Ronnie's World's Best

As expected by most people, Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo was named 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year. The award was given on Monday night in Zurich, Switzerland. Ronaldo becomes the first English Premier League player to win this award.

Cristiano Ronaldo led his team Manchester United to become English and European champions in the 2007/2008 season scoring the total of 42 goals in the run. Later in 2008, the English team became World's Champions.

Manchester United 3-0 Chelsea

What a great weekend for the Red Devils and their supporters. After Rafa's rant on Thursday provided us with a little laugh (even though Pool's fans still defend as facts, United gets the last laugh), Liverpool's draw against Stoke City on Saturday just pumped Manchester United up even more. The Champions starts off their crucial week hosting 2nd place Chelsea, whose away record has been amazing. Bad decision, coming to Old Trafford...

Going into this match, United was trailing the leaders by 8 points, with 3 games in hand. But by the end of this week, United might have one point advantage and lead the table. The first challenge is the Rent Boys.  At a big game like this, obviously you will be able to see big names in the stands. Former United assistant manager Carlos Quieroz was there, sitting on the same row as former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho (who's now the tactician for Inter Milan, United's next European opponent) and England manager Fabio Capello.

Rio Ferdinand who was said to be fit for the game, was still absent from the lineup. Johnny Evans stepped up to take his place. Gary Neville takes back the armband, while another veteran Ryan Giggs was trusted to lead the midfield alongside Darren Fletcher.

The first half started off pretty even, with the fight often on the middle of the field. Neither team has any good chance at first, since both defense were really tight. Around the 22nd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo's cross hit Ashley Cole's hand and the United team, supported by the home fans, appealed for a penalty kick. Instead, the referee gave a freekick right outside the box. The resulting set piece was taken by Ronaldo and blocked by Petr Cech.

The match itself was very intense, and it's proven by the 4 yellow cards given by referee Howard Webb inside the first half hour. Unfortunately, the amount of bookings was greater than the chances created by the two teams.

Just before the half time, United got a corner kick. And a brilliant play between Wayne Rooney and Giggs proved to be too much for the referee. Ronaldo's header was too strong for Cech but the linesman ruled it off.

Rooney was seen there put the ball in the corner, than backheeled it a little, and just moved backwards, letting Giggs get it. So Rooney was the corner-taker, and he was in play by the time Giggs had the ball. A legitimate, very entertaining, and brilliant move by the Red Devils.

But justice was done when Giggs was told to retake the corner kick. Dimitar Berbatov flicked on and Nemanja Vidic headed it in from the far post. A huge blow for the Blues, a goal down just before half time.

That goal really sets the tone for the rest of the game. Coming out of the tunnel for the last 45 minutes, the home team was full of confidence and in control of the match. Ronaldo moved forward from the left, and with a clever little backheel found Patrice Evra with the overlap. Evra then delivered a beautiful cross, just missed by Berbatov's head, but met by Rooney's left foot. That close, Rooney would never miss it. 2-0 United, Chelsea was falling apart.

Chelsea started losing possession easily, while United were going at them at full speed any chance they get. Ronaldo, again, had a goal disallowed. He found a way through Chelsea's defense but he was called offside. Replays show that he wasn't but his pace must have made it difficult for the linesman since he was gone in a split second.

He was very much involved in the third goal, though. One of his surging runs down the left Chelsea's right back with no choice but to foul him or let him through. Wrong decision, choosing to foul him. Not only did he get a booking, Ronaldo took the freekick low and hard and Berbatov had the easy job to tap it into Chelsea's goal. 2 goals from set pieces, just showing everyone their lack of experience in that area.

It was definitely one of the best matches I've watched this season. Special note for the fans at Old Trafford, the atmosphere was just amazing.

For full highlights, click here.

35th People's Choice Awards

The Dark Knight wins big in this year's People's Choice Awards, no surprises there. The awards were given out last night, Wednesday January 7th, 2009 at the Shrine Auditorium, hosted by Queen Latifah. The Dark Knight wins all 5 awards it was nominated for, including Choice Movie, Action Movie, Cast, Onscreen Matchup (Christian Bale, Heath Ledger), Superhero (Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman).

Ellen DeGeneres wins Choice Talk Show Host (*yay*). At the top of the ceremony, Ellen had to step up to present the first award because Kate Hudson who was scheduled to appear was stuck in traffic.

Complete list of winners:

FILM
• Movie: The Dark Knight
• Family Movie: WALL-E
• Action Movie: The Dark Knight
• Movie, Comedy: 27 Dresses
• Movie, Drama: The Secret Life of Bees
• Independent Movie: The Secret Life of Bees
• Cast: The Dark Knight (Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Maggie Gyllenhaal)
• Male Movie Star: Will Smith
• Leading Man: Brad Pitt
• Male Action Star: Will Smith
• Female Movie Star: Reese Witherspoon
• Leading Lady: Kate Hudson
• Female Action Star: Angelina Jolie
• Onscreen Matchup: Christian Bale & Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
• Superhero: Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman

TELEVISION
• Drama: House
• Comedy: Two and a Half Men
• Animated Comedy: The Simpsons
• Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show: Heroes
• Competition/Reality Show: Dancing With the Stars
• Game Show: Deal or No Deal
• Male TV Star: Hugh Laurie
• Female TV Star: Christina Applegate
• Talk Show Host: Ellen DeGeneres
• Scene-Stealing Guest Star: Robin Williams on Law & Order: SVU
• Female Drama Diva: Kyra Sedgwick as Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson on The Closer
• New TV Drama: The Mentalist
• New TV Comedy: Gary Unmarried

MUSIC
• Male Singer: Chris Brown
• Female Singer: Carrie Underwood
• Group: Rascal Flatts
• R&B Song: "No One" by Alicia Keys
• Pop Song: "I Kissed a Girl" by Katy Perry
• Rock Song: "All Summer Long" by Kid Rock
• Country Song: "Last Name" by Carrie Underwood
• Hip-Hop Song: "Low" by Flo Rida, featuring T-Pain
• Combined Forces: "No Air" by Jordin Sparks, featuring Chris Brown
• Song From a Soundtrack: "Mamma Mia" by Meryl Streep, from Mamma Mia!

