Wednesday, March 03, 2010

A Celebrated Milestone

It doesn't hit me as a significant achievement until the day comes and you are steps away from being congratulated, hands ready to be shaken firmly by the vice chancellor. And all the pictures that we took together with the restricting robe and mortar board remind me one thing: You have made it.




























Ok, maybe that's a little too sentimental already lar. All I want to say is : Hey there folks! I is degree holder liao. *Lansiness* XD


I don't feel like answering the question: "So what if you are a degree holder?" I just want to cherish the moment and remember all those moments where we, as college and university students, strive, grind, share, embrace, proof and enjoy together.

























After all, its a glorious moment. A celebrated milestone. And oh, by the way, thank you to all that I have crossed path with and made my 5 years of college and university life a thrilling one.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Myvi -hicle.

Supposedly a real outdated post (One month).

Simply put, I now own a car.

Say hello to me MyVi.

















I totally love Medallion Gray, but apparently Perodua kinda screw up their orders or whatever glitches in their colouring system. So here's Solid White. Oh well, I don't mind. Just that its so much easier to collect dirt.





















Got the Premium/ Full Specs package. And it added the USB port and handsfree Bluetooth function. Since I prefer USB sticks anytime to 3 piles of CDs, its very useful to have this accessory. And I totally utilize the Bluetooth device due to flooding calls while on the road.

I am not a great reviewer of cars. But I will try lar anyways. Since its the Premium model, it comes with a 1.3 litre K3-VE engine. And I don't know how significant it is to me. Just that, its, obviously, powerful than the 1.0 litre one lo. Additionally, there's the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and also the Electronic Brakforce Distribution (EBD), which deals with amount of force automatically applied on the brake. Mmm. Uh-huh. Sounds deep enough.
















Premium version also gives a cool interior look to the meter panels. A blue background coupled with red needles pretty much gets my attention, especially on the speedometer.

And since I am hard-core all-action and gaya-ness manual transition fan, I took the M/T package. Save me 4K and tons of petrol, coupled with more power and most importantly, full-fledged control of the car.

FAQ: Does it save petrol? Well, I don't really know how to relate it statistically. But my gut says its moderately fuel-saving.

So, anyone for a ride? XD

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Year of the Tiger

Its the Chinese New Year. Gong Xi Fa Cai, people!

Its the only time of the year that I'm going to have a week-long holiday. And that excludes stand-by calls. Thankfully, my colleagues are very co-operative to arrange each person standing by for one day of the first four days of new year. And till now, its safe to say everything is smooth.

I haven't count the angpow money yet. But as it is for the past years, the money is all going straight to the bank. Not that I am complaining. Its just the minor "urgh" feeling that I can't put the money into use immediately. Long term planning they say.

And the year of the tiger it is. I haven't seen my zodiac prediction. Hope its a good year. Its not a smooth year last time around.

I've seen so many tiger mascots on ads. But I like Astro's one best. Can't find an image online. Really a cute one. Its the same as the movie Tiger Woohoo (unexpectedly good local film anyway).





















Anyway, do wish all of yourselves with the CNY greetings you can think of in the year of the tiger. Keong Hi Huat Zhai!

Sunday, February 07, 2010

Relax

Turbulent seems to be a little bit extreme to describe working life. But hey, its the first word that comes to mind.

So with all these frantic activities commanding life, what we need is to r.e.l.a.x.

It fascinates me that I just (re)discovered that the best way to relax comes in the form of we doing almost nothing. Normally, I would wind up the speaker and double click Modern Warfare 2. The adrenaline pump seems to kick start life, especially in the morning. But the glitch is that the aftermath: the downer period.

So today I decided to take dramatic measures. I deleted MW2. Impulsively. Downloaded a few songs, sit back and listen.






















Oh yes, just like that.

And oh god, that was the most relaxing past 2 hours since forever. I can't decide whether it has a downer period but, I haven't try doing almost nothing for a long time. Its therapeutic. I also found out that selection of songs is also essential. Anberlin, Three Days Grace and Nickelback are my favourites, but they don't cater the relaxing factor. I tried "happy singers" like Archuleta, Owl City and Train to feel cheerful. As for chilling out, Leona Lewis, The Script and One Republic helps. Then of course there are the total relaxation section like the classics and new age stuff. But that's for another time. And oh next in the list would probably be meditation and yoga. Maybe.

