Proving the fairer sex...loves their balls as well

Moving House

2006-08-31T02:27:00.000+08:00

Not going to be hanging here anymore.

No particular reason lah, just that...i miss my old blog.

Yup, I used to blog pretty actively on another site, and of another nature. Very different from what you see here. Those who know me understand I thrive on diversity. Haha.

And these days, I'm too tired to write in full sentences all the time anyway, so it's really the best time to move back.

If you like, you can always pay a visit - http://strangecloud.efx2.com/

If not, guess this is adios! : )

Coaches

2006-08-29T08:03:00.000+08:00

Charming coaches with varying styles:

Mr. Focused -
Mike Krzyzewski a.k.a Coach K (Duke University men's basketball)

Mr. Intensity -
Jose Mourinho (Chelsea football mananger)

And Mr. Nice Guy -
Jorg Steinebrunner (Woodlands Wellington coach)

Bangkok

2006-08-25T15:03:00.000+08:00

I love the taxis in Bangkok...they are bright pink!

The cabs in Singapore are comparatively so boring. SMRT should consider switching to pink, seriously. Instead of the dull yellow-top and blue, a dash of dynamic pink will no doubt electrify our roads.

Had a wonderful time immersing myself in the hustle and bustle of busy Bangkok...it's really a shopping haven for all shophaholics. Plus food and beer is cheap!

Have a 'Heineken Draff Bear'? Hahaaa.

And, while I was there, I bought Palmy's new album Beautiful Ride!

Loved the girl since 2004...love her songs, her spunk, her energy on stage. That year, I remembered when I heard Palmy was coming for Tiger Beer's Birthday party concert Euphoria, I jumped at the chance to go and had to psycho my journalist friend in bringing me along to the press con - where i got to shook hands and take photos with here...very memorable - and also get VIP tiks to the concert itself. On this album (her third), she's matured quite a bit, image-wise. But her songs still rock. And that's what's important.

For some odd reason, I returned to Singapore nursing a cold. Bleah. There seems to be a flu bug going around, take care everyone.

Oh Lions, you were so close...

2006-08-18T16:50:00.000+08:00

By now, if you haven't heard of our Singapore national football team's oh-so-very-close encounter against China, you must have been living under a rock.

The Lions put up a gallant fight against their higher-ranked opponents, and was so near to holding them to a draw...then everything crashed down when a penalty was awarded to the Chinese in the very last minute of injury time.

Now, how sway can that be?

But in any case, hopefully, the Lions can keep their heads up and brace themselves for a better challenge when they take on China again in the return leg, right here at the National Stadium!

Fans, time to turn up in full force and recreate the atmosphere during the Tiger Cup! Hehe.

Takuma

2006-08-15T22:18:00.000+08:00

Forget Initial D. This is the real deal.

Hottie on the Grand Prix race tracks...TAKUMA SATO!

Go Super Aguri-Honda!

Takuma looking all delectable in black and white :)

Grasshoppers

2006-08-14T08:41:00.000+08:00

Watching the Grasshoppers 2005 comeback concert is sheer delight...it's like tunneling back in time and revisiting all those songs you love during your childhood.

Remember Bao Bei Dui Bu Qi and Ai Bu Pa, among other catchy, wonderfully irreverent tunes? Only the Grasshoppers could pull them off with such effortless piazzaz.

Besides those jumpy songs, I also like their slow, moving ballads.

失乐园 (Sap Lok Yun) is a perennial favourite of mine.

"结果我共你
仍然逃不过被围攻被舍弃
爱得惊天动地总算运气
无论褒贬尊与卑
爱可有定理
谈情谁讲理越无理越凄美
就算飞天遁地万年千里
亦决定要共你一起

苦恋注定难我已经习惯
沿途承受不留情的双眼
请给我负担叫世上人间
平凡情侣为你共我轰烈汗颜

苦恋注定难我却这样贪
途人凝望中寂静的称赞
请给我负担叫世上人间
惶惶情侣在美丽与悲哀之间
留一线空间..."

MAXIM September

2006-08-12T08:08:00.000+08:00

Check out MAXIM Singapore - the September issue that's just out on newspaper stands.

There's a great feature piece about Fandi Ahmad, with a sidebar about the Young Lions.

"The important thing is you must have the three Ds. That's discpline, determination and dedication."

