The one with Football Manager 2011

Again, one of my favourite games has come out with a new edition. Football Manager 2011, packed with a whole lot of improvements after last year's stagnant edition.

Among the features are revamped training as well as real-time conversations with players, the board and a new feature the agents (they make a lot of money from football transfers).

This time around, I will be taking over my Spurs again. Last years edition I went continental as there wasn't much improvement on gameplay.

I've just went through the pre-season, and will start my first league game later.

The one with my short middle-east trip

Greetings from Abu Dhabi. Just reached Cristal Hotel in Abu Dhabi last night. Earlier in the day was in Kuwait City. Which probably is the shortest stay in a country for me. Reached Kuwait at 8.00am local time, and left for Abu Dhabi 5.30 local time.
The meeting in Kuwait went well. Hopefully it wear positive results. From my short stay there, Kuwait is one expensive country. The mall next to the hotel, houses shops which I can't even enter, as they are brands which I can't afford. The exchange rate itself is espensive, RM1.00 is 12.00KD. My colleague had to think twice when he bought a fridge magnet which cost KD1.75. Our McDonald's meal at the airport costs KD1.50.
Today, hopefully I will have time to see the city of Abu Dhabi. Went passed the biggest mosque here last night, and it looked majestic. Didn't take a picture though, as the cab was driving fast. My meeting here later will be at 10.00am, and will head down to breakfast in a bit.
Will hope to tell more later. Till then.

Steve Nash - Training Day

An amazing athlete. One of the best point-guards ever. Besides basketball, like me he also plays tennis, football and a Spurs fan.

The one where a lost long uncle will return

Today, I believe will be a very emotional day for the Kajang side of the family. As my long lost uncle will finally make his way back to Malaysia after 26 years.

Uncle Lan is my mum's eldest brother. The first-born in her family. So for my mum and her brothers and sisters, as well as my grandmother, it will be of those 'jejak kasih' scenes.

I for one, don't really recall any memory of him. As I was still a kid, and wasn't really in the country then (my dad was posted in America for 3 years when I was 2).

So to uncle Lan, welcome home and see you soon.

The one with my first KL Dragons experience

Last Sunday (the triple-10 date), I went for my first KL Dragons game in the Asean Basketball League. The ABL is in its second season, and only now I have to opportunity to see a regional basketball league. Mainly because now I have a group of friends who share a common interest in basketball after I have been out of the hoops scene for so long.

Well, it was the first home game of the season. Our opponents were SatriaMuda from Indonesia. I went who a fellow Spurs fan who help reintroduce me to the basketball scene, Ean. Tip-off was at 5pm, we reached the stadium around 4pm. We sat as court-side as we can get.

The SatriaMuda team were first out to warm-up. The home team came out a while later.

The SatriaMuda team had 2 American imports among their ranks. Both athletic dudes and one of them, Marcus Morrison really loved to entertain the crowd. SatriaMuda were very loose in their pre-game preparations.

A loud cheer erupted when the Dragons came out. The whole team had stoic-game-faces on. Probably focused on the job, and getting a win after the season opener loss to Thailand Slammers.

After the tip-off, both teams opened the game with 3-pointers. SatriaMuda mixed it up a lot. Their game included long-range shooting, drives into the paint and well as slick passing. The Dragons relied to much on shooting, which was their undoing.

Three of the Dragons big men fouled out, and SatriaMuda took advantage of the lack of size inside.

Only one Dragon came out of the game with credit, Filipono import Raymundo. He was doing everything, getting the offensive boards and 2nd chance points. The only player who played with any hustle. Sadly the offence didn't go through him, so he had to create and find his own shot. He finished the game with a Dwight Howard-esque 20 points and 21 rebounds.

The Dragons lost 68-77 in the end, after a late comeback. Despite the loss, I enjoyed the experience and will be looking to go to more home games.

The one where Ramadan begins

Its that time of the year again. The one where they say the devil is tied up and locked away. The one where I suddenly become budak baik. Yup, its Ramadan again. The time to fast and repent. And hopefully the time to be lighter.

Yesterday was the first day. Sadly it didn't go too well for me. I was sick. And no, I was not sick because I was trying to get out of fasting (well I don't do that anymore). I was fuzzy and light-headed from mid-day onwards. And throughout the whole afternoon, I felt like throwing up.

