The New Year is around the corner

Christmas is over. My Christmas day, like every single year, is characterized by eating and drinking (I don't drink alcohol, mind you). My mouth and my stomach definitely enjoyed that. In the afternoon, I went to mum's friend's house for Christmas party. There was roast chicken, pasta, mashed potato, salads, cendol and of course, roast turkey!! Food galore!! Later in the night, it was my family's turn to host a Christmas dinner for our relatives. So, once again, my stomach was treated to another feast. And I personally drank a bottle of ginger beer, a bottle of root beer and a bottle of sarsi, all in one night!! My chances of getting diabetes increased tenfold after last night.

This 'house' is made of ginger bread!! Took this at my mum's friend's Christmas party.

Since Christmas is over, the new year is edging even closer now. There will be the usual flurry about New Year resolutions, New Year countdowns, etc. For me, its probably time for a quiet reflection on a year that has been. New school, new people, more friends, that pretty much sums up my 2009. I hope that next year will even be better than this year.

On a different note, I could not resist taking this picture while grocery shopping yesterday. Why? Because this really reminds me of Pou Hung Nguong!!! How to make Pou? Just buy the Instant Pau Flour powder and add hot water!!



A candidate for the photo of the year!!! (The WOW team of LL02)

Almost Christmas

Today is 21 December.

Four more days to Christmas.

What is Christmas? Originally, Christmas is when Christians celebrate Jesus's birth. Now, it is one of the most famous festivals celebrated by people of all cultural and religious background. It has become a universal festival.

To me, when Christmas is near, the end of the year is also near. 2009 has been an eventful year. 2009 marked the end of school uniforms and the start of a new phase of education for me. For the first three of months of 2009, I was in Kem Seri Perkasa, Mantin, for my National Service stinct. After that, I continued my academic studies at Taylor's, joining the March intake for SAM. God, it was hectic. If time management is beyond you, I won't recommend March intake. And the best part was I chose one of the toughest combination (Chem, Phy, and double Maths), maybe with the exception of the pure science combo.

My college class, E3, is definitely my favourite class since I entered pre-school. The people in E3 came from the four corners of Malaysia (and Singapore), and yet there some sort of chemistry between us despite the differences. I will definitely remember my college life as something memorable and pleasant.

Now, it almost the end of the year. And four more days to Christmas. I believe that the spirit of giving and receiving that is usually associated with Christmas should be expanded beyond that. More people need to realize that they need to give and take. There must be more tolerance in the world. There must be less anger in the society.

On a different note, I had just cut my hair. My hair was beginning to annoy me, and so I decided to revert back to my previous style. Now its short, and its definitely cooler up there.

Avatar was good. The special effects was the highlight, obviously. The storyline was pretty predictable. Stuff like guy goes to new world, ordered to spy on the natives, suddenly falls in love with native girl and decides to switch sides. I really think that the idea of Pandora and the rest of it is excellent, but I have to admit that some of the ideas look strangely familiar, such as the Scorpion helicopter, which can be found in Halo 3, and the robot thing with the huge machine gun, which can be found back in Starcraft. But all in all, it is a good movie. Its definitely worth coughing out RM 10 to watch it in a cinema.

A Potentially Decisive Day

Today the SAM/SACE results is finally released (in Malaysia, at least). Today is the day which the results could determine one's future. Today is the day which one's path is shaped. Ahem. Okay. Enough. All in all, it could prove to be a potentially decisive day.





//////Drumrolls///////





Initially, I had no idea where and when to 'collect' the result. Its only when David WYY called me only I knew I can check on the SACE website. So, yeah, I went to check and this is what I saw:

Chem: 18
ESL: 18
Maths: 17
Phy: 18
Spec Maths: 17

Tertiary Entrance Rank: 96.60

Whew...So it wasn't that bad. Yeah, honestly, when I saw I only scored 17 for Maths, my heart nearly stop beating. I mean I thought my maths is the best subject. Anyway, overall, I think its fine.

