The God's Given Lionel Messi - messilegend

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Goodbye 2009, Hi 2010



Goodbye 2009. Happy New Year 2010 to all!

For 2010, I had set several targets to achieve for myself.

First of all, I want to Live the book - How to win friends and influence people. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to improve his/her way of communication, behavior and live a better life.



To achieve my dream of becoming what I wanted to become. (WTF, what is ur dream? u must be wondering! Haha...Maybe I will announce once I achieve it.)


To be continued..

Monday, December 21, 2009

Barcelona is the King of World Football

Barcelona - The Phenomenal Team of 2008/2009

In what looks like a one-sided football match, Barcelona failed to capitalise on its attacking strength to beat Estudiantes by a big margin. Instead, Estudiantes scored a goal to take the lead from probably the only scoring chance for the underdog in the entire 90+15 minutes. That's football. Its not only superior team game that matters, but luck plays a part too. If not for the equaliser goal by Pedro in the last few minutes, Barca could have fly home greatly disappointed by the only loss in six finals.

The match ended 1-1 for the normal playing time. Barca again dominated the extra-time game with some good chances to score but suffered from poor finishing. In the second half of extra time, Barca finally takes the lead for the first time. Alves delivered a superb cross from the right and Messi surged forward and chested the ball into the net with the goalkeeper watching in awe!

It was once more a great goal scored by Messi. He had scored with the usual legs and head, plus the unusual hand and now chest. Next on would be his ass I jokingly guess. With the victory, Barca has set new record in the world football with six titles in all competitions they have competed for -
King's Cup, Spanish Super Cup, La Liga, Champions League, European Super Cup and World Club Cup!

Guardiola burst into tears at the end. Its unbelievable for him, so as to Barcelona players as well as for many football fans around the world including me. To set the record straight after only in his first year managing Barcelona, the young coach deserved to get the highest accolade from his country and also his football club. And now I can proclaim that Barcelona is the "
King of World Football"!

A little suggestion: Malaysia football team which won the gold medal in Laos - SEA Games - should be rewarded with a friendly football match with Barcelona next year. And I most probably wouldnt turn down the chance to watch the game.

Another thing: Lionel Messi is going to become a football legend in the next few hours.
FIFA World Footballer of the Year 2009, probably the best ever, is...




Confirmed! FIFA World Footballer of the Year 2009 is Lionel Messi! - click to view

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News recap:
Messi the hero in Barca’s first Club W-Cup triumph

“We played formidably, it was a victory we deserved. Six titles in a year is unequalled,” coach Pep Guardiola told a news conference, referring to his team’s Champions League, La Liga, King’s Cup, Spanish Super Cup and European Super Cup wins.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Barcelona to win first World Club Cup?

Messi: pls put a nicer pic of me in the paper. girls are watching!


Its hard to update blog several times a week if you dont have the commitment to blog. Hence, hats off to those bloggers that can blog frequently, which means at least 3 times a week. I think if i am a fulltime blogger, maybe I can blog like em. LOL! Maybe I should find some longterm sponsors. Any idea? :) Dreaming...

Story of the day: Barcelona into Final of World Club Cup. Hopefully, they can win their first Cup of this type. Happy holidays and enjoy your 3-days holidays for 3 consecutive weeks. Cheers!

Quote of the day: "Passion is what drives you to succeed."
And laziness is what makes you fail?

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Barcelona into World Club Cup final

European champions Barcelona produced a masterclass to beat Mexican side Atlante 3-1 here on Wednesday and book their place in the World Club Cup final.

Guillermo Rojas shot Atlante into a surprise fifth-minute lead with Sergio Busquets dragging Barca back on level terms ten minutes from the break.

Second-half substitute Lionel Messi put the Spanish giants ahead in the 55th minute with Pedro wrapping up the semi-final in the 67th minute in front of 41,000 fans at the Zayed Sports City stadium.

Barcelona meet Argentine side Estudiantes, who beat South Korea's Pohang Steelers 2-1 in Tuesday's other semi-final, in Saturday's final, while Atlante will face Asian champions Pohang Steelers in the third place play-off.

"Im very pleased we won but it was very difficult," said Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.

"As I said beforehand, Atlante are a quality side. They pass the ball well and have a lot of speed, especially with Rojas. But I think we were the better team and the result reflected that.

"The support we received was absolutely fantastic. With the Estudiantes fans and our followers, the final will be a wonderful spectacle."

The World Club Cup is the only international honour missing from Barcelona's well-stocked trophy cabinet after their previous attempt to win it, in 2006, ended in a 1-0 defeat to Brazilian side Internacional.

Victory in the tournament would crown a remarkable year for the current Spanish league leaders, who last season won the Champions League, Spanish league and King's Cup to claim an unprecedented treble.

Guardiola's side quickly settled into their familiar passing rhythm but they fell behind within five minutes when Rojas touched the ball past Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes before finishing from a difficult angle.

Atlante goalkeeper Federico Vilar had to save from Busquets as the Catalans sought a quick response, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic had an effort cleared off the line.

Andres Iniesta and Ibrahimovic were both narrowly off-target with long-range efforts but 10 minutes before the interval Barca levelled when Busquets touched home from close range after Yaya Toure had flicked on Xavi's corner.