- Golden words from Singapore' golden boy, Fandi.

Razorlight

2006-08-08T16:33:00.000+08:00

Razorlight's new album ROCKS to the max! Check them out here!

"Oooh darling who needs love?
Who needs a heaven up above?
Who needs the clouds, in the sky, not I

Oooh darling who needs the rain?
Who needs somebody that can feel your pain?
Who needs the disappointment, of a telephone call, not I
No I don't need that at all, not I..."
- Who Needs Love

Another Maria

2006-08-06T10:12:00.000+08:00

I like the tennis show Ace on ESPN Starsports...it's a byte-sized magazine programme that is sufficiently comprehensive. It gives you all the latest ATP and WTA tour rankings, how the players are doing so far, and there's even a segment devoted to the potential rising stars of tomorrow.

Introducing Russian blonde...Maria Kirilenko...

The next Sharapova!

Eternal Life

2006-08-05T23:32:00.000+08:00

Falling in love with his music all over again...

Jeff Buckley
(November 17, 1966 – May 29, 1997)

"Eternal life is now on my trail
Got my red glitter coffin, man, just need one last nail
While all these ugly gentlemen play out their foolish games
there's a flaming red horizon that screams our names

And as your fantasies are broken in two
Did you really think this bloody road
would pave the way for you?
You better turn around
and blow your kiss hello to life eternal, angel

Racist everyman, what have you done?
Man, you've made a killer of your unborn son
Crown my fear your king at the point of a gun
All I want to do is love everyone...

And as your fantasies are broken in two
did you really think this bloody road
would pave the way for you?
You better turn around
and blow your kiss hello to life eternal

There's no time for hatred, only questions
Where is love, where is happiness, what is Life,
where is peace?

When will I find the strength to bring me release?
And tell me where is the love in what your prophet has said?
Man, It sounds to me just like a prison for the walking dead
And I've got a message for you and your twisted hell
You better turn around and blow your kiss goodbye
to life eternal, angel..."

- Eternal Life

Too tired to write anything these days. I truly believe music heals the soul.

Walking Underneath

2006-08-02T00:42:00.000+08:00

Love Juno Mak's (麦浚龙) 'Walking Underneath' album.

I can play it over and over again, tirelessly...The lyrics, written mostly by the masterful Wong Wy-man, are heartbreaking. This one is especially touching:

<<没有人>>

"你怎样看亦像凝望我那种不经意却洩露矛盾更多
怎可能无聊之过平常稀疏只因我心多
你守护我但又迴避我却整天吸引著我注意力无处去躲
不管如何有人如此爱我我亦暗里练习如和你告白讲什么

*原来没有从来都没有缠绵邂逅完全虛构
那一刻含情回眸原来是我妄想里的那点綠洲

# 原来没有从来都没有教我紧张得心跳这么久
到了这一刻终于望通透其实爱情来过半分钟也没有..."

Ahhhh. So sad.

Watched

2006-07-31T10:18:00.000+08:00

Random ramblings about stuff i recently watched:

- Russian Dolls (Les Poupees russes)

Hilarious and light-hearted! Very nice...made me want to watch The Spanish Apartment again...

- Lady in the Water

Like all young auteur directors who have gained some fame, M. Night Shyamalan got overly self-indulgent with this one. We need more hits like The Sixth Sense and The Village, not duds like Unbreakable and now...this.

- Anatomy of Hell

I like some of the feminist notions put forward by director Catherine Breillat, but on the whole...this film's line between art and pornography is just a big lump of greyness. My take: Anatomy of Hell is really unbelievably explicit, plus there's pornstar Rocco Siffredi in there, so it's more porn than art.

- Cabaret

Fei Xiang was totally charming, dazzling and flamboyant on stage! Ahhhhh…:)

Sunday on the couch

2006-07-30T09:51:00.000+08:00

It's a Sunday morning, switch on the television, and two out of the three sports channels on tv are showing...golf.

Some more, it's golf-minus-Michelle Wie...now, how boring can that get. Yawnz.

From golf to football -

Good news and bad news for our Young Lions,

- After a successful appeal, they are heading to Doha for the Asian Games! Yeah!

BUT...

- They crashed out last night in the Singapore Cup Quarter-finals to Woodlands Wellington.