Good thing I opted to take the early exit from work (8am to 4.45pm). So headed off, went to pick up the mrs and head back to her parents for buka puasa.

Once we reached Subang, I went straight to bed to rest. After buka puasa, headed back to Shah Alam and I called it an early night. Took panadol before going to sleep.

Today, so far I feel okay.

The one where Clone Wars season 3 starts earlier

Just got word the Clone Wars season 3 starts earlier than in my previous post. It premieres on 17 September 2010.

The one with the upcoming TV series

Upcoming release dates of the TV series I follow

Entourage season 7 - now showing

House season 7 - 20 September 2010

How I Met Your Mother season 6 - 20 September 2010

Glee season 2 - 21 September 2010

Smallville season 10 - 24 September 2010

Clone Wars season 3 - 8 October 2010

Among these shows, I'm a big fan of Smallville, which is obvious reasons. I'm a big fan of the genre. They say it could be the last season (but they say that every season). I myself just jumped on the How I Met Your Mother bandwagon, after being introduced to it by my wife. Though I believe it wouldn't take 6 seasons for me to tell my kids (if I should have any) the story how I met their mother. It will just be in one simple line "I met your mum at Uncle Farrish and Auntie Ida's wedding". Clone Wars is because I'm a Star Wars fan, and I believe it should be the last season as the series is about the events between the ill-fated Episode 2 and Episode 3 which was 3 years.

Entourage is currently showing, and we are 5 episodes into the new season. So far it has not been up to expectations and even Ari doesn't have a lot of memorable one-liners. Fortunately there is still time for that. House is simple because I enjoy watching the series. And as for Glee, I'm not really a fan. I just enjoy watching the songs.

Can't wait for all these shows to start.

The one with the jersey issue

Again Malaysia is the highlight in foreign media. As usual for the wrong reasons and comic relief.

Recently muftis from certain states have preached to stop wearing the Manchester United jersey. Also listed are other jerseys which bear the cross. National jerseys like Brazil, Portugal and Barcelona. I for one find this odd. Kindly note I am NOT a manyoo fan.

Reasons stated for the manyoo jersey is because of the devil on their badge. Seriously why now raise the issue? The emblem has been around since I don't know (ask a manyoo fan). And most of my friends as well as my wife are manyoo fans. Most have been fans their entire life. Yet, I do not notice any devil worshipping characteristics or behaviours. They still follow the Muslim beliefs. For me, its the niat. We are all educated enough to know right from wrong.

Again these are probably the same clerics who banned yoga. I believe there are other issues with regards to promoting and projecting Islam as a peaceful religion. And yet, they choose to focus on matters that do not membangunkan ummah.

On another note, wonder when they will ban supporting Spurs. Since they have Jewish roots and backed by Jews. Which is why Spurs always tend to have money even when most clubs don't. This is because they have strong financials and prudent spending strategies. Unlike a Muslim-owned team who spend money like there is no tomorrow in signing superstar players.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to niat.

The one with after the wedding

Alhamdulillah, all went well. Finally all is done and can breathe a huge sigh of relief. Anyways, this post is not about how the event went. But about a few people who just want to rain on my parade.

For those who came, I appreciate your presence. For those who couldn't make it, no worries. For those who were not invited, my apologies. For those who were not invited and posting messages on my Facebook wall on merajuk and terkilan, I have nothing to say to you.

My wedding is just a simple reception for family and close friends as well as fellow schoolmates from SMTTDI. I'm happy to say that my fellow schoolmates all share a close bond. Even when most of us has moved from the greatest place in the Klang Valley. Close friends here are those who allowed me to be part of their lives and very sincere in our friendship.

Most who are not invited do not fall in any category. You've never invited me to any of your events. I was never embraced by your group, as you always treat me like an outsider.

On another note, there are those who I forgot to invite. My apologies there.

Also an update from my photographer Peeps, there are 1200plus photos to edit. Which will probably take around a month. Can't wait to see the end product. (Peeps - no rush).

The one where today is the day

Today is the tomorrow we talked about yesterday. More like the day we penciled since 2 January 2010.
Insyaallah I will be getting married today. In like another 4 hours to show time.
And now I'm trying to keep it together.

