IMPERFECT

A friend of mine said this, well not actually said. It was what she wrote. It was something like this, "can we really live happily with the one we love after a long time we being with him...if he tends to change to be someone else we barely knew?". Well, to tell you the truth, love is a complex mechanism. At a time someone might feel like he or she is surrounded with love and at some point later, all of sudden those loves just vanish into thin air. And nobody has the absolute answer to this matter. It is like love cannot be interpreted where at certain point, it tends to be like this and at some points later, it tends to be like that. Yeah, we might have various interpretation of love according to our own understanding but all of those interpretations are just plain meaning of love. As a human being, we are gifted with emotions and feelings. Love is one of those emotions and feelings. And in a search of love, we are cornered into looking at some standards and we like to find a perfect match to ourselves. Well, here is the thing. Love is not about finding a perfect person but it is about accepting imperfect person perfectly. That is the law of living happily ever after. Nobody in this world is perfect. We have different qualities with strength and weaknesses differ from one person to others. That is what we made off. So, quit worrying about people might change afterward or maybe turning into somebody who we barely knew. That is life. Full of changes and surprises that you might not be thinking off. Don't torture yourself and resisting changes if the changes are good. Learn how to accept and adapt. Only then you will find peace in yourself and the secret of true love.

A 40 YARDER MIRACLE

A blistering start from Manchester United stunned Arsenal and sent the Red Devils on the way to a comfortable 3-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium which sends them through to the Champions League final. The visitors got off to a dream beginning as both Ji-Sung Park and Cristiano Ronaldo scored within 11 minutes after errors from Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs and then goalkeeper Manuel Almunia. They controlled proceedings for the rest of the first half as Arsenal struggled to make any sort of impact going forward and made it 3-0 after the break as Ronaldo capped a tremendous counter-attack. Robin van Persie did score a late consolation from the penalty spot after Darren Fletcher was harshly sent off and subsequently ruled out of the final after being adjudged to have fouled Cesc Fabregas. But it is United’s fans who can now begin planning their trip to Rome, while followers of the Gunners have to deal with a fourth successive season without any silverware after a desperately disappointing performance.

The big Arsenal team news saw Robin van Persie return to the line-up to partner Emmanuel Adebayor in attack. Johan Djourou got the nod over ex-Red Devil Mikael Silvestre in the centre of defence. United sprung a surprise with Park named in the starting XI ahead of both Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov, who were on the substitutes’ bench. The first of the visitors’ two early goals came in the seventh minute. Anderson broke from midfield and found Ronaldo on the left, before the Portugal international flashed the ball across the face of goal. Just as Gunners full-back Gibbs was set to clear the danger for the home side, he slipped, allowing Park to gain possession and score by calmly chipping over the onrushing Almunia. Four minutes later, the Gunners were completely stunned when United made it 2-0. There didn’t seem to be a huge threat when Ronaldo lined up a free-kick from the right around 40 yards from goal. However, the forward’s powerful, dipping effort avoided the grasp of Almunia and found its way inside the near post, prompting wild celebrations from the away side.

On 18 minutes, a curling effort from Rooney was superbly tipped round the post by Almunia as the visitors threatened to run riot. From the resulting corner, Ronaldo found space to head Anderson’s delivery narrowly wide. It took half an hour for Arsenal to register their first meaningful attempt on target. Nasri weaved his way into space on the left and crossed for Fabregas, who could only direct his looping header straight at United keeper Edwin van der Sar. Two minutes later, Ronaldo had the chance to test Almunia with another long-range free-kick. This time, though, the Spaniard saved comfortably. The World Player of the Year was involved again just prior to half-time, testing Almunia with a left-footed shot after good work from Darren Fletcher. In the 51st minute he was at it again, cutting past Djourou from the right and forcing Almunia into a sharp stop at his near post.Arsenal began to exert more pressure leading up to the hour mark, forcing a number of free-kicks and corners, but they soon paid the price as United scored with a ruthless counter-attack.

After United cleared a corner, Ronaldo linked with Park at the edge of United’s area. Park carried the ball into Arsenal’s half before finding Rooney on the left, before the Englishman played a square pass to Ronaldo , who had made a tremendous supporting run, and slammed a shot past Almunia into the roof of the net. On 64 minutes, van Persie forced van der Sar into a strong parry with a decent attempt from 20 yards. Substitute Nicklas Bendtner struck the side netting in the 71st minute after doing well to beat John O’Shea. As the tie was drifting towards a quiet conclusion, there was a nasty sting in the tail for United. Inside the final 15 minutes, Fabregas bore down on goal from lofted pass, but was halted by a Fletcher challenge, with the Scot making contact with the ball. However, a penalty was awarded and Fletcher sent off, meaning he will be out of the final. Van Persie took an impressive resulting penalty - finding the top corner – but it was scant consolation for the second best Gunners or their home supporters.