Well, guess you can't win everything ya...

Pageant

2006-07-28T02:31:00.000+08:00

Was at a Babe Pageant @ MOS organized by some men's magazine earlier...truth be told, it was disappointing. Despite the tagline of the contest boldly calling the gals "the most desirable…", there is nothing desirable about most of them. 27 girls paraded onstage, but seriously, less than five could make the cut.

Perhaps, it's just me being overly critical, but don't you all agree that there are too many of such 'pageants' these days? And too many of the girls who participate look like they are plucked off Orchard Road (by some blindfolded headhunter...) or simply randomly approached at one of the clubs or pubs. Most look the same - all dolled up, heavily made up, sexy attire. Some don't look half bad, but once they open their mouths...aghast...they just don't realize how sprouting silly answers equates to displaying themselves as airheads.

So, in all, the best thing about the whole night was still...the beer. Hahaa.

If just one of the contestants could look like...Miss Thailand (above), that would have been nice. :)

Bend it like Beckham

2006-07-27T18:01:00.000+08:00

I lurrve this picture of the Arsenal gals lifting the FA Women's Cup trophy.

Don't all of them look wonderfully jubilant and bursting with vivacity? And the FA.com site is really comprehensive...didn't realise there is such an active girls' football scene in England!

On our local front, there are a couple of sites on women's football that are worth checking out -
Diva La Futbol - street soccer for the ladies, and
She Kicks Too - local women's football news

Gals, play on!

Life has its way

2006-07-26T07:43:00.000+08:00

From Yu Tu Mama Tambien (And Your Mother Too) -

La vida tiene sus maneras de ensenarnos. La vida tiene sus maneras de confundirnos. La vida tiene sus maneras de cambiarnos. La vida tiene sus maneras de asombrarnos. La vida tiene sus maneras de herirnos. La vida tiene sus maneras de curarnos. La vida tiene sus maneras de inspirarnos.

"Life has its way of teaching us. Life has its way of confusing us. Life has its way of changing us. Life has its way of astonishing us. Life has its way of hurting us. Life has its way of curing us. Life has its way of inspiring us."

In my opinion, one of the best films of all time, with a wonderful tagline about this thing called...life. Share it around.

Only You In the World

2006-07-23T21:09:00.000+08:00

Was at JB Neway Karaoke earlier. The experience was...surreal. Imagine meeting someone you've known online for nearly four years, never met up in person before, never crossed your mind to do so...and finally, one day, you decided - it was time.

That kinda happened to me today, just that it wasn't putting one face to a name, but a group of 10. (so those of you thinking this was a blind date...tsk tsk tsk). Yes, 10 faces of folks I've known for the longest time by their netizen personalities, by cute nicknames, emoticons and webspeak. And I got to see them in the flesh today for the first time. How do you describe that sort of feeling? It's like, you've known someone for so long, yet at the same time, this is only the beginning, the start of many hellos.

Anyway, that Neway karaoke was pretty solid...there've got a lot of recent cantonese stuff, so for those of you cantopop-sters, just make your way across the Causeway to our neighbour and you can sing your heart out.

Ironically, today, it wasn't any C-pop song that caught my eye & ears. It was a song 世界唯一的你 (Only You in the World) by 曹格 (Gary Cao).

Simple lyrics, a wonderful MTV, and of course, a beautiful voice to boot.

是你
一眼我就认出来
这是命运最美丽的安排
是爱
让你掠过漫长等待
我们只要现在相爱
幸福就来

恨我来不及参于你的过去
抱歉让你等待
我愿意付出一切交换
我灵魂的另一半

这个世界唯一的你
是我拥有的奇迹
对我说的一字一句
都是我们的秘密
紧紧拥抱唯一的你
无可救药的坚定
就算世界与我为敌
我也愿意
我什么都愿意

Horny

2006-07-21T01:07:00.000+08:00

Why is Young Lions keeper Fadhil Salim looking so down?

Perhaps, it's cos the the cubs lost unfortunately to Tampines Rovers tonight...their third loss now in the S.League 2006 season. Which just adds to the blow that the Singapore National Olympic Council landed on their laps not too long ago -- basically, SNOC deprived them of the chance to represent Singapore @ the Doha Asian Games. The cubs really got to start bucking up now, should they want their appeal process to go through successfully!