Messi made his entrance shortly after the break and within two minutes he had delighted the crowd by putting his side in front.

The recently crowned European Footballer of the Year collected a reverse pass from Ibrahimovic before slipping away from a defender, rounding the goalkeeper and tapping the ball into an empty net.

Barca's third arrived 23 minutes from time, with Iniesta slaloming through the Atlante defence before setting up Pedro, who provided a nerveless finish.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Messi Wins European Footballer of the Year 2009 Award



As expected! :)

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Messi wins Golden Ball award

PARIS (AP): Argentina's Lionel Messi has won the Golden Ball awarded to the European Footballer of the Year, becoming the sixth Barcelona player to take the award and the first since Brazilian Ronaldinho in 2005.

Messi beat last year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo into second place while Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez finished third in the poll results released by France Football magazine early Tuesday.

Hailed by Argentina great Diego Maradona as his successor, Messi won an unprecedented treble in Spain last season with Barcelona as the Catalan side swept the Champions League, the Spanish title and the Copa del Rey.

The 22-year-old Messi, the first Argentine to win the prestigious trophy, was the top scorer in last year's Champions League with nine goals, including his superb header in the 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the final.

Messi, who tallied 473 of a possible 480 points, largely dominated the voting and won with a record-margin of 240 points. Real Madrid winger Ronaldo had 233 and Xavi had 170.

"Honestly, I knew that I was among the favorites because Barcelona had a fruitful year in 2009," Messi was quoted as saying by the magazine. "But I didn't expect to win with such a margin. The Golden Ball is very important to me. All the players who won it were great players, and some great players never won it."

Barcelona had three players in the Top 5 with Andres Iniesta taking fourth ahead of former Barca player Samuel Eto'o.

In an outstanding season, Messi netted 38 goals in 51 games in all competitions, often leaving defenders in his wake with a combination of speed, exceptional dribbling abilities and his effective left-footed strike.

Messi, who leads Argentina to next year's World Cup in South Africa, recently signed a new contract with Barcelona through 2016 and has a buyout clause of 250 million euros ($368 million) included.

Messi had a good start to this season - already scoring nine goals - and put on a great display to help his club defeat archrival Real Madrid 1-0 last Sunday. "It won't be easy to confirm after a year like the one we just went through," Messi said. "I hope the next one will reach the same standards. But to win the Golden Ball two years in a row is not an easy thing."

After starting club football in 1995 at Argentina's Newell's Old Boys, Messi, who suffered from a growth hormone deficiency when he was a child, joined Barcelona's Under-14 team in 2000 after the Spanish club offered to pay for his treatment.

The diminutive forward - 1.69 meters and 67 kilograms (5-feet-7; 148 pounds) - was part of the Argentina team at the World Cup 2006 before claiming the Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008.

France Football's award was decided by an annual poll of football journalists from a shortlist of 30 players.

The 24-year-old Ronaldo won the Premier League title with Manchester United in 2009 before signing with Real Madrid for 93 million euros.

Named best player at the 2008 European championship, where Spain won its first major title in 44 years, midfielder Xavi was also a key element in Barcelona's treble in 2009, playing 35 Spanish league games and 14 of the 15 European matches of his club.

FIFA World Player of the Year 2009 - Lionel Messi?



Barcelona Beats Real Madrid 1-0.
Man of the Match - Carles Puyol! If you watch the match, you should know better. :)

Barcelona didnt play very well (but still worth the sleepless night coz they play well but not phenomenal), but still they managed to score a spectacular goal through Ibrahimovic, thanks to a superb cross by Dani Alves. Messi was well guarded throughout the match. Its amazing to watch him play, how easily he dribbles the ball past Real players. All in all, Messi is the very firm favorite to win Ballon D'Or 2009 today and next.. FIFA World Player of the Year 2009. Woohoo...


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Messi display worthy of Ballon d'Or
By Phil Seery (AFP) – 1 day ago

MADRID — Lionel Messi is poised to collect the Ballon D'Or accolade on Tuesday and the Argentine showed why with a mesmerising display to help Barcelona defeat Real Madrid 1-0 in a sizzling 'El Clasico' at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Substitute Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the winning goal on 56 minutes but with the world watching on Messi stole the show with his his mazy runs, clever turns and incredible close control all the more impressive given that he was a doubt for the match with a thigh injury.

Messi, still only 22, scored in the previous two Clasicos - which finished 2-0 and 6-2 in Barca's favour - but could not cap his stellar display with a goal with Iker Casillas denying him with a wonder save in the closing stages.

"I came off against Athletic Bilbao as a precaution but came back tonight and fortunately we got the right result," said the softly-spoken Messi.

"We couldn't find space in the first half but in the second half we got better and the result we wanted.

"The win over Inter Milan (2-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday) was important for us to stay in the competition and now we have beaten Real Madrid who are a top side."

Champions Barca now lead Real by two points at the summit and can stretch that to five points with victory over Xerez on Wednesday in a match brought forward due to Barca's World Club Championship commitments in Abu Dhabi in mid-December.

Treble winners Barca are unbeaten in the league since the penultimate day of last season and lie top of the table but goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who produced a crucial save from Cristiano Ronaldo, said there was no room for complacency.

