Early in the season, pundits predicted Group B of the 2005/06 Champions League would see both Arsenal and Ajax (tag) heading to the next stage. Pundits almost got it wrong went Thun overperformed and Sparta was giving Ajax a run on their money. Today however, they are vindicated. Both Arsenal and Ajax are both group champion and runnerup respectively.

I was sleeping when the match started and I dreamt that Ajax was losing 3-1 to Sparta. What a nightmare! I woke up in the middle of the night only to sleep again and dreamt Ajax lost 3-2 instead. Two nightmares in a row and I had to resist temptation to boot up my home computer and check on the score. But my sleep was what I need. Sleep.

Finally, when it was morning and the sun was up and smiling, ESPN greeted me with the sweetest news to start a Wednesday - Nigel de Jong scored two goals and made sure an Ajax win.

So, three cheers for de Jong.

Hup, hup, hooray!
Hup, hup, hooray!
Hup, hup, hooray!

Three cheers for Ajax.

Yip, yip, hooray!
Yip, yip, hooray!
Yip, yip, hooray!

Group D currently has the most interesting scenario - with one game left, anybody could qualify. You guys know which team I hope won't make it.*

*devilish smile

p/s - Not quite sure if this is a good news or a bad news to Malaysia.

U.S. Restores Military Ties With Indonesia

By CHRIS BRUMMITT, Associated Press Writer 1 hour, 1 minute ago

JAKARTA, Indonesia - The United States has lifted an arms embargo against Indonesia, ending a six-year ban on military aid to the world's most populous Muslim nation imposed due to human rights concerns.

The Bush administration has long argued that isolating Indonesia, which has been hit by several bombings by al-Qaida linked terrorists in recent years, was not in Washington's strategic interests.

Oh well, there goes Ambalat.

pp/s - now we're talking. A report from The Star on possible changes on Malaysian Wildlife Protection Act:

Under the Wildlife Protection Act 76/72, a poacher faces a maximum fine of RM15,000 or five years’ jail.

Sazmi also said the ministry was in the final stages of revamping the existing law and replacing it with the Wildlife Protection and Conservation Act.

Under the new Act, poachers would face mandatory jail sentences of up to 10 years and fines of up to 30 times the current amount.

Sweet.