I cannot think about other games in this world that can unite all of us. Blacks, whites, shorts, talls, ugly, handsome, etc. That game, the ultimate game, is called football.

Okay, it does not really matter what you call it. Football is the most common word to use it. Americans called it soccer, and we cannot complain about it. Americans may place soccer lower than baseball, basketball, or American football but it does not matter. Because it’s everyone’s game now. “Please stop lecturing us. We know that it’s called football everywhere else, and that it’s the global game, the beautiful game. Americans call it soccer because there’s a perfectly great sport here already called football,” Time writer Bill Saporito wrote in his article about soccer.

Yes, it does not matter what we call it. In my country Indonesia we call it sepak bola. And hell yes, it does unite the whole world.

My friend once said that football is quite ‘useless’. “I don’t see the point why 22 men chase after one ball.” Yes you are correct, it is quite non-sense to think about it. But, mind you, FIFA once said “The World is united by one ball.” Not only 22 men, but the whole world. And it is amazing game, dude. American football also played with 22 men, and they hit each other because of one ellipse object.

So are you sure football does unite the whole world ? Take a good example in Ivory Coast. North separatists always fight with the Southern pro-government. They do fight each other, kill each other, and the war seems non-stop. Until, the football captain Didier Drogba (Chelsea striker) stepped up and say ‘please stop the war and support us for world cup.” He suggested that the friendly match need to be played in Northern Ivory Coast, so the separatists can support also. The effect? They stopped the war almost immediately. Didier Drogba is not the president, UN-peacekeeping, or whatsoever. But he did stop the war. That makes him as one of the most powerful man in the world, according to TIME magazine. The power of football.

North Korea and South Korea may rise the tension in these past few weeks. But, before that they already ‘fight’ in a peaceful way during World Cup qualifying campaign. No blood and weapons are involved, just 22 men fight after one ball. Willing to give everything they have to score the goals. South Korea merged victorious 1-0, and no fight. They have peace in the field.

Catalonia is located in the Northern East part of Spain, and this region wants to separate from Spain to form a new country. The people there do not like the Spain’s government and kings. What is their symbol of fight? It’s not weapon or army. It is a club called FC Barcelona. The Catalans really proud of this team, won everything they could possibly win last year (this includes the elusive UEFA Champions League, La Liga  title, and also FIFA Club World Cup). On the other hand, Real Madrid CF is the king’s favourite club. They simply present one of the most bitter rivalry in sport. Barcelona supporters always hate being called Spanish, and insist they are Catalans. The club slogan says it all, “Mes que en club” or “More than a club.” Ironically, Barcelona players are now the backbones for Spanish national team. Players like Xavi Hernandez, Gerard Pique, Charles Puyol, Sergio Busquets, and Victor Valdes listed as Spanish squad for this year’s world cup. Another Catalan playing for Arsenal FC, Cesc Fabregas is also the midfielder for Spain.

So the main question is, why football becomes a global game? It’s quite simple. It is so easy to play. You do not need amazing skills (unless if you are star players like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo). You do not need expensive stuff, you just need rounded object to kick around. More developed countries may choose to buy the balls from the supermarkets, but look at Africans people. They just made the ‘ball’ from unused plastic or bottles, tie them around, and kick around. The goal posts can be anything – trees, bags, shoes, sandals, etc. You make yourself.

The impact of football can be crazy and wide — stock markets may stumble, express your nationalism, and even country depression! Amazing.

So, the biggest party in the world is starting in less than 6 days time. That party is called World Cup. 32 nations will compete to get that elusive world cup. Brazil, a 5-time-champion, is surely favourite. But European Champions with their golden generations, Spain is also one of the strongest team there. England – the founder of this beautiful game – may get their second world cup after winning it in 1966. There are other strong teams such as Germany, Argentina, Netherlands, and Portugal.

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the most exciting party of all – FIFA WORLD CUP! as well as the most beautiful game ever — FOOTBALL. ONE GAME, ONE WORLD.

