A golden moment with LFC's legends 9 December 2011

Up Close & Personal with Thommo (3rd from left) and Kenny Dalglish (3rd from right) during the special meet with the media at Knowsley Hall, Prescot in Liverpool on 9 Dec 2011. (Just got the photo from Mdm Norliza Kamaruddin (middle)

The REAL unsung hero: Martin Skrtel

 The REAL unsung hero of Liverpool FC. The last man, the fierce-looking bad-ass. The tormentor. The stopper. He is Martin Skrtel.

Skrtel plunged into the net in his successful clearance of the Newcastle's forward, Demba Ba when it was 2-1 and it is every body's guess what could have happened if the ball went in. Thank You Skrtel.                    

The match started at 3.50am Malaysian time and I put my alarm-clock at 3.55am. No, I didn't miss anything as the real fight happened in the second halves. Mind you, I had to dash to the 7-11 to buy myself a pack of ciggies during the break. I should have prepared earlier but it was raining at midnight, thus the dawn-rush to the 24-hour store. Smokers are crazy. hmmm...

We are happy that at last, and a much needed one, the squad registered a win. Thanks to the two goals by Craig Bellamy (before he was elbowed by Fabricio Coloccini) and the most exciting last goal by our long injured captain, Steven Gerrard. The win itself bring some sort of a relief after a spell of draws and failure to convert sufficiently to kill the game. The virus seems to be persisted in the match, and as many of you would testify, the arrival of Gerrard brought the stalemate into a lively fight. He rejuvenated the squad.

SIR STEVEN GERRARD, please rise!

Steven Gerrard in a perfect composure taking a lethal shot...

Luis Suarez won't be playing in the match against Newcastle United today (4am Malaysian time). It does make some of us nervous. While our defence has been dubbed ''the meanest'' in the English Premier League, we can't really say much about our striking ability. 

The same reason why we ended in too many draws and losing unexpectedly to a lowly team (with due respect, we thought LFC would be slaughtered by Manchester City but we didn't. Thus, losing to Fulham was puzzling to this day!)

Suarez's middle finger to FA

A friend is selling the t-shirt wore by Suarez and the squad during the match warmed-up against Wigan. I have ordered 20 set. Do you want it? Offer valid in Malaysia only. 

Like most of Liverpool FC fans all over the globe, the latest ban on Luis Suarez is utterly baffling. That would be a bias point of view, said those who doesn't believe in YNWA's concept. After all, the English FA got the video evidence.

However, we have to question the FA's consistency in handling such cases. I don't have to list here many other instances where players from powerfully influential club such as Manchester United or Arsenal and Chelsea were let loose by the FA. I have enough of 'bias' word thrown to me (not that would hurting me at all...)

A true Liverpool fan stays loyal to the team in all weathers

WE ARE LIVERPOOL! (lobby of LFC's training centre in Melwood, Liverpool on Dec 8, 2011)

I deliberately withheld to comment on the last few matches that ended up in a rather bemusing result. Failed to score in the Wigan match then didn't get to shut off Blackburn totally. The win against Aston Villa was a bit odd for me to do so. Why? It's because there were so many people commenting on it. While there's nothing wrong with that, I find it rather awkward to read some negative points. Some even suggested for the removal of Kenny Dalglish.

I have read some detailed analysis. I'm sure many of you read it too. There are arguments that Dalglish's accomplishment were not that afar from Roy Hodgson, to telly the result between August to December. Not that far is ranging by the number of the draw and full 3 points that the squad is losing now. In that, I am disagree. To analyse the performances, you have to see the points accrued, based on the numbers of winning, loses and draw. The different is obvious. Dalglish's reign has produced more.

WINTER SONATA IN LIVERPOOL (PHOTO ESSAY PART 2)

Usually you see the photo of the gate from the front view. This one is from behind. Just to show that I'm inside the Anfield at the time. hehehe...

Inside the VIP lounge. Very nice wall photo. Very nice, indeed!

LFC goes to USA in 2012 summer, not Asia

Standard Chartered Bank Country Head of Corporate Affair, Norliza Kamaruddin 

THE LIVERPOOL FC squad will be heading to USA during the summer break next July and will only return to this region in 2013, said Standard Chartered Bank Country Head of Corporate Affair, Norliza Kamaruddin.

Christmas Day in Astro Arena Studio LIVE

No bro, I'm not surrendering my Suarez's scarf to you, Hafizan Hashim.

Before the start of Grand Stand LIVE talk show on Astro Arena channel 801 on Christmas Day. From left is Norliza Kamaruddin, Mohd Rizal Hashim, Hafizan Hashim and Chow Yuen Fatt.

I love my Anthem jacket. HAHAHAH

Frankly, I am a bit reluctant to appear on the television. The rules of thumb is that once I got the invite, I have to inform my superior and get the green light. That's nothing really. But if the topic is a general topic or politics, I am so afraid to say things that may deemed as not in lined with the company's policy or worst, been laughed at. Which reminds me of the movie The King's Speech.
However, when Zainal Abidin Rawop invited me to participate in the Grand Stand talk show at 2.30pm on Channel 801 Astro Arena yesterday (Christmas Day), I didn't really have qualms or what so ever. The topic is not only on my hands but also very close to my heart. Together with Standard Chartered Bank's Country Head of Corporate Affairs, Mdm Norliza Kamaruddin, we will be talking on Liverpool for 30 mins on LIVE telecast. So I am okay with it.

Ulasan Kes Luis Suarez

PUBLISHED 25/12/2011 IN MINGGUAN MALAYSIA (Klik di sini untuk ke laman web : Ulasan kes Luis Suarez

Bila mulut bawa padah adalah tajuk yang disiar di Mingguan Malaysia dan dipilih oleh Pengarang MM. Tajuk asal saya adalah `menangani isu rasisme dalam bola sepak'.

