LET'S REJUVENATE FEBRUARY BY BEATING CHELSEA

1. A LOUSY January for Liverpool it was. 5 straight games ended in a draw. Twice against Everton. A month to forget. A month to rejuvenate. Though personally, I usually will implore those who express their feelings as if it’s the end of Liverpool and even thinking of supporting a lesser team, like Stoke City. At least when they lose, they lose it with style. Liverpool draw with style. Which one do you prefer?


2. Not only I implore such deliberation, but urge all of you to sit up straight, walk tall and raise your chin. There’s nothing apocalyptic about Liverpool situation now. The UK media might suggested otherwise, that Rafa has lost the plot, that Liverpool is in disarray. The truth is far from it. Liverpool is ONLY 2 points less than Manure.
   
   
3. What they are facing now is normal for any teams in a season. Man.U had their barren run a bit earlier than the rest, so it is normal to see them bloating now. Same goes with Arsenal, though it must take a serious beating on the top 3 for the kids to overhaul them at this stage. As for Chelsea, well they are more or less the same with us. But the disharmony within the ranks, with Drogba’s mood dictate the game… Chelsea is still a contender, more or less.


4. Now, we must leave January 2009 with a bit of relieve. Thank God it was only draw. What if there’s a lost or two? We could be standing below Aston Villa at the moment. But we did not.


5. Tomorrow, 1st February will be a good day to restart our campaign. No other nemesis could be better than Chelsea. With the lousy January we had, Liverpool will come as the best-bet to lose the game. Chelsea will be the favourite. So be it.


6. So all the Liverpool supporters out there, keep your faith and don’t let the squad Walk Alone…
   
   
   * Chelshit badge was taken without permission from www.Ihatechelsea.net

CITROEN GRAND PICASSO C4 - A REAL VISTA

This is my write-up on the French beauty which was published on 17 January 2009. Sorry I'm lazy to do the translation. For those who don't read Bahasa Malaysia, just enjoy the photos.

DARI segi rupa, pasti ramai akan beranggapan Citroen Grand C4 Picasso ini bersaiz sederhana. Namun, setelah memasuki dan memandu kenderaan pelbagai guna (MPV) buatan Perancis ini, yang nyata ialah perasaan luas yang terhasil daripada jarak bumbung yang tinggi, tingkap cermin yang panjang dan ruang kaki yang mencukupi untuk orang dewasa.
Secara azalinya Grand C4 Picasso ini adalah MPV tujuh kerusi tetapi dua kerusi tambahan di barisan akhir boleh dilipat rata di atas lantai kenderaan. Saiz dua kerusi tersebut bagaimanapun, lebih sesuai untuk menempatkan kanak-kanak atau orang dewasa di bawah ketinggian 5 kaki. Di belakang kerusi pemandu terdapat meja lipat sama seperti kerusi dalam pesawat.
Keluasan yang dinikmati bermula dari tingkap hadapan. Penghadang cahaya mempunyai ruang untuk ditolak lagi ke dalam bumbung, memberikan ruang pandangan sehingga ke langit bukan sahaja kepada pemandu tetapi juga penumpang di belakang.
Sebenarnya sepanjang pemanduan, penulis dapat merasai kesan tingkap yang begitu nyata pada kenderaan ini. Memang luas pandangan! Selain itu, tingkap bumbungnya juga meliputi dari bahagian tengah hingga hampir ke sudut belakang kenderaan (sesuai untuk menonton permainan bunga api!).
Jangan risau soal panas dalam cuaca tropika Malaysia kerana cerminnya dilengkapi penapis filem anti-UV dan anti- infra merah. Setiap baris tempat duduk juga dipasang dengan serombong pendingin hawa.

Sepanjang lima hari pandu uji, penulis perasan sejenis haruman yang wujud dalam kabin. Ingatkan bau kerusi atau pewangi semburan tapi lazimnya pewangi sedemikian selepas tiga hari akan hilang. Tapi haruman ini kekal – sekali gus mendorong penulis menyiasat dan ‘menyelongkar’ panel pemuka.
Penulis menemui satu kotak bertulis PARFUMEUR D’ambiance berlogo Citroen. Menurut Eksekutif Pemasaran dan Komunikasi Brooklands Motors, Loo Yat Min, botol pewangi itu mempunyai ruang khusus dalam serombong pendingin hawa dan stoknya hanya dibekalkan oleh Citroen. Ini lagi keistimewaan Citroen! Tidak perlu lagi bersusah-payah mencari botol pewangi dan melekatkannya di atas panel pemuka yang hanya mencacatkan rupa pandangan!

Citroen memberi perhatian khusus pada bahagian panel pemuka. Reka bentuknya yang moden dengan penekanan pada aspek digital, membawa perasaan seronok memandu (jarang dirasai semasa memandu kenderaan bukan kereta sports).
Meter kelajuan yang digunakan bukan meter tradisional. Ia terletak di konsol tengah yang latarnya boleh ditukar kepada lima warna dan nombor kelajuan menonjol mengikut tekanan pedal (ciri ini terdapat pada Honda Civic dan beberapa lagi kenderaan). Selain meter kelajuan, ia memaparkan kadar dan purata penggunaan minyak, tarikh, saluran radio yang sedang didengar dan jarum rpm.
Butang kawalan audio pula mempunyai penutup. Apabila tidak digunakan, panel pemukanya seolah-olah tidak mengandungi radio. Ia juga memiliki ciri Bluetooh pada sistem audionya yang boleh disambungkan terus dengan telefon bimbit anda.
Satu lagi ciri menarik pada Grand C4 Picasso ini ialah sterengnya yang hanya berputar pada bulatan genggaman tetapi bahagian tengah (lazimnya tempat hon dan beg udara) kaku semasa mengambil selekoh. Bila direnung rasional rekaan sebegitu, ia banyak memberi kesenangan kepada tangan pemandu kerana tidak terganggu oleh bahagian tengah roda stereng. Reka bentuk ini adalah inovasi asli dan pertama kali diperkenalkan oleh Citroen.
Untuk mengoptimumkan ruang dalam kabin pemandu, batang gear tidak diletakkan di lokasi biasa MPV lain iaitu di panel pemuka sebelah kiri tangan pemandu. Sebaliknya ia terletak pada ‘tengkuk’ stereng manakala brek tangan dikawal komputer sepenuhnya iaitu apabila gear dimasukkan ke ‘P’ dan enjin dimatikan. Brek tangan tersebut ‘dilepaskan’ sebaik sahaja gear ditukar ke ‘D’ dan pedal minyak ditekan.