.......

Come to think of it, I am beginning to regret deleting MW2. *Go search for the Installer.*

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

What Nonsense Lah

Work has taken out the large chunk of my 24 hours that I realize that I....

...haven't explored my geeky side with sites such as Lifehacker, Gizmodo and Kotaku.
...had not bought my new year's clothes yet with deadline set at 2 weeks.
...don't wish people happy birthday anymore on Facebook.
...wakes up suddenly at 4am-ish imagining my phone ringing. (Sometimes they do. Yes. 4am)
...managed to watch just one episode of any selected series per night.
...touched a football just once a week.
...haven't touched Teh O' Ais, mamak style, for one month.
...haven't downloaded music since work started.

And the list goes on of course.

At 22, the best years of my life seems to be the previous 5 years. The hangover is still evident even now. Its not a comfort thought to say its one helluva good experience. I do appreciate the experience. But sometimes it can be over-taxing.

Geez. I think I'm blabbing nonsense. Ah well, thats what blogs are for sometimes.

Me out. Poof.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Reminiscence




























There are times that I still can't believe that I've been there. I guess it happened way too fast.




























I still get the shivers when I think of the breeze during the long walks to almost everywhere.




























And of course the buzzing city centre where frozen foods are always on the top of the shopping list.




























But somehow, I miss this the most. The kitchen, the pots and pans and the ting ting food.

Geez. I need a ticket now.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Jerejak

It was fitting that the trip made was on the 10-01-10. After all, its been 10 years since our graduation from the school. I haven't made a return to that school in five plus years. Shall do it one day.























Although its just a few of us. But its a milestone that we ought to celebrate. And hopefully by coming gatherings, there should be more of us.

I digress abit.

As for Jerejak, its my first time there. It's embarrassing because for 22 years as a Penangnite, I had never step foot on it. And its a shame that the government did not promote much of it or even make an effort to transform it into a much more delicate and exciting place. I saw at least a potential of Pulau Sentosa. In fact, I would be very glad if they can emulate half of Sentosa.
















Nonetheless, its a fine place to relax and a (almost) perfect getaway from the hectic life. They have a nice resort with, surprisingly, good food. Outdoor activities included archery, fire...sorry...flying fox, cycling, camping, ball games, (tedious) jungle trekking and wall-climbing. Not to forget paint-ball. Unfortunately and regrettably, no water activities.





















Wheee....

As mentioned, I was surprised that there was no, zero, zilch promotion of Pulau Jerejak as a tourist attraction for Penang. Unless I'm pretty ignorant and blind.

End word: Worth exploring if you want a getaway and to shred some flab.

Thursday, January 07, 2010

Halo Ineptitude Bye Bye Creativity

When I first saw the action figures, I suspected somebody stole my imagination while I was a kid and now they are billionaires with a smirk on how they come across the inspiration to architect this out.
























Image via Kotaku.

Seriously I was a creative kid back then who watches too many war movies and played too many strategy games. So after the show/game, i will try to create my range of universal soldiers on pen and paper. And those eerily resemble these Halo action figures.

How times had changed. Now I am just a person who can't figure out how I walked straight into a wall and knocked myself out.

Saturday, January 02, 2010

Of Gatherings and...Well, More Gatherings

So its 2010. Its 5 years since my graduation from high school and geez....10 years from primary school. You don't really feel the years until you think and remind and talk about it. That was done when all these gathering invitations come to you and after the Hello part, the next exclamation would most probably be: Oh gosh, its like 10 years already can you believe it?

Its always interesting to have these gatherings, gossiping updating each other about each other or others that could not make it.




















High school small gathering. Emphasizing the word "small"

I always liked the surprises. You know, something that starts with this expression: "You know what? All these years.....blah blah blah" then you will go like: "Holy cow. How come I did not know about this?!"

Catching up is a determination. I am crappy at that honestly. If not for all these occasional impromptu small gatherings, I would have lost lots of contacts.





















Group photo for primary school reunion. In bars.