Oleh Johardy Ibrahim

BEGITU bingit isu penyerang Liverpool FC, Luis Suarez didapati bersalah menuturkan perkataan perkauman atau rasis terhadap kapten Manchester United, Patrice Evra minggu ini. Suarez dikenakan hukuman penggantungan lapan permainan dan denda 40,000 pounds (RM200,000).
Isu itu menjadi rumit kerana banyak pihak tidak mengendahkan bantahan Liverpool FC terhadap kaedah yang digunakan oleh Persatuan Bolasepak Inggeris atau FA tidak sama seperti kaedah konvensional amalan mahkamah sivil.
Ramai yang memilih untuk melihat Suarez sudah didapati bersalah semata-mata dan mahu dia menjalani hukuman tersebut, selain menjadikannya kes contoh kepada semua yang terlibat atau meminati bola sepak Inggeris.
Kes serupa dihadapi oleh kapten Chelsea, John Terry yang dituduh menuturkan perkataan seumpamanya kepada Anton Ferdinand dari kelab Queen's Park Rangers, yang juga adik pemain Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand.

Tiada kelab penyokong rasmi LFC di Malaysia

24/12/2011

LIVERPOOL - Malaysia tidak memiliki kelab penyokong yang menjalin hubungan secara rasmi dengan kelab bola sepak Liverpool, menurut wakil kelab LFC berpusat di Singapura.
Pengurus Rakan Kongsi LFC, Stephanie Wong ketika ditemui Utusan Malaysia di pusat latihan LFC di Melwood berkata, beliau berperanan menyelia aktiviti LFC dengan pelbagai pihak di rantau Asia.
''Namun, LFC tidak menjalin hubungan rasmi dengan mana-mana kelab penyokong di Malaysia, walaupun pernah sebelum ini,'' katanya.
Keadaan tersebut ujarnya, tidak memberi masalah besar kerana LFC sememangnya mengetahui terdapat dua juta penyokong di Malaysia.
Kelab juga menawarkan keahlian rasmi LFC yang boleh dipohon secara dalam talian bagi peminat di Malaysia iaitu www.liverpoolfc.tv/membership

Liverpool FC bantu pertumbuhan bank

Published 24/12/2011

Oleh Johardy Ibrahim

KEDAI menjual barangan rasmi Liverpool FC dan Muzium LFC di Stadium Anfield.

LONDON – Standard Chartered Bank yakin penajaannya terhadap kelab bola sepak terkenal, Liverpool akan membantu pertumbuhan bank itu di pasaran-pasaran baru muncul di Asia, Afrika dan Asia Barat.
Pengerusinya, Sir John Peace berkata, kewujudan bank itu melebihi seabad di Asia dan Afrika terutamanya, menjadi bekalan kekuatan baginya untuk menghadapi suasana ketidaktentuan ekonomi global dan krisis hutang zon euro pada masa ini.
“Sebagai sebuah bank, kami melihat peluang-peluang perniagaan terhasil daripada ketidaktentuan ekonomi global. Memandang ke tahun depan, kami pasti dan secara strategik akan terus dan menjangka untuk mencatat pertumbuhan dalam pasaran-pasaran yang kami telah bertapak,” katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian dalam taklimat kepada media yang menyertai lawatan anjuran bank itu ke ibu pejabat Standard Chartered di Basinghall Avenue, London, baru-baru ini.
Bank berpangkalan di London itu kini memberi tumpuan ke pasaran Asia, Asia Barat dan Afrika, yang menyumbang kepada lebih 90 peratus perolehan dan keuntungannya.

Sinergi jitu Standard Chartered dan Liverpool FC

Published 24/12/2011

KENNY Dalglish (kanan) mengendali latihan para pemainnya di Melwood, Liverpool pada 8 Disember lalu.

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LONDON - Kenapa Standard Chartered Bank memilih Liverpool, bukan kelab lain untuk ditaja? Kenapa Liverpool yang kali terakhir menjulang piala pada 2005 dalam perlawanan akhir Piala Juara-juara Eropah di Istanbul dan Piala FA Inggeris pada 2006 dipilih? Dan kali terakhir Liverpool memenangi Liga Inggeris ialah pada 1990.
Ketua Hal Ehwal Korporat Kumpulan, Gavin Laws yang merupakan orang yang bertanggungjawab membentangkan idea penajaan kelab bola sepak kepada Lembaga Pengarah bank itu kira-kira dua tahun lalu, ada jawapannya.

REINA "MOHON MAAF" (kepada peminat di Malaysia)

 11/12/2011

Oleh Johardy Ibrahim (melaporkan dari Liverpool, United Kingdom)

Johardy (kiri) bersama Pepe Reina dalam satu temu bual eksklusif di Liverpool, semalam.

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LIVERPOOL – Penjaga gol kelab bola sepak Liverpool, Pepe Reina ‘meminta maaf’ kepada para penyokong kelab tersebut dan peminatnya di Malaysia kerana tidak menyertai skuad berkenaan semasa berkunjung ke tanah air pada Julai lalu.
‘‘Saya mengalami kecederaan ketika itu dan perlu menjalani rawatan. Saya memohon maaf kepada para peminat di Malaysia. Saya mendengar cerita teman-teman dan membaca laporan mengenai sambutan hebat yang diterima oleh pasukan.
‘‘Tentunya saya sangat bangga dengan sokongan itu dan saya harap sokongan berterusan dari para peminat,” katanya kepada Mingguan Malaysia semasa sesi khas soal jawab di pusat latihan Liverpool yang dikelola bersama Standard Chartered Bank di Melwood di sini semalam.
Reina berkata, beliau juga berharap akan dapat kembali ke Asia di masa akan datang untuk menemui para peminat di sana.

READ ALL ABOUT LIVERPOOL FC IN UTUSAN MALAYSIA TOMORROW 24 DEC 2011

The past few days was extremely busy for me. Thus, making it impossible for me to update this blog as much as I would, especially with the ban on Luis Suarez and the lousy draw against Wigan Athletic. I had so many chores to attend to, and the other reason is to prepare the articles of my trip to Liverpool during the match against Queen's Park Rangers on December 10.

A buddy asked me why I was so slow in updating the blog. My only explanation is that I have to ensure that the main articles are to be published FIRST in Utusan Malaysia, then only the rest would be uploaded here. It cannot be the other way around. So at last, the articles plus photos, will be printed in Utusan Malaysia tomorrow, December 24 on page 32. Above is the photo of the lay-out.