"Real played on the counter attack at times but with real quality," said Valdes.

"The Spanish league is the best in the world and complicated to win. It is not just Real Madrid there are other such as Sevilla."

Midfielder Xavi, one of four Barca players shortlisted for the Ballon D'Or, paid tribute to Real and saluted his team-mates for a determined defensive display.

"It was a physical game but a great spectacle," said Xavi. "Real have a great team as well and a lot of talent up front.

"Madrid are always a competitive team. In all my years in football they have always had a team that can compete at the highest level.

"It was a great defensive display from the whole team to keep them out and get a very important win."

Sunday, November 29, 2009

El Clasico - Barcelona vs Real Madrid is ON tonight!



My prediction: Barca 3 Real 1

Monday, November 16, 2009

Quote of the Day



"All man's troubles come from not knowing how to sit still in one room." - Blaise Pascal

Monday, November 9, 2009

Quotes by Benjamin Franklin Part 1

I like short yet say-a-lot, truthful quotes. Its easy to remember, understand and learn but hard to implement/live on them. Try to live by them day by day. Make it a habit. "You are never too young to learn good habits and never too old to change bad habits."

Here are some of them.

Simple yet meaningful, great quotes by Benjamin Franklin:

“If a man empties his purse into his head, no one can take it from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”

"He that lives upon hope will die fasting."

"Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship."

“You may delay, but time will not.”

"Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today."

"Be civil to all; sociable to many; familiar with few; friend to one; enemy to none."

"Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame."

"Well done, is better than well said."

"Diligence is the mother of good luck."

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

How 2 measure life?

Life is not measured by how much money you have/earn, but by how much love you get/give.

by messilegend

Friday, October 30, 2009

Quote of the Day


Sometimes honesty hurts, but dishonesty doesnt make you a better person.

Sometimes you just have to accept honest, hard critiques. Only then you can grow up and become a better person.



by messilegend

Thursday, October 29, 2009

A dude looking for a babe roommate

I saw a lot of advertisements looking for roommate. So I create my own list here.

A dude looking for a babe roommate!

Requirements for three types of roommate:

TYPE 1

1. Sexy



2. Like parties
3. Fashionable
4. Wild
5. Lazy
6. Love this song - I wanna I wanna touch you...
7. Favorite color - Yellow

Are you the one?
Call me now: 016 XXX XXXX
_________________

TYPE 2

1. Milo tin also ok


2. Hate parties
3. A little bit outdated
4. Conservative
5. Hardworking
6. Love this song - Forever love...forever love...
7. Favorite color - Blue

Call me: 019 XXX XXXX
__________________

TYPE 3

1. Outlook is not that important but must be beautiful la (wtf!!!)


2. Fun and shy shy one
3. So-so dressing
4. Like to argue with people but sympathetic
5. Loyal
6. Love this song - If I were a boy, I would date 10 girls out...
7. Favorite color - Red

Call: 012 XXX XXXX
___________________


Last but not least

Need insurance coverage?




Call 010 XXX XXXX

Saturday, October 24, 2009

She Breaks Me Down

I was playing football a week ago. Suddenly, I saw an attention-getting girl.

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I saw her dress BLOWN UP!!! which caused me to lost my focus while dribbling the ball past........i cant finish the line cause i think i didnt look at my opponent.

"Booooom", I was tackled by the opponent's player and lay on the ground for so long!!! Gosh, I will be out of action for some time.

I dont blame her. I just lost my focus. :)


messilegend

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Law Abiding Citizen

How do you stop a killer who is already behind bars?
Hint: There is no other way! The only way is.....


The movie was good. Be prepared to get shocked for once! I was given the first row seat far to the left. But watching Law Abiding Citizen, I was not a law abiding "blogger". Seeing the theatre is not full house and a lot of empty seats at the back, I dragged my companion to the back and seated on probably the best viewing place - centre seats not too far and not too near (imagine). :D

I think I saw Timothy Tiah and Audrey Ooi with another sweet couple. Hi there! Thanks for the movie treat. :)

I saw something like "what goes around comes around" in this movie. I dont know about you. But I consider a movie is good if it can delivers some surprises like what I expect didnt occur. I expect the next step to be this but it comes out differently and a lot better/highly unexpected. So.....

My Score: 8/10


MOVIE SYPNOSIS
Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) is an upstanding family man whose wife and daughter are brutally murdered during a home invasion. When the killers are caught, Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx), a hotshot young Philadelphia prosecutor, is assigned to the case. Over his objections, Nick is forced by his boss to offer one of the suspects a light sentence in exchange for testifying against his accomplice.

Fast forward ten years. The man who got away with murder is found dead and Clyde Shelton coolly admits his guilt. Then he issues a warning to Nick: Either fix the flawed justice system that failed his family, or key players in the trial will die.

Soon Shelton follows through on his threats, orchestrating from his jail cell a string of spectacularly diabolical assassinations that can be neither predicted nor prevented. Philadelphia is gripped with fear as Shelton’s high-profile targets are slain one after another and the authorities are powerless to halt his reign of terror. Only Nick can stop the killing, and to do so he must outwit this brilliant sociopath in a harrowing contest of wills in which even the smallest misstep means death. With his own family now in Shelton’s crosshairs, Nick finds himself in a desperate race against time facing a deadly adversary who seems always to be one step ahead.