THE ARSHAVINIST

Sentimentality amongst the visiting support was prevalent prior to kick-off as certain pockets of Arsenal fans sported their yellow jerseys in homage to the same fixture a score of years ago where the Gunners required a two goal victory in order to secure a league title, on the last day of the season, at Anfield. Twenty-years on and there was not as much at stake for Arsenal, but Liverpool were still aiming to gun down Premier League leaders Manchester United, and could have temporarily gone top of the charts with a win this evening. A feast of attacking football and a spectacular 90 minutes ensued that would have had neutrals everywhere salivating over countless twists, turns, and talking points. Liverpool began the game with great intent and were clearly the side on a mission as early efforts from Fernando Torres, Albert Riera, and Yossi Benayoun inside the first ten minutes could have provided the home side with an early lead. Lukasz Fabianski, though, who had such a howling day at the office deputizing for Manuel Almunia in between the sticks at Wembley versus Chelsea, was hell-bent on proving his worth in front of Arsene Wenger and got hands to all three shots. Despite the onslaught to Arsenal's goal, it was Liverpool who ended up conceding first, as Andrey Arshavin found the net - with the aid of the bar - after some good link-up play between Samir Nasri and Francesc Fabregas inside the area. The Spaniard squared the ball to the winter window Russian recruit and Arshavin made no mistake in beating a flapping Pepe Reina. Rafael Benitez made a tactical re-shift after the break and asked hard-working Dirk Kuyt to move to more of a flanking area on the right hand side, and the switch bore instant results as Liverpool scored twice within ten minutes of the re-start. Some poor defending by Bacary Sagna, who failed to clear the ball in a dangerous area, found it's way to Kuyt on the right hand side and the Dutchman looped in a pinpoint cross that Torres finished off neatly - and strongly - into the corner of the net with his head. Benayoun granted the Reds a temporary lead in the 55th minute with a scrappy goal after some poor defensive work again, this time from Fabianski. Arshavin restored parity - against the run of play - eleven minutes later with a goal from nowhere, as he curled in a powerful effort from outside the box. Three minutes later and the diminutive, finely-balanced Russian international slotted a neat shot under the reaches of Reina. It took just two minutes for Liverpool to equalise again, when Spanish winger Riera found his fellow national Torres in the box and the silky striker's footwork foiled Mikael Silvestre and, even though Fabianski got a hand to the ball, he could not stop it bulging into his net. At three-a-piece the game was not over, and Arsenal thought they had the game won when Arshavin again, for the fourth time in the evening, popped up to score and sneak the Gunners in front when Theo Walcott found a break and both he and Arshavin stormed forward. The former with a cross-field on-the-floor assist, and the latter with the goal that sent the away section into raptures. Liverpool, though, in a finish befitting the spectacle of the evening, restored parity as Arsenal failed to again clear the ball sufficiently, and Benayoun ensured that the Reds - for the second time in the space of a week - battled out an epic 4-4 draw. It was indeed an extraordinary to-and-fro eight goal thriller took place this evening, in a game that will no doubt be taped and replayed to purists for years to come.

LUCKY

Last night, as expected from former Champion League title holder, Manchester United have made their way to the semi-final where they will meet Arsenal who magically won against nine men Villarreal with 4-1 on aggregate. Earlier last week at Old Trafford, they were held tied 2-2 with Porto. United made four changes from the side that started the 2-2 first leg draw at Old Trafford. Paul Scholes, Darren Fletcher, Ji-Sung Park and Jonny Evans all made way with Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov and Rio Ferdinand coming in. Porto, on the other hand, kept the same starting XI who impressed in that match with their coach, Jesualdo Ferreira subject of a touchline ban. The visitors got off to a dream start in the sixth minute through a magical goal from Ronaldo. The World Player of the Year controlled a pass from Anderson a full 40 yards out, took aim, and smashed a shot past helpless home goalkeeper Helton into the top corner.