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Last night, I went to the LL staff dinner at Strawberry File at PJ town (state). For me, its was the first time I attend a social gathering with adults and teens alike alone (as in without parents, etc). So it was the eleven of us (some didn't turn up, I don't know why) sitting in the restaurant making such a din. Lol, I think we were the nosiest group there. The food was okay, the pricing a bit expensive.

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These days, teenagers seriously got no life. If they are not on Facebook, then they are sleeping thinking about Facebook (:

Another thing I noticed is that a lot of teens place friends above family. Its kinda funny, isn't it, considering that family is always there for you and friends sometimes come and go. Yet most of us tend to underappreciate our parents, siblings, etc.

I am a lousy blogger

Its been a while since I last updated my blog. Its no wonder since I am often uninspired to write something worthwhile reading.

Yesterday I just got back from my one week trip from Taiping. My siblings, Jarren and Jomei, and I, went north to visit our ageing grandparents. We did not do much there, just eat, sleep, go to the Taiping Hu, etc.

The ironic part is that Kar Yee was there the whole time I was in Taiping and I didn't realize it until I got back home. For some reason, we never stumble upon each other even though we were both in town most of the time.

From tomorrow to Sunday, I will working at my dad's company as a volunteer staff for the traning seminars for teens. I am really looking forward to it since it is a teenagers training, so there will be girls xD. Heh heh, whatsmore, I am in charge of food for the staff, too. Food means eating, makan, and it is my favourite past-time. I am in charge of choosing the food/snacks the staff get to eat.

Lol, Michael Owen actually scored a hattrick against Wolfsburg?? What a pleasant suprise, considering that he failed to find the back of the net for some time already.




It seems that Tiger Woods was swinging more than golf clubs for the past few years. Every hot babe seems to be claming to have a fling (or swing) with Tiger Woods. How many birdies has he hit? Ten?

Soon-pid

Soon + Stupid = Soon-pid

The subject: Soon Zhen Han (green shirt)

But of course I am not calling Soon stupid or anything like that, but I am actually referring to the compulsory subject known as Moral Education. Kar Yee was the one who coined the term Soon-pid and to be honest, I really like that word. I mean anyone who met Soon will understand (wink).

Anyway, back to Moral Education, to me its more like Social Science/ Sociology. Its not much of moral, and yeah, its dead boring.

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A few days back, FY asked me:
'Hey, I heard you went to Genting with your college mates.'

'Yeah, yeah, we went to Genting.'

'So how was it?'

'Erm, its oklah.'

'Oh, it wasn't that great right?'

'Not really, how you know?'

I had great expectations of the trip, but the weather had other ideas. Enough said.

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On the night after prom on 18 Nov, since we were given free entry tickets to MOS, so me and some of my classmates went into MOS to take a look. Just like any dance club, it was pretty much pounding music and flashing lights. Mind you, it was my time in a club, and I can't say I like it (:

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Thank you Team Plato for putting in a good and eye-catching performance in our 'Hindusim' role play. It was propably our saving grace as our presentation was not well presented. Thank you Wen Yao, Soon, Kar Yee, Harry, Melvin, Louis, Guo Heng, Chin Hoong and Pou.

Exams Over

Yeah!!!

SAM Finals are finally over!! What a relief!! It's as if the world's burden have been lifted off my shoulders.

This time round, I was pretty worried about the exam. I did not feel prepared, and my inability to complete some questions in the past-year papers really left serious doubts in my head (especially Spec Maths). But, enough said about exams...this is the period of time I really love, which is Post Major Exam Period (:

Hmm..I got quite a lot of things to do in my Post Major Exam Period to-do list. But at least its the stuff I like. For example:

Football/futsal!!!!
(Note: I am not capable of a bicycle kick)


Lazing around


Playing games


Eating (:

As I promised David WYY, I opened a Facebook account on the night my last paper ended. I didn't realize so many people I know are in Facebook. Facebook is really the in-trend thing right now.

Hehe, tomorrow it's E3's trip to Genting!! Finally, our class first real outing. But I suppose the downside is that there are only 3 girls (although I think sometimes there are only 2 girls) :)

Is There A Need to Panic?