IN CINEMAS STARTING 22 OCTOBER 2009!


messilegend

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Sleepy Day

Today, I am so sleeeeepy while doing my work and
She asked me "Dear, what you wanna eat?"

I said "I wanna sleeep la darling!!"
She just walked away...


How i wish my bed is beside me every time I feel sleepy whether in the mall, office or aeroplane. No wonder they call it Dreamland. What a fantastic name for bed!


messilegend

I have a date with S. Dali of Malaysia Finance

I attended a career talk by S. Dali of Malaysia Finance last month on "Planning a Career in Financial Markets". And it was fullhouse and a little more! I found that the talk was very insightful and beneficial to business/acc/finance students. I learned a lot from the talk which ended after 3 hours and the cost was only RM92 per person!




I especially like the Q&A sessions where the audiences asked a lot of interesting questions. What they get in return were mostly genuine and clear answers. Plus there was no break for Dali as during the 15 mins timeoff, his fans just walked over to him and take the chance to ask more questions, shake his hand and take a closer look at the real guy behind Malaysia Finance Blogspot. The only thing that they didnt do is ask for a signature! Or maybe they forgot.

The good news is S. Dali will conduct another talk on October 31, 2009! So remember to bring your pen. This time, he aptly named his talk as “A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to the Stock Exchange”. I am looking forward to attend the talk again. Plus there will be extended Q&A session planned at the end of the talk! Again, this talk is very very useful to business/acc/finance students, especially the Finance Students where you will learn a lot about the industry before you step into the real world.





To learn more about the topics covered, simply click on the flyer above. I know you will ask for the price. Its in the flyer. Basically, the earlier you buy the cheaper or come in group of at least 4 persons.


p/s: I am not paid by S.Dali or anybody to advertise this post and I am not going after his daughter etc. Just for sharing :)


messilegend

Monday, October 19, 2009

A Christmas Carol - My Entry

"Jim Carrey" - I think this guy is really funny and talented. He's one of my favorite actors. Lets see whether I can get tickets from Nuffnang to watch his new movie. :)


What would your Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come tell you if you’re visited by them?

They all will tell me the same thing.

“In life, you have to work hard to get what you want. Everyone gets what they deserve in the end. There is no such thing as fast money (fast money = fast mati). If you live life long enough, you will know what I meant. By the way, here’s your present. Sometimes in life you will get some surprises. You just have to make sure that you cope well with bad/not-so-good surprises. Till we meet again. Good luck!” :)


messilegend

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Happy Diwali



Happy Diwali to all. Yesterday's fireworks show was great, stretching as long as 1km and started at 12mn. If im not mistaken, its along Batu Caves. The biggest I have ever seen in Malaysia. I wonder how much they spent on that. :)

Gosh, three days already, still the fireworks shows are ongoing. Spending/burning money X3. :)

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Sometimes I Wonder - Random Thoughts



Sometimes I wonder whether everything in life happens for a reason.

Like...

1. Why we burp after meals and not before? There must be a reason right?
After every meal, our stomach is filled with wind, indirectly absorbed. If we dont burp, we have to fart. There is no other place for the wind to go.

2. Why we need to bake? If I dont bake, how can i go to...

Eat all you can for RM10?


Sometimes I wonder whether I sleep to much...

until i met her in China.


Sometimes I wonder why different races have different smells. Now I know why it is called race.

After a race, everyone has different "smell".


Sometimes I wonder why all beauty pageants have to be slim. My waistline is 32 and I'm beautiful. Why cant I join the contest? Is that a discrimination? I thought they say inner beauty is more important!



Ok, be serious now.
Sometimes I wonder whether all things happened in life are set by God. We all face challenges/problems sometimes, and we laugh/happy the other time.

Even though we eat, wear and live life differently, we are all humans created by God. By this, arent we all equal?

Equality should be the way of how humans think.


messilegend

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Have you flown AirAsia recently?


AirAsia is without doubt the proud of Malaysians. Starting with the local destinations in Malaysia, AirAsia now covers almost every continent in Asia and expanding into the West. Undeniably a global airline now, AirAsia will fly to Paris soon. I'm looking forward to it.

By the way, AirAsia is having great promotions until 18 0ct. Dont worry if you miss it. Their promotions are like 365 days per year. Seriously, AirAsia has to watch their ballooning debts. It would be a great achievement if AirAsia still exists after 100 years of operation.

To learn more about AirAsia, click here The Story So Far


Back to the topic. I think AirAsia's latest tv commercials (directed by the late Yasmin Ahmad, a true Malaysian and definitely the best in her industry) are great - entertaining, funny and classy. Check it out by clicking on Media in the website http://www.haveyouflownairasia.com/

Funny stuff: "Granny" said the flight attendant were hot..."Granny" was so sad to say goodbye... All Granny. LOL!


p/s:This is not a paid ads. Just for sharing :)

Saturday, October 10, 2009

She the beautiful girl



I have been dating this girl for about 2 weeks. She possesses probably one of the sweetest smiles in the world.

Her smile can melt your heart!

Not this


More like this



One day, I decided to bring her out with my grandpa's motorbike.



