmingham City joins West Brom and Sunderland to the Championship League next season.

- Highbury, Arsenal’s home since 1913 will be replace by a new stadium…..aiyo…I forgot the stadium name…Ashburn Grove or something…. but the main thing is Highbury no more…and on the last game on the pitch, Henry scored a hatrick for a fitting goodbye.

- Steve McClaren said goodbye to Boro and took the team to their first European Cup Final…the UEFA Cup but beaten 4-0 by Seville. He will be taking over from Sven to be the next England manager…. Good luck to him.

- Keano quit United which came as a surprise not just to the supporters of the club but all football fans. The United captain said goodbye after almost 15 years with the club and the real reason of him quitting United is still in doubt. He was said to have left United in mutual consent.

Surprise

- West Ham and Wigan were taunted as relegation candidate even before the season starts but at the end of the season, both clubs finished in the middle of the league which is quite an achievement. West Ham finished 9th while Wigan just below West Ham. Both teams even qualify for the final of both domestic Cups. Although they lost but for clubs who were not given a lot of chances, they had surpasses their own supporters’ expectations.

- Martin Jol just missed out on the last day to bring Spurs to that elusive 4th spot to qualify for next season Champions League. Spurs had been struggling on the wrong half of the table for the last 2 decades and this season was quite a surprise seeing them at a dizzying height of 5th at the end of the season. Although finishing 4th would be a dream but they had actually achieved what they have targeted for the season….to qualify to European competition via EUFA Cup. Expect Spurs young team to pressure for that Champions League spot next season.

For United, it was another disappointing season although we did win the League Cup (Mickey Mouse Cup) to not finish the season empty handed again. Although we did improve on our league position but we are still struggling to match Chelsea. We the limitless budget from Abrahamovich, Chelsea looked unstoppable this season and took charge of the league while the other teams are playing catch up. While the other team including United are looking for players that are in their budget, it seems that Chelsea are not even bothered about the budget. The only thing that Mourinho has to do now is to name who he wants…and he will get him. As of today, Ballack who had been rumored to be joining Chelsea since he indicated his intention to leave Bayern, is a Chelsea player. Next on the book for the Blues is Shevchenko. If he does sign for Chelsea, it is gonna be an even harder task for other teams to challenge for the title next season. Chelsea now looks more like a fantasy football team rather than a real football team and you wonder if anyone ever gonna challenge them with the kind of money and budget they have.

The shock early exit from the Champions’ League was the biggest blow for United, the first time in 10 years United had failed to qualify to the knock out stage and did not even finish 3rd in the group to play in the UEFA Cup. Couple with Keano exit, it was a good year to end 2005. Luckily, United picked up after that and finished the league creditably behind Chelsea. United even put a bit of pressure on Chelsea before succumbing to Chelsea relentless form that gave them another title and left others to wonder if they ever gonna challenge for the title.

Park Ji Sung is a good buy for United and showed he was bought not just for selling replicas in Asia. His pace and determination on the pitch helped United and also gave United other options in the team when Giggs or Ronaldo are out. The best buy without a doubt for me is Edwin Van der Sar who was an incredible form through out the season. He was the main reason for some of the games that United didn’t even deserve to win with his saves.

Rooney’s influence in the team seemed to be increasing in the team. With him in the team, there is a different aura about the team and the way the team plays. He is just 20 years old but everyone is looking for him to supply that magic that can turn a game into United favour. When he was holding his feet in the game against Chelsea, the whole of England and football fans around the world feared for the worst. With the metatarsal injury, his involvement in the World Cup looked bleak although Coach Sven refused to rule him out yet. Alan Smith deserved a mention….well…for his horrific injury in the FA Cup quarter final match against Liverpool. I still cringed remembering it.

So, what does the next season hold for United? Well, one sure thing, we might not see Van the Man in a red United jersey again next season. He was pushed back into the pecking order with Saha form in the 2nd half of the season. When he stormed out of Old Trafford in the last game of the season against Charlton for not being included in the team, it was clear that he won’t be part of the United squad next season. There were talks of him joining Spurs with Defoe coming in for him and the latest I heard is he is gonna be part of the deal to take Diarra from Lyon to United. For any transfer news, I think we just have to wait till the World Cup ends.

For next season, I think the main thing for United is….how can we stop Chelsea winning the title for the third time. What can we add to the team to challenge a team where money is not a concern? What would Fergie do to challenge for the title? Would bringing in the likes of Diarra or anyone else challenge a team with Lampard, Ballack, Robben, Drogba and possibly Shevchenko for the title? Would selling Van and depending on Saha and Rooney with the help of Rossi be good enough? Well, I guess we just have to wait till the season starts again in August…but till then, we have the World Cup to entertain us.

P/S: Did I leave anything out ?? Well, do share.

Last Day Dram

2006-05-02T15:56:00.000+08:00

Just needed a win against Boro and United would have secured that 2nd place. But the United players thought…hmmm…. supporters all over the world know who the champion is so there is no excitement there. They also know the three teams relegated to the Championship next season so there is no last day survival, nail biting heart breaking games. Why don’t we make it exciting? Why don’t we make the last day of the season a bit more interesting for all the football supporters? Why don’t we set up this tense nerve wrecking end of the season game for that automatic 2nd spot place for next season Champions League with our bitter rival? A game that we need to win to make sure of the place. A game that if we loose, we have to depend on our rival result to determining our place. We could made it easier but no……we just have to make it exciting….so why don’t we draw with Boro after that defeat at the Bridge and set up an exciting and tense game to end our season.

Well….that’s Manchester United. Not for the faint hearted……trust me.

War at The Bridge

2006-04-28T15:20:00.000+08:00

I do have to admit that United will not be the EPL champion this season but I am very sure I don’t want Chelsea to get the point they need to win the championship against us. I don’t want to be watching the match and see the Chelsea players, manager and their fans celebrating after 90 minutes of play tomorrow. I don’t want us to be the witness of that.

Coming off that FA cup semi final match defeat against Liverpool last week, Chelsea will be concentrating on winning the match tomorrow to clinch the championship and what better way for them to assure their 2nd successive championship against United. Although Mourinho kept saying that tomorrow will just be another match for them but I know deep down inside him and with an ego as big as him, he wants to beat United and clinch the title right under Fergie’s nose. And trust me, it is not just Mourinho but the entire Blues squad and fans. It would be just rubbing salt to a wound if they win it tomorrow.

United will go to Stamford Bridge tomorrow with three mission. The first is to make sure Chelsea will not get that one point to clinch the title….in short, to win at Stamford Bridge. Second, for the pride of each and every single one who are connected to United…bragging right especially for us United fan and lastly, to remind Chelsea that we are still here and next season wouldn’t be as smooth of a ride as this season.

For me especially, it would be a great birthday present.

Viva La Catalonia

2006-04-28T09:49:00.000+08:00

May 17th 2006. Stade de France, Paris. Arsenal V Barcelona. Thierry Henry against Ronaldinho. Two of the greatest footballer in modern times will be pitting their skills and will lead their team to the ultimate Holy Grail of European football. Last year Stevie G inspired his team to that incredible come back to win it for Liverpool against AC Milan….a match I didn’t watch because of a very personal reason (do I need to say why?). But come this 17th May, I am very sure I am gonna be among the millions who will be watching and enjoying, hopefully, a great game of football.

Barcelona will be going into the final as an overwhelming favourite and this is mainly caused by one man…..Ronaldinho. As poetically said by Sherie “He is one ugly motha but he is a damn good player” and trust me, coming from her that meant a lot. I also heard an interesting comment last night… “In modern football, there are 3 categories of footballer- great footballers, superstars and there is Ronaldinho”. I am not gonna argue with that. He performance for Barcelona since last season has never been less than spectacular. Week in week out he had been producing magic in the Nou Camp and all around the Primera Liga. I watched both the Barcelona-AC Milan semi final game and Ronaldinho just mesmerized everyone, even the players, with his skills, passing and coolness on the field. Somehow, I believe that we have not yet seen the best out of him and we might see that in Germany 2006. I am getting goose bumps just thinking of it.

With the elusive fourth spot in the EPL is looking rather bleak for the Gunners. The only chance for them to qualify for next season Champions’ League would be doing a “Liverpool”. Henry have yet to sign a new contract with Arsenal and everyone knows that he is stalling on the contract signing just to see if Arsenal can win the European Cup. If he ends up with the European Cup aloft his head in a couple of week time, he might still be a Gunner next season. If Ronaldinho end up checking his teeth with European Cup, Henry might probably be calling the Nou Camp as his new home next season. To be honest, that would be a perfect move for Henry and it is scary to think the combination and threat that Barca will have. Ronaldinho, Henry, Eto’o and Messi……. I don’t think anyone would bet for a nil-nil score with that kind of attacking in your team.

Anyways, we just have to wait until the summer for that usual “Is he staying, Is he going” question. For now, let’s just concentrate on the coming final in Paris. Personally, I would say Barca will win it. Arsenal may have dispatched Real Madrid and Juventus in route to the final but Barca is a totally different opposition altogether. Ronaldinho would want to end the season on a high before the World Cup and I think Eto’o would want to watch the World Cup at home with the European Cup medal around his neck. It has been a spectacular run for the Gunners but I just think they will succumb to Ronaldinho’s flair and brilliance with the predator Eto’o to open up the Gunners defence who so far have kept, 9…correct me if I am wrong, clean sheets. Lehman is in a spectacular form and totally justifying his selection as Germany’s no 1 and that last minute penalty save from Riquelme helped Arsenal to the final but Ronaldinho and co are a different opposition altogether.

Unlike Arsenal, Barca are not just depending on Ronaldinho to deliver for them. The have the likes of Eto’o for fire power, the hardworking French winger and apparently match winning goal scorer, Giuly and the apparent successor of Maradonna, Lionel Messi, to depend on. Without or by silencing Henry, Arsenal don’t really have anyone else to lead them or give them that extra magic. Arsenal had crumbled and torn apart as seen in the EPL when Henry is not playing. Again, they don’t really have a player in the same level as Ronaldinho…but then again, who is?

Well, we just have to wait till May 17th to know the new European Champion but we might see Henry in maroon and blue of Barca rather than the maroon and white of Arsenal next season.

Tagged

2006-04-26T09:12:00.000+08:00

Tagged by Mr. Desparil...

HOW MANY SCHOOLS DID YOU GO TO?

Hmmm…. 1 I guess…. SRB and SMB St. Joseph

WAS I THE STUDIOUS NERD OR THE LAST MINUTE HERO?

A last minute hero……. It is surprising the result and end product when u r desperate

WAS I THE TAIKO OR THE TEACHERS PET?

Neither one actually…..

BEST 2 SUBJECTS

History and Pendidikan Jasmani

3 TEACHERS I REMEMBER MOST (FOR WHATEVER REASON)

Miss Mok cos she’s hot until she made the mistake of marrying that not so good looking guy….. and Cik Faridah…cos she is hot too…..really hot with her red specs number….

WHO DO I TAG?

1. Cosmic Gurl 2. Seeking Solace 3. Kaisersoze

My Pick for the Moment

2006-04-21T15:24:00.000+08:00

Last weekend, I bought an album from a new artist, Corinne Bailey Rae. I read good review about her album and once I heard her song, I knew I just have to get her album. I just love her voice. A breath of fresh air in the music industry filled with Hip Hop with song’s like “ In Love with a Stripper” hogging the air waves. Don’t get me wrong, I am into this hip hop scene, but something different for the ears are always welcome. And this lady 's music is God 's prescription for anyone who wants something different.

When I saw her album last weekend at Rock Corner 1 Utama, I just had to ask Sherie to listen to it. I know she is not into R&B and Soul too much but maybe she would listen to this one. I have bad records for recommending songs to her, so I could see that she was a bit skeptical about it. She listened to it anyways……… by the end of it, we are listening to the cd in her car…hehehehe.

Some of you might be go “ Who the heck is that?” but I guess most of you might have heard her first and hit single, “ Put Your Records On” which is getting a lot of play on the air waves and on MTV. Why am I writing or attempting to review her album? Well, for a simple fact there is no United match this weekend and I have got nothing else to write about. But seriously, I just wanted to let people who have not listened to her yet or may not be interested, to give her music a chance.

Her music is a mixed of soul, jazz, classic R&B and maybe just a dash of pop in some songs. She has a smoky tone of voice that really reminds you of the great Lady Day. She delivers each songs with such ease and I really recommend her album for that nice alone time in your garden or balcony with a cool breeze sweeping over your face . Most of the songs in the album are slow and easy with a lot of acoustic guitar and keyboard/piano being the main musical instruments. I like most of the songs in the album but my personal picks would be:

1) Like A Star – I love her voice in this song. A certain cuteness and innocent in her delivery connects well with the lyric and concept of the song. A woman coming to terms with her feelings and love.

2) Put Your Records On – Her first single from the album and getting a lot of air plays on radio and MTV. A happy and fun tune that makes you wants to groove to the beat…chewah. A good song to get your chin up when you are feeling down.

3) Trouble Sleeping – My theme song I guess…hahahaha. It starts with this lazy singing voice that picks up during the chorus. Another tune that makes you want get you boogey down….a slow one I mean.

If you a big fan of the great Lady Day or into the music of Sade, Norah Jones or Joss Stone, it is a must buy. Also recommended for those who wants a good “bed” time album…….highly recommended.

P/S : Chelsea or Liverpool? I don’t really care who win that semi final as long as the team they meet in the Final, Boro or West Ham, beat them. If I have to choose, I would rather have West Ham in the final just because it would be good to see the old horse Sheringham. I don’t know if he is gonna be the oldest player to feature in the final but it would be unbelievable kan?

It Is The End

2006-04-19T10:43:00.000+08:00

Another 3 points in the bag but Chelsea just needs one more point from a possible 9 to win the title. I guess that is the season for United. The only highlight before the season ends is the game against Champions-elect, Chelsea at The Bridge, and maybe we can put one over them. I just hope that match would not be the match we handed them the title. A win would at least give us the bragging right of doing a double on them and also the points gap would not be too great.

Well, we just have to wait for another season to wrestle the title back to Ole Trafford. Glory Glory United!!!

Balik Kampung!!!!