Lampu belakang yang memiliki reka bentuk bermutu tinggi.


MPV ini dijana oleh enjin 2.0 liter yang menghasilkan 143 kuasa kuda dan tork sebanyak 200 Nm pada 4,000 rpm. Enjin yang mematuhi piawaian pengeluaran asap Euro 4 diperkasa oleh transmisi automatik empat kelajuan.
Ciri keselamatan merangkumi penarafan 5 bintang Euro NCAP dan sembilan beg udara dan sesuai dengan kempen memakai tali pinggang belakang, terdapat sistem peringatan tali pinggang untuk semua tujuh penumpang.
Harga atas jalan ialah RM169,607 tanpa insurans dan Brooklands Motors selaku pengimport dan pengedar eksklusif kenderaan Citroen menawarkan waranti dua tahun atau 100,000 km (yang mana dulu). Pelanggan juga boleh memilih beberapa aksesori tambahan seperti Bluetooth, kerusi sarung kulit, rim aloi 18 inci dan sebagainya yang bernilai RM7,700.

© UTUSAN MELAYU (M) BERHAD, 46M, Jalan Lima Off Jalan Chan Sow Lin, 55200 Kuala Lumpur.

NOW WE'RE NUMBER 3 - Thanks Mido!

IT was totally ignorance on my part, thinking that ESPN or STARSPORTS will always broadcast any Liverpool game at anytime. A really test on my physical condition when I had to break my sleep at 3.45am, only to find that there wasn't any live telecast. KHAN sms to me complaining about it, I feel sorry for him though I did suggested to him to just watch Robinho against Owen. But I went back to sleep immediately.

Of course to my disgust upon checking on the Net a few minutes ago, Liverpool failed to win again. This is a bad January for all of us. I can't remember any win this month. To top the bad luck, Chelsea has overtook us on 2nd place. But this will make Sunday's game more than a pride thing (Chelsea to payback their loses last year) but seriously a matter of points and gaining pace with Manure.

It's okay. It's the name of the game. Sometimes we're on top, sometime we don't. But Manure won't be long on top. It's Liverpool or Chelsea for the taking.

WIGAN vs Liverpool 3.45am 29 Jan 2009

Amr Zaki still dangerous. The man at the back no so dangerous. He's no more with Wigan!

AFTER Emile Heskey left Wigan (amid a very funny speculation that he will rejoin Liverpool...), Wigan's front is effectively Arabs - Mido and Amr Zaki. Well, I will not go into arab vs spanish or whatsoever thing. Though it must be interesting to watch this combo, both fiery characters on the pitch. During the African Cup, both were in a hot-soup for quarelling with the Egypt's gaffer. Do the same with Steve Bruce, they won't be long... hahaha

Rafa has cleared the air about Keane's absence. He was in fact, not included at all in the line-up against Everton, thus explaning why he was not even on the bench. So much speculation by the UK media, again! However, in tomorrow early dawn's game, Keane will be given a shot. It seems that Rafa wanted to rest Torres for the Monday BIG FIGHT with Chelsea.

Let's hope Liverpool can repeat their feat against Wigan last year (3-2) when Amr Zaki shocked everyone with his flamboyant game and embarassed Agger. Let's hope Keane score this time.

Will you be awake tomorrow? Do you want me to wake you up? Because I'm taking my off-day tomorrow! hahaha... Life as a Liverpool fan is so good when your office hour starts at 3pm!

YOU DON'T GET TO PLAY, SO YOU WANT OUT? IS THAT THE RULE NOWADAYS?

I read with dismay about two of our players that were speculated to be on their way out of Anfield, simply because they were not played for the last couple of games. One is obviously Robbie Keanne and the other, Daniel Agger.

The UK media had a field day writing their pathetic prophecies about Keanne that is supposedly on the verge of quiting Liverpool and might rejoin Tottenham. The business deal is simple. Since Liverpool only paid cash 50 % of the total asking price of 20 million pounds, so Hotspur will pay Liverpool may be... 6-7 million and for-go the balance 10 million. If that's so simple.

Similar to Agger. Since the return of Skrtel, Agger found himself not in the starting line-up. And he was quoted as saying that he' s afraid that he is forced out of Liverpool (may be like Pennant?).

Is this the norms in the English Premier League nowadays? You're a superstar. Earning 50-60,000 per week and when you're not playing (for legitimate or otherwise reasons), so you have the right to speak up your mind out loud and questioning the manager about it.

The January door is coming to a close in 4 days. May be everything seems to be `business as usual' regardless how depressing the whole scenario it created with such undermining media statement. What we need is calm. What we want is stability. Only then we can create winnings... something most of us have been missing for quite sometime. Too many unwanted draws. Don't you agree more?

* above photo of one most-hated player on earth is taken without permission from the Guardian UK

HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR ALL OUR CHINESE LIVERPOOL FANS

In true Malaysian spirit, I would like to wish all of you A Happy New Year - The year look tough but with strong will and determination, we shall overcome any obstacle.

Such is the celebration this year, I found out that that my children's school will not be open for the whole week! I never really travel during the festive seasons because I know very well that the resorts/ hotel will charge you like you will never come back there, and the vacancy is limited if you didn't plan early.

So I chose to work instead. Let me tell you the good thing about working during the big holidays... the traffic is almost non-existence (except the junctions to the shopping complexes). And the mood in the office is also laid-back, with majority are wearing jeans and t-shirt. That's it. GONG XI FATT CHAY!

And as for LIVERPOOL....

1. Last night's game could be summed up as one of the best moves that I've seen LFC played. The one-touch play looks so weird... looks so Arsenal. That's why Everton managed to give us the sucker-punch with their one and only attacked into our corner!...
   
   
2. Again, Tim Cahill is undoubtedly a brilliant player. He hid behind the post, ensuring his team-mates do the masquerading before the kick and he connected the ball straight to the net before Lescott had a lucky knock. Even that, we're not so sure if Reina could stop Cahill's header. But it was poor marking over all by the LFC defenders.
   