Some of you who can read Bahasa Malaysia understand that the article is very much on the Standard Chartered Bank's story of why did they chose Liverpool FC as their investment partner. It is important to understand the dynamic that existed and blossomed between the two parties as the partnership were established. The articles are quoting the bank's Chairman, Sir John Peace and the Group's Head of Corporate Affairs, Gavin Laws who is instrumental in coming up with the idea to sponsor a football club and presented to the Board of Directors, who then ordered him to proceed, which then of course, ended up in a synergies relationship with the iconic football club of ours, Liverpool FC.

THE CUP THAT WE WON IN ISTANBUL 2005

This is the Big Ear, the 5th we got and it is placed in the lobby of LFC's training centre in Melwood, Liverpool.

When ever you feel down or anxious or unsettling, it is better to think of other positive memories. Personally, I like to rewind to the Istanbul night in 2005. I was in Japan, covering the Malaysian Prime Minister visit and had the best of time listening to the Japanese commentators screaming Alonso...Alonso... Gerrardo...Gerrardo... Goooooallllll....!!!! Being in the hotel room alone (my media mates then were not football enthusiast) at 4am-6am, it is not advisable for anyone to make a commotion, what more to shout or jumping. So I did the Mr.Bean celebration. All the facial expression but without any sounds!

WINTER SONATA IN LIVERPOOL (PHOTO)

Suarez warming up with Kuyt. Funny he wore track-suit while many were already in their attire. Apparently, Suarez didn't practice heading during the warming up. 

Can you identify the players?

Justice for Luis Suarez

Today, Luis Suarez should know his fate, pertaining to the accusation made by the moron in the blue shirt above, that the Uruguayan had uttered a racially abusive word against the French chap.

I am all against racial abused or anything that perceived as a direct bigotry, including ethnic and religious profiling. I am commenting on Suarez not because I have any law background to stifle such accusations or that I think Suarez is guilty. This is simply because the case is very weak. It is Patrice Evra's word against Suarez. There were not witnesses, and it wasn't even recorded by the referee during the match. It was only made known after the moron, reported the matter to his manager who then together they lodged the case to him.

Suarez flatly denies the FA charge of using ‘abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour’ towards Evra when the teams met at Anfield in October and any suggestion that his  comments ‘included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race’ of his opponent.

Say NO to Fernando Torres's U-Turn to Anfield

This Anti Fernando Torres sign is seen in a shop near Anfield Stadium in Liverpool. 02/02/2011 (metro.co.uk)

1. INCITED by the UK media claiming that Chelsea is ready to sale Fernando Torres for a mere £20 million (that is more than 55% of his original selling price by Liverpool to Chelsea in January at £50 million), the whole cybersphere were buzzing with the news.


2. Among the LFC die hard fans, apparently there are many still sane and holding tight to our honour, thus objecting to any notions for the returning of Torres to LFC... be it £20 million or £2 !!!...


3. Some queried me: what's the different with the departure of Ian Rush to an Italian club in 1980's and his returned to Anfield after a season. My simple response is that Rush left our club with hopes in our heart, unlike Torres who we asked for his wisdom to stay put and help to rejuvenate the club in times of need. He left even it has been announced of the imminent arrival of the new club owner and the appointment of Kenny Dalglish.

WINTER SONATA IN LIVERPOOL

This is not a photoshop. LOL. Photo taken on 10 Dec 2011 in Anfield. LFC 1 - QPR 0 and Luis Suarez was the hero!

I am indeed a very lucky Liverpool fan this year. I was selected by Standard Chartered Bank (Malaysia) with two other media representatives to watch the match thought to be Tony Fernandes (owner of QPR) against Liverpool. But in the end it was a show of Luis Suarez!

Updates!!!... Post-anfield visit

l shall update this blog tonight. There will be some interesting topic for all of us to discuss, in particular pertaining to the statehood of a fan club here in Malaysia. l just got home and need to sleep for a few hours (still jetlag). Until then, YNWA!

Three days to topple the Queen

I'm blogging from the Standard Chartered Bank Headquarters in Basinghall in London now. Not really covering any specific business news but to meet the Chairman Sir John Peace in a few minutes. I'm here in London, on my way to Liverpool to watch another crunch match between Liverpool Football Club against Queens Park Rangers this Saturday. Since I'm doing this a bit impromptu, I will only upload the photo when I have the chance tomorrow in Liverpool. Until then, do follow my journey til the match day on Saturday. YNWA!

Lucas Leiva will be missed (temporarily til he recover)

The first three years with Lucas Leiva was pure headache. I was defending his performance then, thinking there's no way for such a brilliant manager in Rafa Benitez could be so dumb to persistently put him on the starting line. Though that would be an understatement because Rafa did made some blunders in his selection of players. Remember Mark Gonzalez, Robbie Kean and many Spanish players that I couldn't remember their names. I was ridiculed by my own fellow Liverpool supporters, for taking a stand on him.

LFC vs Fulham 6 December 2011 4am Malaysian time

This is an unfortunate timing for many Liverpool fans on this side of the world and in particular, Malaysia where my crib is situated. Yes, the kick-off is at a freaking 4am on a weekday (Tuesday) Malaysian time (8pm in UK, add 8 hours). While the momentum has been steadily built for the last three matches, this Fulham match is too costly for me to miss. Yes, I will have issues with my sleeping time, and it will be worst because I will be travelling on a jet plane a few hours later. I guess I will be sleeping through the whole journey.

I don't really bothered what Fulham is preparing for the match because from what I have seen, we have sufficient firepower even in our supposedly-second team of Carling Cup to crumple Chelsea. Of course, the next match King Kenny would definitely fielding our 1st eleven. It is a bad time for Fulham to face LFC, even Craven Cottage's full house support won't be sufficient for the likes of Luis Suarez to run amok.

However, one man I wish to see in the starting line-up is the man below:

The non-controversial Maxi Rodriguez. He'll deliver when Suarez's path blocked by Fulham's busses. And what about Craig Bellamy? I vote for him, too.

PSSI : TERIMA SECARA BERMARUAH

Apex hanya memandang bahagia kepada Sinaga Ferdinand yang gagal menyumbat sepakan penalti yang berakhir dengan skuad Harimau Muda meraih pingat emas acara bola sepak Sukan Sea di Stadium Gelora Bung Karno di Jakarta pada 21 November lalu.

