Monday, June 30, 2008

EURO 2008

the official logo

If you are a football fan, you will surely know what is going on in the football world especially in Europe. Yesterday late night local time 2.45am, the 13th European Championships has come to an end when Spain takes on Germany in Vienna, Austria.

the official mascots, Trix and Flix

well, as a football fan like me but due to the low demand from readers regarding about my football entries. So I had decided to conclude the whole 24 days long tournament in 1 entry. Not bad huh?? Consider as very give face concern about my beloved readers.

Its kind of difficult but I will try my best to cramp everything here. So bare with me if it is confusing...

the co-hosts...

Switzerland who lost their first two games against Czech Republic and Turkey due to injuries on several key players and was the first team to being eliminated from the tournament, eventually beat a weaker Portugal's side who already qualified 2-0 as a gift for their coach.

Austria was a poorer side where they only managed to drew a match against Poland and lost the other 2 against Germany and Croatia. Same as Switzerland, who had automatically qualified due to co-hosting the competition, did not perform well to repay their supporters. Despite being the second team being knocked out in group stage.

did well in qualifying round only...

Poland, who finished on top of Portugal in qualifying round, only managed to drew a match against Austria while lost the other 2 against Germany and Croatia. Both Austria and Poland only managed to scored 1 goal in whole competition. Eventually, been eliminated as well along with both co-hosts.

Greece, the Euro2004 winner and being tipped to show some fantasy football again this term after qualified on top of the table alongside Turkey. But the Greek fantasy does not appear this time and they lost all 3 group matches against Sweden, Russia and Spain. The worst result for a cup holder.

Czech Republic, qualified to the tournament ahead of Germany. After winning the opening match against co-host Switzerland. They lost to Portugal and needed a win against Turkey to qualify to quater-final. But after leading 2-0 for 75minutes, their worst nightmare happened and eventually being knocked out from the tournament.

Sweden, qualified behind Spain and known as one of the dark horse in this tournament with several world class players. They won their first match against cup holder, Greece but got beaten by Spain and Russia on their remaining 2 matches despite playing quite well. Been eliminated as well.

Romania, who qualified ahead of Netherlands. Got drawn into 'Group of Death' alongside with Italy, France and Netherlands. Being the underdog who in the same group with 3 other strong squads with more quality players. They did very well against World Cup finalist, France and managed a draw on their first match. Then did extremely well agaisnt World Cup's winner, Italy and they should qualify if Adrian Mutu scored a late penalty to win the match, but luck was not on their side and they only managed to held a draw. As both World Cup's finalist are under pressure on the last group match, Romania got beaten by already qualified Netherlands and has been eliminated.

France, the World Cup's finalist. The most disappointed display by an European giant with plenty of world class players, been drawn to same group with Italy, Netherlands and Romania. The 'Group of Death'. They drew the match against Romania whereby they should win it in the easiest way. The poor display continued as they been humiliated by Netherlands and lost to World Cup winner, Italy in their final group match and been eliminated. Worst playing from a World Cup's finalist.

Did well in group stage only...

Portugal, another top seeded team who also the finalist of Euro2004 when they hosted the tournament. Won against Turkey and Czech Republic before losing to co-host Switzerland when the coach rests his star players after being guaranteed a place in quarter-final. Facing another top seeded Germany in quarter-final with the full fresh squad after being rested. But the Germans had a better performance and eventually beat the Portuguese 3-2 and knocked them out from the tournament. Another set back from

Croatia, who beaten England in qualifying round and qualified on top of the table ahead of Russia. Won all 3 matches in group stage by beating co-host Austria, top seeded Germany followed by Poland. Another dark horse in the tournament and tipped to do something against the odd. Playing against a weaker side, Turkey in quarter-final. Both side did well enough to hold on until extra time, despite after scoring at last minute of extra time had guaranteed them a place in semi-final. But they cant hold on the lead until the very last second when Turkey equalised in the last kick of the game. The game went on to penalties and the Croatians lost to Turkey 3-1 in the penalties shoot out.