   
3. In the 2nd half, while everyone of us were waiting for LFC to equalise, none would anticipate that 1-2 play between Gerrard and Torres, and the way Torres fooled 3 Everton defenders were sublime, takraw-like for Gerrard to penetrate the back and beat Tim Howard.
   
   
4. Well... we have to go back to the Goodison Park on the 4th Feb (5th Feb at 4am Malaysian time) for the replay. Let's hope for the 3rd time lucky. This is one difficult derby after all !!!
   
   
5. Let's prepare for Chelsea next Sunday.
   
   

BEAT EVERTON TONIGHT, AND ALL WILL BE CALM

1. For the last couple of days, there's a few story on Liverpool ... which I cautiously read it through without a wink of desperation nor hope but simply an entertaining piece of reporting. One of it is regarding a supposedly-Kuwait sheikh who will be buying over LFC from the USA donkeys... and today I read, the sheikh denied it. No, it's not the end of the story as yet... as we know very well that you can deny it today, close the deal tomorrow and it's still consider an effective business (I was referring to Real Madrid).
   
   
2. The other story is Jermain Pennant's rant towards Rafa. It seems the bad blood between him and the gaffer has reached a point of no return. If it's so, Mr Pennant - please leave. We, the fans not really into supporting one single player but more to the team as a whole. You alone doesn't constitute the correct definition of `a team' when you act not in accordance with the team ethics. Why he didn't make the Pompey move permanent is obvious. He wants to do the Bosman and ensure that LFC won't get any money out of it. He thinks it is weird that he is offered to join Real Madrid but still can't get a game with LFC. In a club such as LFC, it's not skills only that matters but the whole package. If you don't behave professionally, well...
   
   
3. Tonight's derby. Probably Moyes will use the same team that stopped Liverpool's advancement in the premier league last week. This simply because all his out-&-out strikers are still injured. It must be comforting for him that, regardless of the short-handed, having a superb midfielder like Tim Cahill can always change the game's landscape.
   
   Liverpool, I hope will retain Torres as the main striker, Kuyt on the right, Gerrard as supporting and Keane on the bench.
   
   The possibility of Everton scoring is always there. Because this is not a lousy team totally. It is important that Liverpool will be able to stop them from winning. Provided Torres don't missed his chances like last week.
   

NISSAN X-TRAIL - A GOOD BUY

Dear Bob From Kuching,

My apology for being late to come up with my answers. The last few days have been an Obama for me! Yes. I was `technically' involved in the inauguration coverage... from my office!

So you're interested in Nissan X-Trail. I shall not present my views in a way that might influence you in any way. So it's gonna be brief, point-form and simple. The rest, you decide lah.

1. It has a good handling, which is a Nissan DNA. You find the easy handling (i.e smooth power steering, acceleration, torque) in every Nissan's model range. This is very important when you want to drive an SUV to differentiate from driving a truck (like me... hahaha). Having a huge body size, you want to have all the necessity features and X-Trail has it all.

2. The current model is coming to its end. The good news is that, the 2nd generation doesn't change that much. Tan Chong Motors yet to introduce the new model but you can find it in the Net. What I meant is that, having a new generation but not much changes in looks, can be a blessing because people wouldn't know. Look at BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. They changed la a bit here and there and on the engine. But you hardly notice the difference.

3. The price is competitive. The 2nd hand-value I'm not really sure because the downturn faced by the local automotive industry is across-the-board. Meaning, every model is experiencing some decline in the residual department. But it is a good news for you if you're looking for the 2nd hand unit.

4. Fuel consumption. SUV doesn't equates to fuel-efficient. You can't compare it to sedan. But having a 2.5 liter engine that exudes 180 horse power... hmmm... you will have that urge to speed and that spells massive fuel. You do the math.

5. Location. I'm not sure if Nissan is having huge presence in Sarawak. I'm driving a D-Max. I know how many it is sold back home but still a bit low than Toyota Hilux. Catch my drift? Being so, my point is that you got to ensure where is the nearest 3S Centre. I'm a bit ultra carefull with my rides, so I don't encourage myself to service my vehicles at any workshop. Priority is the authorised dealer. A bit pricey but they can't cheat you. And if they do, you still have avenues to present your case. Straight to the consumer service of the respective company. In this stiff marketing environment, no car companies dare to ignore your grouses.

6. Point B of the above statement, having a good demand for X-Trail in your locality means you won't have to worry of getting rid it someday because there will be ready demands. If it's too exclusive a model, who do you think would want it? That's why I'm a bit perplexed when I saw a timber tycoon parked his Lexus GS 460 in Bintulu. With that kind of road we have back home, the only reason to have Lexus there is simply to show off. That's not a crime. Yes it is not. But it is unfair for the car. I really pity the car lah.

So, Bob... you decide.

* picture show the `highlight' fix on the roof-rail of X-Trail. So you don't have to install off-market product...

SHOULD WE BUY CAHILL, INSTEAD? A BETTER AUSSIE THAN KEWELL IT SEEMS...

Man.U is a stupid club

Yeah I will face some serious crackers in the office afterwards. But being in my position, the teasing would only come from my contemporaries. Those juniors won't dare to say a word for fear of my wrath (hahaha... the most I can do today is DO THE MR BEAN.... no facial reaction!). Such is the standard nowadays that a draw is unacceptable. I am proud of this achievement.

Based on the posting I put yesterday and the reaction today, I am amazed that not only this blog has attracted some like-minded Liverpool fan within Malaysia and abroad (they come once or twice a month), it it evidence now that we also managed to attract those Manure fans. Regardless of the content in their posting, I supposed their existence in this blog must be welcome with an open arm. After all, what is a blog purpose if people hardly read. And of course I have achieved some kind of a success here, albeit in a minuscule number and those Manure fans would only come here because of my stern and consistent provocation towards the ugly Old Trafford. There's one posting accusing me of CAKAP BESAR (talk big), well bro... I talk big to my fellow Liverpool audiences.

But since you're reading it too, read this :

Liverpool will beat Manchester United at disgruntled-Old Trafford in March.

Now I TALK BIG to you! hahaha...