Putting Young Lions aside, tomorrow night's game should be an exciting one. Home United vs Woodlands Wellington...my bets, of course, are on the Protectors.

Tomorrow, their Brazilian midfielder Carlos Alberto will be back (not very flattering in this pic, but trust me, he looks good in person)...

Though the silky Jeon Kyeong Joon will be missing...due to suspension.

Ahh, the S.League is becoming a little United Nations of sorts with their exciting pool of foreign players! :)

Had my fill of wine just now and feeling a bit horny...so I shall move on to talk about a 'horny' topic. Hahahahaa. It was in the news recently - an ITE trainer was discovered masturbating in a classroom, believed to be filmed on one of his student's camera phone.

Of cos, young kids being highly curious & excited about sex at that age, circulated that video clip on the Internet and pooof!...there goes the ITE trainer's career. Down the drain.

Actually, the trainer should have known better than to DIY in the school premises. Cannot even control for a while meh.

Yes, we all know teachers are humans too, have desires & needs too and let's face it, everyone does it. No matter how saintly, how geeky, how nerdy, how religious you are, you've probably done it sometime in your life. Some on a regular basis, most guys perhaps having started much younger than their female counterparts.

BUT...ALAMAK...it's not something you talk about openly, and most certainly not for display in public. School grounds - no no! Best place? Of course within the confines of your locked bedroom lah.

I'll most probably regret writing this when I'm less heady tomorrow morning...but...heck. Hee.

Yida

2006-07-20T14:28:00.000+08:00

匿名的宝贝

我思念在你眼中那一片海水
有一种让我心痛的美
于是我选择自己孤单的睡
下半辈子让我不相信的理由
我想是你对不对

你是个匿名的宝贝
藏在我心里的眼泪
不管你带走了什么, 我都因为爱过你觉得美
永远不忘记你的我
像一个孤魂和野鬼
在这个世界上受苦风吹雨打, 我都无所谓

你是个匿名的宝贝
藏在我心里飞呀飞
如果还能有那一天, 请你回头看我一眼醒了没
不必安慰我, 你知道我不累
哦~爱你怎么会累

It's all in the lyrics.

Say Yes

2006-07-18T07:52:00.000+08:00

Ahh...I'm so hooked to Say Yes Enterprise...following it religiously, disc after disc (bringing it back memories of the days I used to be mesmerised by Jap dramas), much to the distaste of my brother. Haha.

Of course, what my brother doesn't understand is, this Taiwanese series isn't like any other ou xiang ju, you noe...the usual idol drama with pretty boys and pretty girls. I didn't even bother to watch Meteor Garden or any of the F4 shows, but this one, I liked it from the start as it dealt with more edgy storylines. Like the segment 'The Graduate', which is about the Oedipus-type romance between Li Wei and Cecilia Yip...

"我们终于从这一种全世界都反对我们的战争中毕业了."

Awwww. A 20-year age gap jie di lian might be too much of a stretch in real life, but somehow, when love has to battle against the biggest odds of all - societal convention, you can't help but root for it.

Football...Future?

2006-07-15T08:59:00.000+08:00

Lionel Lewis, goalkeeper of Home United (and also custodian of the national team), is one of the best players in the S.League.

I caught parts of the Tampines vs Home match on Channel NewsAsia last night and he was in excellent form as usual. There was one moment when he was knocked down by...his own teammate. Aiyoh.

Anyway, the Singapore National Olympic Council's decision to drop the Lions from the Asian Games (or more rightly, the Young Lions, cos' the Asian Games is U-23) is truly disappointing. If there's all this talk about developing and furthering the potential of our young players, why deprive them the chance to excel & dazzle on a bigger stage?

SNOC, reconsider your decision!!

Zouk

2006-07-14T11:38:00.000+08:00

What an interesting and memorable night. Heh.

Gals, grrrls, vodka and eye-candy in the form of a...

little white shirt. Hmmmmm.

Oh the Horror

2006-07-12T00:16:00.000+08:00

In the face of terrorism...

everything else seems so frivolous.

Grand Slam in her Bag

2006-07-09T22:27:00.000+08:00

Amelie Mauresmo...

WIMBLEDON CHAMPION!