Netherlands, being in the 'Group of Death' and obviously need to work extremely hard in order to get a place in quarter-final. No one would have expected them to play so well in their opening 2 matches against both World Cup's finalist. Beating world champions Italy 3-0 followed by 4-1 against France. Everyone has turn their side towards them and think they could go all the way and win the cup. Although already qualified, they still managed to beat Romania with their second team and have a 100% winning run before facing another dark horse, Russia in quarter-final. They did just enough to bring the game to extra time before the Dutch running out of gas and could not cope with the Russian's attack. Eventually they lost the match in extra time.

Italy, being one of the top seeds to win the cup after being crowned as the world champions 2 years ago. Although being drawn in the 'Group of Death' but the Italians are confident they could do well. But the world champions got beaten by Netherlands 3-0 in their opening match and only managed to drew 1-1 with Romania. Therefore they needed a win against their World Cup's counterpart who needed a win as badly as they did in order to claim a spot in quarter-final. Italians faced Spanish and both side played equally well which only managed to held to a 0-0 draw until extra time. The game went to penalties shootout and Spain did well to break the world champion's dream.

Miracle stops half way...

Russia, despite losing their opening match against Spain. But come back in a good manner by beating Greece and Sweden eventually qualified to quarter-final round with hot shot Netherlands waiting for them. Consider as another dark horse and maintain their good form by beating Netherlands 3-1 and book a spot in semi-final against Spain. Everyone thought that they could against all odd by beating Spain. But the magical moment stop at second half when Spain scored trice passed the Russians and claim a spot in the final for the first time in 44 years. Although they lost to a better side in the semi-final, but the journey is not easy for the Russians and few unknown players in the squad had become top transfer target after this tournament.

Turkey, miracle happened after they lost to Portugal in their opening match. They beat co-host Switzerland followed by a super comeback against Czech Republic. The Czech leads 2-0 for 75mins before Turkey unleashes their never-give-up attitude and eventually scored 3 goals in the final 15mins and grab the quarter-final spot right in front of Czech's nose. Miracle does not stop there, when they faced Croatia in quarter final. Croatia scored on last minute of extra time before Turkey did another comeback again by equalising with few seconds left to played in the extra time and brought the game to penalties shoot out. Turkey won and march on to semi-final facing Germany. Before facing Germany, they have 9 first team players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions which means they have only 14 players. Most of them are second team players. But their hard work paid off by open the scoring against stronger side Germany before the Germans equalised. Then Germany scored again with 10mins left but the Turkey let the football do the talking by equalising with 4mins remaining. Unfortunately, the miracle stop at the final moment when Germany scored the winning goal in the last minute of the game. Even though Turkey been knocked out from the competition, but the team leave the competition with head held high after what they have been through.

so close yet so far...

Germany, who qualified alongside Czech Republic and been tipped as one of the favorites to win the cup. They beat Poland in their opening match followed by a shocked set back when been defeated by Croatia, but they bounce back and beat co-host Austria. Eventually qualified to quarter-final but in a not so convincing way. But they put on a world class performance by beating another top seed, Portugal and march on to face Turkey the super comeback king of the tournament in semi-final. Despite having the full squad available compared to the handicap Turkey side, they still got tested by the Turkish until the very last minute when they managed to score the winning goal. Before they face Spain in final, they are no longer the favorite but some still believe they can do something special to bring the cup home. This happen because of they are having some defensive problems through out the tournament. Most of the match was controlled by Spain and the German could only watch the cup slipped away from them at the final whistle. Another major set back for another favorite.

All the way!!!!