2006-04-07T10:05:00.000+08:00

Oooo balik kampung

Ooooo balik kampung

Ooooo balik kampung

Hati girang

Yeah…I am going back home…well, for a few days that is but I am so excited. I wish I can go back like every other weekend or at least once a month but it is just impossible to do that. Seeing my parents, my siblings, my family, my friends……my hometown. Laksa, ikan terubok tunok, ikan terubok masin, mee kolok, manok panggang jambatan gantung….slurp…slurp…can’t wait to just eat all that….hehehehe. I even told my mom in advance what I wanted her to cook for me. And for the record, my mom’s laksa and stuffed chicken are the best.

I am also excited because this time around, I am bringing along with me someone special in my life and hopefully will be a permanent fixture when I go back home. I am going to introduce her to a place I call home. A place I never thought I could ever leave until I met her. A place that might not be as good as KL but will always be the best place in the world for me. In a short period of time we are going to be there, I want her to go to places I go, eat food I eat, adore friends I adore and most importantly…love the family I love. I know she is nervous about it but somehow I just know she will just make my whole family love her…well, so far my parents approved and like her, my youngest sister is like her best friend now. Like she always say…what is not to like about her, and you know what, she is not exaggerating.

Well, Kuching might not be much for anyone else but to me, it is paradise. A place I always call home no matter where I am. And hopefully, I can make Sherie see and understand, despite of all the kekurangan in Kuching, I can’t stop talking about it to her…..hehehehe.

Home Sweet Home

Crash and Burn

2006-04-05T11:37:00.000+08:00

The interview last Saturday, in my personal opinion, didn’t go well. I think I didn’t do enough to impress them. I was nervous and that showed when I was answering the questions asked. I was early…about ½ an hour early in fact. I looked presentable, I think, with tie and all. I even gave my best smile to each and every single employee I passed by especially the receptionist…. I don’t even think Sherie ever saw that smile before.

I have a gut feeling that I won’t be hearing from them after two weeks. I don’t think I would even consider myself if I was the interviewer. Well, maybe it is just not my rezeki there but at least being considered as a candidate is good enough….sounded cam one of the Oscar nominees who lost pulak.

Well, for now, I just have to keep on flipping the papers and looked for other opportunities…….and hopefully I will find something soon. Amin.

6 games, 7 points, 8 wins

2006-04-03T15:59:00.000+08:00

6 games left, 7 points difference, 8 wins in a trot………and next week, Arsenal will come to Old Trafford to be our number 9 victim. 18 points adrift just 3 weeks ago with every single sports paper announcing Chelsea as the Premier league champion for a 2nd successive season, United is back in contention with their current winning streak coupled with a patchy spell from Chelsea which included the draw with Birmingham this weekend. Thank you Brucey and Brummies…..

Well, I had to miss the Bolton game last Saturday because I had a very important appointment……….. watching the Korean movie “My Girl and I” with Sherie and Noobs!!!! It was a good movie by the way….true to Korean movie genre…tear jerking and a real chick flick no ladies and their loving and “I would do anything for you including missing a United/Liverpool/Arsenal game” boyfriends should miss. To be honest, it was a good movie and I enjoyed it. I made up 1/3 of the male population in Cinema 12 at GSC KLCC. Yes, I was not around to feel the tension and frustration when Davis scored the opening goal. I also had to miss the impressive equalizing goal (as described by the paper today) by Saha and I also did not feel the relief and excitement when Van the Man scored that winning goal. No…. I miss all that but the main thing is we won and we are just 7 points behind Chelski.

Ok…let’s look at the mathematical side of United chances of catching up and maybe becoming EPL champion again. Both United and Chelski played 32 games with 6 more games left before the end of the season which means there are a maximum of 18 points left at stake. The maximum point United can accumulate, that is if they win all six games, are 90 points. Chelski just need 12 more points from a possible 18 to be the champion again with 91 points.

So, can United do it? Well, Chelski have two tricky fixtures with Bolton and Blackburn to look forward to other than that massive game against United in May. With both teams are still pushing for that elusive 4th spot, it will not be easy for Chelski. Other than the help of other teams to catch Chelski, United also need to maintain their good run and form to collect the maximum points to do the unthinkable maybe a month ago…become the champion of England again.

I would still salute United effort even if they fail to stop Chelski from becoming champion again because United have given Chelski a run for their roubles. The form United showed in the past two months have actually made everyone in football realized that United is still one of the best team in England and Europe. Everyone had elected Chelski as champion way back in February and practically written off any challenge from any team. Now, United have a realistic chance to become champion again after two seasons of disappointment. The shocked and disappointment of their early elimination from the Champions’ League may have an impact on their current form in the league. The players are hitting form at the same time with the likes of Saha banging in goals for United week in week out, Giggs and O’Shea are playing well in the middle of the field while Vidic prove to be a good buy for United in defence.

But for now, Chelski still has one hand on the EPL championship but the grip is looking a little bit loose now. We just have to wait for next week massive game…against Arsenal. Beating them meaning we still a realistic and strong challenge for the league championship. With Arsenal are also in great form and still fighting for that 4th spot, it will be a highly contested match. But then again, it is Arsenal. It is always going to be a big game. But bear in mind, Arsenal have a very important mid week appointment with Juventus and that might give United a bit of an edge against their fierce rival. A 9th straight win would definitely put more pressure on Chelski and might crack under the pressure.

Another good week for all United fans…..to Des and Kaiser…. We might win more than just the Mickey Mouse Cup….Glory Glory United.

P/s: Ole is with us for another two more seasons and thank you for the excellent service Fortune have given us……

Sex and Sports

2006-03-31T11:43:00.000+08:00

“The problem is, they don’t eat, they don’t sleep, they smoke and they drink. That is the problem. Sex? No, sex is always very good – always welcome”.

Those are the words of the current Brazil team coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira. Well, I guess Ronaldinho and Ronaldo are gonna be smiling, not that we know the difference anyway, in Germany. Unlike in the previous World Cup, the Brazil ex-coach, Scolari banned the players from having sex during the World Cup and that worked for them…they won it for a record 5th time. We just have to wait if the “have sex all you want” for the 2006 Brazil World Cup team will help them lift the cup for a record 6th time come this summer. Scolari is now coaching Portugal, so Christiano Ronaldo and gang can look forward to a “dry” summer in Germany I guess…unless they win the World Cup, I don’t think they mind.

What do u guys and gals think? Would sex actually influence the performance of a sportsman or sportswoman?

The Edge

2006-03-30T13:50:00.000+08:00

I have an interview to attend this Saturday. I am no stranger to interviews but somehow, I am nervous about this one. Sherie’s theory…. I am nervous about it because I really want this job badly. And come to think of it, I do want that job…badly.

There are a lot of benefits if I am to be part of that company. First, it is only about 10 minutes away from where I live now. I can even see it from my apartment. It is that near. And because of the location of the place, comes the 2nd benefit…..my monthly budget for petrol would also decrease significantly. I can even buy a bicycle to ride from my apartment to the office. This will lead to the 3rd benefit….by riding a bike to the office every day, I am actually exercising and there is no need to worry I would exercise less after leaving my current work place. And the best part is, it is a company managing a shopping mall...cool kan?

I can go on and on about the benefits IF I get the job but I know before any of that happens, I need to make sure that I impress the interviewers that day. Sherie have helped me a lot in digging information about the company. A few friends also helped and gave me invaluable information and hopefully it will help me to gain that extra yard against the other candidates.

I still remember my worst ever interview session. It was about 6 or 7 years ago. The interview was with a government agency back in Kuching. I entered the interview room and I was taken aback when I saw 5 people surrounding a lone chair in the middle. I had attended a few other interviews before but damn….5 important looking people surrounding you was kinda intimidating. Maybe that was the purpose they did the interview in such a style….and they succeeded in their attempt. I couldn’t answer any of the questions. I looked like a fool. I was asked the name of the Agricultural Minister…and I just answered I don’t know. I was asked who was the Chairman of board…..and I answered I don’t know. Basically, every single question that was asked…my answer would be I don’t know. It was the longest and humiliating 5 minutes interview I ever attended. Seeing those men chuckling at me and looking at me as if I was retarded….. Well, it is just something I just don’t want to repeat ever again.

I just hope that with all the help I got, I will nail this interview. But there are a few things that are playing in my head. Such as :

1. Would I get a better chance if the interviewer is from an opposite sex or maybe from the same sex but kinda leaning to the other side..u know what I mean?

2. Would they even consider me if the last candidate looks like Jessica Alba or Brad Pitt?

3. Would the interview be a formality when in actual fact they have already someone in mind (such as a family friend, anak sedara ke, kazen ke…u know the drill)?

4. Would my not so young age be a factor?

5. Would they choose me if another candidate is a 1st class degree holder?

6. Would the fact that I have not been doing accounts for the past 8 months be a factor?

So what can I do to add that extra edge over the candidates? What would make me stand out and get the job? What would make me a better asset to a company managing a shopping mall? For those who had done interviews before, tell me, what do u look for in a candidate? What made u choose them over the others?

P/s: Van the Man back in the starting line up and scored again for us against West Ham…… 7 wins in a trot. Glory Glory United

S.T.R.E.S.S

2006-03-24T12:27:00.000+08:00

I am physically and mentally tired right now and it has been quite sometime since I am happy that it is Friday and the weekend is just around the corner. Working your arse off from 9 am to 9 pm is not fun. The target was set early in the month with an unbelievable pressure to achieve it. We have about 7 more days to go before the end of the month and so far we have only achieved 70% of the target. I don’t know if the team can actually pull off a miracle in the next 7 days but I know each and everyone of us are trying the best they could to reach the goal. I just hope the bosses see that, but to be honest, is there such a perfect boss? If you know one, please do introduce me to him/her?

For the past week, I have been rambling about work, the dream job I wish I am doing and also about not liking (again, hate is too strong) my job and wishing that I can find a job I would be satisfied with. I think working long hours trying to fulfill the unbelievable and out of reach targets may have caused it. Well, to be honest, anyone would be stress and crazy after working continuously like that. It just seems like my weekdays just flies by. By the time I get home, I am too tired to do anything, even to take a bath. With another complication at the apartment for the past 2 weeks, which I thank Allah SWT and the helping hand from a good friend and his family had been finally rectified last Tuesday, it has been quite a stressing and hard month for me. What is the complication you might ask, well, let just say I was in the dark about it.

I just hope for the next month to be a better month for us. It would be a better month already if we don’t have to work from 9 to 9 again. As to date, I still don’t know if my team and I have to do it again next month. I am sure each and every one of us are hoping we don’t have to. To be honest, I think it has been harder for some of them. A lady who had just started working this month, just moved to KL to be with her hubby who she married only 7 months ago. A lady who is married with 2 kids and when she goes home, she can only hope her two children are still awake for them to at least take a glimpse of the mother. Come to think of it, they got it worst than me.

Can’t wait for tomorrow. No plans yet except visiting Sherie’s friend who just gave birth and staying in Putrajaya during her confinement on Sunday. That is something I am kinda looking forward to. Seeing Aida’s baby girl and also going to Putrajaya for the first time ever. If that does not happen, I guess have fun with Dick and Jane or learn how to marry a millionaire with Marilyn Monroe.

So a good weekend to all of you…. Safe journey to those driving back to their hometown (how I wish I can do that every other week too) and enjoy your party, wedding, movie or just being a couch potato this weekend. And not forgetting, to all fellow Red Devils, another win hopefully against another team under an Old Trafford old boy. Steve Bruce and Birmingham coming to town after that humiliating 7-0 mid week FA Cup defeat against Liverpool. Chelsea not playing this week, so hopefully we can take the chance at home to close the gaps and put pressure on Chelsea.

RED HOT, cold blues!!!!!

2006-03-20T14:25:00.000+08:00

3.45 am. Monday morning. Eyes closed. Woke up cos needed to pee. Walked to the toilet….eyes still closed….navigating in the dark. Switched on the lights … argghh …my eyes…my eyes. Walk slowly into the toilet….took out the weapon...open eyes a bit... looked at the aim….Ahhh……that feels good…what a relief. Walked back into the room and to my ever soft (I wish) and inviting mattress. Lied down on the mattress…Took the hand phone. Eyes now opened slightly. Menu….Connectivity…Maxis Easy Access….News& Sports….Sports News…Soccer…Send.

A few seconds later…. Click ….. sms received…..Read Now......reading the sms……eyes now wide opened….reading the sms again…and again. The sms reads…..End of Match Result: FUL 1 CHE 0. In the dark…pumped hands in the air….smiled….went to bed….still smiling.

Yeah…Chelsea lost to Fulham 1-0. With that lost, United is now only 12 points behind Chelsea with a game in hand and with only about 9 games before the season ends. If United win that game in hand, 9 points would be separating the two teams. With the match at Stamford Bridge looming and maybe a few more hiccups along the way for Chelsea before the match, maybe…maybe….it would be a title deciding match nobody would have thought could happen at the turn of the year.

United performances and luck of late have help pretty much securing the 2nd spot and easing the pressure from Liverpool. In the last three premiership games, United have to admit that they were lucky to secure the 3 points in two games. United especially Rooney were in pulsating mood against Newcastle and should have scored more than the 2 goals margin in that game but United were thanking their lucky stars in the game against Wigan, with a Chimbonda late own goal, two weeks ago and a string of beautiful and world class save from Van Der Saar in the game against WBA this weekend. The main thing, 3 points are in the bag and all of us, including Fergie, would be happy to take it.

And for the past 4 games, Van the Man has been warming the bench for United with Saha and Rooney leading the attack. They have scored 7 goals between them in the past 4 games and the gloomy looking Nistelrooy wondering if he would get a chance to start another game for United. Also something nobody expected at the turn of the year seeing United top scorer struggling to get into the first eleven. As per Des comment, maybe Saha give United a little bit of pace and unpredictable style of play gives United more option in the attack rather than Nistelrooy. And so far, Fergie’s gamble has produced the goals and the results United needed to keep alive their challenge for the title.

