Week 27

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......

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........

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......

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?

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!!!!

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

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......

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.....

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!!!

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?

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............

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...........

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….

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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?


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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.



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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.

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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............

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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,

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

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....

“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?

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!!!!!

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

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.