Monday, December 29, 2008

protagonists in one piece



It’s been raining cat and dog for the past few days and with nothing to do I just sat in front of laptop and do nothing special.So I had been thinking to introduce the main characters on One piece manga to people who have yet to follow this manga.i hope you all understand my writing(mostly taken from Wikipedia.hehehe).Hope you enjoy reading.
The main characters of the One Piece series are part of the Straw Hat Pirates, named after the captain's trademark symbol. During the course of the story, the group constantly grows. For each new protagonist that is introduced, the character's past is explored, its problems are solved, and it finally and officially joins the crew, which is marked by Oda through a chapter title paged devoted to that character. All Straw Hat members have at least one talent in which they are virtually perfect, and several (especially the captain, swordsman, shipwright and cook) have inhuman strength. Each member of the Straw Hats has a dream they want to achieve. These dreams are their reasons for joining Luffy's crew, and essentially the driving force behind their lives. Each Straw Hat's dream was inspired by tragedies in their lives that involved at least one person they idolized or cared for deeply.
Monkey D. Luffy
Monkey D. Luffy a 17-year-old boy, is the primary protagonist of the One Piece series and is the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. His dream is to become the Pirate King. He is portrayed as carefree and sometimes air-headed and has a huge appetite, especially for meat. As a child, by accidentally eating a Devil Fruit his body gained the properties of rubber.
Roronoa Zoro
Roronoa Zoro is the first to join the crew. He is 19 years old and a skilled swordsman, who uses up to three swords at once, clutching the third in his mouth. He is extremely poor at understanding geographical directions and gets lost very easily. He also sleeps a great deal and loves to drink. His goal is to become the greatest swordsman in the world, by beating the current greatest swordsman, Mihawk, due to a promise he made to a childhood friend named Kuina. On his journey he made a living by bounty hunting, which lead to his nickname "Pirate Hunter". One day he was imprisoned for a month, but Luffy, who had attracted by Zoro's fame among other things, saved him, but only after he agreed to join his pirate crew. Since then, Zoro is also extremely loyal to Luffy, even begging Bartholomew Kuma, a Shichibukai, to exchange Luffy's life for his. Zoro is a skilled swordsman, able to use one, two and three swords in varying attack styles, and even no swords, although he is most proficient with the fictional sword style Santōryū (literally: three sword style), clutching his third sword in his mouth. Zoro is somehow able to speak with his sword held in his mouth; Eiichiro Oda has stated that it is his heart that allows him to do so. Zoro has several sword techniques at his disposal, using one sword, two swords, or all three. He is also capable of fighting effectively with no swords, and his physical strength is enough to lift a building. Zoro also has the ability to cut through solid steel, or materials as hard as steel, which he learned when fighting Das Bones (Baroque Works Mr. 1) in Arabasta. He is also capable of using the 'Asura' technique, which gives Zoro three faces and six arms, thus totaling nine swords. In addition, Zoro can expand the muscle mass of his arms, an ability he often employs to break through opponent's physical defenses.
Nami
Nami is the crew's 18-year-old navigator and the second to join. She has the ability to recognize and analyze even the slightest changes in the weather up to the point of sheer intuition. She is also an excellent pickpocket. Her dream is to draw a complete map of the world. She grew up as a misbehaved troublemaker on an island called Cocoyashi Island with her adopted older sister Nojiko, and her foster mother, Bellemere. Bellemere was a mikan farmer and a former Marine soldier. After after a battle, Bellemere was at the edge of death until she heard a baby (Nami) carried by a wandering little girl (Nojiko). At that moment, Bellemere gained a new will to live, and decided to take them in as her own. One day, the Merman Pirates lead by Arlong invaded the island and claimed it as their territory. In order for the villagers to live, had to pay for their lives. Every month, they would have to pay fifty thousand berri per child, while each adult would cost a hundred thousand berri. Bellemere, unable to pay for the whole family, paid only for her daughters and as a result, was killed in front of them. When Arlong found out about Nami's exceptional skills in cartography, he offered her to join his crew. Nami decided to join Arlong's crew after Arlong said that she could buy her village with 100 million berri. Nami spent eight years drawing maps for Arlong and stealing treasure from pirates in order to save the village. Eventually, she meets Luffy and Zoro and decides to join them, as she expects to get money out of it. After the Straw Hats meet Sanji, she steals the Going Merry and runs back to the village. They follow her to the village and remove Arlong from power by force. Nami then agrees to join the Straw Hat Pirates as their navigator.
Usopp
Usopp is the crew's 17-year-old marksman and the third to join. He is a chronic liar, talented inventor and has notable artistic talent, shown in his painting of the Straw Hat's Jolly Roger and crafting of detailed snow sculptures. Usopp's dream is to become a "brave warrior of the sea". Usopp is a talented inventor, creating the Clima Tact for Nami and the dial-upgraded Perfect Clima Tact. Prior to Franky joining, he is the crew's acting carpenter and patches up the caravel Going Merry whenever it's damaged. He also has notable artistic talent, shown in his painting the Straw Hat jolly roger and crafting of detailed snow sculptures. Usopp has outstanding marksmanship abilities with his slingshot and his remarkable accuracy often surprises his enemies. He utilizes extremely varied ammunition, including rotten eggs, hot sauce, pepper, shuriken and powerful explosives. Using his self-developed weapon, Kabuto, a slingshot connected to the end of a long staff, Usopp is even able to out range guns. Usopp's father left to become a pirate when Usopp was still very young. Some time after this, Usopp's mother died. After Luffy, Nami, and Zoro help him defeat Kuro's pirates, who were intent on raiding his home village, Usopp is inspired by the three, and decides to go out to sea and to follow his dream of becoming a "brave warrior of the sea". Throughout the story Usopp continues to act cowardly and remains one of the weaker fighting powers of the Straw Hats. This leads him to feeling inferior and after an argument over the fate of the Going Merry on Water 7 he leaves the Straw Hat crew. He dons a mask in order to anonymously help save Robin however and later, after many tears and an apology, rejoins the crew.
Sanji
Sanji is the crew's 19-year-old chain-smoking chef and the fourth to join. He knows how it feels to starve from first hand experience. Therefore he will never refuse someone a meal.[ He has a strong sense of chivalry, because of which, he will never harm a woman, even if he dies. Sanji also seems to keep this code regardless of a woman's appearance. His dream is to find the All Blue, a legendary sea, containing every kind of fish in the world.
Sanji is also a very skilled fighter who uses only kicks. He said that this is because a chef's hands are his prized possession and should not be risked in battle. He was trained by the once infamous pirate and chef "Red Foot" Zeff, who had been to the Grand Line himself.[ His fighting style's name is taken from the alias of "Red Foot" Zeff, Sanji's mentor and developer of the style. Sanji's most powerful ability is Diable Jambe, which involves rotating at high speeds, heating his leg via friction until it glows red-hot. This powerful ability enhances his kick and literally burns his opponent when it connects. The more Sanji uses his kick, the more his legs are damaged, but the legs would heal after time. Oda states this is because Sanji's heart burns even hotter. A unique attack to Sanji would be his beautification attack (Parage Shot!), which he demonstrated against chef Wanze. With several kicks to the face, Wanze's face changed to resemble one would expect from the protagonist of a shojou manga. This skill is shown again many chapters later on Iron Mask Duval. As an expert chef, Sanji is capable of preparing almost any dish imaginable, while holding to a strong sense of the aesthetics of cooking. Sanji is also skilled in fighting with kitchen knives, as demonstrated against Cipher Pol chef Wanze.