The group is pretty much tough, as both teams are eager to perform well in World Cup. But still, the strongest favourite is Argentina – two-time World Champion. Despite struggling in South America qualifying stage, La Albiceleste is still a force to be feared. Under the commando of unstable legend manager Diego Maradona, Argentina has almost every talents they need for to destroy every teams. Look at  Lionel Messi (2009′s world player of the year) and his striking partners such as Carlos Tevez, Diego Milito (who scored two crucial goals in the UEFA Champions League Final this year), as well as Sergio Aguero who helped Atletico Madrid to triumph the maiden Europa League this year.

The midfielders are very promising and experienced to lead Argentina to the glory, there are likes of Juan Sebastian Veron, Maxi Rodriguez, and the captain Javier Mascherano. Surely, the top spot in Group B is Argentina’s to lose.

However, the 1994 memory will obviously ring in every Argentina players, including the manager Maradona. Despite being favourites in 1994 edition, Argentina was facing early exit as Nigeria and Bulgaria pulled off biggest surprise. Argentina won the first two matches, but lost the crucial last match and stuck in the third position. It still can happen in this year’s edition, especially when Argentina is struggling.

Nigeria will have extra motivation to excel in their own continent. There is no more figure like Jay Jay Okocha, but Nigeria promise more fresh blood under Obafemi Martins and John Obi Mikel, both shining in European contest. I think they can secure the second spot and qualify for the second round.

South Korea and Greece need to work really hard to contest one position in the second round. South Korea is not like 2002′s South Korea, where they can pull off big surprise to advance to the semifinals, beating Italy and Spain in the process. Greece also performed miracle when they unexpectedly won Euro 2004 after beating Portugal twice (in Group stage and the final). They may get the second place, but I think it will be Argentina and Nigeria who progress.

My prediction:

1. Argentina 2. Nigeria 3. South Korea 4. Greece

Player to watch : Lionel Messi (Argentina)

World player of the year, and he is in the hottest form after winning La Liga with Barcelona. Last year, he helped Barcelona to win unprecedented six title in a year. He scored 45 goals and secured the European golden boot. Surely, Argentina supporters expect the same from the La Pulga. He is the player to stop for this World Cup.

Questions to ponder:

- Will Lionel Messi produce the same magic form as he produced with Barcelona?

- Can any one of the teams capitalise from Argentina’s struggling form?

Must-watch match: Argentina vs Nigeria

The first match of Group B, and can decide the fate of both teams. It will be interesting to see this match.

So, as the football neutrals, we hope that South Africa will progress at least until the second round. Furthermore, it is the first time for African country to host the most prestigious sport event in the world. The players look set, with the inspiration from Everton ace of Steven Pienaar.

But, it will be a very tough group for Bafana Bafana. All their three components are obviously not easy pickings. Mexico is forever a powerhouse in North America, Uruguay is a two-time World Champion, and France is always struggling but always securing results. France is the finalist for the previous edition of the World Cup, beaten in penalties by eventual winners Italy.

So who are the favourites in this group? Obviously France and Mexico  will be the strongest favourites in this group. France is struggling in recent times, but they might be too strong for other teams in this group. Players like Patrice Evra, Nicolas Anelka, and Thierry Henry may show themselves and secure the spot for the second round.

Mexico may be the second strongest favourite as they are quite convincing in the qualifying stage. The El Tri is a powerhouse in North America and cannot be taken lightly. However, their fate is pretty much decided in the first match – when they stage the opening match of World Cup together with South Africa. That will be the time when the South African players are very very motivated and will give everything they have to beat Mexico.

South Africa may have the largest supporters here, but they have everything to prove. But, I hope they can secure top two spots so they can continue that sacred tradition.

Uruguay will be struggling, and there is a little hope for them to ditch Mexico, France, or South Africa for the contests in the top two spots. But you will never know what will happen.

My prediction:

1. France 2. South Africa 3.Mexico 4. Uruguay

Player to watch: Steven Pienaar (South Africa)

Pienaar is a very important player for both Everton and his national team. A true leader in the midfield and playmaker, he can make the differences in the world cup. The whole country certainly expects him to deliver and at least make South Africa progress to the second round.