And I showed her the helmet to wear on.



She not only didnt wear the helmet, but left me without saying anything. Why? I really dont understand why.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Love knows no boundaries


Too beautiful not to share!

Nothings gonna change my love for you
You ought to know by now how much I love you
The world may change my whole life through but nothings gonna change my love for you.

Monday, October 5, 2009

The First US$1 billion Dollar Sportsman

Tiger Woods Roars- The first US$1 billion dollar Sportsman


Tiger Woods becomes first athlete with US$1bil in earnings

NEW YORK: Forbes says Tiger Woods has become the first athlete to surpass US$1 billion in career earnings.

The magazine estimates that golf’s top-ranked player crested the plateau when he earned US$10 million for winning the FedEx Cup on Sunday.



Forbes reported on its Web site on Tuesday that Woods entered 2009 having earned US$895 million since he joined the PGA Tour in 1996.

Prize money, appearance fees, endorsement fees, bonuses and his golf course design business were calculated to have pushed him over US$1 billion.



The magazine says former NBA great Michael Jordan and former Formula One driver Michael Schumacher, at US$800 million and US$700 million, respectively, are Woods’ closest competition in career earnings. - AP


Source: http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2009/10/5/sports/20091005122124&sec=sports

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Gary Chaw and Justin - The Best of Friends

Both Gary Chaw and Justin Lo are my favorite singers. They shared the same horoscope, a little crazy when singing (thats what i like), and sing their heart out everytime they perform. Its hard not to like them. And I dont think a small fight will breaks their friendship.



For them, friends are very very important. Just ask anyone that share the same horoscope as them and you'll know why! Come on Gary, you have to kick this habit out. My dad succeeded when he was in his late 30s, and my grandpa in his 50s. Why cant you at only 30? Or you want me to start a signature drive " Support Gary Chaw to Stop Drinking"? Just leave a message if you really need it. I believe your supporters and fans are ready to help you. Cheer up man! Your new motto should be "Peace and Love plus No Drinking".

The friendship of Gary and Justin
Gary's performance in Bravo Justin Music Concert 2007 was probably his first in Hong Kong as a guest singer. I like this duet very much. I hope you will like it too.



It was a great opportunity for Gary to showcase his talent and win some fans there. For record, Justin is the first singer to perform in Hong Kong Coliseum after producing only one album and the tickets for his debut concert in 2006 were sold out within 10 minutes! To hold a concert in Coliseum is like every Chinese singer's dream. Its almost equivalent to the girls' dream to go to Paris and the guys to Manchester United (Barcelona for me :)).



When its time for Gary's concert, he invited Justin to be the guest singer in his very first concert in Malaysia. I was there to see his world (Gary Chaw "Welcome to My World" concert). The crowds, including me, went crazy during their performance. The girls on the row behind mine went berserk like winning RM 20 million jackpot, and screaming like seeing ghosts! I love crowds like this. They certainly made the concert alive and kicking.




The unique things about them
In Gary's concert, Justin shows why he is not just a singer but a true performer. He's not only singing the song but thoroughly enjoying the song. Thats something special about him.




Gary's own version of "My Way" is probably the most distinctive version of all where it sounds like a complete duet.




Other nice songs by Gary and Justin.










Singing Genie's song, Show Luo is overwhelmed with Gary's performance and comparing him with Jay Chou. Seriously, if Gary's opponent is Show Luo, I think they will have a good fight. Justin is just too nice to him.




Its great to have a friend like Justin. And both of them are like brothers. So, its time for Gary to do something for his brother!

No matter what, they are still best friends.

'Once friend, forever friend' - “It was just a quarrel and didn't affect our friendship. I'll still be the godfather of Gary's son,” said Justin.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Messi Steers Barca to First Win in Champions League 2009/2010


Barcelona beats Dynamo 2-0 in Champions League

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - Lionel Messi and Pedro Rodriguez scored Tuesday to help defending champion Barcelona beat Dynamo Kiev 2-0 and move top of Group F in the Champions League.

Messi scored in the 26th minute when he received Andres Iniesta's pass and cut in from the right before delivering a powerful low shot that goalkeeper Olexandr Shovkovskiy couldn't keep out.

Substitute Pedro doubled Barcelona's lead in the 76th with a low left-footed shot from Zlatan Ibrahimovic's pass.

Playing its first home game in this season's competition, Barcelona's winning margin could have been larger but for Shovkovskiy's series of saves.

"It's an important win. It's always important to win your home matches in the Champions League," Pedro told Spanish state TV.




In Tuesday's other group game, Rubin Kazan drew 1-1 with Inter Milan.

After two rounds, Barcelona has four points, while Kiev has three. Inter Milan follows with two points, one more than Rubin.

"It's better to be the leader as quickly as possible because we are in a tough group," Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said. "This Tuesday's win is really important. We've taken a small step towards qualification for the second round."

Kiev coach Valeri Gazzaev said Barcelona "was at another level."

We did what we could. We started playing on the counterattack and there were times when we had a chance but that disappeared when we lost the ball," Gazzaev said, speaking through an interpreter.

Barcelona lacked the injured Thierry Henry, although this provided Iniesta with a place in the starting lineup for the first time since the Champions League final, when the Catalan team beat Manchester United 2-0.