Tony Tony Chopper
Tony Tony Chopper is the crew's 15-year-old doctor and the fifth to join. He is a blue-nosed reindeer, who gained human properties by eating the Devil Fruit Hito Hito no Mi. He is capable of conversing with humans and animals alike. He is very naïve and has a tendency to believe anything told to him. And he is incapable of hiding his feelings. His dream is to create a cure for all the world's diseases. When creating Chopper, Oda stated that he wanted a mascot who is both cute and fearless. His Devil Fruit gives him the ability to almost instantly transform in certain ways. His first and original form is that of a blue nosed reindeer. His second form's proportions are quite similar to that of a human child, but has antlers and hooves among other things. The third form gives him a werehuman-like appearance and height. It is the most human form he can assume, as it leaves him with only a reindeer-like face and bodyfur to distinguish him from real human beings. In addition to his normal transformations, Chopper developed a drug he calls Rumble Ball, which allows him four additional transformations to use over a three minutes period. These forms focus certain parts of his body to improve his physical abilities. If Chopper uses a second Rumble Ball within six hours, he can't control his transformations; if Chopper uses a third Rumble Ball within six hours of the first, he transforms into monstrous version of himself and loses self-control. This form is called Monster Point and is extremely powerful, but also has the adverse effect of draining Chopper's life force. When he awakens he does not remember anything done during the forms destruction.
Nico Robin
Nico Robin is the crew's archaeologist and the sixth to join. She is extremely intelligent, having taught herself archeology and the extremely difficult Poneglyph language at a very young age. Her dream is to find and decipher the Rio Poneglyph, an ancient stone telling a long lost part of history, which is considered a crime against the World Government. Robin values ancient artifacts and buildings, and she will risk her life to protect them. She has vast knowledge of the world of One Piece, and usually keeps her head during surprising situations, allowing her to logically analyze them without losing her cool. Robin has the abilities of the Flower Flower Fruit allowing her to create copies of any of her body parts on any solid surface that she can see, such as her own body, on the bodies of others or on objects.[ In battle, she most often employs grappling techniques to incapacitate her foe; by replicating her limbs on their body, she eliminates the need for close range combat. If Robin's replicated body parts are damaged in some way, the damage appears on her actual body.
Robin was raised on the island Ohara with her Uncle's family after her mother, Nico Olvia, leaves the island to study the lost history of the world. Her abilities cause most of the other residents of the island to call her a demon, though she is welcomed by her mother's colleagues. She eventually meets Jaguar D. Saul, a giant vice admiral who defects from the marines becoming her first real friend. Soon after, her mother returns with the marines close behind her, and the island and its inhabitants are bombarded and slaughtered. Aokiji, a close friend of Saul, kills Saul for his defecting, and decides to spare Robin and monitor her closely, though she has a high bounty placed on her head because of her knowledge. She eventually works with various pirates in order to survive, including joining with Sir Crocodile as "Miss All Sunday" until he is defeated by Straw Hat Luffy. She then decides that since Luffy saved her life and she has nowhere else to go she joins the crew. After many adventures with the crew, Robin grows a strong feeling for them especially after the events of Enies Lobby.
Franky
Franky originally known as Cutty Flam, is the crew shipwright and seventh to join. He is cola-powered cyborg, who wishes to build a ship capable of sailing around the world. He is a skilled carpenter, capable of building an entire bridge in a matter of moments. Together with the Galleyla shipwrights, he builds the Thousand Sunny a brigantine-rigged sloop-of-war, to repay the Straw Hats and take on the "spirit" of the destroyed Going Merry. The ship is built from an extremely strong wood from the "Treasure Tree Adam", the same material of Gold Roger's Ship, bought using money stolen from the Straw Hats. He is the son of a pirate from the South Blue, who abandons him at the age of ten. He is taken in on Water 7 by the master shipwright, Tom, who built Gold Roger's ship. Along with his other apprentice, Iceburg, they construct a sea train and various other small warships. Tom hold the blueprints to the ancient superweapon, Pluton, which leads the World Government to charge him for building Roger's ship, and frame Cutty by using his ships to attack the city. Tom takes the blame for Cutty, and he is sentenced to be taken away to the Marine prison, Impel Down. Cutty attempts to stop the train, though it ends up hitting him. He reinforces his nearly dead body with parts to become a cyborg, and returns to Water 7 as Franky. He rounds up the lowlifes of the city to form the Franky Family, a group of ship dismantlers and delinquents. He ends up helping to fight CP9 after antagonizing the Straw Hats, and reluctantly joins the crew through the encouragement of the Franky Family.
Franky's artificial body grants him incredible strength, as well as making him practically invulnerable to most frontal attacks. He is unable to modify his back, leaving it vulnerable to attacks. His fighting style focuses on projectile attacks, including an extendable right bionic arm, cannons in his left arm, and nails and fire that can be launched from his mouth. His chest contains a compartment to hold up to three bottles of cola, which fuels him and his attacks. Franky's hair style and attitude are affected by the type of drink he uses for fuel. He can use up much of his cola to launch powerful bursts of wind from both his arms, with "Coup de Vent" taking one whole bottle.
Brook
Brook is the crew's musician and eighth to join. He is a living skeleton, resurrected by means of a Devil Fruit. He has a strange personality, being a combination of a gentlemanly persona and a perverted, crude sort. He speaks in a dignified, educated manner at most times, while having amazingly bad manners, often burping and farting at dinner, and casually asks to see women's panties. He takes being a skeleton lightly, using any chance he can to joke about it. Brook is initially a fighter in the surprise-attack squadron of an unknown kingdom before joining the Rumbar Pirates, which is made up entirely of musicians. The group befriends Laboon, a whale who becomes enamored with their music and Brook's afro. They promise to return to Laboon before departing to sail the Grand Line, though the crew is slaughtered upon entering the Florian Triangle. Before succumbing to poison, they play and record one last song, and entrust the task of playing it for Laboon to Brook once his fruit revives him. Brook's spirit takes a long time to find his body due to the vast area and constant fog, leading to it decay down to his skeleton. He spends a long time alone on the ship, which cannot sail, before being captured by Gecko Moria, who steals Brook's shadow, and forces him to stay within the triangle to avoid the sun. He pledges himself to the Straw Hats after they help him retrieve his shadow. His goal becomes to return to Laboon after circling the Grand Line.
Brook carries a shikomizue, a Japanese cane sword, and is skilled in a fencing style that utilizes quick jabs. Brook is also an excellent musician, displaying the ability to play any instrument at a highly skilled level. Despite being a skeleton, he still processes food and becomes tired, though milk can recover him and heal any bone fractures. His hair has extremely strong roots, leading to his full afro still existing. He believes that the afro is necessary for Laboon to remember him, so he does anything that he can to protect it in battle, which can decrease his fighting capabilities. Brook's lightweight skeleton body gives him great speed, the ability to jump extraordinarily high, and the ability to run across water. Brook can combine his shikomizue and violin to create sound-based attacks capable of confusing the enemy and forcing them to sleep.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Start of the end

