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Manchester United 2006/2007

I consider myself a rational man. I don’t believe in Feng Shui, horoscopes, divination, phrenology or other methods manufactured and exploited by slick smooth-talking hucksters.

On the other hand, I’m also a diehard football fan and specifically, a diehard Manchester United fan. Being a fan of anything means being something of a fanatic and the fanatical aren’t exactly poster children for common sense and rationality.

What all that means is I somehow convinced myself last August I wasn’t going to blog about Manchester United this season until it was all over because doing so would be, um, bad mojo. (Don’t ask me to explain it further.)

United did end up winning the Premiership after four years so I guess there might be something to the mojo thing.

If you were a United fan you would have been delighted by the title-win but you would have been absolutely thrilled by the manner with which United won the Premiership after nine months of hard campaigning.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen a United side this exciting, this stylish, this quick, this incisive. At their best this season, United were playing “ooh aah” football, breathtaking and beautiful.

It wasn’t just entertaining football; it was effective football as well. United scored more goals than every other team in the Premiership on their way to the title.

Here are some links to videos to relive the season when the Premiership trophy returned to Old Trafford.

Continued…

Posted in Football.

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By Gobi – Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Reading the goat entrails

What did the experts and the pundits predict for Manchester United this season? Let’s see …

The BBC.

A crucial season to try to end the Chelsea dominance … United look short of goals without Ruud van Nistelrooy … the club are probably playing for second once more.

The Guardian.

The midfield has less bite than Shane McGowan, Cristiano Ronaldo’s heart isn’t in it, the fragile Louis Saha makes Darren Anderton seem like Geoff Capes and referees will have it in for Wayne Rooney.

Mark Lawrenson.

… the midfield needs addressing and they don’t have the strength in depth of Chelsea or even Liverpool.

The Guardian writers on United’s final position.
Kevin McCarra: 3rd, Richard Williams: 4th, David Pleat: 3rd, Michael Walker: 4th, Daniel Taylor: 3rd, Dominic Fifield: 3rd, Matt Scott: 4th, Stuart James: 3rd.

And last but by no means least, here’s a prediction done with mathematics …

Michael Essien.

It is just a matter of days before we are the leaders…I have done the calculations and we will finish at least five points clear of United at the top of the table.

Posted in Football.

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By Gobi – Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Toys on Flickr

Updated 23 May 07 with Optimus Prime group

I’ve got mixed feelings about Flickr. I like the feature set a lot but I’m appalled by how slow it can get. I realise most Web 2.0 sites struggle with load problems once they get popular but Flickr is ploddingly slow for me these days even when I’m doing something as simple as browsing galleries.

I’m willing to put up with it and you will have to as well because I’m going to point you to some Flickr users whose galleries you really ought to check out.

Edward Lee.
He’s got 200 photos on his free gallery and each and every one of those photos is incredible. I’d point you to my personal favourites but it’s really hard to pick.

Dreamonix.
Dreamonix says he’s still figuring out how to use his digicam. If that’s indeed the case, we’re in for some stunning works of art from him in the future because his photos are quite fantastic now. Some favourites: 1, 2, 3.

Power Pee.
You’ll get over the name once you lay eyes on his photos of superhero toys. Favourites: 1, 2, 3.

Ken Loh.
He does both the clean white background look and digirama, and he’s equally good at both. Favourites: 1, 2, 3.

Groups

Optimus Prime.
There are only 23 members and 268 photos as of writing but it’s really nice to see all those photos of my favourite Transformer. Favourites: 1, 2, 3.

I plan to add to this entry as I find more galleries. Feel free to recommend one.

Posted in Pix, Toys.

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By Gobi – Monday, May 21, 2007

Elsewhere on the web

BJPM Robotman.
A cool if uncomfortable-looking ride.

BJPM official BBS.
Some of the creations are magnificent with this one being a personal favourite. (See also.)

Community relations is hard. [via]
The job may pay more than Septic Tank Licker but it’s filthier.

A willy for your Wii Mii.

Posted in Web.

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By Gobi – Sunday, May 20, 2007

In her sights

Konami Busou Shinki Angel Arnval

A photo of a Busou Shinki Angel Arnval figure armed with the PDW9 rifle. The set includes quite an arsenal. Aside from the rifle, there’s a handgun, two beam sabers and a humongous cannon. I’m still trying to figure out how I’m going to photograph the latter as it’s ridiculously huge.

Posted in Busou Shinki, Pix, Toys.

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By Gobi – Sunday, May 20, 2007