Tarikh siaran di Mingguan Malaysia 27/11/2011

PASTI ramai daripada kita tersenyum bila membaca berita Persatuan Bola Sepak Seluruh Indonesia (PSSI) mengemukakan aduan mengenai mutu pengadilan warga Jepun, Minoru Tojo semasa perlawanan akhir merebut pingat emas Sukan Sea antara negara itu dengan skuad Harimau Muda Malaysia. Kalau tidak tersenyum pun, pasti kita jadi meluat.
Bukan kita hendak membela Tojo. Bukannya Tojo tidak ada cacat-celanya di mata penyokong Malaysia. Keputusan lemahnya yang sekadar melayangkan kad kuning kepada pemain Indonesia yang terang-terang melakukan aksi menjunam untuk cuba mendapatkan sepakan penalti, adalah amat menjengkelkan. Malah jika hendak bercerita mengenai mutu pengadilan warga Emiriah Arab Bersatu semasa perlawanan Malaysia-Indonesia di separuh akhir, lagi tambah-tambah menjengkelkan. Pemain Indonesia yang ketinggalan 0-1 ketika itu bagaikan mensasarkan kaki pemain Malaysia, bukan bola tetapi kaki. Taktik mereka itu berjaya bila tiga pemain utama Harimau cedera menyebabkan mereka tidak diturunkan semasa perlawanan akhir.

Kisah benar Nang Nak di Kulim

Oleh Johardy Ibrahim
Published 19 June 2011 Mingguan Malaysia

PADA sekitar 1950-an, Ismail Omar atau dikenali sebagai Pak Meh atau Meh Pok merupakan anggota polis dalam PVR atau Sukarelawan Polis di daerah Kulim, Kedah. PVR walaupun ‘sukarela’ pada era sebelum dan be berapa tahun selepas Merdeka, ada yang menjawat jawatan itu secara tetap dan fungsi PVR wujud hingga ke hari ini. Pak Meh menjalankan tugas seperti polis biasa, lengkap dengan balai, kuasa menangkap dan sebagainya.
Tugasnya membawa beliau ke segenap penjuru daerah Kulim dan pada 1950-an, ia adalah pekan kecil dengan penduduknya tinggal di kawasan berjarak jauh antara satu dengan yang lain. Satu hari, Pak Meh menerima aduan daripada seorang lelaki bernama Mat (bukan nama sebenar) yang melaporkan kematian seorang lagi anaknya setelah kematian dua anaknya dua tahun berturut-turut sebelum ini.
Lazimnya, laporan kematian pada era pra-Kemerdekaan di kampung-kampung akan diterima, dicatat dan dikeluarkan sijil pengesahan kematian, melainkan wujud elemen kesangsian yang tinggi dalam sesuatu laporan. Dalam kes Mat ini, Pak Meh mendapati wujud elemen tersebut. Tiga anak Mat mati setiap tahun berturut-turut. Kes itu dirujuk Pak Meh kepada OCPD Polis British yang menyokong cadangannya agar kes itu diselidik lebih lanjut. Apakah kematian mereka berkaitan wabak penyakit, binatang buas atau jena yah?
Pak Meh terpaksa meredah hutan untuk sampai ke rumah Mat, yang menunggu kedatangannya. Sepan jang masa di situ, isteri Mat langsung tidak kelihatan walaupun Mat mengakui dia ada di dalam. Tidak mengapa, segan atau masih sugul agaknya. Pak Meh walaupun berpegang pada prinsip kepolisan dalam mengumpul fakta, terdetik rasa ke anehan pada kawasan sekitar rumah Mat. Pak Meh memberitahu Mat yang dia akan kembali esok untuk meneruskan siasatan.
Pak Meh tidak memberitahu Mat bahawa dia membawa Pak Din yang memiliki pengetahuan mengenai alam jin. Di rumah Mat, Pak Meh meminta Mat memanggil isterinya tetapi dia enggan menunjukkan diri. Pak Din memberi isyarat pada Pak Meh supaya beredar. Tanpa pengetahuan Mat, Pak Din telah meninggalkan sebiji telur rebus dan limau purut di perkarangan rumah Mat. Esoknya, mereka kembali dan mendapati telur itu telah ‘dimakan’. Pak Din berkata memang ada ‘sesuatu’ di sini. Malah, Mat memberitahu Pak Meh anak ketiganya yang mati ada kesan luka di leher.
Ketika mereka bertiga berbual di bawah tangga (rumah orang Melayu tradisional), tidak semena-mena kelihatan tangan dari kawasan dapur keluar dan turun memungut sudu di atas tanah. Dan jarak antara aras lantai rumah dengan tanah adalah 1.524 meter. Kejadian itu dilihat oleh ketiga-tiga mereka. Dan bagaikan satu cahaya, Mat tersedar ba hawa orang yang disangka isterinya adalah satu jelmaan Iblis. Selama ini, Mat diperdaya mata oleh Iblis yang menjelma menjadi isterinya.
Siasatan rapi Pak Meh mendapati isteri Mat sebenarnya sudah mati tiga tahun lalu ketika melahirkan anak, dan sejak itu Iblis menjelma sebagai isteri Mat dan menjalani kehidupan seperti biasa tetapi jika tidak kerana kematian anak, kisah ini tidak akan diketahui.