But don't worry, the bad feelings are confined within the football spectre. Elsewhere in daily life, business is done as usual. Aren't we? hahahah hey Manure fans, come back soon ya! Love to hear from you guys - you, $#!%%$@....!!!!

STILL HATE MANCHESTER UNITED NO MATTER WHAT!

Man.U so proud of leading the pack for only 2 days!

stupid man.u

THE Manure supporters had a field day teasing me yesterday. I decided to just smile without uttering any words. After all, they know that I know that the position is just a temporary, until Liverpool beat Everton tomorrow (starts at 4am Tuesday Malaysian time).

I supposed everyone agrees that the derby doesn't have that much attraction onto us - who are far far away from Merseyside. The only certain thing (as I have mentioned before) the derby will produce a massive competition, hard tackling, may be blood here and there and not less than 3 yellow cards and if there's a red card, it would be a bonus for all.

In terms of serious competition and pure hatred, I still name Manchester United a.k.a Manure as our number one nemesis. All the negative jibes in me towards this team is incomparable. Chelsea and Arsenal might annoys me occasionally. But Manure is consistently.

May be here in Malaysia, the visibility of Manure fans are greater than Chelsea and Arsenal. At least in my office, the Manure's supporter is the same level with us - Liverpool (around 20 against 18). There are 2 guys openly proclaiming themselves to be Chelsea devotees. Also 2 who says they love Adebayor but not William Gallas... (hahaha...)

This doesn't include the ladies. This segment is growing. Some of them admitted that they also stay awake in the wee hours to watch the game. Though their devotion is more towards the looks department (ohhh Torres is so handsome! ohhh who's that Spanish guy... Xabi?... yucks!!!)

Unfortunately for me, my desk is situated closely to the Sports Desk - a well known Manure supporters pit in my office. That's the reason I had to endure some banters yesterday. I hope tomorrow I can return the favour. I am preparing myself for the 4am game. Brace yourself. Call me if you guys need a wake-up call. hehehe... I'll be there!

WHAT : LIVERPOOL vs EVERTON

WHERE : ESPN CHANNEL 812

WHEN : 4am 20 January 2009

YOU HAVE TO WAIT TIL TUESDAY TO BE BACK ON TOP... SO WE SHALL WAIT

The most loved Man.U reject on the Merseyside...

MOST of the time, I try my best to adhere to the universal open sky policy. That is you're free to express your feelings and write what ever that come across your mind. I am practicing the concept here in this blog. But yesterday, one fella who refused to introduce himself, chose to use the harshest words he could muster, touch on the sensitivity of my faith and my place of work. I think this is already crossed the wisdom of a civilised person, so I decided to delete it. Too much venom, too much hatred and nothing to do with football or Liverpool. Just a moment of madness by the unknown writer, showing how small, narrow minded he is. Well, I think it won't be the first and the last, but my action would be the same... click the DELETE button. Talk senseless, touch on religion and my place of work, you'll have it - DELETE.

Well, I won't let that retarded man distrupt my posting, though it is alarming to see those other 3 managed to win their respective games, no matter how late the winner goal was attained. Look closely and you see Aston Villa is doing oh... so well too.

This leaves us no choice on Monday (very early Tuesday morning here in Malaysia) but to down Everton mercilessly at Merseyside. A lost is doomed and a draw is bye-bye which might see LFC goes down to number 3 in the standing. Unthinkable. Why is that Everton such a big problem for Liverpool to defeat? This is according to the UK media.

Personally, I don't see any problem for Liverpool. Last season was perfect for us. The inclusion of some Man.U's reject didn't really bothers us. Phil Neville had to use his hands to stop Lucas shot and was red-carded, remember? Tim Howard? oh yes... he talk big a few days ago. What? Touch N Go? You'll get some drubbing by Torres, you'll see. And what happened to another Man.U reject? I can't even remember his name but he was formely a Fulham striker. hahaha...

TOMORROW NIGHT, MAN.U WILL BE ON TOP OF LIVERPOOL, ACCORDING TO ALEX FERGUSON

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Man.U will be going against Bolton tomorrow night. They were so sure of their form now and thought that Bolton is a gone case already... a team that they can beat easily. So it seems. So they thought.

Tomorrow night also would be one of those rare occasion when we - Liverpool supporter will lend our heart for the Trotters.

I love the way Fergie gloat. There's no one can do it better. He is the best in this field. Gloat and psycho the intended victim. At this point of time, the intended victim is apparently us... hehehe...

IN RAFA WE TRUST (absolutely!)

Let's try to analyse the whole situation involving the so-called `Rafa outburst'. Much have been written and somehow when Man.U beat Chelsea, the media attention was focus on Rafa, instead the usual teasing for the losers. This is the media circus. Yes, I am one of the media member but we only do the circus on political news, not so much football (hahaha...).

I will not invite any academic approach on this matter. Suffice if we can come up with a certain understanding of what have Rafa been saying, what came out and what appear to happen but in actuality - it's not!

1. Rafa said Sir Alex got away free, but other managers who criticised the ref and FA will surely crucified. True or not?

2. Is it wrong for Rafa to say so? Why is it he is portrayed as someone `who attacked' without provocation towards Sir Alex? Why can't Rafa's statement be seen as purely a statement - a real one and not `he who attacked someone else'...

3. Is this a mere mind-game between the great managers? And why did Arsene Wenger chose not to back Rafa on this matter? Is it because Wenger realised that he is not fit to speak anymore as his team is already out the title equation?

4. So Sir Alex said Rafa is a `disturbed' person. That's funny. If you're an avid reader of BPL news, you know very well how immersed Sir Alex with Liverpool. Sir Alex loves to tease other teams. Only this time around, it has to be Liverpool who sits on top of them. Go Figure.

5. Above all, do we really need this kind of attention? Should Rafa stop what he is doing now. We do enjoy our life in BPL - in a subtle way, civilised and carry on doing what we do best, that is winning games. hmmm... (more accurate - not losing any games since winning is something we longed to see nowadays)

Heskey's return to Anfield?

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According to The Daily Mail today, Emile Heskey has agreed a pre-contract to return to his old club Liverpool in the summer. Rafael Benitez is reluctant to pay £4million to sign the England striker from Wigan in the transfer window and has decided to wait until he is out of contract. Heskey, 31 yesterday, left Anfield in May 2004 to join Birmingham for £6.25m.