I finally come to UDM after three whole month’s holiday at home. It’s good to get back and return to campus again. This is my last semester here and I will finally be able to finish my diploma. After hard work struggling coping with books and lectures at the end of June next year I hope I will be able to get my scroll. Looking back at three years in Terengganu it was a memorable experience and I learned a lot here. Now I need to push every ounce of energy left for this last semester and complete all the work that I had done. All my friends here in TESL course and lecturers had helped a lot in the journey to pursuit success and with that I thanked them from the deep of my heart.

The year 2008 is also coming to end and this year had been a wonderful one to me. Love, friendship, happiness, sadness, all I had encountered. I felt that the time pass me by so swiftly and I did not regret anything for this past year and hope to achieve more for the year 2009.Hopefully next year will bring so much more to me and will help me to become a better man than I used to be right now. So here are the list of the most memorable moment for the year 2008.Some things I felt I should had done better and some things I felt I had done over the limit that I set. What ever it is the year 2008 bringing a lot to me personally and the year 2009 to come promise to bring something bigger and better.

1. Love. I had great time this whole year. A memorable moment together and my love just keep growing day after day. May this love last forever.

2. Teaching Practicum at Sekolah Kebangsaan Padang Air. It was a memorably and fun experience teaching at that school and I thanked to all the students, teachers and staff for guiding me while I was there.

3. Dark Knight and Iron Man. For me these two movies are the best this year and they fulfill the promise they kept before the launch. I’m sure all comic fans won’t be too disappointed with these movies.

4. Pakatan Rakyat won 5 state. It was a shock to the whole nation when pakatan rakyat brushed aside BN and took control P.Pinang, Perak, Kedah, Selangor and still retained Kelantan.

5. Working at Seri MH Ummi. I worked as an operator here at the coffee department and I’m glad that I was able to experience and learned many new things there. Hopefully I can go there in the future.

6. Guess. I finally be able to send my wristwatch to the service center. That watch mean a lot to me and hopefully I can wear it again next year.

7. Inter Milan hired Jose Mourinho in the summer. The special one finally set his foot on Serie A and ready to take Inter to the next level that is Champion League. Inter will bear its fang on Europe turf with his guidance. Forza Inter.

8. LA Lakers entered the NBA final. Lakers finally got into the final and pit against the Boston Celtics. Both team deserve to be there and unfortunately Lakers lost to the Boston in 6 games but the Kobe Byrant won the MVP so there was still something to cheer on.

9. Spain won Euro cup. Spain finally put aside their curse on international level and proves that they have the quality to be reckoned with on international football surface.

