Mohamed Salah

I know.

I may not be the biggest fan.

I may not be the most loyal one either.

I may not always be in front of the screen to watch each and every single of his games, but, I've seen him since his very first day. I've followed his amazing growth with the team. I've been in the ups and downs of the club with him in it until finally, I realized I've grown love towards him.

Mohamed Salah

Pic's from here.

It's been a joy to have him in Liverpool. The team made some progress with the arrival of Klopp, but he completed everything. And God he was not only shining within the club, but throughout the league, the nation, the continent, the world, he stole everybody's attention! Scoring 32 goals alone in Premier League, effectively made himself to be the cup's top scorer, then winning awards after awards all in just one year after joining Liverpool, and not to mention his sun-bright achievements at international level for Egypt, well this paragraph summarizes why we love you, Mo!

And let's not forget that he is a Muslim. That alone makes me feel like we have additional bond, beyond just our Liverpool roles -he's the player, I'm the watcher, haha. I've always had respect to famous Muslim footballers, which usually got disappointed because not a few of them began to lose their Muslim identity thanks to the fame they got. But I don't think he'd do that, because unlike them who are mostly from the land of Europe, he's from the Arab world, and I'm sure he'll fight for his belief as he fights for his team. A true champion indeed.

And oh, speaking of champion, it makes me remembered something—wait, "something"? It's not just "something". It's actually the core reason why I'm writing this post for him, so why did I miss this!? Ah well okay let's get into it:

The Champions League.

Something Liverpool has been so in an extreme ups and downs for the recent years. But his arrival made it seem possible, and brought fresh air to the whole club. What he did in England, he did it in Europe. Second best goalscorer only one spot below Cristiano Ronaldo, that's NOT BAD at all! And I saw every—well, no, MOST of his games! Up til' the one against Porto, against City, against Roma...

For the last 8 years of being an on and off fan of Liverpool, I don't remember myself feeling so much hopeful and confident as I was on last year's Champions League. We made it to final, with him on squad, and battling title holder Real Madrid didn't seem really frightening at all.

I was so sure that it'd be the time I had been waiting for since I picked Liverpool as the club I'd love to cheer on. Those 10 goals he made in the league will be paid off, topped with sweet victory over the Spaniard giant, completed his brightness in England. Then with the World Cup just around the corner, his performance will be really anticipated, and extremely adored.

Such a scenario only to be seen in a dream ya?
Well it could've really been a dream come true,

If Sergio Ramos weren't ever born.

Or if he wasn't played during that devastating Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid. That low key bastard. I swear I never had a grudge so big towards somebody I don't personally know before. But this man deserves all the hatred from everybody. It's not a secret that the guy plays dirty all the time, but to do it to Salah, while he's on his prime career, the asshole picked just not the right time to be an asshole he usually is. Pathetic loser. I'm running out of ideas I don't know any other cunt-like names to refer him to, because I think I've used everything.

The moment it was all starting to crumble. Pic's from here.

The foul Ramos made on that match, that caused Salah's dislocated shoulder, it ruined it all. The dream Salah's been building for the last one year for Liverpool. The hope Liverpudlians have been slowly growing for this whole season. The ultimate wish to finally reach the highest podium on Europe by regaining the title we hadn't won for 13 years, yea it was all ruined by that one filthy move. But let's not be selfish. Some millions other people suffer greater loss from Salah's injury.

Yes, the Egyptians.

With Salah, they progressed beyond belief internationally. Earning a spot at World Cup 2018 marked their 3rd entrance to the tournament, while breaking their 28 years curse after their last appearance. I can't imagine how ecstatic the whole nation were, because even I was so excited when I found out that Egypt, a team I never seen in my life fighting in a World Cup, would grace the tournament with their superstar Mo Salah, a player we all adore.

But with Sergio Ramos, the dream was swept away in just a matter of minutes. Salah's injury remained serious, despite all the positive air published in media. He missed Egypt's opening game against Uruguay, a match where Salah was supposed to be starring with pride on his first ever World Cup campaign. They eventually lost, though it wasn't a big loss, but still, I couldn't imagine how it was like being an Egyptian...

Salah was finally included in the lineup against hosts Russia for their Group A Matchday Two. I swear the whole world was so psyched seeing him about to play again, as he was the sole headline and main topic of any media and any commentator. However, it's pretty clear that he was still suffering. The injury was real, and it was obvious to see it from how he played.

It was a nightmare to see the match. To see Egypt raided by Russia, whose supporters make them three times stronger, was not a nice thing to watch. To see Salah, who usually played like a hungry beast, was so spineless and fragile, was like seeing a helpless little kitten in the middle of a raging thunderstorm. And to see the Egyptian supporters, whom two months ago was still hopeful to go far in this World Cup, seeing their national dream crumbling before their own eyes, I swear Ramos,

I never had a grudge so big towards somebody I don't personally know before, never but YOU.

It was really heartbreaking.
For me, for us Liverpudlian,
For those hopeful Egyptians...

I REALLY WANNA HUG HIM AND LET HIM KNOW THAT HE STILL
GOT US SUPPORTING HIM!!! Pic's from here.