MISCELLANEOUS
• Funny Male Star: Adam Sandler
• Funny Female Star: Tina Fey
• Star 35 & Under: Carrie Underwood

Report from EOnline

Congrats to all the winners, and especially to you Heath.

In loving memory: 2008

At the start of this new year I would like to remember all the wonderful things that happened throughout 2008. Well I don't remember much cos you know.. I'm that ignorant.

It was my 2nd and 3rd semester at Rutgers and I was kinda settled in already. My 2nd semester was really nice, cos I got good grades and all. Last semester, not really. (and where the hell is my Discrete Structures grade?!) Moved from Livingston's Quad 2 to Busch's Judson Suite. Livingston was really nice and it kinda felt like home. But it was too quiet most of the times. Busch is really nice too, at least you can see people around. But it's like everywhere I turn I see Asians. LOL And my suitemates, love them all!! =) All 5 of them stressing out about Orgo exam while I was in front of my computer trying to find something to do... The last day before their Orgo final they were freaking out, staying up all night to study, and all that and I still didn't have much to do. (gotta love being a CS major). Also became friends with a Kevin and his roommates. Funny cos all of us lived together in Quad 2 freshmen year but we didn't even know each other. Dhruv, good job on being accepted to U Illinois, good luck there! It was really nice knowing you.

For my birthday, Kevin took me out for ice cream and Starbucks while my roommates decorated our suite and got cake and pizza. It was after their Orgo exam too! Thanks soooooo much for that! I know how depressing that subject is for all of you and to be able to plan all that and did it in the midst of your studying, you guys are the best!

During the summer I went back home. Out of those 3 1/2 months, I was probably only active for 2 months. And the rest of those time? I stayed at home watcing DVDs. Most likely to be the same next summer. Went to Bali again with my friends, that was fun. Miss you guys so much! Though I was kinda disappointed that some of my friends went on different ways that we couldn't even hang out anymore, the whole summer was fun.

This winter break wasn't as fun as I wanted it to be. I love T.Philia and her family and I'm very thankful that they let me stay here and take really good care of me. And thank you so much for all the presents even though I didn't get anything for anyone. But Christmas and New Years without my family didn't feel like the happy holidays I always loved. Miss Mama, Didi, koko, and Moti even more during those times. Moti is 11 now and I bet he's getting even taller now. Man I miss him so much!!

2008 was a really, really good year for Manchester United. They defended the Premier League title, and added European glory to their list. I don't think any United fan will be able to forget that rainy May night in Moscow. Whatever that was that I felt when watching the penalty shootout, I have never felt like that other than that one time. Watching the videos on YouTube still give me chills! Bet that moment when Terry cried after missing his penalty, millions of people wearing the same blue jersey were crying also (while me, and others in red, jumped full of joy full of BELIEVE for Man Utd).

They also became the World Champions later that year. I mean, it was their year. And I'm hoping really bad that 2009 would be the same, or even better... another treble after 10 years!

Justin is still with Jessica (almost 2 years now) and I guess I can be happy for him. Cos he seems really happy. His movie with Mike Myers, I hated it. But whatever the guy is so freaking hot! He worked with other artists a lot but I think it's time for him to do his own thing again. I really want some new JT stuff. (or maybe JC should release Kate!) He became a bigger golf addict, and now a spokesperson for Callaway. Had his own golf tournament in Vegas in October, and had a deal for 4 more years of those. I really hope I can get to see one of his shows soon.

I became obsessed with F.R.I.E.N.D.S, Matthew Perry, and Studio 60. Well all that revolve around Matty. He's so darn cute and hilarious as hell! He seems like a smart guy too. I can't stop watching those shows. I watched all 10 seasons of F.R.I.E.N.D.S (from beginning to end) at least 4 times in the last few months and Studio 60 at least 3 times.

New years resolution 2009:
1. work out more!! Lose some weight (or stop gaining weight!)
2. try to get a part time job
3. STUDY HARDER
4. search for scholarships
5. be more active & sociable
6. pay more attention to everything
7. make more friends
8. FIND JUSTIN!! LOL (or see his show when he's around)

*NSYNC Flashback - December 1998

So I haven't been posting in a while, cos obviously it's the holidays and nothing has happened. More importantly, Justin was nowhere to be seen these days and I miss him so bad. I mean it's good for him that he gets a break from all this but I need my Justin! Well, happy new year to everyone, I know it's a bit late but whatever. Here's the last flashback of *NSYNC from 1998...

Here are some fun clips from December 1998 including a cute rendition of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and parts of MTV's Top 40 Unedited which include everything from Disney songs, to underwear jingles, to JC rapping along with Tupac! The guys also did a bunch of "real" holiday performances, but I'm Christmas'd out so I didn't include those files.