Seram

‘Bapa saya cerita kisah ini masa saya kecil lagi, jadi bila saya tonton filem seram Nang Nak, terus saya teringat cerita bapa. Ini kisah benar!,” kata Yusoff semasa sesi teh tarik baru-baru ini. Mujur sesi tersebut berlangsung waktu sarapan. Jika tengah malam, Yusoff kena hantar saya balik sampai depan pagar rumah.
Nang Nak adalah filem hantu Siam yang diterbitkan pada 1999. Saya menontonnya hanya satu setengah kali pada tahun 2000. ‘Setengah’ kerana saya hentikannya separuh bila saya tersedar menonton Nang Nak seorang diri adalah keputusan tidak waras pada tengah malam. Lazimnya untuk menyiapkan artikel berkaitan filem atau selebriti, saya perlu menonton semula sesuatu filem sebagai kajian atau cergaskan kembali ingatan tetapi kerana Nang Nak, saya yakin saya masih ingat tahap seram maksimum yang dirasai. Tak berani pun ada juga.
Filem Nang Nak boleh disifatkan sebagai pencetus revolusi genre seram. Ia menggabungkan elemen romantik yang teguh yakni tebalnya kasih seorang isteri yang bila mati, menjelma semula untuk membaha giakan suaminya yang baru kembali dari medan perang. Moralnya: bagi yang bercinta, janganlah bersumpah setia sehidup semati. Nanti dua-dua mati, anak yang merana yatim pia tu. Atau lebih haru, yang mati men jelma kembali...
Elemen utama Nang Nak ialah adegan seram yang memaparkan puntianak bertenggek di bumbung kuil hinggakan sami-sami ketakutan. Adegan ini tidak mencetuskan keinginan untuk ketawa kepada penonton kerana sudut gambar dengan muzik latar bergema dengan bunyi kesan khas, membawa penonton bagaikan duduk bersama sami - ketakutan sambil mendongak ke bumbung melihat puntianak mahu menerkam.
Di akhir babak filem ini, pengarahnya Nonzee Nimibutr masih mampu menyelitkan unsur kesedi han walaupun beberapa minit sebelum itu, penonton menutup mata dengan tangan tiap kali hantu Nak muncul. Sami perlu memecahkan tempurung kepala Nak bagi memas tikan ia tidak dikuasai roh jahatnya. Setelah berjaya melemahkan hantu Nak dan sami bersedia untuk meng hapuskannya, tibalah babak sedih apabila Nak melahirkan rasa cinta nya pada suaminya Mak. Merayu-rayu. Merintih-rintih. Dan inilah resipi yang membawa kepada populariti filem Nang Nak dan legenda itu sendiri, hinggakan pada 2005, versi bahasa Inggeris Ghost of Mae Nak menyusul.
Seperti kisah Pak Meh di Kulim tersebut, filem Nang Nak adalah legenda rakyat yang popular di Thailand, disebut Mae Nak Phra Kha nong. Malah, terdapat satu kuil khusus untuk Nak di On Nut, Sukhumvit Soi 77 di daerah Suang Luang di Bangkok.
Terfikir juga, seandainya kisah di Kulim itu dijadikan filem oleh pengarah filem Malaysia, apakah ia men jadi sehebat Nang Nak Siam? Atau diolah men jadi satira seperti Hantu Kak Limah?

Sorry again

Last week, a lady friend who is known to be a staunch Man.U fans called me up, asking me on this blog. With a slight paranoia, I told her not to bother because I hardly updating this blog nowadays, due to my `engagement' with the Facebook. However, she said it was for her friend, a Kop I supposed. I have tried my best to update this blog. For the same reason, I failed again. I wanted to do more for this blog. After all, it has been around since 2007. Damned you, Mark Zuckerberg.... hahahaha

Is Suarez really coming?

Suarez practicing his goalie skill while the real goalkeeper (yellow kit) watched with relief, to see off Ghana out of the World Cup 2010.

The whole month is has been buzzing with Suarez. As we thought that the deal could be sealed last Monday, apparently there is still business that Ajax has in mind by increasing the asking money. Some news reported it was 20 million pounds, others 25 million pounds. Is the American willing to spend? Let's see today and tomorrow. Because Saturday, has been the deadline set by Ajax.

I want to think positive. I want to believe Suarez will be joining Liverpool by the end of this week. I want to feel the happiness of having TWO real world-class strikers in our club. Torres and Suarez. Mind you, the name even rhymes with each other. They speak Spanish and while Spain won the World Cup, Uruguay were at no. 3. Not bad at all. Of course, everybody would smile now remembering Suarez's action hero in eliminating Ghana's dream.

I found this ``10 things we should know about Suarez in the Metro Online News''. I paste it here not only for you guys to read but also myself to remember & to find the data easily within my own blog.

Luis Alberto SUAREZ Diaz

1. Born on January 24, 1987 in Salto, Uruguay's sixth largest city, has played for his national team since 2007 (as well as leading the line for Dutch side Ajax).
   
   
2. One of seven children brought up by a single mother, he began his professional career at Montevideo side Nacional in 2005. During his time with the club under the management of ConCon, he won the national championship in 2006, scoring 12 goals in 29 appearances.
   
   
3. Luis's older brother Paolo is also a professional football player.
   
   
4. He was just 19 when he moved to the Netherlands with Eredivisie side Groningen, transferring to Ajax two years later.
   
   
5. Luis married Sofia Balbi, his childhood sweetheart, in 2009.
   
   
6. In 2010, Suarez was named Dutch Footballer of the Year, having ended the season as top scorer in the Eredivisie with 35 goals in 33 league matches (49 goals in all competitions).
   
   
7. In August 2010, Luis's wife gave birth in Barcelona to a daughter named Delfina. In the same year, he joined the likes of Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, and Dennis Bergkamp in a select group of players who have scored more than than 100 goals for Ajax in competitive matches.
   
   
8. Part of Uruguay's final squad of 23 participating in the 2010 World Cup, Suarez was a starter in all three of the country's group matches in the tournament.
   
   
9. During the 2010 World Cup, Suarez made six appearances, scored three goals, played for 543 minutes and received one red card.
   
   
10. He gained worldwide notoriety during the quarter-final match against Ghana, where he handled the ball on the line in the last minute of extra time. He also celebrated Asamoah Gyan's subsequent penalty miss, which sent the match to penalty kicks and led to Ghana's elimination from the tournament.
    
    

Malaysiakini says Merseyside Derby is Real Madrid vs Barcelona

The picture above is not the new director of football development for Liverpool Football Club but one thing for sure, he has made a fool of himself among the Liverpool fans, and Everton plus Barcelona and Real Madrid.

This fella is Abdul Rahim Sabri, a writer for the so-called `accurate' and `free from government's influence' news portal, the infamous Malaysiakini. Apparently, in trying to create creativity by analysing an upcoming by-election, the novice writer mix-in some football analogy. But he's effort is best categorised as lame as Roy Hodgson's tactical acumen.

In the opening paragraph, the sorry-writer stated ``Merseyside Derby between Real Madrid and Barcelona''. Where? at Bernabeau, Madrid, Spain. For what? La Liga Championship.

Oh My God!...

