"Forever" Dragon

Even the US is getting into the act. The US Postal Service issued the "Forever" Dragon stamp on Monday to celebrate the Lunar New Year. And it was not a limited edition – unlike in Malaysia! Yet much like elsewhere, it was very well-received because according to one report (webpage http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-01/24/c_131374615.htm) that I came across, the stamps were snapped up just as quickly. “The dragon stamps go fast," said an employee at a post office in the city of Sugar Land, Texas. “The office opened at 9:00 AM on Monday, and at about 10:00 AM, only two sheets of the dragon stamp were left”, the same employee added.

The dragon is really swoon-worthy!

Liverpool with a slim one-goal advantage had to fight hard to match Manchester City in this Carling Cup semi-final game. The latter took the lead twice to revive their hopes of joining Cardiff City in the final – their goals coming from Nigel De Jong (31) and Edin Dzeko (67).

Liverpool, however, were equally determined not to let the prize slip from their grasp, responding with spirit to earn the aggregate 3-2 victory that their performance on the night deserved. Liverpool’s two goals came from Gerrard’s penalty kick in the 41st minute, followed by Craig Bellamy’s 74th-minute strike.

City’s Micah Richards had blocked Daniel Agger's shot with his foot only for the ball to ricochet up and strike his hand. Referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot and Gerrard, as he had in the first leg, beat City keeper Joe Hart with power and placement. Liverpool’s second came when Dirk Kuyt worked hard to create an opening and slid a pass to Bellamy who knocked it to Glen Johnson, got the return and shot past Hart.

This victory represents a long-overdue return to Wembley for the seven-times League Cup winners! Let's bring back the Carling Cup before I celebrate...