Its even more exciting after I missed a few years of reunions. Filling the wide gaps. The very significant changes and the aforementioned surprises. What are you doing now? Where is he now? How come she chose that path, eh? etc etc. My personal favorite is of course....What?! She is married?!

I appreciate the peoples who dedicated their time in making these gatherings happen. And all the updates. Its not easy and I am totally lousy in doing all these. Thank you.

And oh, happy 2010. Till then.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

And A Happy New Year.

Its the end of the year. Everything needs closing closing closing. And that means hectic hectic hectic. Ok I shall stop with echo echo echo. Pek chek-ness sets in a swarm. Really they just don't come solo or in pairs. In swarm. And then you don't really realize it when it hit. Its the aftermath that triggers the pain nerves.

Ah yes coming back to end of the year. I am trying very hard to resist switching off my phone (company policy not to) during the festive seasons. Heck. I had missed two dates because of that. Then they have to downgrade my computer. Yes downgrade you see it right. Then again, the amateur geek inside me still makes my computer looks super high tech compare to others (lansiness sets in). But that will be for another post.

So 2009 gonna be over. Hooray. I guess. Its been exciting and challenging year. Looking forward to 2010. No new year resolution too for this year. Just hoping for a smooth sail ahead.

Happy New Year. In advance.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Please Spare Us The Misery

I said it once. I said it twice. I had now said it a gazillion times. Please sack Benitez now. He has lost the plot. Now he is complaining about referee being bribed. Omgforgodsake. Admit that Liverpool play like shit lar. Who the hell put two idiotic uncreative midfielders and keep playing the ball back to the defender. TMD where can score?!! And Aquilani....wtf.....20 million to put him on the bench. Then somemore lost to a bottom club.












Sack! Sack! Sack!

Please faster find new manager. Find new owner also. And also please reassemble the team. And also please give more money. Bullocks.! Might as well disband the whole club and recreate a new one. Spare us the misery.

Update: At least Manu also loosing 3-0. Lightens me mood a lil bit.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

White Collar

























This should be up two centuries ago, but I was so hooked up with the series that I did not realize I haven't introduce it. Not until it was half-way through and currently on hiatus.

Ok so the overview. Con-man escapes prison with three months sentence left. Love sick puppy go find girlfriend. Got caught again. Make a deal with FBI dude. Helps him solve white collar crime. Ta-da.

So the what-I-like-part. The chemistry between the two protagonist. Neil Caffrey (Bomer) with his charm, street-smarts and skill versus the genius by-the-book crime fighter SA Peter Burke. Its amusing because it keeps me guessing the trust level of both thief and cop in their relationship. Added with some very quirky and awkward moments from each character, it added personality to a traditionally serious and dark theme of cops and thieves. Oh and I totally love the FBI's wife (Thiessen). Sounded wrong but.

As mentioned, series is on hiatus and the twist on the last scene of the 7th episode had me grabbed the screen screaming Oi don't give me such a suspend faster screen next episode puh-lease.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Conversation of the Day

In Hokkien...

Me: The Nepalese behind us speaks real smooth ang moh.
J: Kanasai....then I need to bring him to factory with me van....for 30 minutes.
Me: Can handle it?
J: (pondered for a few moment) I think I shall just put on English music and tell him to sing along.

Its hard to capture the moment and its almost lost in translation. But the above conversation really make my day.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Forbidden Fruit

It seems like it, when taking everything into account. The amount of discreetness needed could have been compared to Top Secret of CIA files, prior to me spilling out, albeit abstractly, in this blog of course.

It ain't hard for two souls to come together and share the endearment. What makes it hard is the antecedents and the consequences and the given circumstances. It happened way too fast for my dim-witted sense of logic and reasoning to process it. Probably they were gagged by the swift rapid slash of id-like ecstasy of a feeling.
















I felt the joy and delirium of it for the first time of me life. But sadly, it had to come under almost dangerous waters of a circumstance. The circumstance that the metaphoric title had just describe.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Because Of The Ankle

Its always sad to see good footballers go in such a cruel way. It seems to be the case for Dean Ashton. The ankle injury must have hurt a lot that it takes the hope out of a footballer to recover from it. I am still pretty shocked when he announced his retirement today, aged just 26.

