I caught parts of the match when it replayed on Star Sports today, and Mauresmo was really fantastic. She was so cool against Henin-Hardenne and showed no sign of nerves even though she was clearly the underdog going into the final...no one had piped her to win, everyone thought Henin would have it easy.

But Mauresmo...it was simply her day man.

And unlike the Australian Open (which she won - coincidentally also against Henin-Hardenne - but it was such a letdown final then, cos Henin retired halfway due to stomach problems), her Wimbledon trophy is definitely no fluke.

THIS WAS THEN: Henin (left) being comforted by Mauresmo (right) at the Aussie Open - a disappointing final for many viewers.

Tennis aside...

World Cup FINAL tonight @ 2am!

Half of Singapore's population is probably strategizing how to siam work tomorrow...planning their MCs and urgent leaves. Wahaha.

Scolari

2006-07-06T17:34:00.000+08:00

Portugal...LOST! To a penalty!

And I failed to wake up for the game...despite having set the alarm clock and I even remember pressing it down...gosh, I used to be able to stay up two nights in a row...where have all that energy gone?? Hahaha.

Anyway, caught the FIFA Breakfast Show in the morning, and after watching the game highlights, I felt two people deserve special mention:

French keeper Barthez!

He made a couple of nice saves...

And the Portuguese coach Scolari!

He's sooo animated by the sidelines...just as entertaining to watch as the players on the pitch.

Crystal Lake

2006-07-05T23:30:00.000+08:00

Fell in love with Shui Jing Hu ever since I heard one of their originals which they entered for a college rock competition. That was three years ago and boy, have they come a long way! Now, they've got their own album.

Indie bands like these deserve all our support!

"总有个声音
要对我诉求
在隐隐约约之间总是蒙蒙胧胧
潮湿的空气
滑落的尘埃
在半睡半醒之间让我辗转反侧
窗
倒映着寂寞昏暗固执的街灯
映着谁的脸
当雨停下来的时候
突然醒过来的时候
我的指间触碰到曾在这里的呼吸
烟花散落散尽散开
人去楼也空
她在对岸静静对我唱
烟花散落散尽散开
人去楼也空
她在等某个人把灵魂带走..."

- 对岸, 水晶湖乐队

Staying up for the World Cup Semi-final - Portugal vs France. 3AM! Kopi-O and RedBull shall do the trick...hee.

My predictions have been right so far. Trust me on this, it's going to be Italy vs Portugal come 9th of July and Italy will take the Cup.

Meanwhile, S.League has something finally for the ladies! Wahahaa.

PLAY

2006-07-04T18:39:00.000+08:00

They are actually selling it in 7-Eleven outlets! Saw it for myself the other day...this -

Durex is everywhere! Wahahaa...no need to go specialty shops liao.

Uninvited

2006-07-04T00:54:00.000+08:00

This will leave you with a heavy heart. But nevertheless, a solid film through and through. I won't classify it under the horror genre, it's more thoughtful than just cheap scares and boo antics.

Jeon Ji-Hyun is a pure delight to watch, whatever role she takes on.

WORLD CUP FINAL FOUR - Germany, Italy, Portugal, France.

Who would have thought it would be like this?

My bets are now on Italy and Portugal, simply because almost everyone else thinks it'll be a German-French final. I like to buck the trend.

Luca Toni and his Italian eyes...ahhh...isn't he adorable? : )

Broken Flowers

2006-06-30T01:28:00.000+08:00

Bill Murray at his best. This movie beats Lost in Translation hands down. (Even though I love LIT too). Watch it if you haven't.

Well, the past is gone, I know that. The future isn't here yet, whatever it's going to be. So, all there is, is this. The present. That's it. - Bill Murray in Broken Flowers

Vadisiova & Teffo

2006-06-29T00:23:00.000+08:00

Taking a break from the World Cup tonight...

Let's watch the Wimbledon Open! So happy Nicole Vadisiova won her first round nice and smooth!

This gal's super hot man...following a great run at the French Open (she made it to the semis), things are definitely looking up for the 17-year old. And she has just dethroned Gabriela Sabatini as to who I feel is the prettiest female tennis player alive - current and retired included.

Pretty in lovely pinkie dress.

Anyway, if you, like me, felt Ghana did a pretty good job against Brazil last night despite their loss to the South Americans, you should catch African lads live in football action...right here in Singapore.