Can United overhaul Chelsea for the title? Would Nistelrooy get his starting place back or the rumors of him leaving at the end of the season to Real Madrid is true? 9 more games, 2 more months and by then, we would know who will the ONE to win the title. Don’t ask me who I want to be the number one in England comes this May. If anyone asked me the same question 3 months ago, my answer would be the same but I would be accuse of being a dreamer, unrealistic or getting people laughing at my face but I doubt that would happen now. I might get even a few nods of agreement. For the time being, let the Blues be blue for a bit more, maybe another 3-4 games, and The Red Devils would be red red hot…….Glory Glory United

Angel of Mine

2006-03-18T14:42:00.000+08:00

He had been waiting patiently for the past half an hour. It is not like her to be late. Where is she? Is she ok? Is she sick? Arghhh… he needs to know but how. He can only wait and just make his own assumptions.But…but…she is never late. It is her routine every single day. She never misses it. And because of that routine, he saw her on that fateful day. Since that day, he too had never miss waiting for her just to catch a glimpse of his angel.

He still remembers the day he first saw her. He had never been to that part of town before but the place looked quite posh. The houses were big and everything looked expensive. “I bet I can even sleep in one of these houses’ toilet,” he thought to himself and what a privilege it would be for him. So he decided to just check the place out. Maybe he can find new delicacies….no harm in trying it out. “It’s almost dinner anyways.”
Just as he was about to take his first step, something caught his sight. He stopped. Is he dreaming or hallucinating? He closed his eyes just to make sure. He opened his eyes expecting what he saw would be gone but……her hair, her eyes, everything about her. He had never seen anything as beautiful as her. Not even close. He just stood there admiring her. He just can’t take his eyes from her. She was just breath taking. Did he died and went to heaven because he swore that she is an angel.

It has been about a month since that day and now he is still here, waiting for his angel. A month of waking up every single morning looking forward to the time he would see her. A month of admiring his angel from far and wishing she would just notice his present. A month of wishing he could be nearer to her and telling her what she meant to him…to tell her she has been the sole reason of his existence on this earth. The only thing on his mind since that day is her. He notice every single thing about her…..if she is happy, if she is sad, if she is angry, if she is moody….and all of this from watching her from far.

All of his friends are saying he is crazy. “You are a stalker…a lunatic psychotic stalker. They kill you if they catch you”…..” stop dreaming dude. A gal like that would never go for someone like you…hahahaha…just look at yourself”….well, those are just a few of the things he hears every single day. But he never let that stop him from doing his routine….to just watch her…admiring her….wanting her…maybe noticing him.

But he knows...he sadly knows his friends are just telling him the truth. He just chooses to ignore it. He knows that she would never be his. Never in a thousand years. They are so far apart from each other. She is the beauty and he is the beast. She lives in a house fit for a princess while he is just thankful he got a roof on top of him every single night. She eats all the best money can buy while he scraps for anything that keeps him from dying of starvation. What can he offer her when everything that anyone could ever want is presented to her on golden platters? What else can he offer?

He tried to stop. He tried to not go. He really did tried but he just can’t. He would feel restless. He would come up with reasons just to make sure he is there. He is addicted to her. He just needs to get a dose of her every single. He just needs to know if she is all right. Is she happy or sad today? “Maybe she would notice me today…maybe she would smile at me today? I just need to go,” he thought. He swore that she was looking at him one day. “Oh no..oh no. What should I do now?” he thought. She was actually slowly making her way to him but suddenly she stopped. And then she turned back. She was just picking a paper that flew away. He was a relief man but at the same he was disappointed because he thought at last, he was going to get his chance to actually be near to her.

Suddenly he heard a sound he recognizes. “Kring….Kring!!!” and how that sounds like beautiful music to his ears. She’s coming out…..she coming out and a smile slowly appears on his face. And there she is…with her perfect hair, beautiful blue eyes, elegant self….his angel on earth. “She’s ok. She is all right,” he thought happily. She just gets even prettier with every single day. He just wonders how she does that and he looks down at himself. He can’t even remember if his hair had ever been combed before. Well, come to think of it, he doesn’t even know if he ever had a proper bath before. Unless getting wet by the rain counted as having a bath. Well, he still feels fresh and clean after that anyway so let’s just count that as having a bath.

Suddenly he realizes something odd. She is alone. She is actually alone. Someone has always accompanied her but today there is no one in sight. That has never happen before. A thought pop in his head…”This is my chance to say hello…to talk to her”. But what would he say, just say hi and then what? Just keep quiet with a stupid smile on his face? That would be a great first impression wouldn’t it? Look stupid and geeky? Geee…she would never forget me after that. “Darn it….think before the chance just disappears….arghhh…. I think of what to say later”.

With that thought, he run across the road and jumps over the fence. Nothing is gonna stop him now and he had only one goal. Confess his love to his angel. To make her realize that he exists in this world. She was just a few yards away and he slow down. He could see her facial impression change. She looks scared. “Don’t be scare”, he thought. “I am not gonna hurt you, I just want to make you see that I am the one for you”. Suddenly out of nowhere, a bucket of water is being thrown at him. He jumps to avoid it but he was reacting too slowly.

“Kucing kurap ni dah berani nak masuk kat dalam rumah ni!!!!” a voice boomed. He knows that is the cue for him to run. He could hear footsteps behind him and he knew that if he doesn’t run faster, he would not just be wet but much worst. Why didn’t he hear Angel’s owner coming? He was being careless and lost his concentration. “Angel….nasib baik Mama tak tinggal kan Angel lama..kalau tak…ish….jaga kau!!!”

As he jumps over the fence, he knows he is safe now but he didn’t stop running….and he had a smile on his face. “ At least now she realize of my existence now…the kucing kurap who is in love with a Persian cat name Angel”.

W.O.R.K.

2006-03-12T14:15:00.000+08:00

I wake up every morning to a job I that I don't like(hate is too strong). I wake up every morning to a job I don't have a passion for. I wake up every morning to a job I don't look forward to go to. I wake up every morning knowing by the end of the day, I will not be satisfied with what I have done for the day. I wake up every morning knowing that when I sleep tonite, with a thought in my head still wishing to find that self satisfaction and passion in my career.

I envy those people who had found that satisfaction and that passion. Filling their days doing what they love. Waking up and looking forward to a day of fulfillments and satisfaction rather than wishing they are in bed still. Knowing in the end, they can look back at their life and say ..."I live my life"....I don't think a lot of us can say that. I surely can't....for now though.

I know for sure that I don't want to go on with the rest of my life doing what I am doing now. I know for sure that this is not the path that I want to lead and end with. I know for sure I want something else...something more. But to change and have that, I need to actually start from scratch. Am I brave enough, at this stage of my life, to do that? To start all over again?

I am just assuming but I bet a lot of u out there feel the same way. Wanting something more in life than what we do every day. We work for the sake of the salary that we get at the end of the month, which, within a day most probably 3/4 of it would be out of the window...paying bills, loans (car, personal, parents,friends) and that one really expensive dinner. And we do it all over again......a never ending story.

But would we say goodbye to that? We are stuck in a job we might not like because we can't afford to do anything else and risk it all. We need the money to live our life. We can't just simply take the risk to pursue something else. To look back inside yourself and finding what you truly want to do with your life? Would sitting inside your cubicle and balancing the account every month is your true calling? Closing a big account with one the biggest and important client ever for your company? It's one to decide one passion in life....

I want to be those people...those who can say that they life their live. Looking back to their life and not regretting the things that they have done in their life. But again, am I brave enough? At a stage where most people are stabilizing and strengthening their grips on life while I am still wishing I am doing something else? Should I just stop thinking about it and just do the best that I can with I have in life and hope that it will turn out better for me?

I am thankful that I do have a job to wake up to. Don't take me wrong. I am thankful but I don't think it is any harm in wanting something more for yourself? Striving for something better? And what is better? To be thankful and accepting what is infront of you or squeezing that orange for that extra juice? Hmmm....another orange juice posting eh...

I read an article a few months back about people and their careers..odd careers I must add. But all of them have one thing in common...waking up with a smile on their faces with their heart filled with joy and satisfaction in doing what they are doing. A banker who turn into a naturalist. A doctor who now teach people kayaking. Knowing they took a chance in their life and glad that they did because they are happier than before. No more miserable 9-6 job that pay them ciput kind of salaries...but a whatever time job with still maybe ciput kind of earnings but they are happier. No more looking at the watch wishing it is 6pm. It doesn't even matter if it is a Monday or a Friday.

Well, I have taken a chance in my life recently...and it turn out to be the best one I have even taken. Sherie is the proof...maybe I should take another one. Yeah... maybe I should.

Just to make things clear.... I want to be happy with my job...and at the same time earn big money....huge sum of money.. capish? That would make me even happier....well, just about anyone would kan?

If Only................

2006-03-03T10:52:00.000+08:00

What would I be doing for a living if I was given a chance to change it? Make a wish at night before sleeping and waking up the next morning doing something totally different. To be able to do something you always wanted to do and well, have a jolly good time doing it.

Ok, let's just say I am actually given that chance. Just like the time when we were asked to fill up the UPU form to pick our chosen courses….5 choices right, if I am not mistaken. Trust me, it has been such a long long time ago so forgive me if got it wrong. Let’s have some fun won’t we.

A Jazz singer / Crooner

Well, I know. Why not a pop singer or a rocker? Well, there are a few reasons but the main reason is because I just love jazz, swing, classic evergreen….Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Billie Holiday, Bing Crosby….all those great singers singing beautiful and melodic songs. Songs that make you feel relaxed and calmed...with beautiful lyrics. Hmmm…to be able to sing songs that u can really connect with and feel…

A professional footballer in the EPL.

Do I have to explain? Isn’t it obvious that I would have loved to do this kan? ermm... does anyone need to ask which team I want to play? Anyone?

A Scenic/Artistic Photographer

I love beautiful things and to be able to capture the beauty created by Allah S.W.T. and share it with the people who actually care to absorb and understand it. To capture and preserve it…..to be honest, we seldom stop and wonder the beautiful creation Allah S.W.T. has blessed upon us.

A Writer

I don’t care what I write, as long as I can make money just like Dan Brown or even J.K. Rowling……I WANT!!!!!! But seriously, to be able to share stories with people and maybe to inspire them to greatness and maybe help them through the hard times……can u ask for anything better…..well, other getting a gazillions dollars sitting in your country house and not worrying about rush hour traffic, reports…..

Bruce Wayne/Batman

Why? Cannot meh? My fantasy I punya suka lah kan…hahahahaha. Filthy rich, good looking and have cool cars by day. Dark, mysterious and still with a cool car by night. Can any man asked for anything more? With Catwoman wanting to do you while other hotties waiting in line……just beautiful…..maybe I should put this top on my list….

Well…that’s my list…urs???

For You Smudge

2006-03-02T18:32:00.000+08:00

“FOR YOU SMUDGE”. That was the words printed on the t-shirt worn by all the United players after thrashing Wigan for the biggest ever margin win in the Carling League Cup Final last night. It was a tribute to Alan Smith, who last week was involved in a horrendous injury and have to be sidelined for up to a year. But after watching the way United played and won the Cup, I guess Smith would be smiling and celebrating like the other United players who were at The Millennium Stadium that night.

Yeah…yeah…I know, it is just the Carling Cup but hey, Liverpool or Arsenal might end up the season with nothing. It is better than going through another trophy less season. Although it may not hamper my support to United, but winning a trophy is always a good thing for any team. I mean, Chelsea won it last year right? Well, on to the review of the game now.

I miss the first 15 minutes of the game because I had to attend my company's party at TSB. Although the party had gone through until 3 am I heard, I made sure I was out of the place by 10.45pm. And to make sure that I do leave, I asked Sherie to send and pick me up. I knew that if I were to drive myself, I would have missed the game. Definitely was not gonna miss the only Cup final United are involved in this season.

When I arrived at the mamak, it was surprisingly full. I mean, if I was going to the mamak with a group of friends to watch the game it would have been hard for us to find a table. Luckily, I was alone and I found a seat just near the big screen but behind a group of guys. So I was trying very hard to watch the game behind one or two heads that ke pt blocking my view. I am not complaining. As long as I can watch the game, I am happy.

It was a surprised seeing Van the Man on the bench because I would have sacrificed Rooney rather than him. Rooney’s luck in front of the goal has not been outstanding coming to the match. 8-9 games without a goal so far if I am not mistaken. But I guess that is why I am a fan who writes about the game rather than managing the team. Fergie sixth sense and master class showed again when Rooney scored two goals and gave himself the first medal with United. A relief for a brilliant young player who said he last won a medal with his school under-12 side in Everton. I believe, he will win more with United and maybe with England this coming World Cup. Saha and Ronaldo completed the scoring for the biggest ever win margin in a League Cup final. Another record in the books for the Red Devils in a triumphant return to Cardiff after last season heart-breaking penalty loss to Arsenal.

Although, I am happy that we will not end the season empty handed like the last one, and bear in mind that one or two other big clubs might not even win anything this season, I do hope that United will still be in the running for the other major cups during the same time next season. The only fight United have in their hand right now is securing that 2nd automatic place in the Champions’ League next season. We are out of the FA Cup, The European Cup and Chelsea looked too damn good to be chased right now. It is kind of weird for a United fan to end their season this early. Luckily we do have to make sure that 2nd spot and that looks like the only highlight we have until next season.

The Mickey Mouse Cup it may be called but winning something is better nothing . We amay want to ask either Liverpool or Arsenal fans by the end of the season if they want our Mickey Mouse Cup to fill their cabinet this season.

Review :

Hero of The Match : All United players for wearing that “For You Smudge” t-shirt and Rooney for his two goals.

Zero of the Match : None I guess.

Moment of the Match:

Team Performance : Manchester United 8/10

Wigan Athletics 6/10

What If : Wigan won?

1. Another season without any trophies…NOOOO!!!!

2. Another season of hoping for a better season

3. Fergie replace maybe?

4. “Fairy Tale Season” will be the news for all major papers

C'mon Let's Work It Out!!!

2006-02-24T08:59:00.000+08:00

I am working with a fitness centre in Desa Sri Hartamas. Most of you would know which one but I just feel a bit mysterious. As a staff, all of us have the privilege of using the club for free which I obviously took advantage of . I mean, people are actually paying RM100++ to be a member and use the facilities in the club while I can use it for free and also get some free advise from the Personal Trainers (PT) while other people might have to pay for their services. Lucky devil I am , don’t you agree?