Today is Thursday already. Study leave is almost at the end, and with exams starting next week, I only dare to say that I am 50% ready to sit for the SACE finals. Gotta work harder!!!

Why is it that half the time when I am studying I find myself yawning and struggling to keep awake even though I had 6-7 hours of sleep the night before? And then suddenly I am wide awake when I am using the computer? One of the many mysteries of the human body....

This Is It

This is it.

No, I am not talking about Michael Jackson's upcoming movie. I referring to the moment when college life draws to a close. Today was my last official college day at Taylor's. After seven (seven!!) intense months in SAM March intake, it is the moment where we will be forced to part ways.

I still remember the first day I entered class E3. I was 5 minutes late, and close to 30 pairs of eyes stared back at me when I entered the classroom. The class was totally silent. I was like, 'Woah, I don't know anyone here. Gosh, it might be hard to make friends.' There weren't many seats left so I went to the back of the class and sat next to a guy who obviously went to NS. He was the first friend I made in E3. His name is Kar Yee.

From then on, for the first time in my schooling years, I found myself liking my class more and more. I am not much of an extrovert, but my peers in E3 were really a friendly, easy-going lot. Thus, much to my pleasant surprise, making friends wasn't a problem in E3. After Kar Yee, I got to know Avi (finish?) and Calvin. Then JJ, Karl, Yue Zhi and Dominic. After two weeks, I pretty much knew everyone in E3, from Soon to David WYY.

Right now, to think that we all are soon to part ways, really upsets me. I genuinely love this class. It was so much fun just being part of this class. Sure, I didn't participate in much of the E3's social activities such as the drinking session after mid-year (ahem), but I will forever cherish the time when we played futsal together, 'killed' each other in COD, ate lunch together and even the moment when we studied in the same class. Thank you, E3, for giving me such a great time in college. Everyone in E3 are equally important as it is every single one of us that makes E3 so unique.

Which other class play Pokemon? Only E3!!! (:

(Blame UG for the Pokemon craze)


Dr. Santha


Ms Isabel

Mr. James

Mr. Yap


I am sorry, Ms Lucia!!! I don't have a picture of you. I know we are a tough class to teach. My prayers are with you and your daughter. Thank you so much for teaching E3!!!





Avi getting 'raped'....

To sum it up, E3 rocks!!

(More photos coming soon)

It's Time to Study-lah

SAM Finals are just two weeks away.

Am I worried?

I should be, but honestly, no, I am not particularly worried.

I am just a little bit worried, just a little bit.

I am currently suffering from what is known as 'writer's block'. I can't seem to write anything worth reading at the moment.

Hmm, no, wait, let me try.

(5 minutes of silence)

Ok, I give up. Hopefully there will be posts in the future.

Where is your refuge?

I was browsing through my email when I came across this question:

'Where is your refuge?'

I sat there in front of the computer for a full minute, thinking of the right answer.

This isn't a particularly hard question to answer.

I am just not the type to dwell on 'sentimental' things.

I suppose my refuge when things are going hay-wire and everything seems to be against me is my room.

My room, despite its huge mosquitoes population, is where I can sit down and think things through.

This is where I sleep, dream and even fantasize.

This is where my collection of worldly possessions are located.

This is where I am taught the lesson of being neat, tidy and clean.

Not only that, when life is in the dumps, when I feel like crap, I step into my room and think to myself:

'At least I have a comfortable room, with electricity and clean water supply.'

'I have the privilege to study and read in my room.'

'I have a proper bed to myself.'

'I have parents who fully support me.'

'I even have a younger sibling to share my room with. I am truly blessed.'

My room is my refuge. Where is your refuge?