The one with Toy Story 3

Hola amigos, un puesto de revisión de cine hoy. Pardon the Spanish, still influenced by the Spanish Buzz Lightyear mode.
Well Toy Story 3 for me is the best movie of the year. It is a very enjoyable movie. One of the highly recommended movies of 2010. And to think it was 15 years ago the first movie came out. It thrilled us then. The latest film deals with the situation where one outgrows his toys and saying goodbye to the toys we played with as a kid.
This film has a whole new range of characters as well as new environments. It even had a cameo of Totoro from Hayao Miyazaki’s My Neighbour Totoro. Yeah, got that from the list of easter eggs in the film here. Now that is one good read. People actually have time to analyze every frame.
My favourite new range of characters were the toys owned by Bonnie. The hedgehog, unicorn, triceratops and a doll. After reading the credits, you wouldn't believe the voices behind all the characters.
My favourite scene (as well as everyone) was the Spanish Buzz mode. A great barrel of laughs.
Also, this is one of the rare moments where I cried during a movie in a cinema. Yes, I admit, I cried. Two scenes towards the end of the film unleashed the waterworks.

So Toy Story 3, is the film for 2010. It was better than Ironman2 and will be better than the upcoming movie about the boy who lived and another about sensitive new-age vampires.

The one with the end of my world cup

My fellow Brazilians were knocked out of the World Cup last night. A sad day indeed for all Brazilians.

The one with the futsal tournament

The futsal Saturday group entered a tournament organized by KHR. Another stab at the tournament we entered last year. A different lineup from last year, as it was fully represented by the futsal Saturday group. Our team name was I Love Papaya. The line this year in adidas mode was :
Shareza - every team needs the goalkeeper
Farrish (captain) - every team needs the player in the most important position
Badrul - every team needs the libero
Meor - every team needs the stabilizer
Reza - every team needs the goalscorer
Farris - every team needs the link
Shanaz - every team needs the player to write the future
Faisal - every team needs the Spurs fan

We were pitted in group B with Aftaas, MBSB (B) and AFC. A manageable group for us to deal with. Before kick-off we were briefed by the referees on the rules. One thing that sticks out was 'don't argue with the ref, its a yellow card offence'.
First game was against Aftaas, which we lost 0-2. Starters were Shareza, Badrul, Farris, Shanaz and Reza. We were out of sorts in this game. Our positioning and ball movement was out of sync. There was hope when myself and Meor entered the fray with the score 0-1. Meor crossed the ball to me in open space, 5 yards from an open goal. You would have put money on me to bang that one in for the equalizer, yet I missed as it went over the bar. Not a good start, but still there was a chance to get it right.
Next up was MBSB (B) which we won 2-1 and getting our tournament back on track. A brace by Reza put us up early in a game which we controlled. We had numerous chances to add to the tally, but failed to do so. I had a brief appearance in this game as I barely lasted 10 seconds. Trying to make a defensive block with the scores at 1-2, I fell on my back and my head hit the floor. I was still good, but opted to step and not risk any further injury.
Our last group game was against AFC (not sure if its Asian Food Channel). We went down early, but displayed fight to get back into the game. Shanaz equalized for us, Badrul scored from a tight angle and Meor scored the goal of the tournament (in our book anyway). He volleyed it home from a kick-in by Badrul. All smiles after that as we managed to qualify for the quarter finals, which was better than last year where we didn't get out of the group stage.
Next was our quarter-final match up with the defending champions KKJK Hasil. A team from the IRB. We were down 1 in the first 10 seconds or so. And we just couldn't get a hold of the game. They held the ball well and we were left chasing the ball. Kinda like playing against Barcelona. I had one chance to score in another cameo, but instead of passing it to Farrish, I decided to go for it myself. In the end, we lost 0-3.
We would have loved to go further, but it was not to be. Still we had fun. One thing I noticed from this tournament is that all the teams belong to a corporation or a group of regular tournament players. Our team was a group of social players who just play for fun and exercise.
Also, this tournament was my last game, before I take a break from contact sports. Need to prepare for another big event in July.