Kiev included Andriy Shevchenko on his 33rd birthday despite a doubt over an eye injury. The striker scored a hat trick at Camp Nou in Kiev's 4-0 win in the competition 12 years ago.

The Ukrainians, who beat Rubin 3-1 in its opening group game, made a lively start with Gerson Magrao sending an angled shot narrowly wide after three minutes.

However, the visitors were fortunate in the 15th minute when a penalty was not awarded despite Iniesta's shirt appearing to be tugged by Yevgen Khacheridi.

Messi's goal led Barcelona to control the game until the interval, with Messi and Ibrahimovic a constant threat to Dynamo's defense but repeatedly thwarted by Shovkovskiy.

Ognjen Vukojevic had a goal disallowed in the 40th, with Artem Milevskiy ruled narrowly offside, to remind Barcelona that Kiev was still in contention.

After Iniesta was replaced by Pedro at halftime, Barcelona continued in charge but initially found goal chances harder to create.

However, Barcelona came close in the 64th when Khacheridi headed just wide of his own goal, and three minutes later Shovkovskiy produced an impressive diving save to deny Ibrahimovic.

Dynamo almost reduced the deficit in the 88th when Milevskiy sent the ball over the advancing goalkeeper Victor Valdes - and narrowly over the Barcelona goal.


Source: http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/10144214/Barcelona-beats-Dynamo-2-0-in-Champions-League

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Picture of the Day

"Love is in the air" - Tiger Woods kisses his son Charlie Axel Woods, born on Feb 8, 2009. What a great picture! I can feel your love 2 your son, man!! Can Charlie be the next Tiger Woods? Wait 20 years and you'll know. :)

Monday, September 28, 2009

Tiger Wins US$10 million jackpot, yet not very satisfied!

"US$10 million Fedex Cup" - Woods won the Fedex Cup though finishing second in The Tour Championship (thats the reason he's not very happy now).


Lesson of the day: "Set your standard high, do your best and you'll be happy even if the outcome is not as expected."


Mickelson's back in the Tiger hunt


ATLANTA - He'd won the war and secured the $10 million booty, yet Tiger Woods could only focus on having lost the battle to a resurgent Phil Mickelson.

"Yeah, it was a strange feeling, a little bit deflating," Woods admitted Sunday after being presented with the FedEx Cup for finishing second at East Lake.

"It feels certainly not like it did a couple years ago when I won the tournament by seven, eight shots, whatever it was.

"I think it's just one of those things where obviously, I'm a little disappointed.

"I'm sure I'll probably be more happy tomorrow than I am right now."


Mickelson, on the other hand, couldn't wipe the smile from his face after emerging from the wilderness — he hadn't contended anywhere since the U.S. Open — to win The Tour Championship by three strokes in emphatic fashion.

"I like the way today went," said Mickelson mischievously, "I was two back of him, I beat him by three, he gets the $10 million check and I get $1 million."

He was joking, if only in that he actually received $1.35 million for winning the tournament and an additional $3 million for finishing second in the FedEx Cup.

What this final day of the golf season amounted to was — like a shocking plot twist on the last page of a potboiler — the tantalising specter of a Tiger versus Phil showdown next year.

Woods, who is a prohibitive favorite to win this year's POY award with six wins — three more than Mickelson and Steve Stricker — might have something to say about that. Given that in his 13 years he's only twice not won the award when he's played the full season.

But it's true that Mickelson's looking forward to 2010 now that his wife, Amy, and his mother both seem to be in the clear after breast cancer scares.

"I'm very proud of my wife and my mom on the fight that they've been through, and we've been fortunate in the long term. We're in good shape," he said.

"I'm excited to get 2009 behind me and look forward to 2010."

Mickelson's turnaround came after a suggestion from his caddie, Jim "Bones" MacKay, that he consult two-time PGA champion Dave Stockton, a man many consider the world's foremost putting guru.

"I said, 'Bones, for two years I've been kind of floundering here, not having the right direction.'"

Stockton happened to be in Mickelson's native San Diego and the two worked together for two days a couple of weeks ago.

Stockton told him the opposite of what Mickelson had long been hearing: that he presses his hands too far forward when he putts. Stockton told him it was the best way to putt. "Once he said that, I said, 'Yeah, that's right, I've always believed that.' So I went right back to it and it's been a night-and-day difference for me."

The proof of the pudding's in the eating and Mickelson finished first in putts per green hit in regulation at East Lake.

In shooting the only bogey-free round Sunday, a memorable 65 that could've been even better, Mickelson had one-putted eight straight holes after saving par from the greenside bunker on the 10th.

An even more remarkable statistic is that after making only 13 putts from over 20 feet all year, he made six this week.

"I'm excited because I feel I have some direction now on where I want to go with my putter," he said.

"I felt like I've been hitting it this well for quite some time since working with Butch (Harmon), and yet I have not had the results.

"My play has been like this for two years. I'll have some good weeks where I'll putt well, and I've won a couple tournaments each year. But it hasn't been as consistently solid on the greens as I expect or as it has been in the past. So that's why I'm excited now."