I'm talking about Sporting Afrique, that all-african team playing in the S.League. African players have good stamina and fitness, and the fact they pia every game like it's their last, it's pure joy to watch their delivery on the pitch.

Sporting's small-sized defender Ejenne Kaze Teffo never fails to thrill me. Though only 1.66m, he runs like a speeding bullet pumped filled with burning adrenaline.

I Want to be Fearless

2006-06-26T22:56:00.000+08:00

Read in the papers today that tennis beauty Maria Sharapova bears strong desires to revive her old, fearless self - the gutsy, gungho 17-year old who fearlessly defeated all odds to win her first grand slam.

I've never been a fan of Sharapova, but in this instance, she does make a lot of sense. True. It wasn't just physical strength or on-court tactics that won her the Wimbledon two years ago, but the fact that she just went into the competition, fearing...NOTHING. There was nothing to lose, so naturally, she had nothing to be afraid of.

Wouldn't life would be great if we could be fearless in whatever we do!

Human beings generally live under a cloak of fear; there's the fear of loneliness - so some fill their lives with all sorts of self-gratifying activities to kill time - , the fear of being labelled society's outcast - so some jump on the fleeting bandwagon of blind consumerism and materialism - , the fear of shame amongst peers - so some climb the corporate ladder, flash their gold cards and strive for that first million with no regrets.

Of course, there's the fear of karma - so some call donation hotlines, do their part on flag days, pray to the gods and make silent pleas for divine forgiveness.

Me? I had my fears too, once aplenty when it comes to dealing with matters of the heart. Years back, if I hadn't succumbed to the fear of consequence & the unknown, I would have bared my soul to a certain somebody. My life would have been vastly different today.

If not for my fear of hurting another's feelings, I would have decisively ended a previous relationship that lasted longer than its due date, sparing myself all that post-romance ugliness.

Swinging back to the present...now, I just feel old. And I'll be the first to admit that I fear AGING. (Had a conversation with TSO about this sometime ago and we both agreed aging's more scary than death.)

It's not so much about the wrinkles or the biological effects, but more like how it'll mean you are confirmed an old woman liao and being an old woman, by definition, you cannot behave in ways that don't complement your age.

In a moment of impulse, I blurted out to TSO -- Don't care. I still want to wear berms when I'm old, I still want to listen to metal, I still want to write silly songs, I still want to jog and hit the gym occasionally. And at my wedding, I'm not going to play that all those oh biang tunes like 'Xuan Ze' or 'Tonight, Let's Celebrate My Love'. The background music shall be Firehouse, Bon Jovi. Or better still Nirvana.

Shucks, this is such a long post...must have been the black coffee just now. Making me go all pensive under a dark, cloudless night sky.

Sa-Rang-Hey-O

2006-06-25T11:02:00.000+08:00

Sigh...it's not been a great weekend, with regards to the World Cup. All three teams I'm rooting for were sadly, ousted.

Mexico put up a valiant performance against Argentina, but eventually cracked during extra-time and lost 1-2 to the South Americans.

Sweden were just no match for Germany, who I have to admit, are looking stronger and stronger by the day.

And, to top the heartbreak, in the last of the first round matches, Asia's best (and only) hope for the quarter-finals, South Korea, lost by two goals to Switzerland.

Lee Chun-Soo...

Lee Young-Pyo...

And the rest of the South Korean squad. My heart goes out to each and everyone of you.

Mexican Greek Gods

2006-06-22T16:42:00.000+08:00

Of course football is more interesting than politics lah...it's not only in Mexico, I'm sure if Singapore is ever stupid enough four years later to decide holding the GEs during World Cup, no one would turn up at the voting booths!...haha...well, that's provided voting isn't mandatory anymore.

Ahh...how I adore the Mexican World Cup squad! All of them fit the bill of the quintessential sensual Latino hunk! Totally swoonsome, I tell you.

Take Raphael Marquez (above)...doesn't he look like the strong, silent type all women die for? Hee...

And Oswaldo Sanchez is just...yummy yummy delicious! No other words to describe!

Gosh, I've never felt so...heterosexual.

Show some Love

2006-06-21T03:19:00.000+08:00

England is playing Sweden as I write now. I want Sweden to win! Even though many have said they aren't the team they used to be, I still think they are pretty decent. And Henrik Larsson is still a great player...

with or without dreadlocks...