Now, help me to understand. We have Torres, Keane, Ngog and Kuyt as our central forwards. So where does Heskey will be positioned? On the bench?

What is wrong with Michael Owen? May be because he is prone-injury type, so Heskey is the better catch between the two?

Is this the way forward for Liverpool? Having to resort to a 31 year old striker? Or is it just a way for Rafa to enrich English players within his Spanish speaking team?

There's so many questions about this arrangement. Of course, the main question would be is this story true at all - in the first place. I browse through liverpoolfc.tv but yet to see any official reply from the club regarding Heskey. May be in a day or two.

Heskey is not that bad. He performed well with Wigan - the reason he attracted Rafa and Capello also recalled him to the England squad. A kind of a rejuvenation for Heskey, I supposed.

But when your rivals having young strikers, pacey and agile (look at Aston Villa, Arsenal), turning to a 31 year old burly Heskey seems to offer less wisdom. We're not sure if the good show Heskey has put into his game while with Wigan can be transformed into Liverpool ways of doing things. Is this good? Is this the way forward for us?

Take Stoke & You're Stuck... ANOTHER DREADED DRAW

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Wasn't the draw annoying? It was. (Not the above photo. That is how Rafa sees Fergie...hahaha)

First, all of us had to wait until 1.30am. Then when it ended at 3.30am, we didn't get the win. Worst of all the performances by the LFC squad is lackluster. Though I still puzzled with Rafa's decision to play Kuyt upfront, deputised by Gerrard as second striker. Why Kuyt? What is wrong with Torres and Keane?

I thing Kuyt should have played on the right, never upfront alone. Rafa should have knew what Stoke can do to distrupt our game plan - after all this is the same team that parked the bus in front of Sorensen at Liverpool. However, on home turf, Stoke can be categorised as playing their best game. I think Rafa got it wrong tactically last night. He should be brave enough to sit at the bench and not next to Rick Perry.

Somehow this small club really put on the show when they're facing the BIG FOUR. Though Liverpool `seems' to control the game in terms of possession but every time that Volleyball player (Delap) throw his freaking-long ball, it somehow rattled our goal-post. Luckily, none converted.

The draw disturb our momentum a bit. We should have accelerated by now but the engine obviously is facing some serious combustion issues. It can't fired-up, it can't get any better at the moment unless one Ferrari by the name of Torres is unleashed.

* The shriek look-alike photo was taken without permission from The Guardian UK

A FRIEND OF OURS : THE LATE JOHARI SHAWAL

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EARLY this morning, I received a rather sad news. A devastating one, actually. Johari Shawal passed-away due to the illness suspected to be tuberculosis at 8am, while warded at the Hospital Pakar Sultanah Fatimah, Muar in Johore Hospital. He is buried at his family's hometown in Muar at 6pm this afternoon, next to his father's.

A good friend, an office mate (he was our Chief Bureau in Perlis since Jan 2007) and someone who is remembered most for his cheerfulness, happy-go-lucky and loves his golf. He has been a sport writer for awhile prior to his promotion to Perlis. He joined Utusan in 1993 and assigned to the Crime Desk, Motoring and Sport's desk.

He also used to write about automotive and we even exchanged our respective test-cars, according to our needs... He also play football for the Utusan's club. Some one whom I can trust to deliver ( I was the manager!).

The dreaded disease, believed to have been contracted by Johari while he was in Perlis since November 2008. He was warded there last month. He was allowed to resume his medication at his hometown in Muar and today he's gone. He was 41 years old, survived by a wife and 4 children.

Thank you Rizal of http://rizalhashim.blogspot.com/ for helping me in informing the rest of the sport writers community. I know both of you were good friends too. I believed Johari was the one who introduce you to me during one of my trip to the football matches in the 90's.

He's family address is : No. 228, Jalan Chenderawasih 18, Kampung Kenangan Tun Dr. Ismail 5 Selatan, Sungai Abong, Muar, Johor.

Condolences can be send via his sister, Miss Nor Senita 017-875 6699

For those who knew him, please give him a prayer and Al-Fatihah.

So Long brother. Allah will blessed you, Insyallah.

utusanLFC :

No Liverpool posting for 2 days...

Ferguson: Inexperience can undo Liverpool's title challenge

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FOR the last 2 days, I have been engrossed with my children schooling and registration. Today would be my first day at work after a short 2 weeks holiday due to the arrival of my own `Steven Gerrard'. And I had to return to JPN's office 3 times simply because they insisted on my wife's doctor appointment card. What an experience! I don't recall this requirement when I registered my 2 girls. This must be new. Must be something to do with the influx of foreign workers in Malaysia. Must be related also to the extend of dangerous level we're facing with the international forgery scam. Must be. And I - the legitimate Bumiputra had to endure all those new regulations. Thank God all the registration processes completed today. But no, I didn't register my boy as Steven Gerrard. hahaha...

So only at 2pm (my shift is at 4pm), I can switch on my pc and read some football news. This one attracts me. And make me think.

Ferguson: Inexperience can undo Liverpool's title challenge
By Jeremy Butler (The Daily Sport UK)

Sir Alex Ferguson has started his mind games early this season by suggesting leaders Liverpool are capable of blowing up in the title run-in.
The Manchester United manager is the Barclays Premier League's master of psychological warfare and is using that in a bid to unsettle Rafa Benitez's side.
Liverpool are three points ahead of Chelsea and seven in front of third-placed United, who have two games in hand, but Ferguson insists the Anfield side's inexperience in title chases will cost them.
Liverpool have won the League title 18 times but the last one was in 1990 and Ferguson believes nerves will get to them and cause them to drop points while United continue to haul in their Merseyside rivals.
Ferguson said: 'There's no doubt in the second half of the season they will get nervous. With the experience we've got, having won a couple of titles in the past couple of years, it helps you.
'They are going into the unknown and, at this stage, if you make mistakes you get punished.'
Champions United hope to gain ground on the top two by beating Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday. Ferguson said: 'That will be a big game. Chelsea have done very well away from home but not so well at home, so it has been interesting form for them this season.'
Should United win in front of their own fans it will take them to within a point of Luiz Felipe Scolari's side, having played two games fewer.
Ferguson admits that would strike a major psychological blow against the team widely expected to provide United's main competition for the Premier League crown this season.
The United manager said: 'If we can get within a point of Chelsea and we've games in hand, then we're in a great position.'