Questions to ponder:

- Can South Africa continue the tradition?

- Will Uruguay pull off a surprise here?

- Can France live up their reputations?

Must-watch match: South Africa vs Mexico

What can you expect? This is the opening match. The party begins here!!

Life is just mysterious, you cannot predict what will happen. You just cannot set your guidelines and expect the universe to go ahead according to your plans. You are not God. That is WHAT I HATE about this world (not because I’m not a God, but just I cannot set my own rules). But, it does not mean I hate my life. My life is simply too precious for it.

Right and wrong, both are just social terms. Basically, we all do not like chaos. We like to follow certain routines. We hate to stuck under uncertainties. You cannot imagine whether today you have a great internet connection, the next day you lose it. Or today your girlfriend loves you, the next second she loathes you. So for those who claims that they are anarchist, actually it just another way of saying : “Hey, I HATE these current rules. Let’s start a riot, kill those who torture us with their law, and make our own sets of rules!”

Yeah, I am certainly one of them. I mean, one of the ‘anarchists’.

Life right now is just too straight, too monotonous, and near-zero creativity. I hardly see any great music nowadays, great movies, and other literature works. All of us are too focused in daily routines — schools, economic works, government, news, wars, all the shit. I mean, come on, life is now. If you do not enjoy it, you can kiss good bye to your fantastic lives.

“Why thinking the problems for now? Save them for later.” This is the quote of the week!

Science? Does it really work? Does it solve our problems? Yeah you can claim all the technology improvement, men landed on the moon, the wonder of internet, the amazing airplanes and other things. But simply, science always fails to convince me about the idea of love. Science DOES NOT help us to love each other. Simply said, it’s not.

There is an article in ScientificAmerican Mind January/February 2010 edition about love and science. It claims that how science can help you to fall in love. Yes, the article is very interesting. It is highly reliable and proven to be correct. There are detailed steps  on how to make your beloved ones kiss you in 30 seconds. I believe that so much. You just need to stand, look each other deeply, feel the breath, and just walk slowly towards each other. There is an extremely high chance that you all end up kissing each other. WOW!

But, how? How can you make those beloved ones just standing in front of you? When you don’t have any clues about the feelings?

The scientists have not yet prove this out. Hopefully they come out with certain guidelines to deduce whether someone is liking you or not. For me, that will be extremely useful. Reduce the chances of failed proposal or other things. Haha!

I always want to deduce something scientifically about feelings of love. Observe, ponder, and try to deduce it. It does not need any formula to do such things, but certainly it is just a science of deduction (anyway, science is all about deduction isn’t it?. It will be extremely wonderful if you know what will happen to your lover. Take a step, or not to take a step. It is just wonderful if you can predict the feelings, just by looking or observing your lover’s attitudes or behaviours or thinkings. But I just failed to do so.

I certainly wish that to happen. The idea of science and love mixing together is just always ringing on my head. Or maybe, just maybe, love is the only scientific area that cannot be deduced by any means?

To make it more romantic ?To make it more challenging? To make it more wonderful and unforgettable?

Or maybe to make it more depressed? More stressful?

And the idea of forgetting someone by erasing him or her is just stuck in my mind for a long time. The movie Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind inspired me about this. There are billions of neurones in your brain, surely some of them just related to those you love. It is very interesting (and scary) to have them re-wired, so we cannot remember those we hate so much (as well as we love so much).

Oh what if, what if, what might have been…….

Thanks for reading all these bullshits.

“I feel forces all around me. Come on raise your head.” - Creed

“Your time has come to shine. All your dreams are on their way.” Simon & Garfunkel

And what a genius group is Pat Metheny Group! I know it sounds a little bit biased, not proven, or many other things. But please wait until you listen to all their albums, understand them, and make connection with your life. It’s nothing short of BEAUTIFUL.

This legendary jazz group really made me crazy with their old songs. Take a good look and hear in the album Travels (1983) which won Grammy Awards for The Best Jazz Performance. There are many great standard songs there – in terms of composition, performance, and complexity.