The one with another long hiatus

Hello again. Yet another long hiatus. As usual a lot has happened in between. Well the main thing is now I have less than 1 month before I get married (cue panic mode).
The World Cup has started. And I have yet to watch a full match. Just highlights. And my fellow countrymen kick off their campaign on Wednesday morning. As of writing Slovenia just beat Algeria 1-0. Another low scoring game. Six games in and we have only seen 8 goals. So far I rate South Africa's Tshabalala's goal as the best so far, mainly because it was one superb goal, cool name for a footballer and a well choreographed goal celebration.
As for wedding preparations, I would like to believe all is going according to plan. Just received the cards and have to start sending them out soon.
As for TV series which I follow - Smallville, Glee, Clone Wars and House have all ended their latest seasons. Just waiting for Vincent Chase and the boys to return at the end of this month.
Short update for today.

The one with an injury i don't need

After years being blessed with good health and physical condition, I guess its finally taking its toll on me. For once I suffered an injury where I can't say when I will return. But I'm hoping to be out for a week, just rest and no physical games for the week.

Suffered a back injury last weekend during futsal Saturday. No idea how it happened. I did my usual warm-ups and stretching. Early in the game, I felt my back gave way. And now I have trouble bending over when I pray and also tying my shoelace.

I don't need this sort of injury now. Just as I was finally finding form and rediscovered my game for basketball (had a great game on Wednesday). Also we plan to play in a futsal tournament next month, and I can't actively take part in the training sessions.

For now, I'm just going to let it rest.

The one with the derby win

Finally a reason for Spurs fan to rejoice. After 11 years, we have recorded our first win over rivals Arse-nal. A 2-1 win at home, gave fans a lift after the FA Cup exit.
Our first goal, from a youngster making his premiership debut, Danny Rose. After the Arse keeper punch the ball out from a corner, the ball fell nicely into the stride of D-Rose. Most people would just control the ball with their first touch and knock it back into the box. But young Danny decided to whack it into the goal. The whole stadium (as well as those watching on telly) went nuts. A contender for goal of the season. And this was after 10 minutes.
Our second, was a goal by our in-form player, Gareth Bale. A great time to score his first of the season. A tap-in after a defence splitting pass from Jermain Defoe.
Late into the game, our goalkeeper, Gomes kept us in the game with a number of world-class saves.
A game to remember, which I've transfer ed the highlights to my ipod for future viewing.

The one with another season down the drain

Another season has almost come to an end. But as a Spurs fan, it probably has ended. After an impressive start, we ran out on empty again.

Sunday's loss in the FA Cup semi-finals ended all hope of a trophy this year. It was very frustrating losing to a team who are already relegated and couldn't field 11 healthy players on the field. The loss can be attributed to a lot of factors - the ref, the horrendous pitch and our injured list.

Indeed it was a sad day for the Malaysian Spurs forum, everyone was down in the dumps. Some called in sick as they couldn't face work. I for one avoided all new with regards to the games. Even stayed away from the blogs.

Looking back, we started well then lost our way, then found our way again, but the cost during our 'losing our way period' proved very costly.

Our best hope, to finish fourth, but with a tough run-in, I don't see where our next points are coming from. Not sure if the players can lift themselves us for one final push.

Still, I'll always be a Tottenham Hotspur fan till I die.

The one with the first post from my new toy

Finally I bought a laptop. Since desktop Mark II is put off till a later date, I figure I get something as a filler.
A lot to do, as I have to set up and install a lot of programs, the itunes, winamps, messengers and etc. Also have to put up the wallpaper I use for my machines, Calvin and Hobbes.
Short post for now, still a lot to do.