Woods, on the other hand, had flashbacks of Hazeltine, where nothing would fall for him. He needed 30 putts Sunday for an even-par round of 70, five more than Mickelson, and finished the week 22nd in putts made per green in regulation, a tale of woe given that there were only 30 players in the field.

"I hit the ball well enough to make a few more birdies, and I just didn't make any putts this week from about 10 to 20 feet. I mised a lot of putts," he said.

Despite Sunday's disappointment, he did manage to find some consolation in the bigger picture.

"Nine top twos this year, I certainly wouldn't have expected that going into my first event, the Match Play (in February), to end up where I'm at right now," he said.

"The FedEx Cup is something very similar to what you have for Player of the Year. It's a cumulative total and something that you have to be consistent the entire year, and it's something that I was."

Woods betrayed his only real regret when he said, rather wistfully, "wish I could've got a major in there." (lol)


In the end, however, even Mickelson conceded the FedEx Cup went to the right man.

"I didn't play well the first three FedEx Cup events. I don't deserve to win the entire FedEx Cup just based on one tournament win," he said, "It's got to be based on all four, so the way it worked out ... the best player won."


Sunday, September 27, 2009

Fifth Straight Win for Barcelona

Barcelona maintained its perfect record with fifth consecutive victory, winning 2-0 away at Malaga. Let the video do the talking.

Warning: Dont listen to the commentators. :)

Friday, September 25, 2009

It's very simple; you always help your friends

"Happy Family" - We all should have one :)


Lesson of the day by Tiger Woods:

"It's very simple; you always help your friends," Woods said.

"Sean is a friend of mine, and like all my friends, you always try to make their life better somehow
. That's the whole idea of having friends in your life.

"Sean has been struggling a little bit on the greens this year, and I thought I could offer a little bit of help and insight into how he could change that, and now, as I said, I'm going to go chew him out."

Another quote by Messilegend: "In everyone I meet, I learn something."

---------------------------

Tiger's advice to O'Hair comes back to bite him

The 27-year-old arrived in Atlanta not feeling especially confident, particularly in a putting stroke that has always been suspect.

And then on Wednesday he played nine holes with Tiger Woods and received the tip that would help him get to the top of the leaderboard after the first round of The Tour Championship at East Lake.

"I'm not even close to doing exactly what he's told me to do," O'Hair said after his 4-under-par 66.

"But I truly believe in what he said, and I think it's the key for me to kind of take my putting to another level because, let's face it, that's kind of what's held me back for a long time."

O'Hair had 28 putts — one fewer than Woods on the day — including a 56-footer and six others longer than 6 feet to capitalize on an excellent ball-striking display.

But what impressed O'Hair more than Woods' keen eye for the mechanics of the putting stroke was his generosity of spirit.

"Getting advice from basically the greatest of all time is pretty cool," O'Hair said.

"But I think the thing that impresses me more is the quality of guy he is. I mean, I'm his competition, and for him to help me out like he did was very classy, I thought."


Woods, who rebounded from a sluggish start to finish at 3-under, one shot back of O'Hair, made light of the help he'd offered, saying he was "going to go chew him out right now."

But later he conceded it was just about helping friends.

"It's very simple; you always help your friends," Woods said.

"Sean is a friend of mine, and like all my friends, you always try to make their life better somehow. That's the whole idea of having friends in your life.

"Sean has been struggling a little bit on the greens this year, and I thought I could offer a little bit of help and insight into how he could change that, and now, as I said, I'm going to go chew him out."


Probably not an idle threat given that Woods, as O'Hair has noted in the past, is a world-class "ball buster"; high praise considering O'Hair is from Philly, where breaking huevos has been elevated to an art form.

Woods was playful and relaxed after his round, but his disposition might have been different if the indifference of his first eight holes had continued.

Woods had birdied the third hole from 5 feet but missed three other putts of between 10 and 15 feet to stumble to 1-over through eight holes.

O'Hair, meanwhile, had rattled off five birdies against no blemishes to his card through his first 12 holes to lead Woods by six.

It seemed things would get worse for Woods when he miscalculated a chip on the relatively benign ninth hole, leaving himself with a birdie putt of just over 10 feet. The putt fell, and he said it turned his fortunes.

"I had just bogeyed six and eight and missed a short one there for bidie at seven, and it was nice to get one on nine," he said, "That chip came out a little warmer than I thought, and I didn't want to miss an opportunity there to make birdie. It's one of the very few birdie holes we have out there."

After that, Woods sailed home in 32, the lowest score recorded by anyone in the 30-man field on the exacting back nine.

"I felt if I just shot under par for the day, I'd be fine," he said, "There aren't going to be a lot of guys under par.

"With this golf course, you have to be very patient, especially with greens this firm."


Woods joined a chorus of players in expressing surprise at how hard the putting surfaces are at East Lake given the heavy rains that have flooded the Atlanta area.

A "sub-air" drying system has been installed beneath the greens, allowing them to absorb the deluge without ruining their playability.

"Sub-air, it's amazing what it can do," Woods said. "If you look at some of these greens, it looks like they were in a drought. They're browned out."

Woods said the second round would be tricky because the pin positions would be much more challenging than they were Thursday.

"You've got to be very cautious going in there, because it's very easy to skip over the back, and you've got these down-grain, muffled lies where it's really hard to control what you're doing."