Spain, always being known as big name that could not achieve in big tournament after 44 years since they lifted the European Championships. They always did well at the beginning and got knocked out in the later stage. But this term they are totally different, they beat Russia, Sweden followed by Greece to progress into quarter-final as one of the team with 100% winning streak in group stage. They broke the so called curse when they defeated world champion Italy in penalties shootout after a much defensive game from both side. Waiting for them in the semi-final was their group mate, Russia. But after beating Italy, their confident boost up and easily knocked the Russians out from the competition and move one step closer to the biggest match for the entire squad. Compared to Germany, Spain still maintain their 100% unbeaten record through out the whole tournament and being tipped as the favorite to win the cup ahead of Germany. No doubt, they controlled most of the game and eventually create a history among themselves as they beat Germany 1-0 at Vienna.

VIVA ESPANA!!!!!

phew...long football entry right?? I tried my best already.

I can still go on by talking about the overview on this tournament but I know you guys already had enough. So I decided to stop here...

Football for life!!!!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

ra..ra..ratatouilleeeeee

what a crazy week...didnt get enough sleep for the past few days, all these happen due to laziness of mine that led to doing last minute work again (that is so common) every beginning of semester I will always said to myself, "this semester will be no more last minute work" but already 7 semesters...and its still the same, cant change..haha. Anyway, I was talking about my Law assignment which talk about Fundamental Liberties in Constitution of Malaysia, all about our rights as a citizen in this country.

well, hand up already..so time to relax again!!!
before that, here is another deli service brought to you by semester 7...

this week theme was Ratatouille..yes, you heard me..the animated movie about rat who can cook~ dont ask me why they choose this as a theme and this week I was in the kitchen..so, dont bother at all...anyway, I know you readers will be more concern about the food rather than the cooking rat theme...

its not a smooth operation for both kitchen and service side...for kitchen, ofcourse it is all about the food where else the service problem occur for service team. All these while we were saying that we are lack of man power during service and this week, the other group had faced the ultimate challenge on lack of man power. They have only 3 persons to run the whole restaurant. other 2 missing in action.

the 3 remaining soldiers...

lucky for them as their customers never come in 1 shot like what happen to us during our service time, plus it is holiday week for several courses..so they still managed to cope with it while the kitchen team are freaking relax through out the whole operation...

'they' means us..the kitchen crews~ =_="

but before this, we faced some crazy moment where Charles lost his chicken and Anna could not get her pie out from the ring..but everything back to normal when the problem solved and the rest is just fun time in kitchen~

alright, here is the food!!!!

JJ's Seafood Soup...prepared 30, sold around 10~

Charles' Club Sandwich...we managed to find the lost roast chicken breast which hide somewhere below the trolley~

Jin's Vegetarian Spaghetti Carbonara...only sold around 5 plates

Anna's Black Pepper Lamb Pie, the most sell able item of the day, left 4 at the end. But getting them our from the ring got us headache.

and ofcourse...
my no strawberry taste Strawberry Cheesecake and also un-presentable Apple Tart. The huge strawberry on top managed to cheat some customers to order it. This has conclude I am sucks in making dessert!!! Made 3 rings each and end up only sold 1 ring...and forced to sell them out in half price around college.

this was the worst service ever as the whole college is so damn quiet. So end up we got repaid on all the 'hard work' we did...

look at that!!! from starter to dessert, we finally got the chance to taste everything...

look at the Vege-cano Spaghetti Carbonara...we made 2 of this

but before lunch time..the kitchen crews' stomachs were actually 70% filled up. Told you earlier we were damn free in the kitchen~ what else will you do when you got nothing to do and nice food around you?? (I dont have to tell you what to do right??)

the best part was we do food testing by mixing up things we have...ever tried mayo with garnash (melted chocolate)??

this is still the best...
hmmmmm~~~~ so irresistible...

cheers with strawberries!!! the one with no strawberry is Charles who eaten his too earlier.

after the service, went to Midvalley at night to meet up with Daasa, one of my all time buddy. He is leaving to Kedah to study in UUM this sunday..so meet up with the 'gang' which consist of William, Andrew, Yanjie, me and 1 of Daasa's friend.

had KFC after many months since having it at Batu Feringgi during first day of CNY. Then had a pool game before leaving...short meet up due to as usual our 'punctuality'~

well, thanks Daasa for the meal and the game...take care bro and study hard!!! (did not take any pic..)

sunset marked the end of another day...one week closer...but how close?? no idea at all...