Oh, Egypt :(

Liverpool can still repeat their glory immediately next season, after this World Cup nightmare ends. But you guys, only God know when you can get to feel this blessing again. Well Salah's still 25, and he's got a promising future before him, and let's not be pessimistic about other potentials we may discover in upcoming years, given the fact that Salah must have really inspired so many talented Egyptian youngsters. But it's just so unfortunate that this big once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has to be gone so quickly, because a fucking ignorant bitch sabotaged your national hero.

His tears that night in Kiev wasn't only his. It was all ours too. Really heartbreaking, really dream-shattering. He really didn't deserve all these, but I think it's obvious as it happens everywhere... good people has lots of haters waiting to destroy them.

But as we all know from what our religion taught us,
Allah never gives obstacle beyond His creature's capabilities.

So dream on, Egypt.
And dream on, our hero,
Mohamed Salah

Adeus, Lenda

You probably know my F1 story this year.

From knowing nothing to a somewhat paddock protege.

Well, not purely "knowing nothing" though, as some names of the sport's legends had always been exposed to my ears since forever.

Michael Schumacher.

Juan Pablo Montoya.

Giancarlo Fisichella.

Then when I began following the tournament, apparently, there were names I was familiar with, that were still competing.

Sebastian Vettel.

Kimi Räikkönen.

Fernando Alonso.

Lewis Hamilton.

And of course,

Felipe Massa.

Pic's from here.

Long before, when F1 was just still something I gave no credits to, name Felipe Massa on the other hand, always came to my recognition. I wasn't really sure how he had been doing in the sport and even which team he drove for but, what I knew was, that he was among the notable drivers.

Then I started binge-watching the sport. I was so excited by the time I caught his name on the grid in the 2016 Australia GP, because it made me realized that wow, I didn't notice that F1 is blessed with so many famous names! So I began to expect much on him. To give fights, and make the podium less Mercedes-ish.

However as the year went by, he didn't impress much. I was disappointed, and if it were any other kind of sport, and fans like me were of that typical kind of a bandwagon who's just looking for the best performer to be cheered upon, he might had long been dumped already.

But that's just not how F1 works.

It's not just numbers of races you won, or championships you bore.

It's about progress, and consistency. And all the races and tournaments you entered, before you finally tasted the luxury of an F1 seat.

And I knew that Massa had been through it all.

Otherwise how would I keep knowing his name during my F1 clueless era?

It's just, I missed it. I missed it when Massa was on his glorious days, and I caught him in his last acts which turned to be his not-so-nice time of career. It's normal though, really, in the world of sport, to lose your grip after dedicating your life for so long. That's why, there's always the option to retire.

Which Felipe Massa eventually took.

Which I really wasn't pretty amused about.

Because I honestly wished to see more of him.

But all and all yea, that's okay.

At least I got to see it: A Legend's Last Races.

And how the world bid him a farewell he really deserved.

He deserves all the claps from all over the world.

That last home race was heartbreaking, yes.

The tears shed in Brazil were touching, really.

But then it shows just how dear this Felipe Massa is.

So, Senhor Massa.

You've received your sweet goodbyes from your old, loyal fans.

It's time for you to hear it from somebody so new, but really adores you.

"Obrigado, Felipe.

E adeus, Lenda"

Butterfly

Last night I heard something terrible.

A pretty bad news for us 90s survivors.

The singer of "Butterfly", the opening theme of Digimon anime, that nostalgic song that still gives me goosebumps today, the spirited upbeat song of my childhood—had passed away due to his cancer.

Kouji Wada

(1974 - 2016)

Come to think of it, I didn't really listen to the original song as a child. We Indonesian kids were exposed more to the translated version of the theme, which was great, as it showed how we appreciated his song that we didn't change the other part of it -unlike Americans who created a whole new stupid opening theme and I bet even the fans of Digimon in America have no idea of who Kouji Wada was. As I grew up I knew I had an extended love for Digimon. So I began to get myself exposed to the original version of the song, and I fell in love with it.

I knew him only from Digimon Adventure -the very first serial- and the latest Digimon Tri. What I didn't know is that he was apparently also the man behind each and every single latter series of Digimon franchise. I took him for granted.

And now that he's gone, I felt pretty crushed.

Well then what can I say now,

But to wish him a very peaceful rest.

Pic belongs to him. Or her, I'm not sure.

So.

Quoting my tweet,

I'd like to say it again.

Rest in peace Mr Kouji Wada,

You'll always be the prettiest butterfly

In my childhood garden

Stampede in Our Heart

It was a fresh morning. Full of joy.

As my young brother's having his birthday,

My family and I sat together praying for him...

Then something really heartbreaking came into the screen of my phone. About somebody I adore so much, but never in my entire life I declared that outloud. Until today. His death.

Robin McLaurin Williams

(1951 - 2014)

Pic's from here.

One fine, true entertainer.

I'm sure everybody's with me about that.