Certainly the way Ashton feels of his forced retirement.

My thoughts are with him and hope he can manage well with life after football.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Rat Race

Exactly one month into the rat race. To think that my next pay slip is coming soon seems to give me the feeling of satisfaction. I won't say that I love the job, but I am very appreciative that in the wake of credit crunch, I can get still get a job with a reasonable pay. Don't get me wrong on the lovey-dovey part, but its a likable job. Equipped with a space for growth and improvement.

When the elders say that the working life is nothing in the books, they are almost correct. Books help, but being practical is a dimension that needs experimenting and exploring. So that will be critical lesson number one.

Critical lesson number two. Always give a pat for yourself at the end of the day if its a fruitful day. Work ain't a smooth ride, and stressors always lurks around. So rewarding oneself is important to leverage the stress that comes with it.

I may as well start a motivation seminar by the looks of it. XD. Anyway, to me comrades that had joined the rat race, all the best. And to those haven't, well, enjoy your life first lar.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I Want/Need This

...depends on whether the system requirements fulfills my need. But when I see mass pieces of news on Kotaku hardworkingly promoting Modern Warfare 2. I am really trying hard to resist the temptation.
























I shall test system requirements when I finished work. YesIbloggedthiswhileatworkheh.





















Who the hell can resist this?

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

RIP Enke






















Its always devastating to hear such tragic news. Apparent suicide just makes it sounded worse. Although I am not a vivid fan of Bundesliga, I've watched several matches featuring Robert Enke, mostly his Hannover 96 days. I remember that when I played Championship Manager 4, he eventually became my Barca's first choice keeper and I kept him for 5 seasons.

RIP Enke.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Mantra

My mantra in the office: : "Google it lar."

I mean seriously, it saves me time and saliva. I am a bummer whattodo. And in addition, it is the better way of getting information, rather than I misinform people.

I shall continue whatever I'm doing or risk sotong-fried.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Kickstart

Today will be the last of free weekdays. Come Monday, I am taking a new route life where wide varieties of unpredictable circumstances may put mind and body in chaos if the wrong choice is made. Purely practical. What I learn as student is to be strutted and paraded on the vital decisions that can change the course of the company, the rise and fall of it.
















The scene that I am going to look at every morning.

In the most simple translation of the cow dung I just presented, it means I'm going to embrace a working life liao. Gheez.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Can They Make It Five?

Come this Saturday, Liverpool is a demoralized and beaten bunch of misfits going to face the champions of England. Four defeats in a row ain't the best of situation to go into a crucial week against an arch rival.











Benitez: Should we sack him by now?

Somehow, when the club finished second last season, I got a bad uncomfortable feeling that they are not going to cut out this season. Its a psychological thing. Just look at the clubs fighting for promotion in the Championship and failed to do so. So many have suffered. Some even got relegated.

Ok, I digress.

I was at Anfield watching Liverpool vs. At. Madrid live. And I thought they played terrible. A team without drive and basically clueless. You may say its a friendly so what? But they bring such form into the actual season and suffered six defeats already. By the time they reach the Sunderland fixture, the team is totally utterly (honestly and hard to accept it) a pile of shite. Nevermind the beach ball scenario (which is comical according to Reina), they have a full 80 minutes to punch in a win. But nothing of such happened.















The oh-me-god-holly-cow scene.

And the overly cliched hype of Torres and Gerrard partnership. So, why is it a club vying for trophies is still a two-men team. Just look at the other elite teams, everybody can cover each other. Without Gerrard and Torres, as portrayed in the Sunderland and Lyon games, the first team looks like a Division One team. It makes me wonder that: (1)why rugby player Dirk Kuyt is still in team, (2) why Lucas is still paraded as a talent, (3) why Rafa spend 17mil for Johnson when they lacked a striker of Torres pedigree. They should have bought Darren Bent with that money. Two of him in fact, with that money. And by the way, Andriy who?

Such is the frustration of one Liverpool fan. Imagine the millions around the world. What is wrong and causes so many downsides everyone is wondering.

Which leads to a million dollar question somebody asked me....Are you going to watch the Man U match this week? My answer: Are you kiddin?!