10. Flying. It’s been a long time since I took a plane and to fly again it was a fun one. I will always remember the feeling flying with airasia and hope to get another next time around.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Season greeting


Merry Christmas to all Christian people all over the world.this time of the year all people take the opportunity to sit back and relax at home from the work to have a quality time together with families and friends.i bet in US and Europe the snow coming down and everyone playing outside making snowball and the sort of things but here in Kelantan it is a different kind of holiday.It's been raining for the past two days and the monsoon season doesn't seem to finish yet.Everyone just sit at home and watching tv with family as the school holiday still have a week to go.
Holiday or not football still need to go on rite.only English premier League have matches this holiday weekend and the other european league have their winter break for while and will be continued in the upcoming january.Chelsea,Liverpool,Arsenal and Manchester United will have a tough time as they will have 3 matches in the space of 4,5 days.Surely Liverpool want to extend their lead at the top of the table if they can get win from the future fixtures before january transfer window open and with Torres and benitez are fit again The reds can gains some ground over their closest rivals.Chelsea on the other hand need to cope with the loss of their captain,john terry who banned for three game in searching a win to catch up with liverpool at the top.Scolari must find a quick fix to their attacking problem in the upcoming fixtures if they can put a serious dent to title hope.Arsenal face the toughest match of all as they will entertain Aston Villa with Fabregas will not be able for another 4 months.With Adebayor also banned after received a red card in the Liverpool match, Arsene Wenger can only hope that his young side will be able to solve the inconsistency problem that they had so far in the league.if they can solve that, Arsenal can have a slim hope of taking the English premier league title this season.Manchester United, had recently been crowned the world champion in Tokyo will have a buoyant determination to made up the points they have in the two match they miss in the league.If they can take maximum points from two matches ahead they can give Chelsea and Liverpool some headache.
i will be looking ahead this boxing day matches in english premier league as it promise to give an exciting match for the football fans with goals.Hopefully.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Nice stories about sports and animals

Here are some stories i collect from internet about sports involving animal.it shows that we are not alone in this world and we should consider the life of other when playing.These stories quite amusing and can be sad.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP)—Argentine soccer player Gaston Aguirre killed a pigeon with a single shot—right off his foot.
“I kicked the ball and, poor pigeon,” the San Lorenzo defender said. “Now I will be remembered as the pigeon killer.”
Aguirre hit the bird in the 2-1 victory against Tigre in a three-team round-robin for the Argentine league title. Surrounded by opponents, he kicked the ball toward the goal and in the direction of a group of pigeons on the grass near the corner.
A burst of feathers followed and the pigeons flew away—except one.
Several players surrounded the wounded bird as it tried to fly away but it collapsed. Referee Saul Laverni then scooped up the dead pigeon and placed it off the field.

In 2007, golf pro Tripp Isenhour killed a protected hawk with a shot while filming an instructional video in Florida. He was charged with animal cruelty and killing a migratory bird and pleaded no contest.

In 2001, Arizona pitcher Randy Johnson killed a dove when the bird flew in the way of a fastball during a spring training game.

In 1983, New York Yankees outfielder Dave Winfield killed a seagull with a warmup throw during a game in Toronto. Winfield was charged with animal cruelty; the charge was later dropped.

Home Sweet home

it was great to finally have a nice long sleep in my own bed last night.After 5 days in Kuala Lumpur i finally returned back to Kota Bharu.It was a nice experience last week in Kuala Lumpur.Although quite tiring and did not get enough sleep but then i was happy to go there.I did not buy a lot of things just when there window shopping and sent my watch for repair.i had been delayed to repair my watch for a long time and i finally got the chance to repair it but still i got to wait for another one month before my watch complete its transformation.Maybe one month from now i need to go to kl again to fetch it.Last Saturday when i went to Midvalley mega mall it was crowded.Many people went there to catch the year end sale and almost all stores put up some unbelievable sale.i caught one nice shirt at metrojaya at the DC Comics department.The shirt had joker character all over it and it have some line taken from the Dark Knight movie.it was a nice cool t-shirt and i had wished i had some money to buy that but i do not regret at all as i know in the future there will be more cool and nicer t-shirt like the one i just saw.
Next week my holiday is over and it is time to go back to UDM.So i only got like 4 days left in this holiday.i need to prepare some thing first before i can go back to Terengganu.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Downtown Calling

It's been a long time since i went to Kuala Lumpur and tonight i shall go there.I'm quite excited to this trip as it's been a year since the last time i step there.With the year end sale going right now i found that right now is the best time to hit downtown Kuala Lumpur.I can not wait to window shopping around the famous shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur.for me, my favorite place to go are Bukit Bintang walk, Midvalley megamall and Suria KLCC. i'm not planning to shop till drop just going to visit my friends there.The shopping temptation is hard to resist but then i'm already way out the budget for this month. I really have to control from buying ridiculously expensive goods as there are more important things that i really need to settle. I think i can do that.i will be using Airasia tonight and this will be the first time i will be using the lowfare flight and the most talk about company right now in Malaysia.i hope i will have a good time tonight.

A boy named Monkey D Luffy


One Piece is the one of the best manga I had ever read.I had been followed this manga since secondary school and it seem after 5,6 years I still stick with it as the manga become more interesting as time pass by. What I like the most about this manga is because it contain a lot of humor and value of friendship. This manga can be a perfect tools to get relax.I bet you will smile and laugh after you read this manga. I hope this manga will bring even more exciting pirate adventure in the future.And to dedicate my affection to this manga, I put OnePiece template for my blog. I would like to suggest to all manga followers who still do not read this manga, please, you all must have this manga collection.
This manga involve around a boy named Monkey D. Luffy, inspired by his childhood hero "Red-Haired" Shanks, sets out on a journey to find the legendary One Piece, to become the new Pirate King. To accomplish this, he must reach the end of the most deadly and dangerous ocean: The Grand Line. Luffy captains the Straw Hat Pirates first through the sea of East Blue and then through the Grand Line. He follows the path of the deceased Pirate King, Gold Roger, from island to island on his way to the great treasure One Piece. On his way his crew grows to have a swordsman, a navigator, a sniper, a cook, a doctor, an archaeologist, a shipwright, and a musician.
During the course of the story, the crew contends with both other less moral pirate crews and the Navy. The latter are the subordinates of the World Government, who apparently seek justice by ending the Golden Age of Pirates. Many background story elements involve the delicate balance of power between the World Government and the world's most powerful pirate crews.
To this date, Luffy in on the journey to set free his brother Ace from the Navy prison and this adventure will surely bring a lot of fight as the war between whitebeard pirate and world government is set to burst anytime soon. I can not wait to download the latest one Piece manga.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

La Liga race already over?

