New Season

It's a busy few weeks as the university intakes coming to the peak period. Hence, the long hiatus.

But today, I would just like to talk about football.

As it is, it is the new season.

The wait for the start was excruciating. Transfer window has been in a slumber mode until the recent two weeks. Since then, it is been three weeks since the EPL starts. And me supporting club had been doing well, 7 points from 3 games and the new players have gelled in pretty quickly, as noted by the goals in the Bolton game. Once again, the name that popped-up as the MotM is unsurprisingly Luis Suarez. Beast, talisman and a nightmare for defenders. There is no reason why he should not wear the No.7 shirt. Of course, credit must be given to one of the greatest No.7 shirt wearer in the form of King Kenny. The ever enthusiastic manager has brought not only entertainment football but a spirit and atmosphere of optimism and joy to the team.

First goals for new signings, Adam and Henderson.

Overall, it is a good team effort. It is a far cry from the two-men team that is Gerrard and Torres.
We are at the right direction.

"At the cross-roads" was a cliche thrown around at Liverpool for the last few years of uncertainty. But this season, Arsenal are carrying the tag on their wary shoulders. Especially Arsene Wenger. You got to feel sympathy for his position. Regardless of the success and reputation he brought to Arsenal, the flak and barrage are burying him six-feet under. He was hung out to dry by both the team captain and primary playmaker. All-in-all, there must be change in his policy and we will see how he pick up from there. It would be sad to see him go after what he has done to the club.

The "It never rains but it pours" look of Mr. Wenger.


Football can be cruel. I haven't seen how my cousin, the hardcore Arsenal fan, for a long time. It's been a torturing summer transfer window there. That is understandably hair-tearing.


Till then.

Mathew Street Festival

It doesn't feel so long ago. The beats are there. A little bit of jumping and minor headbanging. Oh and the drizzle.

Welcome to Mathew Street Festival.

It's one of my fondest memories of Liverpool. Merry people, interesting bands and lots of booze!

From covers of Queen, Guns n' Roses and Liverpool's own sons, The Beatles, it is one helluva experience. Fringe Bands they are called. Several stages are set up across Liverpool's streets. Rock, pop and hip hop. You name it. And most encouragingly, all these are free. All you need is buy a carton of booze that's it.

We sang along, we danced, we drank. Under a cloudy sky, everybody is enjoying and cheering with each other. It's truly a festival.

Cheering with a local Scouse.

Eventually there is rain, but that didn't deter us. It would be a sin to miss it. And we need to release ourselves after the stressful thesis-writing.

Walking down the crowded and wet CBD.

Of course, apart from the bands, small-time musicians took advantage to promote themselves too.

James Blunt wannabes.

You will think that all the English people will be down south enjoying the sun on a sandy beach. But hey, it doesn't seem to be that way.

Waves of people thronged the streets.

And if you can't get enough of it (well, apart from affording to come every year), you can get some souvenir from the vans nearby.

So there you go, a first hand sneak preview of Mathew Street Preview, albeit 2009.

This year's will be held from 28-29th August 2011. If you are at Scouse land, this is worth your energy.

P/S: I miss Liverpool.