The first tune Are You Going With Me? (I will put this tune for my Top 10 tunes for all time, for sure) is already put you to a deep journey of Pat Metheny Group. This song features legendary and pioneer synthesizer solo by Lyle Mays (I consider him as one of the most over-rated musicians ever) and distinctive solo synthesizer guitar by Pat Metheny. The ending of this composition is dramatic! Followed by energetic, frantic, and amazing The Fields, The Sky which demonstrates the beautiful orchestration from Pat Metheny.

Moving on with CD2, there are many distinctive compositions of Extradition, Goin’ Ahead/As Falls of Wichita  Falls, Travels, and San Lorenzo. I cannot pick which one is the best, because each song gives me different thrill and ecstasy.

To cut story short, you need to listen to this album!!! Fantastic performance, during the old days!!!

Michael Brecker — Michael Brecker (1987)

This self-titled album is great. A legendary album, as far as I concern.

Michael Brecker, without doubt, is one of the greatest saxophonists of all time. Throughout his career, he already collected 16 Grammy Awards – including 2 posthumous awards after his album Pilgrimage.

Michael Brecker was always constantly to find a new way to improvise the music. His solo part never gets bored. No wonder, he won so many awards for best  improvisation solo.

So, this self-titled album was his debut album. Described by Downbeat Magazine as ‘one of the greatest debut albums of all time’, this grammy-nominated album really offered something special. You can enjoy many great compositions by Brecker as well as his friends here. Take a good look at his first tune, Sea Glass. It’s so touching and wonderful. Continue your journey to the loosely-composed Syzygy , fast-paced Nothing Personal, until happy-rhymed featuring ground-breaking solo of EWI (electrical wind instrument) at Original Rays. To cut a long story short, it was complete and great.

Supported by many talented friends such as drummer Jack DeJohnette, pianist Kenny Kirkland, bass-great Charlie Haden, and guitarist Pat Metheny ; this album offers a pleasant listening for jazz fans.

Surely, it’s not album to miss. Definitely one of the albums that you need to listen before you die.

Track list:

1. Sea Glass / 2. Syzygy / 3. Choices / 4. Nothing Personal / 5. The Cost of Living / 6. Original Rays / 7. My One and Only Love

Musicians:

Michael Brecker (saxophone, EWI) ; Kenny Kirkland (piano) ; Jack DeJohnette (drums); Charlie Haden (bass); Pat Metheny (guitars)

Pat Metheny is without doubt one of the greatest jazz guitarists ever. His career started decades ago, 1974 to be exact, when he started  to be the guitarist of a legendary Gary Burton Quartet. His debut album Bright Size Life gained many critical-acclaims and he slowly but surely gained so many achievements and awards. His nearly-40-year career already harvested 18 Grammy Awards and countless other awards.

So, the video above is a fine example on how Pat Metheny delivers beautiful melody, touching song, and yet great jazz composition. The title of that song is Change of Heart, taken from his album Question and Answer (1990). In that year too, he won ‘the best instrumental composition’ at Grammy Award because of this song. Just listen to it, and feel the power of jazz. Fantastic.

So, in this very short posting, Pat Metheny releases his latest album in 2010. It’s a very ambitious project called Orchestrion. So what’s it all about?

When you listen to it, you may think that it’s Pat Metheny playing accompanied with many people in the orchestra. But you are completely wrong, it’s all by himself. He creates the new dimension of musical technology, and it’s breath-taking.

Enjoy the music, peace.

I must say it’s a predictable surprise. How contradicting are those two words? Surprise means a pleasant and unpredictable event, but the word ‘predictable’ makes it vague. However, those two words happened during the Academy Awards 2010 a/k/a Oscar – the highest award for movie artist. Some billed it ‘the biggest Hollywood night’.

Avatar, no doubt is a magnificent movie and a wonder. Most of us were impressed after watching that movie. The director James Cameron brought us to a different world (of course it’s Pandora). To cut long story short, we are simply stunned with the beauty that technology can offer to us. Avatar also break the record to be the highest grossing movie of all time, beating Titanic after 13 years. (FYI : Titanic’s director is also James Cameron!) Surely, no doubt, Avatar will make it to top 10 nominations for best picture at Oscar.