The one with the post where I can't think of a suitable title

Welcome April 2010. Welcome the unfriendly me.
March 2010 was one of those months where everything went wrong. Too many to list down, which resulted me in being the unfriendly me. I set my playlist to emo and angst mode when I take the train in the morning. And as April begins, there signs of improvement look dim.
Workwise everything has gone downhill. Think I should update my resume and start sending them out again. The political play going on at my workplace is too much. I'm just one of those simple folk. I just do my job and I'm done. I don't care in your quest for power of over-throwing people. And I for one do not pledge my loyalty to anyone.
I think the work issues got to me after they sent me to some teambuilding exercise, which was a total waste of my wasted time. I surrounded by dinosaurs, people for have been with the company for donkey years. I don't mind that, but they just haven't changed with the times. Times have changed, its a bigger world now. Just let it go. Or just do what I do, leave the company. Why make yourself miserable being with people who you resent. Just let it go and move on (which is what I'm plotting at the moment).
The wedding preparations itself will start taking its toll on me. Now I remember why I didn't want to go through this process in the first place. Its to bloody expensive! No one understands the simple I mean when I want a simple reception. Yes I know, my friends all warn me about it being a parents gig and all I have to do is stay out of the way. All I wanted was a one day event (for both the nikah and reception) with just around 50 guests. Why invite the whole planet? And I'm not a fan of all this local traditions where everything is expensive.
The cost of these things are really getting to me. I am one of those people who probably enjoyed being single too much that I can buy anything I want. All the toys and gadgets. I must have more toys than NASA. Now I have to sacrifice and put aside all that. Not an easy adjustment, especially when Mark I has come to an end. Besides, why spend all the money on one party, when there is a lifetime to go.
With three months to, I doubt I can enjoy any weekends till then. Everyone seems to be concern with the event, but the main thing has yet been done. The registration process. I am more concern about that than the other arrangements. The HIV test, the endless amount of forms and such, the meeting of the jurunikah. And people say I'm not looking at the big picture. Point of note, for the state of Selangor, you can start registering 3 months before the event. Which is exactly by next weekend I have to start doing the necessary.
Another note, after making some progress getting lighter, I got heavier again, as all the stress has made me go for some comfort food.
I guess I'm feeling way down because of too many setbacks and too many things that I could rely on has failed me. Need to pick myself up.

The one with the end of Mark I

After almost 10 years of service and defying the times, my desktop finally came to it's end of use. Yes, my ultimate-gaming-machine-mark I can no longer be used and repairs would only be expensive.

So now the time has come for me to build Mark II. However, with most of my budget channeled to an event in July, building it now would not be feasible. I figured of just getting a notebook for now. Since I might have use for it if the idea to post me in some foreign land of sand and more sand comes to fruit.

I've dismantled the parts of Mark I and kept some parts which could be of some use (dvd-rom, dvd-burner and hard drives).

I've been checking out the prices of the parts I need as well as notebook prices. But for now, I need to backup my data from my old hard drive. Yes all my songs, videos and pictures. There is this device called a 'toaster' which can read your hard drive. Something new I learn from my friend Mark Tan.

Looks like Mark II will only be assembled by 2011.

The one with the football friendly against EPF

Last Thursday (11 March 2010), I made my football debut for Bursa. In a management friendly against EPF. The game was played in the MPSJ Stadium in Subang.

Being the new guy, I was put in charge of the kit, meaning I was the kit-boy for the game. I had to take down names of who took the kit and made sure they returned the kits. Which in the end was a good thing, as I got to know their names.

I didn't get to wear my favoured number 11, as it belonged to some dude from human resources. In the end I took number 14. A number one of my heroes wore, David Ginola.

I started the game and was surprisingly made the lone striker. I told them I can attacking midfielder or winger, but not up front. A move which didn't do wonders for my game, which resulted me being benched after a dismal first half.

Not only did I let myself down, but also a teammate who believed in me. One who knew my strengths but played out of position. I'm not a player in the Rooney-Drogba-Torres mold.

Well in the end we won 6-0, but sadly I didn't play a part in any of the goals and most of them came in the second half.

The one with the new Brazil jersey

With the World Cup coming up in a few months, Nike has come up with new kits for their teams. A good thing about these new-gen kits, they are made from 8 plastic bottles per jersey. Talk about doing their bit for the environment. You can read the rest of the story here. Picture from the footballshirtculture website.

Overall Movie of the Decade Montage by IGN

The one where I got engaged

Happy new year people. A new year begins and a new journey starts (on my end anyways).
On the second day of 2010, I got engaged to sweet Elina. A small simple ceremony was held at her residence in Subang Jaya. Proceedings went well, as it went very smoothly without much fuss.
So a July wedding has been set. I know there will be plenty of challenges in organizing this event. One of the things I need to do is get into shape. Which I believe is do-able within 6 months.
All the best for 2010.