So my questions to you :

1. Do you agree with Sir Alex? What would happened to Liverpool if Gerrard is indicted?

2. Can Man.U overhaul a much malign Chelsea?

3. In those games, who do you put your heart into? Chelsea if they win, they still be 3 points behind (provided we beat Stoke). If Man.U wins, they will be trailing right at the neck... So are we hoping both to draw? hahaha

EVERTON IS SCARED TO THEIR BONES... DOUBLE WIN FOR LIVERPOOL DURING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR!

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I was on the way to the Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara this morning when I heard the good news. Good news? Yes. Liverpool will meet Everton in the next round of FA. What could be more delicious affair than meeting the small club? The attraction definitely is brighter than meeting Preston which was speculated by some quarters that they could mount a surprise win on us. Yea... what ever. But in Everton, the excitement is different. As rightly pointed by our fella, Kajang-Today (I don't think he'll change his name... still a bit weird la... hahaha), the game on 24th or 25th Jan is just 5 days after the league meeting. What do you have in mind? A double win against the Toffees? SURELY, DEFINITELY, YES, OUI OUI... hahaha

I tried to log in a bit earlier during the day but it was impossible with my chores the whole day! And I have to stop now. Got to fetch my 2 girls from al-Quran class. See you later.

LSCM on Steven Gerrard

by NANTHA KUMAR

Most of us have reached the general consensus that Steven Gerrard should know better than to get into an altercation with a club DJ over his preference of music. That was Southport after all.
The majority of us, however, do not believe that the skipper deserved all the flak that has flown his way since last Monday’s regrettable incident.
There are many of us who have not forgiven Gerrard for his attempt to sell Liverpool FC down the Mersey when Chelsea called - not once but twice.
None of us would know the real story behind those transfer transgressions until the main figures behind those two incidents leave the club. Right now, Gerrard is dying for a fight back.
His reaction will help the Reds determine how they would like to end the season. The tone was set by Rafael Benitez when he reportedly called his midfield live wire to assure him of his place in the team.
Benitez’s relationship with Gerrard is a stop-start affair and there are a number of us who believe that he would have sold Gerrard to Chelsea.
There also also many of us who believe that Benitez would welcome the opportunity to peg down Gerrard to a few notches just to trim his ego.
Benitez is too smart a manager to take the second option. He would turn this discomforting episode into a classic “us-against-them” siege mentality special to stave off any more claims that his team are ordinary without Gerrard.
Gerrard’s value to the team is indisputable and, if anything, he can be expected to come out battling for his reputation and the club’s title challenge. He has - contrary to his belief - a lot to prove now to the supporters. It is to Benitez, however, the team, will turn to for leadership and inspiration.
The manager is in his strongest position for the first time since his arrival at Anfield in the summer of 2004 - in relationships with the club’s owners, key officials and team’s idols.
He knows, more than anyone else, that this is a turning point in a campaign to land the dream title and Champions League honours. Gerrard’s bar brawl has unexpectedly provided the team a bigger opportunity to bond and become stronger.
There are no complaints with the team spirit that has been forged under Benitez - there are no superstars or destructive cliques in the dressing room and everyone is answerable and respond
to a single authority.
Benitez has managed to impose his work ethics and style of play on the Reds. Watch the more promising youngsters coming through to the first team - players such as Nabil El-Zhar - and you will seen a distinct stamp. This is Benitez’s Liverpool and the Premiership has been warned.

PRODUCED INDEPENDENTLY FROM LSCM E-NEWSLETTER

BMW 135i ( A coupe of its own) by utusanLFC

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I have already fallen in love with the compact variant of BMW 1 Series when we first ``introduced to each other'' in 2005. To me, it has all the `naughty image/ bad boy' ingredients within its design, internal power and charisma. Now come the newly introduced BMW 1 Series Coupé.

It raises the design language so typical of this model series to a new, even more distinctive level. The sporting proportions of the car give it a unique look in the compact segment, the long front end, the passenger compartment – or the “greenhouse”, as it is sometimes called – moved far to the back, and the short rear end clearly distinguishing this two-door performer from its competitors.

Seen from the side, the shoulder-line of the car beneath the window area is the most striking element, while the widely flared side-sills accentuate the convex/concave surfaces of the side body panels. Interacting with the muscular wheel arches, these powerful contours clearly emphasise the sporting character and performance of the BMW 1 Series Coupé.

In its front end design, the new Coupé stands out clearly as a member of the BMW 1 Series: The design of the radiator grille, the kidney grille so typical of BMW with its powerfully accentuated chrome frame and headlights, is identical on all models. BMW 135i Coupé stands out clearly through its modified M Aerodynamics Package. Indeed, right from the start the front air dam with its extra-large central air intake emphasises the concept designed for superior driving dynamics.

The two separate air intakes at the sides, in turn, are subdivided by a dark crossbar and border on slightly flared flaps extending deeper down than the central air intake to guide the air past the front wheels and emphasise the wide front end of the BMW 135i Coupé also in visual terms.

The side-sills of the BMW 135i Coupé also boast their own, distinctive design, an additional light edge reinforcing the wedge shape. Again, this design feature typical of a BMW Coupé creates the impression of dynamic performance right from the start, even with the car at a standstill.

To highlight the BMW 135i Coupé as the top model also from the rear, the middle section of the rear air dam is finished in matt anthracite beneath the bumper, where the integrated diffuser optimises the car’s aerodynamics.

The side sections finished in body colour point towards the rear wheels, accentuating the wide track of the car. A further feature is the dark chrome finish of the tailpipe covers on the exhaust system, while the discreet spoiler lip commonly referred to in motorsport as a “gurney” on the rear lid provides yet a further sign of distinction with a positive impact on the flow of air.

The design of the radiator grille, the typical BMW kidney grille with its powerfully contoured chrome frame, and the headlights reflect the same body features at the front of the five- and three-door models.