He appeared on my early life, and still counting. As a jungle survivor, a reverend, a former American president, he even starred in the cartoon franchise I always been a fan of, became the guess on the 90s sitcom that I'm still watching till now, and finally, took a main role as somebody in advertising agency. The series I've been planning to start watching, about the field I'll be doing for my living.

Never thought he gave so much joy to us. Since earlier today when I woke up, everybody in the social media couldn't stop grieving about him. He stole millions of hearts, apparently, ranging from young to old, male or female, race to race.

I don't care about how he died. And how people judged about how he died. I don't care at all. His appearance during my childhood, his constant adoring existence during my growing up stages, and his never ending cheerful smile... Those outshine to be what matters the most.

I can see it's not just the loss of Hollywood.

It also became my loss, my friends', my generation.

Gadget kids nowadays, out of the X and Y generation,

Would have no idea at all about how crushing this is to us.

I'm not even sure they know who he was.

And how magical his touches were, even from the TV.

Can't remember where I got this pic from, the thing is, it's not mine.

Well, Mr Robin Williams,

Rest in peace, my childhood buddy.

Wherever you go, how long you'll ever be,

No matter what anybody says,
You'll always be a prince to me

Lesser-Known Idol

I was scrolling down my Facebook timeline when I over-read this news.
Death of someone. Not so famous, but curious-making enough for me.

I've been a fan of American Idol Facebook page since, I was first signed up to the social media. The talent show itself has always been my favorite since its 6th season, back when I was still on the 9th grade. But my favorite edition was the following season, the 7th, which I watched from the very beginning to the very end. Plus, the set of the judge was still the original three, the last season with only Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell on the panel, before it got screwed up starting from the 8th season.

Oh how can I forgot the season?

I watched all the auditions, the Hollywood Round, the top 24, each and every single week, I watched it all! I felt like so close to every single contestants, trembling along the result show, and cried my ass off when the one I really liked got eliminated -I remember it was when Asia'h Epperson singing her elimination song "I Wanna Dance With Somebody". I even waited for their Ford Commercials and fell for some songs sang on the series that I still hear up till this very second. And guess what, I even had my first high school crush from this show! Browse Kristy Lee Cook and you'll definitely agree with my type.

See? I was that attached to the season, I even remembered the details. But ya as a high school student with lots of meaningless thoughts and activities, I forgot everything pretty quickly as the show was over.

Until six years later, today.

I was scrolling down my Facebook timeline when I over-read this news.

Death of someone. Not so famous, but curious-making enough for me.

It came from American Idol page which I usually take for granted,

Mentioning the death of one Idol alumni, from season 7.

I was not aware at first, but after absorbing the sacred number, the fact that season 7 is the only American Idol I enjoyed, which contestants I knew pretty well, even from the top 24, I began to realize that this could be one that I used to be a fan of.

And I was right.

His name is Michael Johns.

Pic's not mine, taken from here.

No wonder if you have no idea who he is. He finished on the 8th place. Even if hypothetically he ended up being the winner, there would be no guarantee he could be a famous singer because the actual winner of season 7 David Cook's not that shining anyway. So ya, he's basically not famous.

But then again, it's season 7.

And I knew who Michael Johns was.

He started really well and promising, even I predicted that he at least could make it to top 4. But he was eliminated early. It was kinda shocking tho, not just for me, but the whole audience of American Idol because he was that good and some remaining contestants -including, I must say, Kristy Lee- weren't even as good as him!

However the show went on, they got the winner,

And I began to forget the existence of Michael Johns.

Until today when I was scrolling down my Facebook timeline. American Idol devastatingly announced their first ever Idol's death. Come to think of it, ya, the show started on 2002, which natural common would say that the contestants should've still been young and healthy. So why should one of them died early? Why should it be from the season I completely watched? And why should be Michael Johns?

You know the answer to those rhetorical Qs.

I asked because I'm still in the state of being shocked.

He was my favorite and never thought he'd go this fast.

So...

Thanks for your performances, Mr Johns.

Thanks for giving such a competition on the series.

Seriously I'm not a sudden fan claiming that I adore you just today.

If I could I'd bring you back to 2008 and show you what an Idol freak I was.

Rest in Peace,

And "Dream On"

Goodbye, Fantasy Builder

It's finally over, his suffering.
The whole world is mourning.
They keep appreciating what he had done.

A phenomenal piece of fruit.
As breathtaking as Adam's and Newton's.
Yes, it's Apple.

I praise what he invented, indeed.
But there's one thing that I'm massively sad of.
Not his iPad, not his iPhone, not his iMac.
But his Pixar.

I've been a loyal audience of Pixar since their first movie.
And from those movies, I learned a lot.

Thanks to you, I learned about friendship from Sheriff Woody.
Thanks to you, I learned about responsible from Flik.
Thanks to you, I learned about love from Sullivan.
Thanks to you, I learned about obedience from Nemo.
Thanks to you, I learned about power from Bob Parr.
Thanks to you, I learned about giving in from Lightning McQueen.

Thanks to you, I made my childhood fun.

May you rest in peace, Mr Incredible.
And now, I adore you as much as I adore Walt Disney.
Thanks, Steve Jobs

Steven Paul Jobs

1955-2011

Image source: here