The original text was written in Bahasa Malaysia :
``Pertembungan BN dan PAS dalam pilihan raya kecil DUN Tenang umpama perlawanan 'Merseyside Derby' antara Real Madrid dan Barcelona di Stadium Barnabeau, Madrid, Sepanyol untuk perlawanan penentuan kejuaraan La Liga.''
(http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/154383)

The weirdness of his article continues when he described Barcelona as ``an underdog team''. The true fans would laugh aloud to read this. Even those who are not watching La Liga could tell which club are best to be categorised as the underdog among the football clubs. Barcelona is definitely NOT an underdog team. Stupid.

And have you ever heard of a Real Madrid's player by the name of ''Gucci''? I've seen ex-Real, Beckham & Zidane modelled for LV but Gucci?

I have no interest in the political content of the article. Why should I read the whole piece when the first thing you read was a grossly misleading reference to the Merseyside entity? I don't thing it is an insult to Liverpool fans, nor Everton. But we feel sad for the writer who only managed to make a fool of himself.

The fluke only highlighted few things that this writer is tremendously a lousy one who :
a) doesn't play football (in Malaysia we called them KAKI BANGKU)
b) a really really lazy arm-chair writer (cut & paste)
c) a novice writer who is trying to write something which is not meant for him yet (football!)
d) shows the level of editorship in Malaysiakini because his boss released the news for publication, and in a way proves that the editor himself is zero-knowledge of football (pathetic)
e) he is anything but a Manchester United fan.

Lastly, I strongly advised the Malaysiakini editor to instruct Abdul Rahim Sabri to start doing his research before starting any article in the future, be it on football or what ever he wants. Without proper research, your reputation is as good as shattered and making an arse of yourself.

Malaysiakini, to assist your football-zero knowledge editors & writers to understand what is `Merseyside Derby', I cut & paste below the correct definition from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

The Merseyside derby is the name given to any football match contested between Everton and Liverpool football clubs, the two most successful clubs from the city of Liverpool in England.

Liverpool 2 - Everton 2 (The real Jay Spearing, pls stand up !!!)

This boy is getting better! Hail Jay Spearing... !!!

1. If only Fernando Torres's shot didn't hit the post, if only the ball had gone in, if only we can stop feeling sorry to our sorry state at the moment, if only the gloomy feeling we're have been experiencing far too long could be thrown away... if only.
   
   
2. Is one point sufficient? We were completely in control in the first half but all the confidence seems to evaporate within 5 minutes of the second half. What the hell happened? I rather not prolonged my rant here. Not my style. After all, if I were to read this posting again in 10 years time, I really don't want to see myself writing negatively about my own team. So better don't.
   
   
3. Now, when I first saw the team sheet on the net, one name emerged as an outstanding homegrown player. Jay Spearing. This is the kid who has been nurtured by Rafa Benitez, somewhat ignored by Roy Hodgson and now, used for the first time by our new manager, Kenny Dalglish (excuse me, our interim manager).
   
   
4. He was chosen perfectly for this derby match which has produced the most yellow & red cards over the years. Spearing was true blood English style player. Even with his not-so-tall height, he still managed to unsettle the Everton strikers, Anichebe & Benford. Anichebe for one, built like a boxer or a rugby player but hell no, that doesn't stop Spearing at all. Of course, there were times when he miscued and misplaced the ball altogether. But as the game moves on, he was tackling left and right. That got noticed not only by the fans in the stadium but also me, here in Malaysia, some 13,000 km away!
   
   
5. If Jay Spearing perfected his game (and retain by Liverpool), my God... he is the reincarnation of Mascherano that we have been looking for all along. Stand up Spearing. You deserve our salute!
   

Seksi jadikan diri penuh keyakinan

Di Barat, Kim Kardashian dianggap seksi. Di Timur, dia dianggap bintang Porno. (16 Jan 2011)


SIAPAKAH yang pertama anda terfikir bila perkataan 'seksi' disebutkan? Jika lelaki, apakah Megan Fox berada di kedudukan nombor satu carta peribadi anda? Kalau wanita, apakah Robert Pattinson jauh meninggalkan David Beckham?
Soalan di atas tercetus dan terdorong oleh kehebohan minggu lalu berkaitan seorang artis tempatan yang tersiar gambarnya berpakaian bikini. Apa salahnya? Pertama, dia berpakaian bikini di pantai, bukan di pejabat. Kedua, dia ada badan seksi hendak mengenakan baju bikini. Lainlah kalau badan penuh panau atau lemak berlipat-lipat di lokasi strategik. Itu bukan seksi. Itu ngeri dan sangat geli. Soal moral dan agama, dia dah jawab 'No Comment!'.

Sila klik: utusan Malaysia Online - Rencana

LFC can beat Everton

Remember this photo? Torres celebrating in front of the stunned Everton fans? He will be repeating it tonight!

1. I was away for a few days last week, thus making me unable to update this blog. This may sounds a crap excuses but with the lousy result in the two matches, there's not much to comment even.
   
   
2. However, tonight is one of the crunch match that is hyper interesting and many of us would positioned the derby at number 2, after Manchester United - every season.
   
   
3. I didn't bother to visit their stadium during my historical personal visit to Liverpool last October. I didn't see any urgency to do so, nor importance. Though my buddy admitted that he is doing a part-time job at Gooddison, just because there was no vacancy over in Anfield. It's related to real survival, I won't say much. But when it concerns pure football, my buddy is as staunch as any of us in mocking the small-club neighbours.
   
   
4. At L1, where the ultra-modern shopping mall is situated at Liverpool, the merchandise store of Liverpool & Everton are situated side by side. I went in to Liverpool's, of course but I opted for the Sport Direct mega store instead of Everton's store. It feels not right at all to step into the enemies shop.
   
   
5. Kenny Dalglish has a rather torrid two early matches for him. But there won't be third time bad luck for him. Tonight (Malaysian time), King Kenny will emerged as the winner with his choice of players. If he retains his choice for the young players (Martin Kelly, Jonjo), no matter what the result is going to be, ultimately it shall be an entertaining one. We are desperately needing new players and if the young stocks be given more exposure, we might find what we're looking for in our own backyard. Let's sing it for team. YNWA !

Kenny Dalglish : Get us back to where we belong!