Trials Over

Yeah!!! SAM trials finally ended!!! To cut a long story short, let's just say that the papers were beyond the definition of 'difficult'. Spec. Maths was terrible, even Maths was tough. Damn, I have a lot of work to do in the coming weeks to get my act together for the finals in November. On the other hand, its Hari Raya break. What a timely breather!!! To everyone who celebrates Hari Raya , Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Today was a blast. Played futsal with a few college classmates in the morning. The only downside was we all went to HTO and it was closed!! We were told that 'hari ini cuti sekolah, jadi HTO juga tutup'. So in the end we went to Sports Planet. I think today was my best game in a long, long time. I always prefer the left wing, and if I am allowed a little freedom to roam rather than help pack the midfield, I think that will problably help the team more. Later, I switched and followed my mum and siblings to Rakuzen near SJMC. The Japanese food there is the best I tasted so far. Later, my siblings persuaded me to take them to the Bukit Kiara Equestrian Club so we can play table tennis and badminton. Since I am such a nice guy, I agreed and another friend aslo tagged along.

Just now, I was browsing through my computer files and found a whole file of photos taken fromm the last 12 months. It was pretty nostlagic looking at these photos. Here is a few.

Last year's PRS and Kelab Kerjaya camp

National Service!!!!

Ivan and Ryan leaving E3

Okay, I got to go. Its my CG supper time. Hopefully there will be more updates soon.

Study, Study, Study

Once again, I apologize for my apparent lack of updates. I had been busy juggling exams after exams (who told me SAM was easy?). Not only that, my trials are one week away!!! *Gasp*

Slacking in studies, lacking in motivation.

That pretty much sums up my mood right now. To any prospective college students out there, DO NOT join March intake for SAM unless you have absolutely no choice. Don't say you were not warned beforehand.

Some 'interesting' photos I took over the last month or so:

Who said guys lack creativity? Just look at this piece of 'artwork'

And this one, too:

Courtesy of Soon, Calvin & Karl

I am seriously fed up by those people who promise to come for something and suddenly FFK, leaving those who bothered to take the effort to come fuming mad and irritated. These people really spoil my day. They have no sense of responsibility at all. I will forgive, but I won't forget.

So to those people who don't feel remorseful about FFK-ing, let me say this to you:

It's a one week break

Hey guys, its my (long-awaited) 1 week break right now. Phew, I really need a breather before diving back into the whirlpool of academic studies and exams.

Now, I have decided on sending university applications to three states only, namely Victoria, Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and New South Wales (NSW). This is my 'draft', pending parents' approval.

For Victoria:
University of Melbourne: Bachelor of Engineering/B Commerce, B Commerce/B Arts
Monash University: B Commerce/B Arts

For ACT:
ANU: Bachelor of Acturial Studies, B Acturial Studies/B Commerce, B Commerce/B Arts, B Commerce

For NSW:
Macquarie University: Bachelor of Acturial Studies
University of Sydney: B Commerce, B Commerce/B Arts




Hail the 'Lightning Bolt'!!! An astounding new 100m world record of 9.58 seconds!! Simply breathtaking. My personal best is a snail-pace of 14.5 seconds. Only 23 this year, certainly many more things are expected from this Jamaican sprinter.

Fun Fact: Bolt is a Manchester United fan. Prior to his amazing run, Man Utd won a Premier League match by the smallest of margins (beating Birmingham City 1-0). Imagine how fast Bolt could have ran if Man Utd managed to put more goals past City (:

I watched G.I. Joe on Sunday with family and friends at Tropicana City Mall. G.I. Joe is a action-packed movie filled with many creditable fighting scenes and some amazing computer-generated effects. I must admit I really enjoyed the movie since I love 'action' movies. But for those who are not really into action movies, I won't recommend G.I. Joe because the plot of the story is rather predictable and the bad guys are defeated too abruptly.

My Rating: 8/10

What happened Jeric??

Yes, I know its been a long time since I updated my blog. Sorree...been busy.

Is the world coming to a premature end? H1N1, floods, typhoons, haze, erratic weather, everybody falling ill, certain people/parties spending money like water in the midst of a global economic slump, MJ dead, etc etc. All makings of 'Judgment Day'.

Money can't buy success. If both of you flop, then you two are really the joke of the century.

Football season is returning!!!!!!Woohooo!!!! Go Man Utd (:

STRESS

I can't stressed this word enough. S-T-R-E-S-S. Aiyoh, March intake is crazy. Not only that, my subjects combination of Maths, ESL, Spec Maths, Chem and Phy are considered the 'suicidal five' in Australia. So, yeah, you get the idea.