Well, I have been going to the gym frequently for the past 3 months. I will go maybe about 4 times a week and I do have to say, I may not look like Malek Noor or Arnold Schwarzenegger yet but I do feel a bit of a difference especially in my middle area and also stamina wise. I mean before , walking up two flights of stairs was a heavy task. I would be out of breath and I am sure most of you know what I mean kan? Now I can actually play an hour of futsal without depending on any energy drink and trust me, I can go for another hour.

There are a lot of people I met at the gym and some of them really caught my eyes and do make me kinda wonder a bit about them. Let me just tell you about some of these people.

1. I saw a woman who is actually exercising wearing her make up. I was quite strange to me but I don’t know if other people feel the same. I mean, do u need make up to work out when you are supposed to sweat? I understand that without make up some woman don’t look that attractive but in a gym while sweating? What is the real purpose of actually coming to the gym?

2. While I was on the exercise bike, a woman who was about maybe in her late 30’s was in her full exercise clothing….a red t-shirt and a red tracksuit. She was with a friend who was riding on another exercise bike while she was just leaning against one bike. I was wondering why she is not on the bike and riding it too but then I suddenly realize she was actually wearing heels!!! What?? Heels in a gym?? But why? I thought, maybe she forgot her shoes but that is not possible right? Going to a gym with exercise clothes but ooopps….I forgot the shoes. She was at the gm for about 1 ½ hours and she left with her friend, without even breaking a sweat. I wonder what was the real reason she is there for.

3. While I was trying really hard to angkat the weight…and trust me, with all the power I have (15kg ok…berat tu) a guy who ha s just work ed with the abs machine was in front of me was looking at his abs….he wa s actually checking himself out in the mirror that is all around the gym. I mean, u just work ed out about 5 minutes ago on your abs and you are expecting you have a wash board abs???? He is not the only one because I saw a few others before doing the same thing…checking if the muscle on his arms maybe have increase 5 cm after carrying a weight of 5kg for about 5 times. I mean, would it make any difference after u work out for 5 minutes? Would u immediately look like Lou Ferrigno or Hulk Hogan…I just don’t get it. Or maybe he wants me to check him out? I don’t know…..

4. I have to be careful with what I see in the gym’s locker. I mean, if you are not careful, u might see a few naked Caucasian men in there. I mean, to them I may be nothing because they are well…u can say well hung but can we just cover them up. We don’t need to see them bouncing all over the place u know. and walking from the showers to the changing area naked is just not acceptable. I mean, why? We are all men except maybe…ermm….they are gay and want some attention to the well hung brothers???

5. A colleague and I always work out together and there is this one lady who caught our eyes. She is in her late 40’s maybe from how she looks lah. Not that she is sexy giler or anything but with all the gym equipment costing thousand of Ringgit and she is also paying maybe RM100++/ month for her membership, she is actually doing her own exercise…manually. She would stand in front of a mirror and do her stretching and stuffs. I know it is bad for us to laugh at her but…hey….kinda funny right? Paying all those money but not using any of the equipments? Ok, maybe she uses the thread mill but that’s all. Abs, chest, arm, legs…all manually. I don’t know……

I assure you, there are a lot more I want to share, but if you are a member of a gym, I think most of you have your own weird experience….

Smithy, Get Well Soon!!

2006-02-22T09:31:00.000+08:00

85 years is a long time. I dare say not a lot of people live till that age now. So having a record that long is an achievement and also a proud record. Till last Saturday, United had never been beaten by Liverpool in the FA cup for 85 freaking years…..and Crouch’s goal in the 18th minute of the match helped Liverpool to put that record in the history books. A painful and bitter pill for United fans to swallow but with that goal also, we are dumped out of the FA cup and the only realistic chance of winning something this season is the League Cup. It was unimaginable a few years back that United only chance of actually winning a trophy is the so call “Mickey Mouse” Cup.

And to be honest, there is nothing much to shout about the match anyways. Liverpool was the better team in the first half and their dominance in the midfield out shone United. The Liverpool players were fighting for every ball and United were not given a chance to settle on the ball. Almost all 50-50 ball were won by the Liverpool players while United defenders were working hard. It was from the corner resulting from a spectacular save from Van Der Sar that lead to Crouch’s goal. I am still wondering why a 6 feet something player, obviously the tallest player on the field was left on his own for a free header inside the six yard box ……still dumb founded me. I personally do think that if Rio was on the field that day, I doubt that would happen. As I have mentioned before, Brown and Vidic are good defenders but it was so obvious they are not yet a pairing and their positioning dealing with set pieces are a bit suspect and poor. United struggled through the half to even master any attempts on goal and Reina was obviously enjoying a quiet game in goal for Liverpool. Rooney was a disappointment and invisible most of the game while Ronaldo was obviously being closely guarded by the Liverpool defenders after his impressive displays in the last few games. He was the most fouled player on the field.

United played better in the second half by introducing Saha into the game replacing Silvestre who picked up a knock. Saha terrorized the Liverpool defence with his pace but United failed to deliver in the final third of the field. One opportunity came early in the second half from Neville’s cross that got finally put Liverpool steady defence under pressure. After fumbling awkwardly with the ball, Carragher and Reina cleared the ball with Van Nistelrooy lurking for a mistake. After that chance, United were limited to unsuccessful crosses and shot outside the box. Liverpool could have scored another goal to ease their nerves through Crouch who couldn’t capitalize on Van Der Sar and Vidic miscommunication, both letting the responsibility to clear the ball to each other and Crouch poke his long legs between them. Luckily the ball just rolled harmlessly away from the goal. That is another display of poor communication and lack of concentration in the United back line that has been piling up this few weeks.

United was well beaten but what happened a few minutes before the end of the match was horrific. Alan Smith who came in 15 minutes earlier attempted to block a free kick by Riise. He fell awkwardly and lied motionless on the field. The play was stopped when Brown and Van Dee Sar called for the medic staffs and from the reaction shown on their faces, it looked serious. And to be honest, Smithy might not be Keano but he can certainly that a knock. When I saw Ruud walked away from Smithy who was surrounded by all his team mates and also the Liverpool players, it was clear the injury was bad. As Sir Alex put it himself as one of the worst injury he’d seen and also in today’s paper, Smith described it himself….”When I looked down the leg was lying one way and my ankle was pointing to Hong Kong”. Although some section of the crowd was not that sympathetic to the United man but kudos to the one who actually put aside the bad blood between the two close rivals by capping to give support to Smithy. It was a horrific injury and Smithy could be out for a year to recuperate.

A bad week with the lost but it was made worse with the injury suffered by Smithy. All United fans will pray that Smithy will be better and make a speedy recovery on the injury. It is bad to go out of the FA Cup especially to the Scousers but to loose a player with such a horrific injury is worst. All out hearts go to Smithy.

Review :

Hero of The Match : Alan Smith. The pain must be excruciating but he was a brave Red soldier. We hope Smithy will come back better than ever in maybe a year time. And also the scousers who gave Smithy support with their applause.

Zero of the Match : The Scousers who gave Smithy the boos while he was in pain. Fools!!!!!

Moment of the Match: Smithy horrific injuries

Team Performance : Manchester United 6/10

Liverpool 7/10

What If : United won?

1. I will still write about Smithy injuries.

2. It will be another 85 more years before Liverpool can beat us again.

3. It will be a good week towards another Cup final.

4. I will not still be bitter till now.

Who Do You Want To Be?

2006-02-18T16:57:00.000+08:00

"It is hard being a man and it is difficult being a woman but the most difficult thing is being who you really want to be"

Nong Tume
Beautiful Boxer

Step Over King Rule!!!

2006-02-14T14:10:00.000+08:00

According to Sherie’s professional opinion, Chelski lost to Boro last Saturday because they decided to throw the game. The reason, they are too far ahead of everybody else and a lost would not make any difference. I do have to agree with one thing, a lost certainly would not make any difference in the standing because they are still 12 points ahead of United, the closest team to them. But to think that Mourinho actually threw the game, I don’t think so. With an ego as big as a man called Mourinho, I don’t think he would field a team just to loose a game. I know she is just trying to irritate me but it will not take away a good weekend of football for me.

I didn’t actually watched the Boro-Chelski but my dear Sherie sms me because I think she was a bit surprised as I was and also the fact that Arsenal was losing 1-0 to Bolton at that time. I mean, for a United fan it was just like eating my mom’s Laksa Sarawak…hahahahaha. Is she for real, I mean, Chelski losing 3-0 to a Boro side who had just lost 4-0 at home to the Villains? I got ready earlier than usual to catch my United game at 1.10am. I just have to watch maybe a bit of the match between Chelski and Boro just to make sure of the result with my own eyes.

And the big screen at the Restoran Makmur confirmed it. It was just like a dream. A dream I tell you. At the end of the match, the Boro players and fans were celebrating as if they have won the European Cup. But after a string of disappointing results that have put them too close to the relegation battle, the win was just at the right time to ease the team nerves. For Chelski, only their third lost since Mourinho took over the club almost 2 years ago, it does not make any difference as they will still enjoy a 12 points cushion over United even if United win the game against another relegation candidate, Portsmouth later that night.

With the Champions’s League quarter final will be played next week, United should take advantage with Chelski and Liverpool both involved. Maybe, with their priorities are some what diverted, United should be ready to capitalise on any slip ups by both team. Another lost to either team will decrease Chelski lead to 9 points and also extend United lead over Liverpool to 6 points. A 9 points lead may still be a significant margin but will surely put Mourinho’s Chelski under pressure.

Well, back to the game against Pompey last Saturday. Nothing much to say about the game actually as United after leading in the first half by 3 goals seems to be in cruising mode in the second half. The first half performance was brilliant as United created 2 opportunities at goal and scored both of them and another goal from a top class strike from the in form young Portuguese, Ronaldo. The first goal was almost a classic when Giggs beat 3 defenders from the middle of the field and then round off Keily in goal before blasting a shot that hit the bar but guess who was waiting like a predator in the 6 yard box……Van the Man was in hand, well, more like in head to finish a brilliant run by Giggs.

Even if Giggs run was rewarded with a goal, I don’t think fans would remember it after watching the 2nd goal from United. Last week, Ronaldo scored a wonderful goal from a free kick against Fulham. I think Anti Niemi is still watching the tape of that goal wondering how it changed direction in mid air to fool him in goal but I guess after this weekend match, he would receive a call from Keily who were beaten with an almost similar strike. From 22 yards out, he struck the ball with his left foot that swung in mid-flight that fooled Keily in goal. To be fair Keily, I don’t think any goalkeeper could have saved that strike. It was a beautiful strike that silences Frantton Park with the Pompey’s fans making a lot of noise urging their team to fight back.

Ronaldo was not yet finished. After a Rooney had brilliantly turned a defender at the edge of the box to make space for him to run and made a beautifully weighted pass to Ronaldo who was free on the right. Ronaldo took the ball in his stride and his strike took a kind deflection from a Pompey’s defender and took the ball pass Keily in goal. 3-0 and the game was over as a contest by then.

United took out Van Der Sar for a suspected injury to give Tim Howard his first taste of the premiership this season and also Giggs. United looked in 2nd gear for most of the 2nd half but credit to Portsmouth for not giving up the fight. The got their reward maybe a bit too late in the 87th minute with a goal from Taylor. With the lost, Portsmouth are now in deeper trouble as West Brom who occupied the last safety place in the league have an 8 points gap above them. With only about a dozen games before the end of the league, Pompey’s survival in the Premier League looked to be ending after 3 seasons.

Overall, a good week for United and also other teams in the EPL as it shows that Chelsea can be beaten and not invincible after all.

Review :

Hero of The Match : Ronaldo of course. He had scored two goals each in the last two games and hopefully more of that will come.

Zero of the Match : Chelski. I just have to put it in……

Moment of the Match: Ronaldo’s 1st goal of the night. What a cracker!!

Team Performance : Manchester United 7/10

Portsmouth 5/10

United stepped off the gear in the 2nd half. Liverpool coming next week for the 5th round of the FA cup, you know.

What If : Chelski had won?

1. no difference I guess. They win most of the weeks any ways.

2. my posting would be more on United win rather than going on about CHELSKI LOSING.

Prince Charming, Where are Thou?

2006-02-10T16:42:00.000+08:00

Romantic and sweet men only exist in movie and romance novels. Not in real life…they don’t exist anymore. They have become extinct just like the dinosaurs and finding one would be a scientific discovery of the millennium. That man should be put in a lab and studied to know the mysteries and wonders of such being. Well, that’s what I can conclude from the comments I got from most of the lady bloggers.

Is it a fact? Is it true? Men now are not a romantic anymore. They don’t know the right thing to say or the right thing to do. They don’t even have a clue how to be romantic. I don’t know if “How to Be a Romantic Man for Dummies” book exist, but if it does I think it will be a best seller for both male and female. It would be a very popular birthday or anniversary for us male I guess. Maybe I might have a few of those copies myself looking at the rate I am going.

But then again, are women now are too blinded by the things they see on TV and movies and also with the books that they read that they have actually raise the bar of a romantic man. I mean the things a man would do for his love for a woman (or a guy even now - Brokeback Mountain anyone?) in the movies and in books are unbelievable. The things they say are just perfect. They can melt an ice even…not just a woman heart. And well… when u have someone who looks like Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom or Sean Connery doing and saying all those things….can u actually compare that to mere ordinary maybe a bit above average but sometime can look below average after a disastrous hair cut man with an ever increasing belly like me? I don’t think so….

I don’t know if I am a romantic or not. Only one person can rectify that and I guess maybe a few from my past. I have no way to tell and no way to rate myself. If I am to compare myself, a real man with a reel man, I would definitely crash and burn but I am very sure every man will try ever so hard to be romantic with their partners. How they show it, well, each one have their own unique and ermm….weird way of showing it. I don’t know if my pathetic attempts to be romantic with my partners do fall in the ‘weird and embarrassing’ category and I do hope it is not. But does it matter if it is weird or maybe a bit embarrassing? At least we tried right?