Bruno Alves had Porto’s best effort of the early stages - just missing the target with a 30-yard free-kick on 20 minutes that had van der Sar scampering across his goal-line in an attempt to cover. The Portuguese side came close again five minutes later as they began to get a foothold in the game. Lisandro López swivelled and shot straight at van der Sar after being fed by Cristian Rodriguez inside the United penalty box. Alves had another chance when he headed Raul Meireles’ free-kick narrowly wide, before Lucho Gonzalez was substituted due to an injury as United rounded off the half with two good opportunities. The Red Devils had a glorious opportunity to make it 2-0 a minute before the half-time interval. It fell to Vidic after John O’Shea had flicked on Giggs’ near post corner, but the Serbian defender could only divert the ball over the crossbar from close-range.

After the break, Meireles came close for the hosts as he shot just wide from the edge of the area after Patrice Evra lost possession, before Hulk struck a free-kick straight into the arms of van der Sar from a promising position.

The home side huffed and puffed but were struggling to create clear goal-scoring opportunities and United were happy to soak up the pressure and attempt to counter-attack when the chance to do so presented itself, with Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney coming close with late long-range attempts. They did have to survive two scares before the end, though. In the 78th minute, Porto defender Rolando saw his header fall just wide after escaping attentions of O’Shea from Meireles’ corner, which van der Sar had mis-judged the flight of. Then, on 85 minutes, substitute Mariano Gonzalez sent a low cross into the congested United box to give López the chance to shoot from 10 yards. However, the Argentinean could not generate enough power on his effort and the Red Devils held on for victory.

Well, to me i guess, the game was not too much of entertaining to watch. It was rather a boring match compared to the first leg encounter. That one was an astonishing one. Both side were playing with high speed and pace and with lots of tactical movements. Last night was somehow far below the expectation. But, luckily the Red Devils managed to win this somehow. It was a close one also. If let say Porto men equalized the score even with 1-1, the Red Devils will have to say good bye due to away goal advantage. But, unfortunately, that did not happen to be the event last night. With that win, Manchester united will face Arsenal and Chelsea will meet Barcelona in the semi-final of the European Champion League.

MELODRAMATIC

Last night was a disappointment for me. My favorite team which is Liverpool lost to Chelsea in their second leg match of European Champion League with 5-7 aggregate. What a total waste. Earlier last week at Anfield, Liverpool lost to Chelsea 1-3. Shock by their defeat, last night the Reds began their performance with a promising one. They lead the game by 2-0 in the first half. The first goal was from Fabio Aurelio after 18 minutes of play. He swung in a free kick on the right touchline but instead of delivering a cross to his team-mates in the middle, he arrowed in a cleverly disguised shot to Petr Cech’s near post and the Czech shot-stopper, who had drifted out of his line towards the back post, was left flailing for the ball as it trickled into the back of the net. The Blues failed to respond as the Reds continued to push forward and ten minutes later, they amazingly made it 2-0. And it was yet again another free kick from the right from Aurelio which caused all the mayhem when he floated in a cross to the middle this time and Chelsea’s first leg hero, Branislav Ivanovic wrestled Xabi Alonso to the ground and Spanish referee, Luis Medina Cantalejo did not hesitate pointing to the spot. Alonso stepped up and took the penalty himself and smashed it to his left corner with authority, sending Cech the wrong way. The aggregate tie was now leveled at 3-3 but Chelsea still had the away goal advantage.

On 50 minutes, Hiddink’s men finally responded as they pulled one back. Anelka drilled in a low cross from the right and Drogba nicked in just ahead of Martin Skrtel to get to slightest of touches to divert it past Reina, but the Spaniard had to be held accountable as he spilled the ball into this own net at his near post. Five minutes later, the Stamford Bridge faithful were up on their feet again when they thought Drobga had the ball in the back of the net. The Ivory Coast hitman curled in a freekick from 20 yards out but it only rippled the side netting. Sixty seconds after that, however, it was 2-2. And it was off a free kick from an almost identical range and distance, except, it was Alex who pummeled in an unstoppable pile driver with the outside of his right boot as the ball swerved away from the outstretched hands of Reina into the top of the goal.

It was indeed game over 15 minutes from time when Lampard stabbed home Drogba’s low cross from close range. Or so one thought. With 10 minutes left on the clock, Benitez’s men sensationally clawed their way back into the game. First, Lucas made it 3-3 on the night when his speculative effort outside the box took a wicked deflection off Essien and wrong-footed Cech. And merely two minutes later, Kuyt set up a tense finale when he easily out jumped a static Carvalho to meet Albert Riera’s cross and nodded a bullet header past the Czech goalkeeper. On 88 minutes, however, it really would be curtains this time when Anelka’s pull back found Lampard, and the stand-in captain smacked in a first time shot across goal past Reina and the ball pinged into the back of the net off the inside of the post.