The Liga race is over.
That’s not to say that there won’t be more twists and turns, and that my debate isn’t worth reading until the new season (heaven forbid!), and that they could be run close. But Barcelona are going to win the Primera Division.
It’s hardly a massive revelation, although it is difficult for me to say, given that I tipped Real Madrid to win the Liga (and Bernd Schuster to win Coach of the Year award!). But Barcelona are just doing it right, and there is no sign of their stopping.
Pep Guardiola’s mixture of youth and experience has undone so many of the frailties of last season, and his squad are clearly responding to his style. Barcelona are going out and scoring chances that last season they would have blazed wide. And what is more, there is the absence of a real challenger.
Real Madrid may be saying that they can still win the Liga, but they will not, and perhaps nobody knows it more than them.Sure, the faithful will point to Michel Salgado’s statement of defiance last week, but let us remember who was issuing similar utterances the last two seasons: Barcelona.
Last summer is a good case in point. “We can do it!” – that was the manifesto. Joan Laporta shouted it from the rooftops and loyal newspapers pressed it into service as a headline.In the end it was, just like a headline, all sound and no action. Barcelona could not do it for any number of reasons: injuries, a lame duck manager, an inferior squad, and above all a crippling sense of self-doubt.
These have all, at differing times this season, plagued Real Madrid, and although Bernd Schuster has been forced out in favor of Juande Ramos this change will not be enough to fully reverse the trend. The injury situation remains too grave; the lack of confidence that bred errors earlier in the season has already blazed its tragic trail; and after holding out for 83 minutes and still losing at the weekend, all talk of an “improved performance” must be countered by the fact that, well, Madrid still lost.
But why the focus on Real Madrid? Keen observers might just notice that there are four other teams between the blancos and the summit – surely they deserve a mention too.They do, and to my mind one in particular does above all others. That is Sevilla. The Andalucians may have just managed a one goal win over Villarreal at the weekend, but they were well worth it, and the confidence that oozed from their play shows that they are not going to be taken lightly in the business end of the season.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Morning wandering

This morning I just happen to pick up my mother’s cpu at KB Mall. Until this day I still do not know why this entire IT expert had to charge up to RM50 just for formatting. It’s quite expensive right but then us as the consumer got no choice just to pay them. I went at about 11 am and I found walking in KB Mall in the morning in weekdays quite a fun as there are not many people around. Although this time around is a holiday but still you can see only a few people shopping there and that in KB Mall not to say in other supermarket. What I like in KB Mall is that they set up this IT Zone in Level 3 where all the IT shop is located here. This creates an interesting environment as the competition for IT goods and service is up and brings benefits for the customer. The price for IT goods here not so expensive and some people might say that they want to copycat the Plaza Low Yatt. I guess they are right at some point. People in Kelantan especially in Kota Bharu are now IT literate and they know what the best is for them. I say this as I can see that the crowd that visit IT zone here come from various background and ages and never stop. In this globalization era, customer and people in IT business should co-operate so that all parties can gain benefits from it. What harm can it bring if IT entrepreneur lower their prices to be more competitive right? Besides if they can give good prices, people will always buy from them and build a nice rapport in the community.
I also take some time to wonder in the mall just to feel the year end sale that is going right now until January. People take this holiday as an opportunity to buy clothes for their children especially for the schools. The back to school sale always brings profits to the seller as education is very important. New Year just a fortnight away and surely all parents are busy buying preparation for their children. By the end of this month, we will expect the entire mall will be crowded with children and their parents. It is an enjoyable sight actually seeing them trying and choosing clothes. It brings back old memories. What a memorable and fun experience we have in school.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Gone but not forever

Yesterday was the last day I worked. Today I woke up and felt happy but empty. Happy because I can sleep more and no more tiring day. Somehow I felt empty as I knew the remaining holiday will be bored as nothing much to do not like when I was working. The past 2 months and half I worked there was an enjoyable and memorable experience I had. I make new friends while earn some extra cash. I also learned a lot from there, learned about coffee business, relationships among co-workers and the value of money .I thanked all the people there that helped me a lot while i was working and learning there and hope I shall meet them again in the future. What I get from there surely can help to live in this world. Little by little; I become the man that I need to be.To Seri MH Ummi SDN. BHD. and the people in BT 14, work and remember me.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

2 for the good

The match just ended and as a sum i would like to say that i'm quite disappointed with the outcome or maybe i'm just expect to much for this match.i expect Barcelona to have a comfortable win over Real Madrid but then the match is even until the last 15 minutes or so.Eto'o had a penalty saved but then he revenge that with a tap in after a corner. Messi, in the first half, he played a good game with fast,slick run toward the defense but then in the second half he seem different maybe he just saved his body and legs from the tackle and challenge from the Real Madrid defenders. Messi in the first half alone had been attacked in less than 5 times.But at the end of the game after a quick counter attack, henry passed the ball to him and he cleverly lob the past Casillas into the back of the net.Clearly Messi is one of the best footballer in the world right now although tonight he did not have the usual game like he had used to have.
However, i would like to complement Ramos and Real Madrid as they had been able to balance Barcelona and only fall in the last 10 minutes of the game.Ramos played a defensive tactics with expect counter attack once a while but they had played well and organized at midfield and in defense. Casillas for me is the best player for Real Madrid.He saved a penalty and on several other occasions. gago also had done well in keeping the midfield force of Barcelona at bay.
This derby maybe lack in goals with just 2 goals scored by Eto and Messi but still both team in the second half battle each other in the midfield and with Barcelona played their usual direct attacking passing football.Full praise to Barcelona for this win and they extend their lead at the top of the table.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

just a friendship quote

"Best friends are like diamonds, precious and rare
False friends are like leaves, found everywhere."