So what could be counted as romantic gestures? Hmm…let say giving a woman 99 petal of roses. Would that be considered a romantic gesture or just wasting money? What about hanging a sign professing your love to your partner and walking around in a mall…..would that be a romantic gesture or just plain crazy and embarrassing?

Can this be counted as trying to be a romantic? Making a birthday or anniversary card on your own because you think the cards on sale does not express your real feelings? Willing to miss a football match between United and Liverpool because she wants to watch a movie? Going on a ride although he is afraid of heights? Or just calling her, even after u r married, in the middle of the day just to say how much u miss and love her? Or maybe just the words that come out of our mouth would be enough? Saying that you sleep better with her beside you…ermm…without her thinking ur saying that just to get a little action.

A friend of mine did something really nice for her wife during their 5th wedding anniversary. He promised to bring the wife to Bali but he had to cancel it because of work commitment. To make up for it, he brought his wife to a beach resort hotel in Kuching and covered the room with rose petals. The room cleaners were not happy about the mess but the wife surely like it. Let just say, 9 months after that Baby Arif was born……hehehehe

So, still think that man like this only exist in movies and romance novels? I don’t think so. Man’s wife found one and as confessed by Mommy Feline, she has been with one for the past 6 months. Not all men are jerks and not all women fall for jerks. Just give us a chance and maybe..maybe…that movie or novel romance instinct in us will appear. I hope for my sake…..it does.

Hmmm….where is that Wild Heart (Mills & Boons) novel I was reading?

Defensive Headache

2006-02-08T11:48:00.000+08:00

6 goals conceded in the last two premiership games with a lost against Blackburn who scored 4 against us and the rest came from the win against Fulham. After splashing out almost £12 million in the January transfer market on two defenders, we were expecting it would have made our defense a more solid and stronger unit but so far we have yet to see any improvement. It was unthinkable before to see United conceding 4 goals in any game but this season, we have conceded four goals in two premiership games with the other one coming from the trashing we got from Boro in early November last year.

I honestly believe if not for Van der Sar, we could have lost more games. He can save 10 certain goals in a match but without the support and also the reliability that any team needed from the defenders to cover the goalkeeper, we can still loose the games just because of the lack of concentration or misjudgments by the defenders that can lead to a goal.

In the last two matches, the lack of communication among the defenders was clearly shown. They were getting into each other ways to head or clearing the ball and also the positioning in the box when handling crosses were frustrating for us fans. I would understand Vidic having trouble understanding French or English but when Evra and Silvestre were getting in each other ways (both Frenchman) more than one occasion during the course of the match and might have caused an embarrassing goal, you do feel unsettle and nervous while watching the game. It was frustrating to see the mix up between Rio and Van der Sar that caused the goal against Blackburn, I don’t think the fans were ready to endure another such moments.

Our defending against Fulham’s set pieces and crosses were pathetic and it was clear that Fulham realized it and were trying to expose the weakness. Both goals came from crosses from both flanks and headed by players who are not the tallest in the field and I do think both Brown and Silvestre must be over 6” tall but no one of them were challenging for the ball or anywhere near. Considering McBride and Helguson are obviously the strikers for Fulham, I am still trying to figure out why were our centre backs not the one defending them and leaving the responsibilities to actually challenging the strikers on both occasions to the left and right back?

Don’t get me wrong, Brown is a good defender but he just lacks the authority and command at the back. He reminds me of Pallister, a strong but silent defender. I don’t think I ever see Brown barking any orders to his fellow defenders or midfielders on the field. He just goes into the field and make sure the tackles are strong and making sure his presence is notice on the field. I think because of that and also with his injury problems, he had been over looked by Sven for the England call-up. I don’t know if he will be in the final squad for the World Cup come this June with Ferdinand, Terry, Campbell and King are all ahead of him.

United have scored 49 goals so far. This is only 3 goals less than Chelski but the awful truth is Chelski have only let in 13 goals while United have let in 26 goals, exactly double than Chelski and an average of just over 1 goal per game. It is clear that to really challenge Chelski and also being on top of the league again, United must compliment the superb attacking flair with a strong defence. The current defensive unit has not been impressive and do need a lot of improvement to be at par with the best. It is too early to actually comment on the new addition to the squad in the form of Vidic and Evra but we do hope they will blend in fast with the team. It does seems that the league championship is out of reach for United in the current season but the automatic 2nd spot for the Champions League is still to play for with Liverpool the only strong challenger right now with Arsenal fading away.

All United fans still remembered the time when scoring a goal against United is a privilege but last week Bentley has become the only player to have scored a hatrick against United since I don’t know when. Even Shearer and Henry do not have the right to say that they did the same thing. In doing so, Bentley had also help Blackburn to a double in the league over United for almost 73 years. I hope for another 100 years more, no team can do a double on United again.

Can we catch Chelski and maybe become the champion? I do want to believe that but a 2nd place finish and also less goals going into the back of United net would be enough for me now and almost all United fan.

Is Sex Important?

2006-02-05T15:40:00.000+08:00

I am not trying to be a pervert, don't be offended....just a posting, just a survey...just questions....

1. Can a relationship last without sex?
2. Can a man or woman in a relationship say no to sex when it is offered to him or her?
3. Does sex play an important part in most relationship now?
4. Does it matter if the sex is good or bad?
5. If the sex is bad, would the relationship last, marriage included?
6. Would you actually tell your partner that the sex is bad and ask him/her to improve?
7. Do you feel insulted if you were told that you need to improve?
8. Would you actually fake an orgasm just to make your partner feel good?
9. Does dirty talk help?
10. If your partner actually tell you his/her wildest fantasy, would you actually fulfill his/her request?
11. Would you actually compare your partner performance with another, in silence?
12. A moaner or a dead sheep?

Worth Every Squeeze

2006-02-01T17:16:00.000+08:00

" About finding that one thing you really care about. That one special thing that means more to you than anything else in the world. And when you find her, you fight for her. You risk it all. You put her in front of everything, your future, your life, all of it. And maybe the stuffs you do to help isn't so clean but you know what? It doesn't matter because in your heart, you know, that the juice is worth the squeeze."

Matthew Kidman
The Girl Next Door

Long Holidays...

2006-01-29T15:52:00.000+08:00

Aiyoo... I am so bored right now. Don't exactly know what to do cos most of my plans are pretty much down the drain. Sherie was supposed to be around but she had to follow her parents back to Kedah and only coming back this Tuesday. Now, I am basically left here with no clue what to do for another 3 more days.

The only thing that I am looking forward today is the FA Cup match between United and Wolves. But before that, I basically trying to figure out the best things to do to burn my time. Adding my DVD collection would not be an option now cos most..well..all DVD shops are closed. Watching a movie? Hmm...a good idea but promised Sherie that we watch Jet Li's Fearless together. Maybe Buli Balik cos she watched it with her parents so I can go and watched it alone...maybe tomorrow but after 3pm cos I got a karaoke session with a few friends...hmmm, come to think of it...I got my plans worked out for tomorrow.

Yeah..Karaoke. The best past time for me. Crazy fun u know. Belting out songs u always wanted to sing and don't even care if u suck. I have to think of my song lists for tomorrow. I think I will go with the boy band songs..maybe a bit of Westlife, BSB, N'Sync and I'll throw in a few of Mawi World songs too...hahahahaha.

I was also planning to go to the zoo. Yeah...the zoo. Never been to one so I am thinking of going. Sherie's coming along and she said she wanted to bring her nephew along. Don't ask why I have never been to a zoo before. Thinking of doing it next Wednesday. Is it open on a public holiday...hmm...I am not sure, does anyone else knows? Was thinking of going to the Muzium Negara and also Balai Seni Lukis Negara...weird, I know but I always wanted to go and I think this long holidays are the best time to go....but then again, are the places open on public holidays?

Hmmm....so what else should I do or go for the long holidays....any suggestions folks???

A Dangerous Affair

2006-01-26T17:19:00.000+08:00

15 years is a long time and saying goodbye is the hardest thing. Looking back through the years that we have spent together, the good and bad times, I can’t imagine myself going through life without this old friend of mine. But I know, no matter how I tried to deny it, I have to say goodbye and end this dangerous affair. 2006 will be the beginning of the end of my long courtship with the loyal but a dangerous friend, the cigarette.

I was introduced to the cigarette by a friend of mine and also out of my own curiosity I guess. Everyone else were doing it and the people on TV looked very cool when they are smoking…. that was what I thought at that time. Just try once, just wanted to know how it tastes and feels like. I came home feeling sick, sweating as if I am a human water tap and my head feels like splitting into half. My mom thought I was having a fever. I didn’t tell her of course. I slept all through the night and swore I would not take another puff of that terrible thing. Well, my resolution went out the window the next day.

I have always wanted to stop but my will were not strong enough and saying ‘Tak Nak’ was a problem. I always succumbed no matter how hard I try. 3 months without smoking were the longest time I had gone without a ciggie but all the effort went down the drain with “Alaa….just a little puff . Trust me, u won’t go back to smoking”……and I went home with a box of Dunhill I bought on the way home.

Some people tried stopping when the girlfriend asked them and yes, I am one of those but I end ed up lying to her. I did not smoke in front of her but I was like a locomotive behind her. I was actually having a secret affair with my cigarettes. After every date, I would stop by at one of the kedai kopi and bought the loose cigarettes sold for about 25 cents each. The first puff felt liked peeing after an hour of holding it. Well, she found out later about my “affair” and lectured me about lying and being honest to each other which I totally agreed. So I start ed smoking in front of her after that.

My dad is not a smoker and he hates smokers but the funny thing is my two other brothers and I are. He knows that we smoke but we have never ever smoked in front of him. My dad ha s this amazing nose and he would know immediately if someone has been smoking in the toilet or outside the house. He might not know who but he would lecture and membebel about the danger of smoking, the diseases and a whole lot of other things until he was sure all of us heard it. But as we grew older and one of my brothers is married with a son now, he cut down on the lecture but he will always slip in a few more if he got the chance. The most frequent would be “Cuba simpan duit pake ngisap rokok for benda lain. Apa faedah nya merokok…sama cam nunok (membakar) duit jak”...

I know that smoking is dangerous for my health. Lung cancer is the most famous and common disease among smokers but the sensation that I get from smoking just can’t be substituted. It started with trying to be cool and part of the group and it turn to be an important part of me. And every time I tr ied to stop, my weight will go up which obviously something I don’t want to happen. I am not conscious about my weight but I constantly have to nibble on something just to not think about smoking. Arghhh…..so I start ed smoking again for that reason…I don’t want to gain weight. Aiyoo…the things I do just to smoke again.

This time around though, I am going to try my best to stop. It is not because Sherie wants me to, although she would love it, if she knew . It is just because I want to stop and the fact that the price of cigarettes is killing me. When I started smoking, it was about RM3.20 per box but now it is RM7.00. I smoke about 4 boxes per week which means I have to fork out RM28.00 per week and RM112.00 per month. That is a lot of money, don’t you think? To me it is…….dang…it is like an Air Asia ticket flight from KL to Kuching to KL. So I decided to stop because of that particular reason….use the money to see my love ones back home or kill myself with it? I think any fool can think of the best option kan?

No more standing on the apartment balcony looking outside and wondering about my future with a cigarette between my mouth. No more smoking when I am sleepy. No more that must-smoke after meal rules and of course…..no more company when I am doing the “big business”. It has been almost a month now and I am still going strong though I suddenly found out that my sleeping problem came up at almost the same time I stop smoking. I don’t know if there is any connection….hmmmm. Anyways, I just hope it will be successful this time around and stay away from that delightful, mesmerizing…..snap out of it…..that foul smelling, killing machine….oh how I miss…..arghh…..good for nothing, making holes in my shirt and baju melayu (kretek Gudang Garam done a lot of that to me before)……cigarettes.

My He(Rio

2006-01-24T15:10:00.000+08:00

I was still recuperating from last week lost to City and as expected, I wouldn’t get any sympathy from anyone….even from Sherie. It was a tough week to endure…..well it has been a tough 2006 to be honest with United struggling with form since the New Year. Trying to erase the lost from your memory was kinda hard as sms and e-mails were sent from all my “caring” friends. One sms stuck on my mind though…….” Don’t worry pok….u won’t have to be sad for too long about this…ur losing to Liverpool next and u will definitely forget about this week ..hahahaha”. Cruel…but I accepted it like a man…. By thinking of a better and crueler comeback later.

Yeah…Liverpool is coming to town. And from the looks of it, Liverpool is the overwhelming favorite to win the game. How dare….predicting a Liverpool win at Old Trafford. It hurts a lot watching pundits were favoring Liverpool and United looked too shaky and not at par with Liverpool. Even the papers were predicting United will loose the game. Liverpool performances of late where they have collected 34 points out of a possible 36 were highlighted and Liverpool’s qualities in the midfield marshaled by Stevie G are a class above United’s current midfield. The poor performance so far by United since the turn of the year also contributed to the odds of a Liverpool win. I feel gutted cos to be honest and fair, if we are to base our prediction on team and individual performance it does seems like a United win would be unlikely. But then again, team performance will go out of the window in a Liverpool-United clash….

I would have loved to watch the game outside with bigger crowd and a livelier ambience but considering the next day is a working day, I went to watch the game at Sherie’s house with her dad. Usually before I come over, I would ask first if there were anything that they wanted and that night was Lay’s Sour Cream and Onion Chips which I happily obliged. Sherie made me a nice cup of sarsi syrup drink and then she went upstairs. Watching Marcus Bent head that goal to deny Chelsea another win was ecstasy and how I just wished Ambrose’s shot ended in the net and watched the Blues turn red for the day…but 2 points dropped at The Bridge is always good news.

As expected in games between the big four, plays will be mostly in the midfield and this one was no exception. It was obvious that Liverpool were controlling the game and winning the midfield battle while the patched up United midfield looked to struggle and keep losing the ball. Despite of all the possession Liverpool had in the first half, there were no decent shot at goal and Van der Saar was merely a spectator picking up occasional long shots by the Liverpool forward spearheaded by Cisse and Crouch. On the United front, Rooney and Ruud were non existence for the entire half as not even a decent opportunity was presented to them. When the whistle were blown for half time, Liverpool looked like a more likely winner.