If Kenny Dalglish is given a free hand, the fans won't object if Kelly Dalglish is appointed as the club spokeswoman. Naaa... just a wishful thinking!!!

1. I was on the road Saturday when I got the news alert of the much-awaited dismissal of Roy Hodgson and at last, the appointment of Kenny Dalglish as the interim caretaker for the remaining season. While many of the fellow bloggers ran to their Internet connection to post their views, I ...on the other side, decided to carry on with my normal life programme today with my family. I even allow myself to watch Hawaii Five-O just now. (I like...!!!)
   
   
2. I read with interest all the posting made by my fellow LFC bloggers here in Malaysia. For once, majority of us agreed that Hodgson must leave, contrary to the scenario during Rafael Benitez's era where I was among the few voices that went against the notion to expel him from Anfield, then. At least, during his time (except the last one), we win some away matches. In Hodgson's case, the away record was almost 99% ZERO and that's no way for any sympathy, not least by any sober-minded blogger like me, even!
   
   
3. Now, I have nothing much to write about the Hodgson's failure and all I can say to him is : Good Bye. And that's it. No more about him in this blog.
   
   
4. My focus is very much on the match tomorrow night (Malaysian time) against Manchester United in the FA Cup. Sir Alex Ferguson must be grinning with the latest fiasco befallen on his number 1 club nemesis and at the same time, would probably came out with a stinging criticism against the owner for sacking his old pal. Whatever! He's opinion on Liverpool doesn't make us losses any sleep, in fact we welcome it. Most of his venom has been used as an antidote to spur the players and uplifting their game.
   
   
5. This is what we simply want from Steven Gerrard and Co tomorrow at Odd Deadfort stadium. With Kenny Dalglish standing at the side line, we know Torres would want to show the old master what he really can do in especially big matches such as against the self-proclaimed `the new unbeatable' of Manchester United. We will prevail.
   

Against Manchester United, Sunday. A mountain too high to conquer?

I am already standing up after posting this statement... hehehe...

This is a game we always looking forward to in every season. Be it in the premier league or other competition. This Sunday it will be FA Cup. The only true fight of all the fixtures this week.

But is it really really `a true fight' between titans? While ManUre is having a jolly good time at the top, Liverpool is lurking 2nd place at the bottom. Thus, the murky gloomy feelings we are having now and of course, the ultra-confidence among the freaking-monkey of Manchurian fans.

But what the heck? Gerrard couldn't score from the penalty spot in the dreaded match on Wednesday against Blackburn. Who knows if he had scored, the result could be even. But who cares about `if'?

While the chants and the protests among the Liverpool fans all over the world are getting louder by the minute for Roy Hodgson to leave LFC, it seems the club itself has its own mindset. The anticipation for his dismissal yesterday has not come to materialise. Apparently, the club doesn't want to rock the boat a couple of days before meeting ManUre. So be it. We know now King Kenny Dalglish is reluctant to be the caretaker. He needs to be persuaded harder. Perhaps, after the Sunday game he will take up the position, for the sake of the club and fans all over the world.

The fans have lost faith totally towards Hodgson's capability to handle our club. Just imagine the low spirit the players are enduring now and yet, in two days time they are facing ManUre. I hope they can elevate their performance and beat ManUre. Not for Hodgson but simply for the pride of it and of course, us the loyal fans.

Roy Hodgson : YOUR TIME IS UP. Go NOW

Yes Mr Hodgson, your time is up... Go now...

1. The anger, frustration and furious that we succumbed now has reached a level of beyond comprehension. One game we win, then the next we lost. The squad miserably lack of consistency. The only consistency now for Liverpool Football Club is to register a tremendous number of losses. A total of 9 matches. Should we be panic? Should we give Hodgson `a bit more' time? With the same number of Fernando Torres's jersey, we can kiss No.4 slot GOOD BYE. Are we seeing any progress? Hell no.
   
   
2. Some would argue that while the manager is the easy target when ever his team is not registering any win, the blame must also goes down to the players. And in this case, those players who are paid multi-million pounds per year.
   
   
3. Many of us now shouting, pleading for the sacking of Hodgson. Enough is enough. Is this just a spur of the moment reaction by the fans? I doubt so. Six months down the season, and the progress that we wish for, is not happening at all.
   
   
4. Previously, Liverpool may slipped into bottom spot but it was due to the match differences or one-two losses, before climbing back to where it is supposed to be (at least top 6). Now look at the chart. OMG !!!
   
   
5. There is no other reason for the club to delay Hodgson's dismissal. Next match is against Manchester United. Even if we win in that match, is Hodgson's job still can be retain? I doubt so. His time is up.

Daniel Agger wants to leave?

If I’m not playing in the Liverpool team on a regular basis, then I am ready to move on,’ he said. ‘I have only just returned from three months out injured, so I am in no position, at the moment, to say I must be in the side for every game.

‘But once I have made a few appearances and regained full fitness, I would expect to be starting games. If I’m not playing, I can’t see a reason for staying.

1. Such statement was fast ``decipher'' by UK newspapers as a heavy hint from Daniel Agger as ``he is ready to quit'' Liverpool Football Club. Agger could be one of the better player bought by Rafa, as proven with his ability to create havoc from Liverpool's own backyard straight up to the opponents D-area.
   
   
2. In fact, he assisted and even scored some memorable goals while charging onwards. One particular unforgettable goal was during the match against Wigan where he was beaten (and fooled) by an Egyptian striker Arm Zaki, which prompted him to do his own way in order to redeem himself. The game was a shocker, simply because Wigan was touted as a `small team' prior to the game. Most glaringly, it was Zaki's fast thinking that stole the ball from Agger to inflict sorrow onto Liverpool.
   
   
3. For much of the time last season, Agger was in & out of the team sheet due to injury and some times, due to match fitness. I supposed Agger shouldn't be despair because this month we would see Liverpool fought 12 matches, so definitely Agger will have his lion share. I doubt if the manager would play him all the 12 matches for fear of injury, and there are Aurelio, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos while our Deputy Captain, Carragher is still recuperating from his shoulder injury.
   
   
4. I like Agger simply because of his ability, not because of his looks or his tattoo. He was bought from Brondby because of his prowess of initiating attacks from the back, long distance passing skills and venomous shot. I'm sure every one of you won't forget that goal against Chelsea. Wowsieee...
   