i just pickup this quote from internet.this one is quite meaningful and surely it touches everyone that been in that situation.i mean everyone as everyone at least,at least have a friends if not many.Actually i do not have anything to write as I'm quite exhausted, sleepy but then tonight the great derby el classico will be played at Nou Camp so i need every last energy to watch that game.i had been drinking two coffee this morning before going to work maybe i need one or maybe two more to stay up late.Happy watching football fan and for barcelona fans,tonight will be your night.

Friday, December 12, 2008

The soccer lover’s holiday gift guide

1. Retro fitted
The North American Soccer League was part sports league, part traveling circus. The ringmasters were the New York Cosmos, of course, laden with icons like Pele and Franz Beckenbauer. But there were other teams and other legends, such as the Washington Diplomats’ Johan Cruyff and the L.A. Aztecs’ George Best. Now that soccer jerseys are fashionable – even Snoop Dogg wears them – nothing is cooler than an NASL retro jersey. Available at Toffs.com.
2. Bend it like Marta
Forget Beckhamania. Martamania, as in Marta the Brazilian midfielder who is set to play for the Los Angeles Sol when the new Women’s Professional Soccer league kicks off in April. The WPS also has teams in Boston, New York, D.C., Chicago, St. Louis and the Bay Area. And, unlike some other sports, a season ticket won’t require a new mortgage. A full-season ticket to the Boston Breakers, for example, starts at $130 to the Sol at $125. (Bonus: Most teams are offering holiday specials.) Available at WomensProSoccer.com.
3. Video screening
Ask around and you’ll learn the difference between Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 and EA’s FIFA Soccer. In short, PES is cooler. Mind-blowingly realistic, with constantly updating tactics and the “Become a Legend” mode in which a gamer can control a chosen player throughout his career, PES is for the true soccer lover. Konami has recently signed a deal with the UEFA Champions League, so playing with Manchester United or Real Madrid is always possible. Available at Amazon.com.
4. A Blanco slate
With his henchman looks and hunchback frame, Chicago Fire midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco doesn’t grace Armani billboards like David Beckham does. But a Fathead poster of the Mexican legend will look great on any bedroom wall, life-sized and caught on the verge of producing the kind of magic that only the Aztec god can produce. OK, yes, Beckham is available, too. Available at Fathead.com.
5. The Ice Man Playeth
Back in the ’70s, Subbuteo was what passed for “gaming.” It might not be as realistic as, say, PES 2009, but flicking those little men provided hours of good times. Today, the cult of Subbuteo still thrives with tournaments worldwide. The Subutteo Flick and Kick Ice Tray molds fully functional playing figures that may not help aficionados keep their cool when the heat is on, but they will keep the Gatorade chilled. Available at CuteGadgets.co.uk.
6. The envelope, please
Sure, most soccer fans have seen “Victory,” the 1981 film about a team of Nazi prisoners who play against the German national team. But true soccer lovers own it. Here are just a few reasons why: 1) It was directed by Oscar-winner John Huston, 2) Sylvester Stallone actually steals a scene from Michael Caine more than once and 3) the fictional prisoners’ team could’ve won the real World Cup – Pele, Bobby Moore and Ossie Ardiles, to name a few of the players. Available at MoviesUnlimited.com.
7. Blowing it
Painful as it is to admit for most soccer players, even referees deserve some holiday cheer. The Acme Model 58 “Fat Boy” is the bazooka of whistles. So even though it won’t stop that special referee in your life from making bad calls, it will let him or her make them with a little more authority. Available at KuzSports.com.
8. Add to the trophy case
The Jules Rimet trophy is the most coveted piece of hardware in team sports. Think about it: Every four years, a couple billion people watch the World Cup final to see who will lift it and give it a celebratory kiss. This three-inch World Cup replica trophy is perfect for any young player who wants to practice so he or she is ready for the real thing a few years from now. Available at SubsideSports.com.
9. What a card!
You can’t wear a Manchester United jersey to a cousin’s wedding, unfair as that is, but getting gussied up doesn’t mean you have to check your passion at the door. These colorful Red and Yellow Card cufflinks always make the right call. And having a red card handy is good when your wacky aunt asks for a dance. Available at CufflinksWorld.com.
10. Soccer rocker
Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo is a soccer freak (can’t say it ain’t so!), and prior to the 2006 World Cup, he composed a theme song for the U.S. national team titled “My Day Is Coming.” He name-checks most of the players, including Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, and rumor has it the federation declined to use the song. Now he’s released it on “Alone II,” a collection of previously unheard home recordings. Available on iTunes.
11. Buckle up
Belt buckles were once the province of cowboys, NASCAR fans and the Dukes of Hazard. But today, they express our passions more than just about any other clothing. These MLS belt buckles are the real deal, from D.C. United’s “Screaming Eagle” to the New England Revolution’s waving flag. Available at BuckleShop.com.