Liverpool started the 2nd half like they ended the 1st half. United have brought in Saha for O’Shea who joined Scholes, Smith and Park on the injured list with Ronaldo still serving his 3 match ban. Saha moved upfront to partner Ruud while Rooney dropped back behind the two. Somehow, the changes made had a great impact on United as they played better and started to create chances. Rooney was getting more of the ball and United’s engine room looked more of a threat with Giggs defence tearing runs. But It was still a 0-0 game and Liverpool almost claimed that all important goal if not for the heroic clearance by Rio. The ball was on the way in from a Sissoko shot, who was celebrating his birthday, if not for Rio’s determine and accurate clearance although the danger was not over yet. Kewell’s shot from Rio’s Ferdinand was saved brilliantly by Van der Sar but the shot was parried to Cisse. With goal opened wide for him to just tapped in the ball, he kick the ball over the bar and the chance was gone. I was holding my breath for that one minute sequence of almost a goal situation and luckily Cisse decided to make a fool of himself. Maybe the hair had something to do with his bearing that night. Whatever is the reason……it is still 0-0. United created a few more chances with a Giggs’s crossed turn to shot that almost dismantle the goal post and Rooney’s shot from outside the box that miss the far post by inches although I think Reina would have dealt with it.

The match was going for a draw when United new addition to the squad, Frenchman Patrice Evra was brought down by Finnan just outside the box in the 90th minute of the match. Giggs took the free kick responsibility and floated in a perfect ball into the box. To the surprise of all watching the game, Ferdinand was left unchallenged with a powerful header which Reina could only helped into the net. The stadium erupted, the United players were all over the hero of the night and I was up on my feet and screaming in front of my future father in law…but I didn’t care cos he was actually doing the same exact thing. All the pressure and nerves were release with that scream…….while Liverpool players were hanging their head and Liverpool fans cursing Cisse for not scoring from close range.

United were lucky to win….. United fans all over the world can walk with pride with their heads held high for another season. A lucky goal, a disputed free kick, a bias referee and all sorts of reasons were given by Liverpool fans…..but a win is a win and another season of Liverpool having their tails between the legs. Maybe there is a transition of power in English football but that night belong to United and it showed everyone that United will not give in that easy. You want my place, come show and fight for it…..

As for the friend who sent me the sms……. I sms him immediately after the match…….“ You were right…I forgot totally about last week match…HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA”

Review :

Hero of The Match : Rio Ferdinand. Not because of the goal he scored but also his defending was top class that night. If Sven has any doubt or still thinks he’s lazy, I think Mr. Sven needs a new pair of glasses

Zero of the Match : Cisse no doubt. Liverpool could have won the match but he screwed the chance. And also for that ridiculous hairstyle.

Moment of the Match : Rio’s clearing the ball just before it crossed the line. Determination and also skill and a bit of luck I guess.

Team Performance : Manchester United 6/10

Liverpool 7/10

Although United won, I do have to admit that Liverpool controlled the game and United only came into the game in the last 25 minutes.

What If : Sissoko’s shot was not cleared?

1. Papers the next day will print “Birthday Boy Scored”, “United blown by Birthday Boy”

2. Cisse would not be practicing to score from 6 yards out now as ordered by Benitez

3. I will be the one receiving sms and e-mails kutuking me till next season match

4. Aida will be replying e-mails with more enthusiast, Jac will be having a better day and Hood would have love to talk about last nite game with the significant other……

The End of A Fairy Tale

2006-01-20T16:36:00.000+08:00

It was The Theatre of Dreams and to the part timers of Burton Albion it was a dream they never thought will come true. After that famous draw at The Pirelli Stadium that can only accommodate about 6,000 fans a fort night ago, playing against one of the best team in the land at Old Trafford that can accommodate about 67,000 plus fans must have caused sleepless nights for the Burton players. Although the fairy tale ending that the players and fans might have wished before the game alongside the neutrals of the match did not materialize, it will always be the highlight of their football career…and oh……also the souvenir jerseys they got from their famous opponent.

Five goals were scored and watching that game, we have to be delighted with the future and prospect for the young players on show for United. Giuseppe Rossi is only 18 years old but the future look bright for the young Italian. His name actually have been on United fans’ lips since he can’t stop scoring goals with the reserves team and to be honest, Sir Alex must had seen something special about the boy that persuaded him to sign Rossi from Parma when he was only 16 years old. The game turn to a Rossi show when he scored two goals and created two others. His first goal was a beautifully headed goal from Silvestre pint point cross and the other one a sweet strike outside the box at the last minute of the game. His delightful flick for Richardson to race on and scored and also that beautifully place chip to release Giggs had everyone forgetting the absence of one named Rooney for the night. His was the star of the night and with Saha looking more disappointing and frustrating in front of the goal, Rossi had pushed himself up the pecking order. We can bet we will see more of him in the second half of the season after his performance last night that left Burton’s defence without any answers to contain him.

Gerard Pique was signed from Barcelona when he was also 16 years old and for the record, he is actually a day younger from Rossi. Although he has not yet got his chance to make his debut in the league with United, it wouldn’t be long before he breaks through. For a young defender, his ability to read the game and also the confidence he showed with the ball I am very sure Silvestre will have to make way for him soon. Bardsley again showed why Sir Alex was prepared to let Phillip Neville go to Everton when he have a liable and talented player on the right back to deputize the older Neville when he needs a rest. The overall verdict, United future look a bit brighter after last night FA Cup game.

The only missing element about last night game was an Ole goal. Every fans in the world were hoping he would and somehow the United players were also pushing for it too seeing from the constant distribution of the ball to the right late in the game. He was pushed to the front after to accompany Saha when Fergie brought in Guggs, Neville and Rio who actually played as a midfield player when United were 3 goals ahead. It was a pity not seeing Ole score but I am sure he will score again in the near future. Ole played a full 90 minutes and played on the right and his crossing was superb. A beautiful cross late in the first half was missed by Saha and Rossi but with that we can actually welcome our babyface assassin back. With Ronaldo being banned for 3 games after that red card at City, maybe Ole will get his chance although I don’t think he will be in the starting eleven in this weekend huge and important clash against the Scousers. He might be on the bench and maybe will be thrown into action later in the match.

With the convincing win against Burton and almost half of the first team are rested for this weekend match against Liverpool, we will expect nothing less than a win with the automatic place in next season Champions’ League is at stake. We just have to wait which red will be on top this weekend…..n for my ego and heart sake, let it be the Manchester Red….

White Rose.....Red Rose

2006-01-20T11:38:00.000+08:00

I received an sms from a friend back home yesterday and it sounded like this (after a bit of adjustments)…….

“A sparrow was in love with a white rose. One fine day, the sparrow found the courage to confess his love to the white rose. The white rose who doesn’t have the same feelings told the sparrow that she will only love him if she turns red, knowing that this is impossible. The sparrow did the unthinkable. He tares his body and slowly spreads his blood on the white rose which turns her red. The rose was touched and fell in love with the sparrow but the sparrow was no more. This is true love......”

Is it true love? Does anyone even know the real meaning of true love? Did the sparrow actually showed the real meaning of true love…..to make sacrifices for your love and not expecting anything back? Or did the sparrow just proved that love is a dangerous thing that makes people do stupid things without realizing the consequences?

I personally don’t know what the meaning of true love is. The meaning of true love changes with every relationship we have…but one thing has always been the same. Love is a strange thing…..when u find that special someone, it is either sometimes you just want to kiss and hug them all the time but there are some times when you just want to shut them up and strangle them….but deep down inside, you just can’t imagine your life without them beside you……

As Jerry McGuire famously said line………………… “YOU COMPLETE ME”

Inhale If You Dare

2006-01-19T14:28:00.000+08:00

It came unannounced. I didn’t see it coming and I was not ready for it. I almost fainted as a result of it. It was my fault anyways because I should have not talked to him when he was too close. It was a fatal mistake on my part and I have to inhale the consequence. He was already beside me when he opened his mouth to answer my question…….everything was a blur after that because I was trying my very best not to breath for the next 1 or 2 minutes.

It was nasty. That was the epitome of bad breath. I wasn’t even concentrating on what he was saying because my brain just stopped. I have a sudden urged to elbow him and knock him out. I swear if he continued talking for another minute I would just collapsed. No way am I gonna take the risk to inhale the contaminated air from this man.

Did he forget to brush his teeth? Was he in a rush that he just though he skips brushing his teeth or is it just not in his daily routine to brush his teeth when he wakes up in the morning? How could he stand not brushing his teeth? Whatever the reason is, I just couldn’t be bothered because something has to be done. I have to talk to this bad breath man every single day and I don’t think I can stop breathing every time he talks…or can I?

What should I do? Should I be straight forward and maybe a bit rude and tell him to his face? Should I take the indirect approach like offering him sweets or chewing gum every time we have to discuss? Arghhh…. A dilemma. Well, I have to think of something because here comes the man with the rubbish truck breath!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Night....Sweet Dreams

2006-01-18T17:09:00.000+08:00

I slept around 5.30am today and woke about 3 hours later. That has been the ritual for me this last month. Sometimes I didn’t sleep at all. I am having trouble sleeping they call it insomnia. Gone are the days where I can just sleep after 5 minutes I put my head on the pillow.Oh….how do I miss those days. Now, I can’t even force myself to sleep no matter what I do.

I tried counting sheeps but after the 1000 times jumping over the fence, the sheep got tired but I wasn’t. Jessica Alba took over from the sheep but man...the thought of Jessica Alba jumping over a fence..... Well, I don’t think any guy would even want to go to sleep with that image in his head. In the end, I would end up staring at the ceiling in the dark trying to figure out the best way for me to go to sleep. I would hit my pillow to make it much comfy. I would change my sleeping position and even going to the extreme of changing my “sleeping uniform”.

The funny thing is I have never felt sleepy during the day. Not a single bone in my body ache for a nice fluffy pillow and a drowning Dreamland mattress. I don’t have any problems waking up in the morning. It will be 8am sharp. No problem. A few weeks ago I was afraid that I would not be able to keep my eyes opened till the end of the day but somehow keeping it closed was more of a problem. The first few days when my sleeping problem haunted me, I was rushing back from work just to try getting some sleep before Maghrib. Instead of sleeping, I end up watching cartoons or Chinese drama that would be showing on TV. After that, I just quit and fill that time by working out at the gym and also my futsal game.

Am I too tired? Am I stressed? Am I thinking too much? Those are the reasons that I have heard that might cause insomnia but I don’t think I am experiencing any of that. I wish it was one of those so I don’t have to figure out what and why I am not sleeping. I just miss sleeping and maybe a dream or two or even now a nightmare will do. It is so frustrating not being able to give ur body and mind a deserved rest after a hectic day at the office. Something is wrong but I just don’t know what the problem is.

Not being able to sleep, in an empty dark apartment without any satellite TV is not fun…trust me. After failing to go to sleep, trying to think of a fun and best way to let the time pass that early in the morning is a task on its own. Reading a book, watching DVDs, listening to the radio, singing to the song on the radio, entering sms contest on the radio….all of that I have tried for the past month. Sometimes…well almost every night I would just amuse myself by interviewing myself….sounds nuts I know but when u are still awake at 4.30am and not knowing what else to do, it is fun imagining urself as the Oscar winner for Best Director, scored the winning goal that won United the Champions’ League and sometimes as the new man in Jessica Alba’s life…..and the list goes on and on and on…like the Energizer batteries.

Despite of all that crazy fun, I still want my sleep. I still want that pillow face when u wake up in the morning. I still want that sensational smell when u open ur mouth for the first time in the morning. I still want to complete the continent of Africa on my pillow. Jokes aside, I miss waking up fresh and rested after a good night sleep. It has been a long time since I can say I had a good night sleep and had a truly rested body. I am still feeling ok now and I hope for my own health sake, I can get back my sleeping routine.

Till then, I have to come up with new questions and also new characters for my “The Early Morning Show With The Red Raven……Huak…Huak…..”

Happily Ever After

2006-01-12T09:59:00.000+08:00

It has always been an age old debate. Does age matter in a relationship? Most of us will say it d oesnt but when confronted by the sight of that odd couple, we would cringed and wonder why and what are the reasons? Money, power, status or is it really true love? I can bet true love would not be a popular answer but histories all over the world seem to support it. Anna Nicole Smith does not really help the cause with her antics.

I had my own fair share of stares and constants whispering before. I was in a relationship with an older woman. She was 10 years older than me. She was a divorcee with 4 young daughters. The eldest was 10 years younger than me, twins who were entering their teenage years and the youngest was 10 years old when I met her. We were a couple for a good 3 years before it all ended.

In any relationship, there will always be obstacles and challenges that you might have to face but being in a relationship that society deemed to be wrong not just in Malaysia but everywhere else in the world was something else. At first it was hard as going for movies or having a dinner outside were a challenge for us as we have to ignore staring eyes watching our every move and being judge d on the way we acted. Try as you might to be comfortable but when you just feel every single pair of eyes were fixed on you, it was a struggle. You thought after awhile it would stop but it never did and t became impossible to ignore. It became stressful and we usually opt for takeaways and vcds or dvds.

Other than trying to avoid the public scrutinizing us, convincing your family especially parents were not a smooth ride as well.When I told my parents, well, my mother actually that I was going out with a divorcee with 4 kids, she was taken aback but she accepted it and told me that I am mature enough to make my own decision….at first. But I guess family pressure and my father 's constant “advise”, she decided that I should be guided in making my decision. Parents know best and my grandma supported my parents ' “advise”. To be honest, I am not mad at them for not accepting the relationship. It was just sad that I was never given a chance to prove to them that I am matured enough to make my own decisions. But being the eldest and also a Muslim son, I am always taught that anything that is not blessed by your parents or older members of the family, it is advisable not to proceed further…which I followed.

Friends being part of the society and also human being were not that fond of our relationship. We were never in each other friends ' circle. We tried to fit into each others social life but it was impossible because there were too many sarcasms and awkward moments. My friends would be pushing me to leave her for someone younger with a brighter future and start a family of my own, not a ready made family. Her friends would be telling her that I was actually going for her money, her house and some even accused me of using her to get to her daughters. That also contributed to our already conflicted relationship. I don’t trust her friends and she doesnt trust mine. Our friends would find ways to introduce us to someone new which at first was funny but down the road jealousy took controlled. Trust was not there anymore and it was hard convincing each other that going out with friends were just an innocent night out or a social event.