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Of Exploring and Gluttony

Sometimes you went to a foreign place and came back, realizing that what your hometown had been offering for all these years had been taken for granted. It may have been 2GB worth of pictures of a romanticized Paris or a magnificent Rome, but I find Penang still has its charms. Its own quiet way of charm.


























I had some tourist-like walks and food-hunting trips upon touching-down the island. Komtar brings back memories of me being dragged along by my parents while shopping. The first KFC that I ever been is still there. Although the current government tried to have revive the deadening shopping complex (just by setting up a few pitiful tents and a walkway), the historical and once glorious sections of the complex still stand in waiting for the promised refurbishment and makeover.

Certainly I have to speak something of the food. Oh yes the food. The I-had-been-dreadfully-missing-for-months food.


















Georgetown is of course the main focus point where mouthwatering food are available and spread among the streets and across the city. Ok, pretty much a cliche.

Its challenging and exciting because you have to treasure-hunt for it and get the directions right. Exhausting especially walking under the hot sun. But then....
















...this is worth the effort.

So its an all you can eat situation. Curry mee, hokkien mee, char hor fun, char koay teow, etc etc. Occasionally, even non-Penang food are also welcome...
















Sapu semua.

Then comes the chilling session. Seriously, its not because we have much to catch-up, even its old-time buddies. But we need more space for more food...
















...so just chill loh. Relax. Then go find some more...
















...then eat some more....













...then chill some more.

And it goes on routine for several cycles. That is until we announced enough is enough. Then its time to go back. And sleep.

I call this the true Penang spirit. And its the total opposite of living a healthy lifestyle.

Nonetheless, its the essential guide of routine to explore Penang.

Friday, October 09, 2009

Relief

I would be damned if my laptop decided to get cranky and died without any possible warning and all my data lost just like that.

Well, the first part did happen. Thank goodness the data lost part was not in its plan of destruction. Oh shit, touch wood.

After one week in the ICU, it finally came out fine. Data intact. Diagnosis: Mobo got fried. Deep fried.

The lesson learned: If you have an AMD processor, please use good air ventilation pad. That's all I'm going to say. Hack, it was even stated in my receipt. In bold capital Time News Roman letters. Totally appreciate that, although they spell ventilation as Vandilation.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

The Soothing Effect

Piece of advice: If you feel pissed-off or angry or anything within that range of emotion, listen to LP.

Or at least this is my best remedy. The soothing effect is kinda guaranteed after an hour of Chester shouts. Sing along if you don't mind the neighbour shouts back at you. Freedom of expression what.

However, the catch is, only Hybrid Theory and Meteora helped. Other albums seem not to have the same impact as these two.










My two cents. Have better recommendation?

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Exactly...

I came across this article, and I can utterly relate it to my recent experience in Europe.

First World? Mana Ada First World? Satu Dunia pun Kampung.

Well, although not absolutely true, it still provided a good humour. Moral of the story, not everything is nice and excellent abroad.

Still, I would rather be there than here.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

New Dig

Not so long ago, I was introduced to one of the Gawker related website called Gizmodo. The weblog is so totally for geeks (not surprising since it was introduced by a hardcore gadget geek..XP) which introduces new technology and gadgets.

Although no where near geek status, I am pretty hooked to the website. Since then, I also follow Kotaku, which is more relevant to my part-time gamer status.

It took me helluva long time to realize that they are all part of Gawker and only last night I decided to check out Gawker through Wikipedia. And I just got to know that they have other weblogs (they are also introduced below and above every Gawker webpages, so just imagine how ignorant I can be).

Currently, I really dig Lifehacker.














The weblog provides life hacks and software tips, which is most relevant to our technology-dominated life. Tips ranging from owning interview sessions to DIY laptop coolers are the most welcome tips I can ever get to make me life intact. Not to mention the creativity these writers have, they just simply amaze me with the simplest of things.

So instead of pathetically and repeatingly pressing f5 on Facebook, get a hold of these weblogs to maximise your internet-serving time.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Sinking In

It still amazed me that I was in Paris Nord and London Underground two days before and the next day I am walking down the Jalan Genting Kelang to tabao chicken rice. The long and tedious train and plane rides in between seems to be unregistered in my brain. It happened way too fast.





















