i bought new toys...

My tripod died on me when I made a trip to shoot this on the third day of CNY, at night.

Lens: EF 50mm f/1.8
Location: KIA (Kuching International Airport), Sarawak.

arsenal demolished, liverpool crashed, dwight howard takes flight

Arsenal was demolished by on song Manchester United 4 goals to nil.

Bouncing back from a derby defeat at the hands of Manchester City, the Red Devils rebounded from the dismal defeat last weekend by crushing 4 goal into Arsenal's goal mouth. The rout started with Wayne Rooney's header in the 16th minute. Darren Fletcher had a brace, one at each half, and Portuguese winger Nani completed the rout.

Glory.. glory.. Wayne Rooney celebrates with fellow goal scorer Luis Nani.
Photo source: Daily Mail

Arsenal was short handed at the same time, they were without current first choice keeper Almunia. Former first choice Jens Lehman manned between the sticks. The Gunners left their leading scorer Adebayor on beach. Ronaldo, on the other hand, was rested due to stomach upset.

Nani scores.
Photo source: Daily Mail

Both team made five changes from their last lineups, as they have tricky encounters ahead next week in the Champions League clash. Manchester United will play against Lyon, while Arsenal will meet European giant AC Milan.

On the other hand, Liverpool's woeful form continues as they were sent to a shocking defeat by a lowly Barnsley. I watched the last 10 minutes of the game, and there was no shortage of excitement.

Liverpool was held at a goal apiece at that point. They were desperate for the victory, a boost they needed ahead of their Champions League clash with Inter Milan. They pressed on for that winning goal. But it was Barnsley on-loan keeper, Luke Steele, who stood firm between Liverpool attackers and the goal. He was showing amazing form to stop the endless shots from the Merseyside. Some heroic displays from the Barnsley defenders earn some praises too.

Luke Steele, man of steel against Liverpool
Photo source: Daily Mail

Heading into the injury time, Barnsley had a couple of chance to deliver the finishing blow to Liverpool, and they made most from those rare chances.

Howard scoring the last gasp winner against Liverpool.
Photo source: Daily Mail

Just seconds after having their penalty appeal waved off, Barnsley skipper kept his composure, worked his tricks through Liverpool defenders and hit a volley past Liverpool keeper, Charles Itandje, in the lower left corner.

Everyone was in disbelief, especial the Anfield faithfuls. I jumped out from the couch and let out a silent roar of joy. (Mind you, I couldn't shout that loud that time, it was near 1a.m. already. Parents are asleep already).

I was happy to wait for the live match between Manchester United and Arsenal, but then, I couldn't really finished the match. I saw Rooney's opening goal, barely noticed Fletcher's first goal. I dozed off at a point, when I woke up again, it was already 3 goal-cushion for M.U. I went to sleep after that. Haha.

And I just watched NBA All-Star Weekend on ESPN. One of my favorite events all year round. I think I enjoy watching this than the All-Star game, which is to be played tomorrow.

Too bad I missed out on the action for Skills Challenge and 3-point shootout. I was out, but I was lucky to be in time for the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest. If you have missed the action, it's worthwhile to catch the replay. Watch Dwight Howard! He's the MAN! He's da' superman!!

He totally blew the minds away with his creativity and the execution on all his dunks! I just can't put them in words. You gotta watch it yourself.

Dwight "Superman" Howard - Sprite Slam Dunk Contest 2008 Champion.
Photo source: NBA.com

The contest was almost over before it ended, almost like how Vince Carter won it in year 2000. Vince Carter set a high standard back then, but Dwight Howard raised the bar even further this year. It's really amazing to see a man with his height to 'fly' this high.

For other results, Team San Antonio won Shooting Star contest, Deron Williams dethroned Dwayne Wade in the PlayStation Skill Challenge, while Jason Kapono defended his title in Foot Locker 3-point Shootout, by holding off a challenge from rising star Daniel Gibson.



End Note: All above review is written with my own words. Allen.

expensive romance & english greed

I was greeted by an email from my former colleague this morning, with the subject Romantic Proposal.

What I was about to read next was rather shocking, at least to me.

It's at the front page of today's The Star newspaper anyways -- Ad exec stuns girlfriend with RM 54,000 marriage proposal.

Photo from the star: online.

Click here to read the online story.

A 26-year-old ad exec David forked out RM54k for his marriage proposal to a 24-year-old businesswoman Kelly. This David dude must be have deep pocket to do this proposal. Darn.

If you look beyond this hurrah, this David dude is working with an ad firm, so I can bet he would have a discounted rate for the quoted RM 40,000 billboard, with his so handsome portrait printed there. Oh, I got carried away a bit.

What I want to say is, the sum he has spent on a marriage proposal, I personally think it's too much. Dude, you could buy a (national) car with that kind of sum! But if they're stepping to the happily-ever-after phase happily, then congrats, and be blessed! I think that big portion of money can be channeled to the needy, or some charity organization.

I seriously think it's a waste. Too much of fantasy, and probably idol drama (偶像剧) overdose, I guess. Sigh.

He's 26, and I'm 26 this year. That's the only thing we have in common, oh, and we both wear specs too.

Sigh.



On other note, in England, the League plans to go global in the upcoming season. They plan to add a 39th game to the regular season. (The Barclay English Premier League have the teams play 38 games each season)

But, this 39th game, is to be played across the globe. Teams may be required to fly across half the planet to play this game.

This lunatic proposal is most probably driven by greed from the top management. Top managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are fuming about it.

Obviously teams' performance isn't taken into account when they propose this.

Nuts!

picture of the day: valentine's edition

Featuring Tim & Ting.
Lens: EF 50mm
Location: Padungan, Kuching, Sarawak.

spread the love

Spread the love everyone! It's Valentine's Day! :-)



You'll get to see people selling a lot of these on a temporary setup stalls by the roadside, everywhere!

And gifts like this too.

And all kinds of cards...

It's getting commercialized every year, isn't it?

When Valentino gets his Valentine..

Just For You: Don't be disappointed on the journey in life. There are friends in the world. Seize your chance and value your..

Weird, the whole thing is incomplete.

I wonder where my sweetheart is. It's been so long...

Boy, I wish I have someone to share this special occasion with. Just like this cute pair.

Anyways...


Happy Valentine's Day!