el Classico

Tomorrow night, all football fan will be gearing up to watch a must see derby between Real Madrid and Barcelona at Nou Camp. These two club are without a doubt two greatest club in the world with all the history,all the silverware and all the players that had played there.
Right now, Barcelona seem to have the upper hand coming to this derby as they had been playing superbly in recent week. Although they lost in the mid week in the champion league , Los cules can be forgiven as they rested almost all the star player on that night and give the chance to the youngster to gain experience.Barcelona played a very entertaining style of football with attacking on wide position and direct, quick of passing.Yes, some people argue that their defense might still have some problem but if they control more than half the possession, when do the opponents have the chance to attack right?Besides, attacking is the best defense.Messi, the prodigy star who been labeled the next Maradona tormenting the opponent defense time after time with slick run and world class dribbling, the attacking force of Barcelona should be fear.
Real Madrid on the other hand is in the crisis.Juande ramos just replacing Bernd Schuster after Bernd said last week that it was impossible for them to win in Nou Camp.Ramos is famously known for his sacking at Tottenham and Sevilla.He had been sacked after a series of defeat in English Premier League which put Totthenham at the bottom of the table.But, in Spain Ramos is hailed one of the great managers where he guided Sevilla to become one of the Europe elite. Real Madrid face a mountain high task in catching with Barcelona as Robben, Marcelo will be out because of suspension while Heinze,Pepe,Nisterooy are all face a long injury.
My prediction is Barcelona will win this match by 2 goal or maybe more margin.As they will be playing at home ground with full squad available to them.This match always bring exciting and world class football to the fan.All fan around the world can not wait to watch this derby and hopefully we will not be disappointed.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Inter in Europe stage

Inter fell once again at a European hurdle on Tuesday night in losing to Werder Bremen in the Champions League.

Of course this was no major problem for Jose Mourinho's side: they had, of course, already qualified for the next stage.

Yet it is the case that they will now be placed into pot two of seeds for the next round, meaning that group winners, rather than runners-up, will comprise their potential opponents.

This is a worrying development for a Nerazzurri side eager to break their European duck, and given that former coach Roberto Mancini was castigated for his failure to do so last season the future could be bleak for the current side.

On the other hand it may be the case that Inter bring their domestic form onto the continental stage after the New Year.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Black and Blue is the color.

Inter won by three goal margin against Lazio this weekend at Rome. Inter had played well so far this season when playing away. With this latest win, Inter had increased the point ahead of Milan and Juventus. Argentine defender Walter Samuel headed in a Sulley Muntari cross to set the champions on their way in the second minute and Lazio centre back Mobido Diakite found his own net when trying to cut out a Maicon pass on the stroke of halftime.Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who produced some delightful touches throughout, nodded in 10 minutes after the break to make sure Inter keep a tight grip on the top spot

Inter surely can gain more point before the winter break in January. In the upcoming fixtures,Mourinho finally can have full squad as all the players had recovered from injuries.Figo,Samuel,Cordoba,Chivu and Viera are all had come from injuries and recently can match fitness. With this line up, Inter surely once again can stay on top of the table and be crowned champion of Italy. Next agenda for Mourinho is conquering Europe. Inter still need to a lot of work in the champion league. Although Inter had qualified from the group phase the true challenge is the second round of the champion league. Hopefully, the players can gain their true form this coming February. Forza Inter

Selamat Menyambut Aidiladha

Hari ini umat islam di seluruh Negara menyambut hari raya aidiladha ataupun dipanggil juga sebagai hari raya haji.Pada kebiasaannya umat islam akan melakukan ibadat korban selepas sembahyang raya.Ibadat korban dijalankan sempena mengingati peristiwa Nabi Ibrahim A.S yang telah diperintahkan untuk menyembelih sendiri anaknya iaitu Nabi Ismail A.S oleh Allah S.W.T. Ibadat ini adalah satu simbolik kepada pengorbanan dan ketakwaan kepada Yang Maha Esa.
Dalam melakukan ibadat korban, umat islam dapat merapatkan hubungan sesame sendiri disamping dapat menambahkan lagi ketakwaan kepada Allah dengan bersedekah daging yang telah dikorban kepada yang memerlukan.Aidiladha merupakan hari yang lebih utama daripada Aidilfitri.Disamping melakukan ibadat korban, hari raya ini juga merupakan hari untuk meraikan umat islam yang melakukan ibadat haji di Mekah.Umat Islam dibenarkan bertakbir selama 3 hari yang dinamakan juga sebagai hari-hari tasyrik
Di Kelantan, memandangkan sekarang ini musim tengkujuh, hari raya haji tetap disambut dengan meriah meskipun terpaksa menghadapi kemungkinan banjir.Dengan angin yang kuat serta hujan yang turun dalam seminggu dua ini, penduduk di sini mengambil langkah berjaga-jaga.
Semoga Hari raya kali ini membawa berkat dan mendapat keredhaan daripada Allah S.W.T.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Ballon D' Or and The Gunners