Dark-coloured trim bars surrounding the lights create a clear optical contrast to the metal surrounds on the striking dual headlights. The bi-xenon round headlights, together with their corona-shaped light conductor rings serving to provide a daytime light function, likewise characterise the Coupé unmistakably as a BMW. The prominent chrome frame around the kidney grille, finally, adds to the particular style and flair of this compact model.

The rear end of the BMW 1 Series Coupé is equally powerful and striking in its look, distinctive horizontal lines accentuating the sheer width of the car. In combination with the widely flared wheel arches, these powerful lines also bear testimony to the safe roadholding of the new Coupé.

As a particularly sporting feature, the rear lid boasts a carefully sculptured contour flap visualising the short rear end and enhancing downforce on the rear axle at high speeds. And last but not least, the rear end also comes with a third brake light integrated in the rear spoiler.

The subdivision of individual light units within the L-shaped rear light clusters follows the horizontal orientation of lines at the rear, with the back-up light and direction indicators standing out clearly as a white band.

Horizontal light conductors are also integrated into the rear-light clusters, illuminated by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for a particularly homogeneous lighting effect. Indeed, this design feature already well-known from other model series clearly reveals in the dark that the BMW 1 Series Coupé is a genuine BMW in every respect. And finally, the two-stage brake lights varying in brightness and size as a function of brake power are another feature typical of BMW serving in addition to enhance safety on the road.

The interior of the BMW 1 Series offers clear and at the same time solid, sophisticated flair. Dynamic, horizontal elements create a formal connection between the front and rear, with the cockpit characterised by taut but widely stretching lines and surfaces.

The upper section of the dashboard, in turn, is finished in black, with high-quality, natural-looking surface grain further enhancing this touch of quality.

The lower section of the dashboard comes in either black, grey or beige, like the rest of the interior, again emphasising the orientation of the car through its horizontal design and creating a generous feeling of space.

The control console for entertainment and air conditioning is integrated smoothly and harmoniously into the dashboard through its soft radii and flowing surfaces. The Controller featured in the iDrive control system is integrated directly into the centre console, again following BMW’s characteristic philosophy. Galvanised pearl gloss surfaces, finally, are to be admired on the door openers, on the glove compartment opener, on the radio’s rotary knobs, on the knobs of the automatic air conditioning, on the iDrive Controller, and on the ornamental trim strips featured on the leather sports steering wheel.

The frame less window... imagine the convertible variant... wow... (but not on Federal Highway please! You might caught some serious lung problems driving without the air-conditioned!!!!)

The BMW 135i Coupé features 18-inch light-alloy wheels highlighting the car’s active performance and dynamism. And as yet a further feature the BMW 135i Coupé comes as standard with M Sports Suspension and a high-performance brake system incorporating six-piston fixed callipers on the front axle and two-piston fixed callipers at the rear.

Straight-six gasoline engine with Twin Turbo and direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection), capacity 2,979 cc, max output 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm, max torque 400 Nm/295 lb-ft from 1,300–5,000 rpm, acceleration 0–100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, top speed 250 km/h (155 mph) (electronically limited).

The OTR price : RM423,800.

You got to be damned rich as the European footballer to own one, I guess. If not, I suggest you go for a bit practical models that were on the same price range but with four-doors and less sporty suspension! hahaha... This is Malaysian automotive market! 130% import tax and this is a German made!

Preston 0 - LFC 2

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Robbie `KING OF MISSES' Keane...

WHEN most of the highlight was focus on Gerrard, personally I was more inclined to see Robbie Keane to resume his scoring prowess which was abruptly ceased in the Newcastle's game last week. Prior to that, he has been scoring a couple goals. And that is supposed to be a promising, coming to the new year.

Last night, Keane started the game. He had four great chances to wrap up the game before the hour but missed the lot. A particularly poor miscue from six yards with the goal gaping on the stroke of half-time was enough to make every one of us experiencing some anger and deep frustration. I even send a text to Khan : ``Keane lost his confidence miserably'' and true enough, he failed again and again until he was substituted by Fernando Torres.

Ok Torres scored, simply because the captain is soooo kind to him, not that Gerrard couldn't score himself. But that kind of a kind passes, just to ensure your long time-injured teammate got a feel for a goal... is something rather difficult to do, even by our village standard ! (I play futsal, I do pass it to my mates even when I am facing the keeper one-on-one. But that is due to the nature of futsal. There's not enough space and time to muster a dribble. It's all about one touch and quick thinking. So if there's a mate on your left, perhaps it is a better chance to pass him the ball. But in Gerrard's case, what he did was ohh..so... kind!)

Wonder what if Keane was at the other end, could anyone put a dollar bet that he could convert it at all? Not with the pricey 4 clear-cut chances that he miserably missed!

At the moment, I have no feeling towards him. If Rafa wishes to sale Keane now, so be it. It' one thing to say that you can't score any goals if you're not been given a good service (a through pass from the midfielders or wingers) but hey... Keane - he just squandered one chance after another.

And the frustration is reaching a dengue-peak, the questions has been asked again and again... and now the voices are becoming louder. Is Keane the right one for us? Because the anger in us has become unbearable, something that has never been seen before... not even when we waited for Crouch to open his goal account. WHY WAS CROUCH SOLD IN THE FIRST PLACE? idiot.

REJUVENATE THE WINNING OF 2001 & 2006

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F.A Cup in 2001 was won single-handedly by Michael Owen.

2006 it was Steven Gerrard and the heroic of Pepe Reina (also his calamity the first half).

Is there gonna be 2009?... Not really our focus this time, right? It's still the EPL Champion that we're after. And perhaps a good showing in the European Champions?

PRESTON NORTH END vs LFC 4 Jan 1.25am LIVE!

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Preston North End or PNE have lost just twice in their last nine games and sit seventh in the Championship standings, just goal difference shy of the play-off places. They could only manage a draw against Barnsley last weekend, but the 1-1 result may have given Alan Irvine’s men a curious sense of confidence: that of being on level terms with a team who downed Liverpool (and Chelsea, for that matter).

Defensive duo Liam Chilvers and Neal Trotman remain unavailable through injury, as does goalkeeper Wayne Henderson. On-loan Ross Wallace is expected to feature, however, after receiving clearance from his owners, Sunderland.

Meanwhile, Neil Mellor is a chance to line up against his former club. The striker, best known for his contribution to the Reds’ successful 2005 Champions League campaign, will tussle with Jon Parkin, Chris Brown and Stephen Elliott for a starting spot.