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Chempaka Welfare Home

3 years ago back in MBS, we were required to perform 'kerja amal' whereby all we need to do is act it out, take few pics and crap a report out and it covers about 40% of our moral subject.

3 years later, final semester and the last LAN subject that we have is Moral studies. We have to do something voluntary and come out with a report at the end. Very similar to the previous one, but this time is something more serious. After just 1 week of planning, we decided to visit a orphanage home in Taman Megah.

21st July 2008. A total 16 of us, suppose to be 14.
As what we have been told earlier, meet at college 8.30am. I woke up 8am and still managed to reach by 8.30am, thought I was late but by the time I reach college..only 6 girls sitting there, Stephenie, Sher Yee, Siew Peng, Shao Chian, Patricia and Alison. None of the drivers nor organiser were there.

roughly about 8.40am..one of the organisers, Lynn D arrived with her sidekick Kayren.
So the girls start preparing goody bags for the kids later.

another 10minutes later, another organiser arrived with his passengers. Kok Foong, Desmond, JJ, Charles and Geraldine.

Then Kok Foong asked, where is Chin Yi?? All the girls that reach earlier than all of us had forgotten her. So while waiting for her and Nigel (another driver) Most of them had quick breakfast at mamak.

after breakfast, they discussed about the +2 issue I said earlier. (miscommunicate)

Officially we leave college's side gate at 9.30am. (as usual, Malaysian's timing)
we picked up Jin at Kelana Jaya LRT station while on the way to the orphanage home.

reach Chempaka Welfare Home before 10am.

16 of us entering a orphanage home with only 12 kids...

warm welcome by kids and person-in-charge, Ms. Ha

while we were discussing what we have to do, few kids already start hugging us...that moment made my heart slightly heavy~ one small kid even fight with his brother just to hug me and eventually cry while hugging me...omg!!!

everyone stone in kitchen while waiting Kok Foong to organise us...goody bags on table.

after stoning for quite sometime and playing with those kids in living room, finally we start working. Spring cleaning!!!

girl's room...
boy's room...

dining room and kitchen...

study area...

after about 40minutes of cleaning...time for some games!!!

musical chairs and handkerchief...

at the same time...
these posers went to buy lunch for kids..Ms. Ha is not included~

after games, we just interact with those kids while waiting for return of the lunch team...

lunch time!!!! the boys have 1 table and for the girls as well...

they are all well taught that no girls are allowed to step into boys' territory and same goes to the girls'...so we faced a slight problem when we cleaning their room..

anyway, after lunch..

is goody bags giving time...eh~ why is Geraldine lining up with the girls??

my heart feel heavier when 1 boy ask me when are we leaving..I said in about 30minutes time, and his replied is something I didnt know how to respond...he said "can you all dont go??"
nothing much we can do at the moment and I just act bit cruel by staying away from them at the final moment...feel damn bad but I just couldnt take it. I dont even dare to look into their eyes during that time...

group photo...

few of us who cant stay too long inside the house, we just went to the car park while others still biding farewell with the kids...

mainly guys went out first...

after about another 15minutes..

finally they leave the house with tears hanging in their eyes (only girls)
eventually some of them burst out in the car...haih~

feel damn bad because we went there for moral studies' report, although we have promised them to visit again in future...but when will it be??
although just spending few hours with them, but the smiles on their face tell us that they appreciate it a lot.

note: I was not in those pic because I am the camera man again...

all we can do at this moment is hope they will study hard and become a successful person in future...all the best kids!!!

if you would like to contribute something to them, call the contact number.
03-78803936 or fax 03-78803937

*appreciate whatever you have now...

looking the outside world from my inside world...if only I could break this glass and fly away