I am not missing the moments in UK and Europe, yet. This is because I am busy occupying myself with stuffing any Malaysian food that is available and combating heat. I am also surprised of the minimal effect of jet-lag that had affected me more when I was in UK.

Anyway, its good to be back, no matter how much I complained that I do not want to come back here.
















Hello Malaysia. Embracing you for now.

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

End Of The Summer

So it seems the 3-month odyssey has come to an end. A dream come true to be here, though short. I will dreadfully miss this place.






















Here's a song that almost perfectly describe the situation..



In a bit, Liverpool.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Happy Merdeka!

Truthfully, I didn't realise it was Merdeka Day today, until now obviously. Shows how patriotic I am to M'sia. Its Matthew Street Festival here in Liverpool. Huge event. So blame it on that.

Here's a video that I find it amusing.



I guess, no matter how sad the political demographic is, its still tanah tumpah darahku.

Happy Merdeka!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Of Cow Heads and 1Malaysia

Yeap....yet another epic drama of Malaysians. This time involving cow heads.

Protesters threaten bloodshed over Hindu temple
















Utterly outrageous extremist act.

And till now, there are no arrest. No.fucking.arrest.

Guess this is how Malaysia going to celebrate their 52nd year of independence.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Share Share

I don't know whether its proven that if you are depressed or felt stagnant or whatever stress words u can come out with, you share stuff with people. Well, not exactly your misery,anything goes. At least that works for me. So now, I share share abit of my recommended series.

First slot goes to...





















Plot? Undercover cops going, well, undercover. Lots of kick-ass, drugs, sex and alcohol. Hot babe (Nicki Aycox) and lots of cool-looking dudes. Even straights like me can't resist Dylan McDermott. I shall evaluate my sexuality after I said that. Nah, screw that. Me totally straight.

Anyway..... second slot goes to....
















They describe it as described as "part The X-Files, part Raiders of Lost Ark and part Moonlighting." Whatever it is, go figure. I said: Cool show, funny as hell, a must-watch.

Ok. Time to go back to reality. Thanks for listening.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

White is the New Black

I decided its time to change skin. So here we go!

Like it? Don't like it?

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Article of The Week

I totally like this article. Do read it.

Stories from Bolehland 4

My favourite passage:

There is no need to go to expensive spas, or pay for jamu and facials, forget the botox. To look younger, simply join MIC and instantly regain your Youth. This offer is limited so sign up now!

In summary, if you do not know who Karpal Singh (or Kit Siang) is, please apply for a job as reporter with RTM; if you give money to a political party please ask for official receipt; and finally, if you want to feel young again, please join MIC Youth.



Once again, the epic jokes of a country named Malaysia.

Saturday, August 08, 2009

Ish...

What is shittier than a sitch where u got interested in something, try to pursue it, dream of it, being gleeful and then find out its beyond reach as its already unavailable?

Ok, there are shittier things than this...but this is going to be the shittiest feeling to have now.

Hokkien says it best...Kanasai.

Saturday, August 01, 2009

Now Back To Malaysia Where....OhMyGod, What The Hell Just Happen?

Here I am trying to peacefully enjoy the stay in England, but tuning back to tanah tumpah darahku, I just can't stop shaking my head.

What happen you say?

Hell happened.





















From the death of a political aide to royalty payments to ISAs, things keep coming up. Turbulent and demented things.

John Connor said it best: The devil's hands had been busy...

I had this tiny feeling of impetus to stay in England and never go back.

Do you?

Friday, July 24, 2009

Malaysian Football Improved

Here is the joke article of the century....

Mr Shabery "totallaughingstock" Chick here says that Malaysian football is on the rise.

How he came to that conclusion? Malaysian National Team lost 2 matches to ManU, with aggregate of 5-2.
















“Malaysian football has become well-known globally, thanks to coverage by international newspapers and Youtube. I see new hope for the national football team,"chirped Chick.

I vomited in my mouth before LMAO ROFL for 60 minutes after reading this post.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Joining The Football Academy

I'm riding the transfer window hoopla here. I noticed a trend among the Premier League clubs' academy. Basically, if you want to have a football career, here is how you want to choose which academy to go to....based on the current trend.