   
5. We're waiting anxiously for the `small business' to be executed in Anfield this month. While we're expecting the purchase of a proper strike-partner for Fernando Torres, I hope we don't have to sell Daniel Agger. Since we really really in need to have a cover for Torres, perhaps it is best to let go those players in the forward department only.
   

FOR SALE : CUTEST NON-PERFORMING PLAYER OF LIVERPOOL - Ryan Babel

FERNANDO TORRES : Stay fit, Keep on scoring

Liverpool's Fernando Torres (R) shoots to score his side's first goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Bolton Wanderers at Anfield in Liverpool, northern England January 1, 2011. (REUTERS)

Joe Cole : We still adore you

Liverpool's Joe Cole stretches to score their second goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Bolton Wanderers at Anfield in Liverpool, northern England, January 1, 2011. (REUTERS)

The rumour is brewing hot : Roy OUT: Dalglish IN

1. If you're like me - it is a must to read the football news from the UK online newspapers every morning. And today, you'll find another rumour, another speculation alleging that ``NESV will fire Roy & take an interim manager for the rest of the season''. & who will that be? The reluctant yet widely popular, Mr Kenny Dalglish.
   
   
2. There are so many arguments that we can put forward when debating on Dalglish return (if the UK newspaper's allegation turns out to be correct). So I won't go there.
   
   
3. However, my focus would be on Dalglish as the living legend - with an impeccable record as the winning player & manager in Liverpool history. Imagine if things goes south by the month of May, his record would be forever tainted. Of course, if he managed to turn things around, the record could be added. But why take the risk? Look what happened to Alan Shearer in Newcastle.
   
   
4. One thing we should try to understand is the difficulty in finding the right replacement in January : in the middle of the season. No other club would prepare to release any manager mid-way through, no matter how much money were offered.
   
   
5. The ones that is available are those who failed at their respective clubs or couldn't get any back-up from the owner or loved by the fans. Which is precisely what is happening to Roy now...

This must not be the first & last goal from Joe Cole

(Pictures: liverpoolfc.tv)

1. Joe Cole was was singled out as particularly hopeless in Roy Hodgson's post-match interviews after goalless draw against Utrecht last month. While he was absent most of them due to the red card on his debut, followed by a string of injuries, he was still missing even when Hodgson played him.
   
   
2. Some might say it was the transition blues, experienced by many top players when they switched clubs. But six months is too expensive for Liverpool to be patience anymore. Fortunately, Joe Cole did regain some sweet reviews with the simple tapped in for the winning goal against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
   
   
3. One critic suggested that during the World Cup, Fabio Capello had to ditch his 4-4-2 for 4-2-3-1 in order to accommodate Cole. When he eventually did come on against Slovenia and Germany, he was accorded one of the loudest roars of England's tournament, but was just as hopeless as everyone else.
   
   
4. His decision to quit Chelsea for Anfield on a free transfer was meant to be one of the summer's biggest transfer coups, but it now looks like little more than a tragic waste of £80,000-a-week. (And having missed out on Cole, Harry Redknapp promptly lucked into an £8m deal for Rafael van der Vaart, who has shown what a real attacking midfielder looks like).
   
   
5. Cole was adamant that his first goal for Liverpool this season would be the starting of a much more result from him. Well, he just got to do it now, not later. We are in a very silly position, we need to win as many games as we could in this hectic month. A total of 12 matches to be fought in January.
   
   
6. Joe Cole, you can't be invisible anymore. Bring your magic, the ones that we admire you most when you're with your previous club. Do it. Prove it. Win it for us, the fans from all over the world.

UTUSANLFC IS BACK !!! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011, YOU REDS

1. I know... I have been neglecting this blog for almost a year. My only truth reason is I was distracted by FACEBOOK. But I can't really say `distracted' since I am still very much active in it (and many of you, too... I KNOW!!!...). I should have started yesterday but I got work to complete, then the weather was oh... so gloomy then it rains, then I went to sleep. It was superfine.
   
   
2. As everyone is buzzing now, we are in the same pathetic position just like 6 months ago when many were calling for Rafa to step down. Today, it's Roy Hodgson's turn. It's bad. It's ludicrous to lose against Wolves last Thursday morning (due to the Malaysian win against Indonesia on the evening before & over-active futsal match, I missed the match at 4am). And last night's win was best termed as a `delayed process of Roy's termination'.
   
   
3. I do not wish to prolong the debate. The new owner must have their own plans for the remaining season, in ensuring the club finished as the Top 4. But if any of you ask me what would I vote for Roy? I'll say: HELL YES... I VOTE FOR ROY TO LEAVE !!!
   
   
4. Instead, I prefer to focus on the players. I am delighted that David Ngog were given a roar when ever he got the ball. It proves that the Kops has taken him into their hearts. I believed his confidence is getting better, and he was shadowed tightly by Zat Knight, but yet he still managed to put a scare on the Bolton's game.
   
   
5. I hope my opinion is not a consolation because my greatest fear is that Liverpool won't have sufficient fund to buy new striker to partner Torres. And not merely a striker but a world-class striker. So, if we have to settle on with Ngog, we might as well give him a strong backing to excel and to score more.
   
   
6. What about Joe Cole? The Sun's photo above is the best to summarise Cole's performances thus far. Red carded on his first match, then injured for many-many moons and when he started the match, he wasn't that fit. So he was subbed (just like he did at Chelsea) for the remaining 10 mins or so, he managed to tap in the ball into the net. Regardless of the off-sides cry by the Bolton's player, we cannot avoid but to feel... a bit jittery about Joe Cole. Ok... lets give him some more time. We know he can do better for Liverpool.
   
   
7. The returned of the lethal combi: Liverpool GT (Gerrard & Torres) were breathtaking. I suspect the only reason for Torres to stay another season in Liverpool was simply the fact that he enjoys pairing with Gerrard when both of them managed to play together on the same pitch. The last 6 months it was Gerrard without Torres (vice versa) due to respective injuries to them. So the lethal combi of Liverpool GT will lit the fire for our survival in this hectic month of January.
   
   
8. And my Liverpool friends, it will be a fiery month, indeed. Fasten your seat belt. It will be a rough ride.