We knew it was never going to be easy but we tried our best to make it happen. Making a relationship work by itself was hard enough. Trusting each other was hard enough. Trying to solve conflicts within was hard enough. Just ignore all those talks and stares, some people might say. Trust me, you can’t especially when family comes into the picture. We went our separate ways. It was hard for both of us but we do have to admit that we have to be fair to each other needs and future. Somehow, I think it was a blessing in disguised for us. She met a guy soon after that, who is also a divorcee with 2 kids and are now engaged to be married. I found myself a terrific and lovely lady who I thanked Allah SWT for letting our paths crossed.

Until the day when we are ready to accept love unconditionally, age will always be an issue to us. I learn that the hard way but I cherish the time we had. I had closed that book a long time ago and now I am opening a new book in my life. This time I wish it will end with…………………………

Happily Ever After

David 1 Goliath 0

2006-01-09T15:50:00.000+08:00

The giant scoreboard showed that 0-0 was the final result. No, I am not talking about a Premier League game between Arsenal and Manchester United at Highbury. It was a 3rd round FA Cup game between Burton Albion and Manchester United at the Pirelli Stadium. Burton what? Yes, not just for non-football fan but to football enthusiast Burton Albion is not a name familiar to many of us.

Burton Albion came into the limelight when they booked their 3rd round FA Cup clash with United after beating fellow non-leaguers Burscough back in December. Burton is managed byNigel Clough, the son of the legendary Forest manager, Brian Clough. When Burton won the game, the odds where against them and everyone was predicting a landslide win for Manchester United, one of the top team in the world. A team of teachers, policemen, postmen or a local bartender who plays football part time does not really match up to professional players who earned £40,000-50,000 a week. Well, the end result of the game just proved to everyone that passion and determination can win u match anytime.

Looking at the United team sheet, it was more like a reserved team were being put out on the field. Wes Brown, John O’Shea and Saha were the only first team regulars while youngsters were filling up the rested players with the likes of Gerard Pique and Phil Bardsley in the defence, Ritchie Jones in the midfield and Giuseppe Rossi upfront. The absent of Neville mean Ole Gunnar Solksjaer who started his first game after almost 2 ½ season out with a serious knee injuries was the captain for the day. Although the team were a pale comparison of the regular squad but there were enough quality in the team to win the match and book United place in the 4th round but obviously Burton had other ideas.

From the kick off, Burton looked more like the team that can win the match. Brown and Pique were having torrid times trying to hold off Gilroy and Harrad who were terrorizing with their runs. United looked more like a conference league team than Burton. Ole was ineffective in almost the entire game when he was on and obviously he was still far away of being match fit. Jones was not the creative play maker needed to break down a tight and discipline Burton defence. Saha and Rossi were struggling to get a pass to do any damage. The condition of the pitch made it even harder for United to play their usual passing game and they have to opt for long balls to get any move going but that should not be a reason for a group of professionals to play badly. At the end of the first half, it was a moral victory for a Burton side who could have gone 2 goals up if not for the clearance on the line by Bardsley who worked his socks off for the team.

I was expecting a different performance by United after some “hair-drying” reminders from the gaffer. United started the half by trying to imposed themselves on the pitch with their passing but again on a sub-standard pitch, it was a hard objective to accomplish. Burton continued their pressing and with the minutes ticking away, the team grew more in confidence. United were chasing and struggling to keep up with the pace of the game as the ball failed to reach the final third of the field. An hour of the game passed when the gaffer realized he needed his big names to up the tempo or get humiliated. Out came Rossi and Ole and in came the 2Rs….Rooney and Ronaldo. Within the 1st minute of their introduction, United were almost one up but Saha threw the chance away with a miss kick. Burton were suddenly chasing and United were having it their way. As the time ticked away, Burton were having 10 men inside their half with Deeney have to save shots by Rooney and Saha and were also reduced to counter attacks. But with United pouring themselves upfront to get that all important goal there were times when United were left wanting at the back. Pique, Brown and Bardsley did a fantastic job in holding off the attacks.

Chances after chances came United way but all were in vain. United were lucky when a handball appeal on Pique was waived off for a foul on him and a deflected shot by Gilfroy did not have the power to guide it past Howard. The best chance for a winner for United came in the injury time when Ritchie Jones was denied by Burton’s keeper Deeney trailing legs when it was on its way in. That would be a cruel blow to a memorable and spirited performance by the non-leaguers. When the whistle was blown to mark the end of the game, the stadium exploded into cheers. Nigel was congratulated and smiling, the team were hugging each other and the fans were crying. Even United fans in the stadium were applauding their opponent but at the same time feeling disappointed and frustrated with the showing of their stars.

It was a game nobody would expect any different scenario. United strolling through another easy victory over a conference league team and it should be a damage limitation exercise for Burton. After 90 minutes of an exciting and pulsating football game, the scoreboard and the reaction of the stadium showed a different ending. It was the same last year with Exeter City although they stumbled in the replay when United pull out all the big guns. It might be the same case for Burton at Old Trafford in a couple of weeks but today it is Burton’s day. Today passion and spirit overcome big money. It may be a draw but for a team like Burton, it was the pinnacle for some of the players that they will tell to their children and grandchildren… the day a postman stop Wayne Rooney from scoring a goal.

Will the fairy tale continue for Burton Albion or will Goliath triumph in the 2nd battle? Neutrals and fairy tale lovers would definitely welcome a Burton win at The Theatre of Dreams but with the likes of Nistelrooy, Scholes, Giggs and a determined Rooney coming into the team, I personally don’t think it will be another upset. United will once again adopt their passing game and that would be hard for Burton to handle. I predict a win for United maybe a 2-0 or 3-0 win but Burton should be proud of their achievement and build on their new found confidence and also the shared profit they will get from the replay at Old Trafford.

Adik

2006-01-06T15:38:00.000+08:00

An sms greeted my morning yesterday. It was from a close friend back home, Rose. It was quite a surprise as I would not expect her to sms me that early. She sent the sms at about 6 am. I was in tears after I finish reading it. Her daughter, Shaqirah Aqilah had just passed away because of lung infection. She was supposed to be 2 years old on the 14th of January. I saw her last during the Hari Raya when I went to Rose’s house

I was sad and confused. I thought it was supposed to be a simple tonsil operation. What happened? What went wrong? Later that day, rose and her hubby told me what happened. Rose just couldn’t stop crying while Saiful was trying to be strong but from the sound of her voice, he was just devastated.

Adik had her tonsil operation last week on the 28th. I remembered cos Rose sms me to tell me that it was a success. I was glad cos her operation was postponed twice before.The news yesterday was a shock to me because I never thought that anything would go wrong but kita hanya mencuba but Allah S.W.T. yang menentukan.

Rose told me that there were no signs that anything was wrong after the operation. The doctors only realize her lung was infected a day after. It was too late because the infection was spreading fast. Antibiotic was given but it was not working. On Sunday, her right lung collapsed. The doctors tried to instill some hopes dengan menebuk both her lungs. She was breathing with the help of the machine by then. Rose and family just can’t bear to see Adik suffering and they decided to stop the machine and she was gone.

I hope I would never have to make the same decision as Rose and her hubby did. A decision to let go of ur child because u can’t bear to see her suffer. Watching her little body trying to fight and stay alive. I am gonna stop here because….. I don’t know what else to say.

Semoga roh Adik dicucuri rahmat oleh Allah S.W.T. dan semoga Adik ditempatkan di kalangan golongan orang-orang yang beriman. Amin.

To Rose and Saiful, I hope u guys will be strong and terima semua ini sebagai qada’ and qadar daripada Allah S.W.T. Dia menjemput Adik awal untuk bersama-Nya sebab Dia menyayangi Adik.

The Morning After

2006-01-03T14:29:00.000+08:00

I am sleepy. I only got about 4 hours of sleep before waking up at 8am for work. I am trying to cut down on my caffeine but today, I just have to forget about it because I am in dire need of a black coffee. After 4 days of holidays, I don’t want to start the first day of work in the New Year will a puffy red eye and non productive day. It is not my fault but all this happen because the papers gave the wrong information.

According to the papers yesterday, at 3.55am today, one of the much awaited and biggest match of the season should be played, well for me it is. It was Manchester United Vs Arsenal at Highbury. As I don’t have Astro at my place and I have and a must for me to watch this game, I just have to go to one of the mamak around town to catch it. I mean, if it is United against Sunderland, I wouldn’t even bother to wake up and watch the game even if I do own Astro. Well, I would actually wake up and watch that game if I own Astro…hehehehe. Let me make it a little bit clearer. I would not wake up, wash my face, brush my teeth, and drive around Damansara at 3.45am till 4.45am to watch that game. Arsenal V United, missing that match was like having a date with Maya Karin and u stood her up because of work commitment.

So at 3.30am, I woke up after I forced myself to sleep at around 1am. I went straight to the window in my room to check if the kedai mamak kat depan my apartment were open. To my relief, it was and I quickly went to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. No way I was taking a bath at 3.30am so powder and a bit of cheap perfume will do. I thought of wearing my bermuda shorts but I thought better of it. I decided to wear my jeans and my baju melayu.

At first I thought of walking je but it was 3.45am I am in no mood of walking, so I drove. There were three mamak that was still open. I decided to stop at the mamak that set up a big screen. There were a few other people and I took a strategic seat, just two tables from the screen. I was happy cos I can watch the game without distraction and also in comfort. I ordered myself a teh tarik and also roti canai. It was 3.50 and the game was about to start in about 5-10 minutes time. The screen was still showing the movie “Jeepers Creepers 2”. I guess they were just waiting for the game to start before they change the channel, I thought in my head. So I just sat and watched the movie with about 5-6 other guys. My order came and I checked my watch. Hmmm… it was 3.55am but they have yet to change the channel to ESPN. Maybe they will change it at 4.00am so I drank my teh tarik and enjoyed my roti canai. Both are hot and my whole body was thanking me for adding some heat.

10 minutes passed but I am still watching Jeepers Creepers 2 and the other patrons were enjoying the movie. I am getting restless. At the same time, I saw the waiters were cleaning up. Tables were folded, chairs were stacked up and the food was being cleared. Hey, what is going on? Dang, are they closing shop already? Just when the game was starting, they decided it was time to closed shop. Arghh….so I finished up my order and paid. I am getting out of here and look for another place. So like a mad man, at 4.15am, I was driving from Taman Tun to Uptown for the next 30 minutes looking for a mamak that opened and hopefully showing the game. To my frustration, none was. WWE was showing at one mamak while one was showing a Spanish telenovela. Arghhhh…they were not showing the game. I am gonna miss the game. So in frustration and despair I drove back to my apartment. It was almost 5am. I am tired, sleepy and feeling gloomy. I went to sleep straight away but before I doze off, I am still thinking of the reasons why they were not showing the game. The game being postponed or were the satellite connection not working were some of the reasons. I guess I will have to wait for later to know the reasons and also the result.

My alarm woke me up at 8am. I was contemplating of skipping work or maybe just apply for a half day leave cos I was sleepy and tired. 15 minutes after that I just forced myself up and took a cold shower, well, I don’t think I had a hot shower for ages. I got ready for work and when I was already inside the car, I realized that I forgotten to bring my socks along. Arghhh…so I have to go up to the 17th floor, opened the locked door and get the socks.

It was already 9am and as always, I will be listening to the news at 104.9fm. After the usual bad news about accidents and everything else comes the sports news. “Birmingham beat high flyers Wigan 2-0 to ease the relegation battle. Other EPL results are …………..”. Well, the Arsenal and United result must be the last one, I thought. “With Arsenal waiting for United tomorrow morning, Chelsea are 14 points ahead of their closest rival”

Guess, I’ll be having teh tarik and roti canai again at 4am again tomorrow.

2006

2005-12-31T16:38:00.000+08:00

It is the eve of the new year 2006. Rather than looking back, i want to look into the future..my hopes and dreams for 2006. The good times, the bad times and the so so times that was 2005 will pass in about 8 hours time.Nothing i can do to change whatever that had happen but it will be part of my life to make me a much better human being.

The first thing that i hope for 2006 is finding a better and more secure job. Something that will give me more satisfaction, excitement and also abviously a much better pay. I dont want to go to work with a heavy heart every morning and dreading what the day is gonna bring to me.

I also hope that at the same time next year,there will be a Mrs. Red Raven in my life. I found The One for me and i hope what we have both planned will come true. I cant wait to end my single life and start a new one with her. I have to admit it will not be easy but i wouldnt want to start it with anyone else but her.

I hope that all my family and friends will also be blessed and all their dreams will come true. My life is blessed with beautiful and lovely people and seeing them happy and smilling will always completes my day. I pray that my parents health are improve, i wish my sisters will be successfull in their work and studies, i wish my brothers will finally land a better job for themselves, i wish my friends will be successful and find whatever they are looking for...fame, fortune,partner maybe.....

I also hope that United will once again find their greatness and overhaul Chelsea. If Fergie's future is in doubt i hope we will get a new coach in the form of Capello which honestly is not a bad candidate with his credential and experience. I hope we will finish as champion (and secretly wish Chelsea will falter in the second half of the season) and win the FA cup and also the League cup too....

I hope i can pursue my studies...in a field that i choose myself and i know i am gonna love. What it is, only a few people know. Hopefully, in maybe 3 or 4 years time, i can pursue a career in a field i know i will be at home.

I also hope that i can improve on my writing skills and at the same time improve my English diction. I hope my sherie will not have to correct me all the time and i can finally talk in English with more confidence. I also hope that i can eliminate most of my spelling and gramar mistakes in my writing.

I also hope i can control my temper. Although i do think i have improve but i hope i can just say bye to it all together and maybe communicate my frustration and dissapointment in a more civilize and matured way.

I hope i can improve on my communication and socializing skills. I hope i can try to be a bit more friendly and more approachable so i can make more new friends in this not so new place for me now.