O'Hair, meanwhile, knows that he'll have to keep playing well, especially with Woods lurking, to get his hands on the $10 million FedEx Cup prize money, which would more than soothe the sting of his losses last week in Philly.

"The thing I've learned is that you have to go out there and play good golf," O�Hair said, "You're not going to play average golf against him and do anything worthwhile."


Source/ read more here: http://msn.foxsports.com/golf/story/10121688/Tiger's-advice-to-O'Hair-comes-back-to-bite-him

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Messi 5; Planning to move to Barcelona soon

Barcelona whips Racing Santander 4-1 at Racing to top the La Liga with a maximum of 12 points. Barca has now scored 14 goals in 4 matches while conceded only 3! If Barcelona continues this great form, I think I will move to Barcelona soon! :) vs Racing, Messi show-off his great skill again. After a one-two with Xavi, Messi dribbled past 2 defenders at once before curling in with his left foot.

"On top of the World" - Messi leads top scorer list with 5 goals in last 3 league games

Ibrahimovic has earlier scored a goal through a good left footie cross by Messi, which received a ball directly from Xavi from a freekick. I guess this strategy is the result of workout in training i.e. they practice in training. Its a guesstimate. :)

Pique is the third on the score list with a simple tap in, after collecting an unusual back-heel pass from Ibrahimovic.

The fourth goal by Messi is coming soon. I am still looking for it. Be patient.




Here's Messi second goal of the game. Simply world class - period!:)




p/s: This post is my own commentary of the game. I may be bias :)

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Probably the Best Concert of the Year

T-Music Festival, which I like to call Tiger Music Fest, is probably the best concert of the year 2009. The concert started around 7pm, which is quite rare in Malaysia since most concerts I attended were late by at least half an hour. I think the reason is this concert, unlike others, is for 5 hours! Need to make sure the concert does not ended too late. Anyway, its a good planning by the organizer.

Let's get it started here..!



The first singer that really move the audience is James from Thailand with a popular Thai song by Thailand's songbird Thongchai. For your information, Thongchai is like the Andy Lau of Thailand for Thai people. Well, my hands started to move for the first time during the concert.



Then, things started to cool down until the performance of Soler. This time my hands and head move together! I dont really understand their songs but its ROCK man! How can you not move when your hear a song like this?




When its time for Power Station to rock, I'm ready to move again!



I think they sing the most number of songs in this concert and they really rock the stadium that night! For the very first time, my whole body move in sync!*dancing* I would like to stand up and dance. But thinking I will block the view of others at the back, i decided to stay put. Though they didnt sing Chong Dong, a song I like a lot, at least they sing this song.



Some of the songs belted out by Power Station are 背叛情歌, 那就這樣吧, 彩虹, 愛到瘋癲 and this song which I like a lot!



Next on board is the singer of "I am like that" (loosely translated), Jade Liu from China. She sang a couple of songs with Power Station before her solo performance. Here is her most popular song.




After the first half ended, I walked out to buy some food. The second half, needless to say, is the moment most of us waiting for! And im ready to rock again!!!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Manchester United Road To Glory UEFA Champions League 1998/1999

I talked about being a Man United fan before the departure of David Beckham to Real Madrid. To flash back, read it here: I was a fan of Manchester United. Manchester United team of the 1998/1999 season is probably the best team in Man United history. Their never say die attitude can be seen from the great comebacks in the semifinal and final of UEFA Champions League.

Losing 0-1 for 90 minutes to Bayern Munich in the final, Man United scored two goals in the stoppage time of three minutes, through Terry Sheringham in the first minute and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the 3rd minute. The crowds are simply phenomenal. If i were there, I would have lose my voice after the match ended.

Here's the video. Enjoy!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Messi's Double Leads Barcelona in thrashing over Athletico

Barcelona scored four goals in the first 40 minutes before Alguero slogged in the consolation goal in the last minute of first half. Ibrahimovic finished off the first goal in the 2nd minute!!(no comment since I started to watch in the 7th minute lol). Messi scored the 2nd goal resulted from a superb cross from Xavi! Using his chest to perfectly control the ball, Messi coolly slogged in the ball after fooling Athletico goalkeeper. And Alves' nicely taken free kick hits the post before went in for the third goal of the match. The fourth goal was scored by Keita following a simple and good cross by Messi.

Time for second half! Enjoy Barcelona!!



Barca's defense was poor after the substitution of Pique somewhere in the 60th minute of the game. As a result, Forlan managed to add another goal for Athletico though he had two great chances to add pressure on Barca. The scoreline was 4-2 then. Messi had a couple of great opportunities to perform but was harshly tackled by the defense of Athletico. There was one moment where Messi looked set to dribble the ball all the way to the goal from center of the field. His great effort met with a stiff challenge which resulted in a freekick for Barcelona. That tackle should have been a red card!

Second half was not good until the very last minute of extra time. Due to good team effort, Barcelona scored another goal. Alves backpassed to Iniesta, Iniesta returned the ball to Alves, Alves cleverly placed the ball for Messi to stamp his mark with his second goal in the match. Final result Barcelona 5 Atheltico Madrid 2.

Messiah is in great form. Watch out guys!


p/s: This is my own piece of commentary for the match. I may be bias :)