But the essential question is : would Avatar win the oscar? easily?

We did not notice there is a small,independent movie called The Hurt Locker. That ‘simple’ movie was about Iraq war and how the American soldiers deal with all the bombs. What a performance by Jeremy Renner (nominated for best actor also) in that movie. So that movie was really precise, intense, and obviously great. One of the biggest magazines in the world, TIME, called the movie as ‘near perfect movie’. The director of that movie is Kathryn Bigelow, interestingly is the ex-wife of James Cameron! So, the movie-goers surely love ‘Avatar’, but the Academy Awards voters (so called the professor of movies) admire ‘The Hurt Locker’.

Kathryn Bigelow writes her name in the history of human kind. She is the first female director to win the best picture and best director.

Then the biggest night of Hollywood came. Some of us predicted ‘split decision’, which means one of those two movies will win best picture, but one of them secure another one. Then we proved wrong. The Hurt Locker and Kathryn Bigelow come on top.

It’s actually pure disappointment for ‘Avatar’-lovers. We love the movies so much, billed as one of the greatest and the most entertaining movie of the decade. But in the end, Avatar lost to a small movie like ‘The Hurt Locker’. But anyway, I never say The Hurt Locker is a bad movie. In the contrary, The Hurt Locker is a really great movie. I love the way Bigelow directs the movie. So detailed, intense, and perfect.

Let’s talk about other awards. For animated feature, there’s no question that Up will secure the award. It’s already a tradition for Disney-Pixar to secure that nomination.

For best actor, Jeff Bridges secured his first ever Academy Award after 5 nominations for his role at Crazy Heart.

For best actress, Sandra Bullock affirmed herself as one of the brightest stars in Hollywood. After two disappointing performances in garbage-movies like The Proposal and All About Steve, she paid in full by performing wonderfully at The Blind Side.

For best supporting roles, there’s no question for Christopher Waltz to edge that one. He played brilliantly at his role as jew-hunter at Inglourious Basterds. For best supporting actress, Mo’Nique pulled a surprise for her role at Precious.

It’s another great year for movie lovers. Avatar maybe lose, but for me personally it’s a tie at the best picture between Avatar and The Hurt Locker!!!

Some fun trivias:
- Kathryn Bigelow becomes the first ever female director to win the best director award.
- Avatar‘s profit is 860 times higher than The Hurt Locker‘s.
- The Hurt Locker is the lowest grossing movie of Oscar history to win the best picture award.
- This is the first time for 5 decades, that Oscar has 10 nominations for best picture.
- Meryl Streep maybe already secured 16 nominations for Oscar, but she just won twice.
- This is the first oscar for Sandra Bullock. However, her movie previously won the best picture, which was Crash
- The record for most winners in a year are : Ben Hur (1959), Titanic (1997), and The Lord of The Rings : The Return of The King (2003). Each won 11 awards.
- The film with most nominations throughout the history : Titanic (1997), it had 14 nominations.
- The film with clean sweep, the only one is The Lord of The Rings : The Return of The King (2003). It swept away all the 11 nominations provided.
- The last time for fantasy movie to win best picture for Oscar was The Lord of The Rings : The Return of The King (2003.
- The last movie up to date, to win all BIG FIVE at Oscar (best picture, bect director, best actor, best actress, and best screenplay) was The Silence of The Lambs (1991).

So, these are the overall winners for 2010 Oscar:
- The Hurt Locker (6 awards)
- Avatar (3 awards)
- Crazy Heart (2 awards)
- Precious : Based on the novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire (2 awards)
- Up (2 awards)
- Inglourious Basterds (1 award)
- The Blind Side (1 award)
- The Young Victoria (1 award)
- Star Trek (1 award)
- The Cove (1 award)
- Music by Prudence (1 award)
- The Secret in Their Eyes (1 award)
- Logorama (1 award)
- The New Tenants (1 award)

Full link: http://oscar.go.com/nominations/nominees