Was at an S.League game earlier tonight - Sengkang Punggol kena thrashed 0-5 by the visiting Tampines Rovers. Buck up, Dolphins! No one likes being bottom-placed all the time & I'm sure they want to get out of that rut.

Show some love and visit the Dolphins' official website!

*Cheering from the television set* - Alamak, Joe Cole just scored...!

I Got a New Doodad

2006-06-18T15:23:00.000+08:00

It's the Great Singapore Sale once again! That period of the year when so many people are looking forward to, as they can finally indulge in our nation's favourite pastime without burning too big a hole in their pocket.

And while most of my female peers are counting down the days fervently to that Mango sale (now now, what's the big deal about MNG anyway...) or doing their manic midnite rounds at shopping malls around the island, I decided to buy myself a new...guitar.

Lurrrvve my new guitar man. It's sunburst in colour, the action's much lower than my old one (so don't have to press till fingers pain liao...nice), it's got a pick-up (can plug it into amp!) and best of all, it's lightweight! Perfect for us ladies. As you know, one of the most irritating things about the guitar as an instrument is that though it's portable, lugging it around too long will inevitably lead to aching shoulders and back. My new baby....I can strut effortlessly for hours and hours along Orchard Road carrying it on my back, and still look like a rock chick. Wahaha.

Shopping for new tees, jeans and sneakers can wait lah.

Tonight, I shall strum all night and pretend to be Sophie B. Hawkins.

SPAIN feasts big

2006-06-15T16:37:00.000+08:00

After watching Spain annihilate Ukraine 4-0 last night, one of the thoughts that ran through my mind was - aaahhh, I so want to be there, to see all these goal-fests LIVE!

If you are still scrambling for free World Cup tiks, sleague.com's Exclusive World Cup Giveaway is down to the last two days. Can give it a try lor!

Serenity

2006-06-13T13:07:00.000+08:00

Watch this, watch this.

Hoban 'Wash' Washburn: This landing is gonna get pretty interesting.
Capt. Malcolm Reynolds: Define "interesting".
Hoban 'Wash' Washburn: [deadpan] Oh God, oh God, we're all going to die? - Serenity (2005)

Once a Joss Whedon fan, forever a Joss Whedon fan. :)

World Cup Bits

2006-06-11T23:04:00.000+08:00

Gosh, was so tied up over the weekend to blog...but tonight, it was great to be able to finally R&R at my favourite watering hole and watch the World Cup (actually, the pub had multiple television sets, so we had the best of both worlds! There was the Holland-Serbia game rara-ing at one end, and the French Open Men's Finals in the other quieter corner).

Realized there are so many Dutch fans in Singapore, expats and local alike. Anyway, Arjen Robbens was fantastic.

The Trinidad and Tobago vs Sweden match last night was truly a moment to remember for Singaporeans. Our very Shamsul Maidin officiated the game!

When the ang moh commentator read out "the referee, Shamsul Maidin, from Singapore...", it was such a remarkable feeling of pride. Let's hope Singapore's representation in World Cups to come, doesn't just end here...may our national team work towards this goal too.

Attack of the Flu Bug

2006-06-08T22:27:00.000+08:00

Fell sick last night and most of today, thus my absence here.

Sigh, having to succumb to the flu bug really sucks big time. It's like one day wasted man...I literally spent my whole morning and afternoon doing NOTHING. Except yeah, tossing & turning in bed, popping medication, trying to relieve myself of that gnawing headache, dozing off and waking...if you count those as things.

Hahaa...did I just make myself sound like some junkie?

On the other hand, one good thing about falling sick is that it inevitably makes you appreciate life better. Think of moments in the past when you've complained about your life, griped about how your job/relationship/friendship is spiralling downwards...all you need then is really, to fall sick.

It's not about suffering another blow, or adding salt to the wound. When you're cold and feverish, when your headache's so bad you want to tear all your hair out, when your body becomes so nuah you can't even bring yourself to move from your bedroom to the kitchen...it just dawns on you that what's most important is to be able to wake up each day feeling bright and fresh, to be able to breathe normally, walk, run, feel the wind blowing in your face (ok ok , this is becoming too chicken soup for the soul, you get the picture lah). Hee.