After 90 minutes of play, the referee blew the final whistle and the Blues marched their way to the semi-final of the Champion League 7-5 on aggregate where they will meet Barcelona. It was a disappointment because one might think Liverpool had their chances to beat Chelsea when they first lead by 2-0 and later on in second half by 4-3. But, it was luck in Chelsea side and Liverpool should never be ashamed of their defeat. It was a dramatic moment though.

THE NEXT BIG THING

I haven't sleep yet up until now since yesterday. And right now my head keep doing its dizzy lolly stuff. Well, I am used to it by the way. I've been watching a reality show called One In A Million. It is some kind of reality program mainly concentrating on singing talent hunt. If you guys ever watched American Idol or Malaysian Idol, basically this reality show is somehow like that one. One In A Million (OIAM) has entered its 3rd season now and the competition has been narrow down to five competitors right now. I only watch OIAM in first season. I did not watch the second season because it was boring. The first season I watched, I was really impressed by Faizal Tahir's performances. He was indeed a talented singer and composer. Even though he did not win the one million ringgit but he was able to put his name as one of the most successful singer in Malaysia. Prior to becoming a rock star singer he was in a nasyeed band. Well, I do not want to comment much about his past carrier. It was his choice and perhaps somehow he had made a wise decision leaving his nasyeed band. As i said earlier i did not watch any of season two episodes. So, there are nothing much to tell. Now, I want to draw your attention to season three. This is the hottest season yet. Well, that is what they keep telling all the audiences. And I totally agree with them on this. Out of hundred contestant, it has been drawn to top 12 contestants. And all the 12 contestants were really amazing singers. I mean, it is really hard to guess who will go out each and every week. And now, only five contestants left, out of twelve contestants before. If I am not mistaken, there are only 2 weeks left before the final event. Meaning, two more contestants will be voted out this week and the next week. The top five for now are Tomok, Ester, Amylea, Nine and Aweera. I hate to admit this but so far in the competition, Tomok has proven that he is worth for that one million ringgit. He is a very consistent performer. And, the judges keep saying that he is brilliant because he could arrange music so well. But the thing is, even though he has great creativity, he lacks of vocal for sure. Me, I am more impressed by Aweera. Of all the contestants, only he has a great vocal and he is only 18 years old. This Aweera boy has a vocal similar to Amy and Awie. A very strong one. And for me he has been doing well up until now but the problem is the judges are not so into him because he kept singing 80's songs. They said that he is outdated. Well, I say this. Aweera has a lot potential in him. He is young and he has a lot to learn. But noticed this as well. He has this great vocal which will only appear in 10 or perhaps 20 years. If we put him in a right track, we will make the next Amy and Awie, only he is much better than both of them for sure. I do not think that if we put our interest in him, he will likely to disappoint us. Maybe he lacks of creativity but hey, look at the bright sight. He is still young. He can learn. You can learn vocal but that would not be much a help. Why? It is simply because, that is what built in you. You can never change your voice. So, between vocal and creativity which one is better? Ponder this.

20 GRAND?

Wow! I guess it has been ages now since the last time i updated this blog. Been a lil' busy though. Have a lot of things to to, errands to follow up with and something to do with study. Well, things have been out of hand lately. Yes, they kind of messy right now but I can guarantee that they are still in control. This coming short semester is somehow bugging me. I did not register for the short semester because I am planning to work. You know, get some cash, spend a lil', save a bit. Those sort of stuffs. But here is the real thing, where should I work? Lately I have been doing some interviews with some companies, fast food restaurants, supermarkets, anything that cross my mind. Up until now, still no reply from all of them. And to make things worst, I just missed myself a life time work opportunity. My friend had a job for me, data entry job. I said, i would be extremely interested since you just need to work from home and submit those data forms by midnight. So, it would not be a problem since i got internet connection. However, due to my miscalculated acts that I thought i could get the job, somehow I lost it. Do you know how much the company was willing to pay to get the job done? Okay, ready for this. 50 a day for one account. All together, they have four account which make it a total 200. My friend, it is not in Ringgit Malaysia. It is in American Dollar. Yes, it is true. So, for four account a day, they pay you $200 in cash and in your account. That would make you top RM 700 in just one day. In a month you will get this much. Owh...belief me. RM 21 000. That is 21 grand chap. Imagine how much you will make in just a year? RM 252 grand. That is much more money you make than a doctor or a lawyer. And, I just missed that opportunity. What a total waste!