Cristiano Ronaldo had won the Ballon d’Or

Why is Cristiano Ronaldo a deserved winner? There are two major reasons. First of all, there is no denying that Ronaldo had a quite astonishing 2007-08 season. Forty-two goals in all competitions, top scorer in England, the Champions League and European club football, as well as a conqueror of the Premier League and Champions League – this all amounts to a winning hand.
The second major reason, which is just as important as the first and has been almost completely overlooked so far, is the fact that there are no other valid candidates. The disastrous performances of Italian and Spanish teams in Europe last season means that, based on their clubs only, there are no players from these countries who deserve to win the Golden Ball. This leaves just English-based players and, let’s be honest, no one did more from these shores than Ronaldo.
Thus the only team members with a realistic chance of wrestling the trophy from Ronaldo were those from Euro 2008 winners Spain. Iker Casillas was heroic for Real Madrid on their way to the Primera Division, and he was also decisive at the Euros, particularly in the penalty-shootout win over Italy. However, he destroyed his chances with a dreadful start to the current club campaign. Marcos Senna was undoubtedly the best player at Euro 2008, but it is rare for a defensive midfielder to win the award, especially when he plays for little Villarreal.
Xavi didn’t have much of a leg to stand on due to Barcelona’s struggles last term, David Villa’s importance at the Euros was overstated (he did absolutely nothing after the group stages), which left just the goal scorer in the final, Fernando Torres, who in my opinion is probably the best placed to challenge Ronaldo.
So there you have it, Ronaldo deserved to win the Ballon d’Or this season, as much due to his outstanding achievements as to the fact there were virtually no candidates standing against him. I would compare this to Barack Obama’s election as President of the United States. He won, not just because he was a refreshingly exceptional contender, but also because he had an old no-hoper of a 72-year-old in John McCain running against him.
So Ronaldo will go down in the history books as a winner of the Ballon d’Or, but will he be remembered as one of the all-time greats of the game?
Of course, at the age of just 23, it is impossible to tell just yet. But one thing is for certain: Unless Ronaldo starts shining against the top teams/players, and in the big matches and international tournaments, then he can never be mentioned in the same breath as some of the legends of days gone by.
Is Ronaldo a big-game flop? Based on what we have seen from his career so far, the answer is most certainly leaning towards yes.
The Portuguese’s only saving grace, out of dozens of important matches, was his goal in the Champions League final against Chelsea, a game in which he was anonymous for large spells and, having missed a penalty in the shootout, would have been the villain had John Terry not slipped on his match-winning spot kick.
The idea of Ronaldo freezing on the big occasion is not a myth; it is a reality dating back almost five years now. In the Champions League, Ronaldo has offered pathetic displays in successive semifinals against Milan and Barcelona, embarrassingly overshadowed in both legs by Kaka and Lionel Messi, and owned by Rino Gattuso and Gianluca Zambrotta, respectively. In 2004-05, Ronaldo barely got a kick against a still-brilliant 36-year-old Paolo Maldini when Milan eliminated United in the first knockout round. I was at both games, and it was emphatic.
Much has been said about Ronaldo’s exploits in the Champions League, but what has been almost completely forgotten is that only as recently as 2007, even the English media, who have hyped the player to shameless proportions, regarded Ronaldo as something of a European underperformer. Prior to Man United’s famous 7-1 quarterfinal second-leg thrashing of Roma on April 10, 2007, Ronaldo had scored just one goal in 34 Champions League appearances, 28 of these in a United shirt.
Internationally, Ronaldo’s record is not too smart otherwise. He was to blame for Portugal’s shock 1-0 defeat to Greece in the final of Euro 2004 when he missed an easy one-on-one chance. In the 2006 World Cup, when the big knockout matches against England (quarterfinal) and France (semifinal) came along, Ronaldo went missing. At Euro 2008 it was much of the same. When it really mattered in the last eight against Germany, Ronaldo disappeared once again. For those who argue that Portugal are not a big side, well there wasn’t a more talented team on their side of the draw in Austria and Switzerland.
Ronaldo has scored 21 goals in 59 international appearances – a decent record. But take a closer look at who these goals were against: Latvia, Estonia, Russia (2), Luxembourg, Slovakia, Estonia, Greece, Saudi Arabia (2), Iran, Azerbaijan (2), Kazakhstan (2), Belgium (2), Armenia, Czech Republic, Poland, and Holland. With the exception of the Netherlands, it is no coincidence that Ronaldo has failed to score against the superpowers of world football – the Brazils, Argentinas, Italys, Englands, Frances, Spains and Germanys of this world. Only a fortnight ago, Ronaldo was quite abysmal as Portugal were thrashed 6-2 by Brazil in a friendly and he became so frustrated he resorted to a host of dangerous tackles.
Ronaldo is a deserved winner of this year’s Golden Ball, but unless he starts shining in the big games against the better players, he will not qualify as a legend at the end of his career. Consistency over a season is a quality that is often underplayed when deciding the Ballon d’Or winner, but the greats are remembered for performing on the big stage and when it really matters. Would Diego Maradona be regarded as the greatest of all time if he had led Napoli to the Serie A title but had flopped at the 1986 World Cup? Would Pele be considered as a great had he scored his mythical 1,281 goals, but had done nothing at the 1958 and 1970 World Cups?
The answer in both cases is no.
Determination or just sheer of luck
Last Sunday we saw that The gunners beat Chelsea in Stamford Bridge coming from a goal down with both goals scored by Robin Van Persie. It was a shock defeat to Chelsea as Arsenal came to this match with the underdog tags as recent week they had been in a turmoil condition from gallas infamous saying and under achievement performance in the league.But that night Arsenal proves that they have what it takes to challenge the top team like once they did it before.Maybe this squad is not as strong as the unbeaten ones like the good old days but surely they have some young bright players that going to have an excellent future if under the right guidance.Arsenal in that match manage to keep their style of play although their are playing in heavy pressure from chelsea and fan in Stamford bridge.Their defense played absolutely amazing in keeping out the chelsea attackers and the midfield lead by fabregas the captain able to absorb all the pressure . Arsene Wenger after the game comment that gallas played an amazing game that night and he kept his professionalism after recent incidents. Adebayor also added in the post game comment that that game sent out the message to the rest of the team that Arsenal should not be taken lightly.
However, last night, the young guns had been beaten by Burnley by two goals in the league cup competition.yes, it is only the league cup but if Arsenal can win this cup maybe they can somehow repair the damage inside them but then arsene Wenger still continue to use the young player in this cup.The problem with Arsenal this season is lack of depth and inner problem.They also lack of consistency.They win big game like Manchester United and Chelsea but then lost to Stoke and Hull city.The three points they win in Stamford bridge is just the same like the three points they should had won from Hull City.So, if wenger can repair this damage before January and i think form the chelseas game some of the damage had been repair, maybe arsenal can put some hope in the title chase.

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