Manchester United
Probably have one of the best academies. Remember Fergie's Fledglings?
Criteria: Must be able to perform bit-part roles for almost your entire career in the first team (think John O'Shea); if want to transfer to other clubs, make sure you rake in a lot of transfer fee; loaned out to not-so-bad clubs often.

Liverpool
Seems to be good. But....
Criteria: Foreign, preferably Spanish; plays pre-seasons, gets alot of promises to play for the first-team, and then get loaned out to other clubs before you know it; collect lots of jerseys, by having yourself loaned out so many times to different clubs; pedigree to win the FA Youth Cup; got sold out, after being told that you are talented enough to get into the first team...other club's first team that is.

Arsenal
Another top class academy
Criteria: Most possible to break into the first team, and play two or three EPL matches; League cup appearances guaranteed; try not to be too English or if better, try being French; commands a good transfer fee; almost possible to be key player in other clubs if transferred.

Chelsea
Rich club, not so famous academy
Criteria: Loyal, always kiss the badge after scoring or labelled Mr Chelsea; very talented and able to tolerate just 5 minutes of fame on the pitch.

Manchester City
Absolutely rich club with almost good academy
Criteria: Don't ever hope of getting into the first team nowadays, especially if you are playing as a striker; large sum packages if talented enough; get loaned out more than one time to the same club, because the other club can't pay your permanent transfer fee.

Tottenham, West Ham United, Everton
Good clubs with famous academies
Criteria: Totally English; very possible to break into first team at a young age; able to tolerate unpredictable table standings for the first team.

Know what club to join now? Yeah, thought so, Barcelona is the best...XD

Sunday, July 05, 2009

Random

This morning I just realized that for 20 plus years, I don't really have my own personal toilet. From my home, TARC Hostel (worst of the bunch) to Genting Kelang, I shared toilets with others.

This is my first time I had my own toilet.

















So much so, that sometimes I still walk to the common room to find the toilet.

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Liverpool...One Month Later...

When you are enjoying the splendor of things, often time passes very quickly. Its been a month since I landed upon Liverpool, renowned for its distinct Scouse culture and of course, to my liking, its fervent passion towards football.

A great city, though not magnificent. Liverpool has its charm that I came to appreciate and love. Not really busy, but you can get basically everything that is to offer in order to survive. Personally, I don't ask much. Food is adequate, people are friendly, lodging is decent ( if you want to compare to the hostel in TARC, you can use the word "awesome") and environment is very refreshing.





















Some people would complain that it lacks the buzz (most shops closes at 5pm). But I like the way it is. After all, the buzz doesn't help if you want a study environment.

It takes time to adapt. The weather is especially very unpredictable. One day it might be hot and shiny, another might be windy and rainy. Its kinda a ritual here to stretch your hands out the window in the morning to "get-to-know" the weather. But according to the locals, its the best summer they had in 4 years, with the sun shining almost everyday and the occasional breeze. They really like the sun here, unlike us back in Malaysia.

Liverpool has a great city centre. Everything's there. For groceries, its Iceland, Tesco, Home Bargain, Poundland, Sainsbury and 99p Store. For clothings, Primark (insanely cheap stuff) and Sports Direct are really my preferences. As for eating out, Subway and Lobster Pot are kinda the must-stops. McD and KFC for occasional breakfast and there is this Chinese place called Marybone Fast Food Centre which offers super-sized value meals.
























Insane proportion for around 3 pounds.

As for studies, I have to admit that the psychology course is way more relaxing compared to the other courses (as of this post). In addition, the lecturers are pretty much helpful. Very seldom there are left-for-dead situations.

Travelling around is considered a luxurious must (don't know how that works). I regreted that I can't visit every places that are offered. But so far, Chester, London and Manchester have been very enjoying.

Walking is the most appropriate transportation for budget students from a third world country. Bus rides are rare. Bicycle is a luxury. Cars are...well..you get the point.

Not forgetting Anfield, my personal theater of dreams. To actually stepped into it is already ecstatic. If opportunity arises, a feel of the atmosphere of matchday would be perfect.
















So here it is. One month of summary reporting from Liverpool. Still alive and kicking.