I hope i will improve myseld as a human being, as a son, as a brother,as a boyfriend, as a friend and as a Muslim. Something that should not be done when it comes to new year only but i guess each and everyday of our life.

And finally, i hope that each one of you will be bless and may the next year of your life will bring happiness, success and all good things just come and knock your door....AMIN

p/s: for sherie....you have made 2005 a year i will always remember. you came into my life and just shine it. the rest of the year is a blur since the day i met u.

Song of The Year (English) - Believe Me(Fort Minor)

Song Of The Year (Malay) - Elegi Sepi(Azharina)

Movie of the Year (English) - Harry Potter 4 - The Goblet of Fire

Movie of The Year (Malay)- Baik Punya Cilok

Album of The Year (English) - The Emancipation of Mimi (Mariah Carey)

Album of The Year (Malay) - Yang Tercinta (Mawi)

News of The Year (World) - The Paskitan Quake

News of The Year (Local) - Datin Sri Endon's passed away

Sports Moment of the Year (World)- Liverpool come back to win the European Champions' League

Sports Moment of the Year (Local) - Selangor winning every single thing

Entertainment News of the Year (World) - Pitt - Aniston divorce or Pitt - Jolie dating

Entertainment News of the Year (Local) - Yusry - Erra announce marriage in trouble

Artist of the Year (World) - Mariah Carey

Artist of The Year (Local) - Mawi

Gayat

2005-12-28T15:42:00.000+08:00

I am afraid of heights. Dalam bahasa melayu, I ni gayat. How bad is it? Ask Sherie. I just shrieked like a girl when it comes to height. I would just forget that I am a guy and I should be macho and cool about it. I am not cos heights just frightens me. I would break into cold sweat. My face will automatically turn white. Jadi pucat semacam. Although I do try to get over it but so far, I still can’t

I went on a ride at the Euro Fun Fair at One Utama recently. Well, honestly it was not my idea because I would rather be throwing darts at balloons, sitting down playing bingo or catching plastic ducks and hope I win more than just a plastic rose flower. It was my dear Sherie’s idea to go on “The Vector” because it looked fun. She said that she doesn’t mind us not going on the ride but I know she wants to go up and I wouldn’t let her go alone. I could see that her eyes were looking at “The Vector” and you could just see how she really wanted to go on it. For her, the adrenaline rush that she gets from being thrown up in the air with only straps holding you to ur seat is fun. Not my idea of fun. What if the straps were loose? What if the machine suddenly rosak and we are hanging for our dear life? Arghhh……I was sweating and having a nervous attack but I said “Takpe lah…kita naik lah. Maybe it would be fun”….

She was getting excited and I was getting intoxicated with the idea of being thrown up in the air. I was whiter than Mr White at that time. When they strapped me up and I was hanging in the air, I was saying “Ya Allah” non-stop. We were about maybe 60 to 70 feet in the air and then the machine just flipped. The seat was also flipping. I was hanging for for dear life and I was quiet. I was very quiet. I was closing my eyes and I was sweating…cold sweat. It was flipping violently and Sherie was actually shouting with joy. With delight. How? Why? I was holding on and hoping I wouldn’t be thrown 100 feet away and die and she was screaming and laughing. She was happy and enjoying it.

Those 15 minutes was something I would not want to endure again in the near future. I just want to make sure that my feet are always on the ground and never should it be hanging 70 feet on the air. I had a nightmare that night. I was screaming and woke up from my sleep and I was wet from my sweat. Does that make me any less a man? I don’t know but I hope one day I will get over my fear of heights..maybe joining Fear Factor would help? Well, I don’t know but that evening I was actually on a flight back to Kuching……

World Cup 2014 - Fantasy Or Reality?

2005-12-28T09:27:00.000+08:00

The other night I was watching Scoreboard Extended on TV3. The topic was “Piala Dunia 2014- Fantasi atau Realiti?”. I am not sure if a lot of people know but it seems like FAM has targetted World Cup 2014 as the year where a Malaysian team will be part of the 32 elite teams. Meaning that Malaysia will be pitting their skills and game against the mighty Brazil, Argentina, England, Germany, France or other football power house. But like the topic that was discussed…is it a fantasy or a reality?

Can we in maybe 6 years time (deduct two years for qualifying round) prepare a team capable of reaching the final 32 teams? Less than a month ago we lost to Vietnam in the semi-final of the Sea Games. To qualify, we have to be among the top 5 nation in Asia which include Japan, South Korea, Arab Saudi, Iran, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait and with Australia joining the Asian Football Federation. We are not even the best in our South East Asia region and we are talking of reaching the World Cup in 2014.

Unless in that six years time we found a Rooney, a Ronaldinho, a Ronaldo or a Cech somewhere in our proud Malaysia, I don’t see this becoming a reality. Don’t accuse me of not believing in the “Malaysia Boleh” slogan but we do have to make sure what we dream of are at par with our ability and mentality. Right now, with the current state of our football, I don’t see any reason why we should be dreaming of reaching the 2014 World Cup or even the Asia Cup.

I do want to see Malaysia in the World Cup one day, don’t get me wrong. Even countries like Togo, Ivory Coast, Ghana and even Trinidad & Tobago are gonna be playing in the World Cup this summer 2006 with their sudden emergence as a football nation. Malaysia will hopefully one day qualify but the road leading to the World Cup is long and bumpy. It has been a long period since Malaysia has given us anything to shout about. We are still basking in the memories of Allahyarham Mokhtar Dahari, Ghani Minhat, Soh Chin Aun and many more football legends in our country during the 70’s and early 80’s but what can we be proud of now? We have not won any major competition for over a decade with the gold medal in the SEA Games 1989 serving as the last proud moment in Malaysian football history. We have endured more humiliation with losing to minnow football countries like the Philippines and Myanmar in the SEA Games and also trashed by a Hong Kong team.

It is not just FAM responsibilities to guide Malaysia there but we as Malaysian should come together and also be part of that journey. FAM can plan and strategize to get a Malaysian team into the World Cup but without us helping, none of those plans and strategies will be effective as proven so far. I don’t think I am in a position to criticize FAM or any of the state FA but I think they should be more focus on the future of football rather than what we have now.

We should concentrate on the young generation of our country. We should make sure that the next generations of Malaysia’s footballer have a strong basic football skills and knowledge. These basic skills should not be taught to them when they are 14 or 15 years old but we should start from a tender age of maybe 6 or 7 years old when it is easier for them to absorb this information. If we teach them when they are teenagers, they have already created their own habit of playing and it is hard for them to accommodate skills that are basic. Some players are born with talents but if we do not help to sharpen their skills, the talent would just be a talent. From age group competition, coaches should identify players and the selected players should be put in a football academy to be set up in each state. Right now, the only sport school I know, correct me if I am wrong, is Bukit Jalil Sports School. In my opinion, we need more sports school or in this case football academies so we have a much wider pool of players to select from.

We do have age group competition and also Piala Presiden but we do have to understand that the players will only meet maybe a month before the competition and train together. After the competition, all of the players will go back to their respective school and will be coach by teachers who might not have any qualification to teach football. It would be better if we can keep group them into an academy where qualified coaches will coach them in all aspect of football. At the same time, this academy will also help to instill discipline so they can be a better professional. At the same time, the academy can make sure the boys are eating healthy to build their physical strength and body built.

Setting up the academies will definitely need a lot of money, but if MPPJ are willing to invest RM15 million into their M-League team, why can we persuade other major companies around the country to be major sponsors. At the moment, the focus of state FAs and also clubs in Malaysia are in the wrong direction. Instead of joining forces to develop Malaysian football, their major focuses are winning the league and the Malaysia Cup, which to me are short term success. Instead of parading new young players, these teams are proud to announce the recruitment of players from Indonesia, Ghana, South Africa or European countries who are not even good enough to make the grade in their own league. Maybe the foreign players to develop the young players in the team but so far, what have we achieve with foreign players in our league? The quality of football in our country has not improved and I dare say, is even lower than before.

Parents should also play an active part to help in the development of football for the future. In Malaysia especially, a career in sports in general is not a very popular choice for parents who would rather see their children to grow up as doctors, lawyers, engineers and accountants. With the introduction of football academies where the focus would not only be preparing their children to be professional footballers but also making sure their children education are on top of the list too. With this in mind, even if they do not succeed in making football as their career, they can also pursue their academic excellence. Being a professional footballer should not stop anyone to be a scholar too as proven by world class players and coaches around the world.

To achieve a dream of reaching the World Cup, all parties should be working together. Each one of us Malaysian should also contribute, directly or indirectly towards achieving that dream. We have to be patient to see the fruit of the investment. We should set a realistic target for our long term program. We should first be the best in South East Asia by winning the Sea Games gold and the Tiger Cup, and then to qualify and also win the Asia Cup. We need to establish our self and also maintain that performance before we can dream of qualifying and playing in the World Cup. And like I said, the key to this success is everybody needs to work together as a team without political or self interest which now ruining our football quality now. We need to be patient and also allow time to be on our side.

Maybe one day, we will see Malaysia in the World Cup. For the time being, the side of Malaysia winning the gold medal in the Sea Games or the Asian Games would be enough for us football fans.

Put More Effort

2005-12-27T14:55:00.000+08:00

How do u satisfy people? Boring betul lah ngan my work. As if I can force people to come and pay. I mean, I called this people sometimes sampai 5 times, to ask them to come and pay but kalau dia tak nak, should I be blamed for NOT PUTTING MORE EFFORT, the exact word my boss said to me. How? Should I go knock on their doors like an Ah Long? Should I track them down at the office and ask them to pay infront of their colleagues? Should I follow them home and harass them and their family for not paying their monthly membership fee? What I know is for the time being, I HAVE TO PUT MORE EFFORT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mirror

2005-12-20T21:46:00.000+08:00

When we look into the mirror, have we ever stop and look at our self? Do you only see the physical side only? Need to loose some weight? That white spot on your hair? That decreasing hair line? That extra inch on your belly? Too much love handle? The bags under your eyes?

Do you analyze your inner self? The sin you have done that day? Did you stab anyone at the back today? Did you lie to anyone? Did you hurt someone feelings today? Are you proud of the person that is looking back at you?

Now, we always forget to stop and look at our self. We never took time to see who and what we have become. We might look at the mirror every day but what we see is not what we should see. When we see our self, we see that we need to exercise a bit more because we are putting that extra pound. We don’t see the need to exercise more on our empathy and love for human beings. We just see what we need to improve on the outside but we don’t see what we need to improve inside.

We become sad when we see our hair is decreasing but we are not sad when our moral values are decreasing. We become obsess on putting more muscles on our body or to tone our self but we are not obsess on putting more muscles on our knowledge and Iman towards Allah. We sit for hours thinking the best dye for our hair but we never sit and think on how we can be a better human being.

We see what we want to see but we never realize what is beyond that. We want things to be perfect around us but are you perfect for the things around you? We want to be appreciated by everyone but do we appreciate others? We think we deserve a lot more but have we done anything deserving?

We look in the mirror every day but are we actually looking what we are suppose to see? Maybe we should start looking now………..

SWK 101

2005-12-19T15:03:00.000+08:00

Anyone planning to go to Sarawak any time soon? Maybe I can help with some of the local malay language. Beware that some of the words may sound the same but the meanings are totally different. Hopefully this will be of some help....and remember, to sound more Sarawakian, sebutan R tu kena tekan kan sikit…hehehehehe. This is just a few that I have compiled and honestly, there are a lot more. So if there is any Sarawakian words u want to know…just ask me.

A

Aok – Ya
Agak - Jumpa
Angol – Pening/Mual
Akhir – Lewat/Lambat
Acap – Banjir/Air naik
Ambik – Ambil,
Ngambik - Menjemput someone from somewhere
Asuk – Anjing
Anok – Marah
Abas – Lawat
Ngabas – Melawat
Api - Lampu

B

Bicu – Lipstick/Gincu
Burit – Punggung
Berolah – Nakal
Bengkeng – Degil
Bulu Mangsu – Bulu Kening
Berlagu – Menyanyi
Bujat – Buat perangai
Belon – Kapal terbang
Berayan – Meletak sesuka hati
Babo – orang yang selalu lupa atau nyanyuk

C

Congek – “bintang air mata”/suka menangis
Camne – Macam mana
Ceridak - Pengotor

D

Dango – Barang permainan
Berdango – bermain
Dolok – Dulu

E

Embak – Bawa
Engkah - Letak

G

Gago – Sibuk
Gurin – Baring
Gambong – Sama cam Bujat
Gerak – Bangunkan dari tidur

I

Inang – Pelihara seperti ikan, kucing, etc.

J

Juak – Juga
Jaik – Hodoh
Jenaka – Funny/ Lawak
Jerak – Tak akan buat lagi
Jeluak - Bosan

K

Kepak – Letih
Kedong- Alang-alang
Kemeh – Kencing
Kedak – Macam
Kenjar – Gatal
Kejeron- Busy Body
Kenak – Why
Kitak – Kau
Kamek – Aku
Kelakar - Cakap

L
Lawa – Sombong, Berlagak
Lewat – Tak kan lah

M

Maok – Mahu
Manok – Ayam
Motor - kereta

N

Nangga – Menonton/melihat
Ngerepak – Meleter
Ngabor - Berselerak

O

Olah - Perangai

P

Pusak – Kucing
Paloi – Bodoh
Polah – Buat
Molah – Membuat
Padah- Beritahu
Madah – memberitahu
Paluk – Pukul
Padu – Begitu
Pangkak – Langgar
Palak - Kepala

R

Raon – Ronda-ronda/Jalan-jalan
(Sik) Rajin – Tak suka/ Tak berkenan
Rindok – Suka
Ranggat – Kasar. Loud
Renah – Duduk diam,
Rami - Ramai

S

Somet – Misai
Siney – Mana
Sitok – Sini
Sia – Sana
Sik – Tak/Tidak
Sekoh –
Sidak – Mereka
Sak ati – benci/ tak suka
Sukati – actually singkatan for suka hati
Susu – Buad dada

T
Tandak – Tari
Bertandak - Menari
Tangga – Lihat
Tengah – Sedang
Tauk – Tahu
Taboh – Pukul
Tunok - Bakar