The big news is that Stevie G is expected to play, just days after being charged with assault and affray for brawling at a Southport nightclub. Captain Fantastic was not only in electric form on his last outing, but the spotlight is well and truly fixed on him after his late-night fight at the Lounge Inn. The England man will be desperate to get the press and the public focusing on his football once more, so Preston’s midfield could be in for a bit of a battering.

Equally exciting is the possibility of Fernando Torres’ return to action after a month out with a hamstring problem – the Spaniard should be named on the bench.

Some of Anfield’s young guns will get a run-out, with the likes of Damien Plessis, Lucas Leiva, David N’Gog and Nabil El Zhar all in contention to start. Robbie Keane, left out altogether against Newcastle, may also feature from the get-go.

Alvaro Arbeloa (hamstring) and Fabio Aurelio (calf) return to the squad after injury, while Martin Skrtel could make his first start in defence since suffering knee-ligament damage in October.

FIRST DAY OF 2009... A mix of Liverpool and automotive to come!

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With Gerrard's story still occupying the main pages, I decided not to read further. More depressing is that I can't find the preview for our next games against Preston North End, this coming Sunday. Well, Gerrard is THE story now if you're a media man. What made it even more delicious is the fact that Gerrard is the captain of Liverpool, hails from Liverpool and Liverpool is on top of the Premier chart now. Our enemies wishes that the whole Gerrard's predicament will derail our effort to the submit come May. Some even suggested that Gerrard's image will never be the same to the fans but my reply is that as long he is not accused of murdering anyone, I'm not bothered. This is a little distraction, a bit irritation on our New Year celebration.

So, what's with the Nissan Navara picture above? Yes it was taken by me using Canon 400D. And yet to be published actually. May be sometimes within this month. This Saturday's edition will be my review on BMW 135i Coupe.

As you can see, I am still a truck lover. I owned a 3 liter Isuzu D-Max. A mammoth on the road in terms of engine size. However, the new Navara beats all - the biggest size, the most powerful engine 2.5 liter that exuded over 175 horse power and a nice suspension system. The Nissan buddies ask me if I wish to `switch' my truck. I would love to but reality check is that with the global credit crunch today, I don't think I can get a reasonable loan interest rates and also, a sustainable second hand value for my existing truck. But above all, my love towards D-Max never diminished.

It took me a good 12 months before I come to the decision. I tested all the truck available on our market except Tata - which has no aesthetic value at all. And the main reason for me choosing D-Max is for its fuel efficiency. A full tank of 75 liter, you can drive up to 800 km maximum with an average speed below 110km/h. Mine is an automatic transmission. If you choose a manual... there's an annual test made by Isuzu and monitored by independent bodies that proves D-Max can go as far as 1,500 km ! But I suspect they are driving below 100 km/j. In my case, sometimes I drove between 110 km/h to 140 km/h (depending on my mood) and on none-working days I just sailed below 100 km/h.

Because of my job also which allows me to test-drive many-many cars in a month... my truck just register slightly over 19,200 ++ km yesterday. This aspect itself, surely will be a plus factor if ever I think I want to sale it off. Of course the negative factor is that the road tax is almost RM2K. I still not sure what is the current rate because the government did announced sometime ago that the diesel road tax would be standardise with the petrol. Now that the oil price has been lowered, I really not sure. I guess I have to wait for my insurance agent to confirm it for me.

A few buddies ask me about changing their cars this year. My advice is that they have to monitor the nation's economy. Listen to the news more. The global economic problem is expected to be felt within the first quarter here in Malaysia. Though the government, through our `new' Finance Minister is working hard to ensure all the stimulus packages that were announced last year, will be implemented in full-swing. If these works, the impact won't be that dire (or so the experts hopes).

However, my understanding as of now is that, our domestic automotive industry has been experiencing the slowdown of sales since last October (post-Aidilfitri). The negatives are said to be felt across-the-board. Meaning it affected both the players who are the franchise holders (i.e Toyota, Honda, Nissan etc..etc..) and also those Grey Market (Approved Permit Holders) that sold reconditioned premium cars. During the oil price hike in late 2006, the decreased was felt only on the franchise holder. Now, when the AP Holders also admitted that their sales has been affected... it shows that majority of people and companies are controlling their lust for new cars. The warning system of economy breakdown has been sounded since late October, so there is ample time for all of us to adjust. With the exception of a few including the Perak State Government who opted to purchase the Toyota Camry, every one must practice caution for awhile.

There is a positive side of being so. First, if you go now to buy a car... the interest rate inflicted upon you is enormous than before. While 1 point won't make much different to some, but when it is translated into RM60-RM100 extra on your monthly installment, you must do some calculation on your whole budget. The wisdom is that, your car expenses should not be more than 1/4 of your monthly salary. The rest must be balanced between your house mortgage, groceries, child schooling, Astro, petrol etc etc...

Second, your purchasing power is reduced in terms of down payment. If you have a car and you want to resale it to gain some capital, the residual value is an issue based on the car-make. A big disaster if you owned a national car or a korean-car that has been re-badged as national car. For example, for a 2003 Proton Waja the market price could be RM30,000. Now it could be reduce to a few thousand ringgit more. The excuses given by the 2nd hand car dealer is that they also don't have ready buyers.

Third, most of the car dealers are aiming for the Chinese New Year spirits where they usually register lots of new sales annually during that period. Look out for good bargain within this 2-3 weeks prior to the CNY. If you're lucky, you might be offered good value items if you buy a car. At least Perodua (Klang Branch) I have noticed is offering a 32inc Plasma TV for a new MyVi.

Forth, if the sales during the CNY is lousy, the car dealers have to think of something to stimulate their sale. Expect a more rigorous and aggressive marketing ploy among the players. The end benefit is ripe for us to take!

Fifth, if you eyeing for the premium segment, we are hoping the AP holders will lowered the prices of cars like Toyota Caldina, Harrier, Honda Elysion and etc etc. The discount could be between RM15k to RM40k depending on your luck!

hmmm.... I stop here now. So this is a snapshot of what utusanLFC would be starting today. I shall mix my writing between Liverpool FC and automotive industry. Hope you guys like it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!