And right now, I am at the crossroads. What course/degree should I take up in uni? Which uni? How? Why? Hmm, a lot of thinking and research to do. Obviously, I don't want to make the wrong choice. Now, I am considering taking double degrees. Maybe Bachelor of Engineering + Bachelor of Commerce, maybe Bac of Commerce + Bac of Arts...the thing is I feel like dropping science subjects...I am also an Australian PR, so my entry requirement & application procedure are all different from international students.

Merde over

My mid-year exam is over!!!! Yay!! (: What a relief

The exams were crappy (which means I screwed up). Here is a brief summary on my five papers:

Chemistry: It was never easy to begin with, but this paper can be considered a 'killer'.

Maths: Marginally easier than Chem, but I did a few silly mistakes.

Physics: My weakest subject in SAM. Once again, I fail to complete the paper, coupled with the fact that the questions posed were hard, I feel this paper is a real merde.

Spec. Maths: Another tough paper. I am probably know how to do 60% of the questions only.

ESL: I don't think I wrote a good essay. Wait, two essays...

Conclusion: I am in deep merde.
My only consolation is that the exams are over.

Anyway, I would like to clarify a few things about myself:

1. I am not an alcoholic. I hardly drink because I don't really enjoy it.

2. I can play football, badminton, basketball, table tennis, volleyball and even sepak takraw.

3. I read the newspaper everyday without fail, be it NST, Star or the Sun.

4. I hate studying. Preferably I would just want to laze around the whole day.

5. I usually only watch movies that came out ages ago. Just last week, I watched Click.

6. I am a fan of the Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings series.

7. I love playing COD4 multiplayer (:

8. I really feel that NS is fun. If you have to go, just go lah. Its not that bad.

9. Nope, I never had a girlfriend before. I am available now (:

10. I am genuinely upset that Michael Jackson is dead because he was a great entertainer.

Teach in English is better!!!

Since the government announced their decision to revert teaching Science and Maths in English back to Malay, the public in general was divided in their opinion on the decision. Advocates of BM and ultra-nationalists were happy with the decision (as expected). It is probably prudent that I put forward my own opinion.

Personally, I think the government made a potentially disastrous decision in choosing to revert back to teaching Science and Maths in Malay. This move will not produce Malaysian students who have the competitive edge and the needed skills to survive in the outside world. Like it or not, English is the 'international language' and the language everyone needs to learn. Some parties argue that teaching Science and Maths will not improve one's English. But can you imagine learning these subjects in BM from Standard 1 up to Form 5 and then entering tertiary education institutes that teach these subjects in English. Students will be wondering what the heck is 'covalent bond', 'definite integration' and 'potential difference' because they have all learned it in BM. As a result, students will struggle to adapt themselves to the English terms and will suffer greatly while in universities.

The government also decided to increase the duration of English classes in schools. However, I think that this will not help improve the standard of English among Malaysians, especially those living in rural areas. Half of the English teachers teaching in government schools are incompetent in the language and incapable of teaching English effectively. I personally found English classes boring when I was in secondary school. Furthermore, the standard of English among many Malaysian students are abysmal. When I was in NS, a group of dorm mates asked me what is sarapan pagi in English and how to spell it!!! Imagine that!! A pre-school word and they don't know!! WTF?? (I could go on, but one example is more than enough)

So, Mr. Education Minister, pls be more far sighted and don't succumb to the pressure of ultra-nationalists and BM advocates factions.


You can go to Tun Mahathir's blog and participate in his poll
http://chedet.co.cc/chedetblog/

Ok, I think I better get back to my Physics. Shite, mid-year exams in a week....

Some humour would be good

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THESE ARE ENTRIES TO A WASHINGTON POST COMPETITION
ASKING FOR A TWO-LINE RHYME
WITH THE MOST ROMANTIC FIRST LINE,
AND THE LEAST ROMANTIC SECOND LINE:

1. My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife:
Marrying you has screwed up my life.

2. I see your face when I am dreaming.
That's why I always wake up screaming.

3. Kind, intelligent, loving and hot;
This describes everything you are not.

4. Love may be beautiful, love may be bliss,
But I only slept with you 'cause I was pissed.

5. I thought that I could love no other
-- that is until I met your brother.

6. Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you.
But the roses are wilting, the violets are dead, the sugar bowl's
empty and so is your head.

7. I want to feel your sweet embrace;
But don't take that paper bag off your face.

8. I love your smile, your face, and your eyes
Damn, I'm good at telling lies!

9. My love, you take my breath away.
What have you stepped in to smell this way?

10. My feelings for you no words can tell,
Except for maybe 'Go to hell.'

11. What inspired this amorous rhyme?
Two parts vodka, one part lime.

WHO SAID POETRY IS BORING?

------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok, ok...I am very frustated. That's why some humour would be good.
Why am I frustated?
That's a secret.
Oklah, partly because of my maths test today.

July is THE month for me. Wah lau...mid year exams, assignments, class/common tests...I feel giddy already.


Haha (: Sorry Calvin...


Pou in shorts!!!!!!!



Anyway, bye Ronaldo. Man Utd does not need someone who loves Real Madrid so much. To Sir Alex, buy Ribery, Benzema & Huntelaar!!!

Inspiration

A friend of mine send me this link to a video. Very touching and inspirational. The father is a rare symbol of unselfishness in this world where a high degree of 'kiasu'ness and 'me and only me' attitude is rampant.

I think its easier if you just copy and paste using this link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJMbk9dtpdY

Anyway, I just got my SAM Semester 1 results. Its all out of 20 marks.

Here it is:


Da da daaaaaaaaaaaa!!! (Drums roll in the background)




(Curtains raise)




ESL - 14B
Spec. Maths - 18A
Maths - 19A
Chem - 15B
Phy - 13B

Yes, I am bored (:

And keep any remarks about my results to yourself (especially to those from E3)

Goodnight

My ninth post of the year

Yes, this is only my ninth post of the year. This blog is damn dead.

So, obviously a lot of things happened since the last time I posted something.

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I watched Termination Salvation on the day it was released in Malaysia (28 May) with Pou, Calvin, Avi, JJ, David, Soon and Ryan (all college mates). I won't say that the movie was great, but it was not bad. Storyline was a bit confusing; the ending was too abrupt. Action was okay. The background soundtrack was good. Overall I would give 7 out of 10 marks.

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I also completed the campaign of COD 4 in 2 days after waiting so long for the game to 'fall' into my hands. Even then, it took me 1 hour to install the game as the crack files were different from usual. Thanks Ryan for the disc (:

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Yeah, I celebrated my grandfather's birthday over the weekend. Compared to last year, it was sort of a muted celebration. But it was still meaningful. I really appreciate my grandparents, but I can't really communicate with them. My Mandarin is mediocre at best and I can only understand Hokkien, not speak it. I stayed with them in Taiping for 3 years when I was really young and they became my full time caregiver for that duration. Hopefully there will be more celebrations like this for the years to come.

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In the wee hours of Saturday (30 May), my brother got admitted into Assunta Hospital for appendicitis. At first, he complained of severe abdominal pain. The next thing I know, he was warded in hospital. Of course he went through surgery to remove the appendix. It was a pretty painful and scary experience for Jarren (my bro). I pray that he will have a speedy recovery.

This is very interesting. I was 'googling' on Google (obviously) and stumbled onto this: Salmah Ismail, the wife and widow of P. Ramlee died on 25 April 1983 in Assunta Hospital, exactly 8 years before I was born in the same hospital!!!

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I am now having my one week break for my SAM March intake. But its definitely not considered a holiday. God, there's so many projects and studying to be done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is nuts ):

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Yes, yes, I know Man Utd lost. But so what? To certain Liverpool fans out there, Man Utd is much more successful than Liverpool for the 2008-2009 season. And to all Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, etc fans out there, stop acting as if your team won the Champions League. Let me remind you that Barcelona, I repeat, Barcelona won. Okay, fine, I admit that Barca overall was the better team. Man Utd, except for the first 10 minutes, played like s*$t!!