When we lose our health, we lose everything. All those minute troubles in the workplace, girlfriend-boyfriend problems etc etc...simply pale in comparison. So, next time when you feel nothing's going smooth for you, perhaps, falling sick might not be such a bad option after all.

Negeri

2006-06-06T08:38:00.000+08:00

Was in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia over the weekend...didn't take a lot of pics, but one which I captured of fireworks bursting in the sky turned out to look somewhat like an...explosive.

Bet no one can tell it's fireworks at all. :(
Photos seriously don't do much justice to beauty.

Anyway, here's what the pasar malam stalls were selling outside a football stadium -

Rows and rows of scarves for fans (of Negeri obviously). For them to bear their endearment of the club around their necks and shoulders!

Now, does Singapore football have any memorabilia to call her own? S.League Tees? S.League caps anyone?

Ecstasy

2006-06-02T23:55:00.000+08:00

Everyone's talking about that silly, bizarre dance Peter Crouch did after scoring for England during a World Cup warmup game. Apparently, even Prince William is tickled by it.

How would you react after netting a precious goal?

Would you -

do the 'Crouch'...?

get down on your knees...?

Or simply...take it all off?
(ala Brandi Chastain, after scoring for the US in the 2002 Women's World Cup)

Hehe.

Delicate

2006-06-02T01:00:00.000+08:00

It's one of those days when I don't feel like writing.

"We might kiss when we are alone
When nobody's watching
We might take it home
We might make out when nobody's there
It's not that we're scared
It's just that it's delicate.

So why do you fill my sorrow
With the words you've borrowed
From the only place you've known?
And why do you sing Hallelujah
If it means nothing to you
Why do you sing with me at all?

We might live like never before
When there's nothing to give
Well how can we ask for more
We might make love in some sacred place
The look on your face is delicate."

- Damien Rice, Delicate

I just want to play this song, over and over. The whole night.

Singapore VS Malaysia

2006-05-30T19:28:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow's the Tiger FC Causeway Challenge - Singapore vs Malaysia! Many people feel that such country vs country rivalry is much more exciting than what the S.League has to offer...hmmm...so everyone onz for a revitalisation of the Malaysia Cup days?

Seriously, it's not the first time friends around me have been talking about how there should be an Asean or S.E.A league instead of just S.League. Singaporeans, being the pathetically apathetic folks we are (ok, except during general elections), already find it hard sometimes to summon up that feelings of pride we have for our country, what more when it's at the level of local clubs. The questions pop up: How to have loyalty in say, Tampines? Geylang? Balestier? What if I don't stay in any of the districts that those 11 or 12 S.League clubs are located??

Anyway, the solution is: don't think so much. Haha. Just know inside that heart of yours that it's time to stand up for Singapore. Will we beat our neighbours across the Causeway? I'm crossing my fingers we do - I belive our Lions are capable of victory. :)

On another non-football note, I'm going to PopAgenda! Woohoo! At17! Chet Lam! Once in a lifetime chance to see them LIVE!

If the above names are greek to you, then obviously you're no canto-indie pop fan. But if you're jumping up and down like I am, yeah, I'll see you there.

French Open 2006

2006-05-28T19:03:00.000+08:00

Yeah, the Roland Garros 2006 is here!

With Rafael Nadal currently at his peak, I think the man will be unstoppable. Watch out, he's going to beat the socks out of Roger Federer.

On the woman's end, with Mary Pierce out of the competition due to injury and Sharapova losing steam lately, my fingers are crossed that it'll be a Amelie Mauresmo vs Justine Henin-Hardenne showdown. My two fave players...hehe.

Anyway, this is such a cool pic.

And how in the world did Mauresmo break her chair at a...press conference??

Let the games begin!

Rock n Roll as we count the days down...to World Cup

2006-05-27T08:46:00.000+08:00

Was at Muddy Murphy's last night (that Irish pub opposite Devils Bar, very near the infamous Orchard Towers) and was plesantly surprised to see The UnXpected playing there.

For those of you who don't know, The UnXpected are one of the best bands doing the pub circuit in Singapore now. Fronted by a superb female vocalist, the whole band's really tight and boy, they sure have the groove. Last night, they did a string of Beatles stuff and totally made it their own. Anyway, the band normally plays at Wala Wala (@ Holland Village) and Balaclava (@ Suntec), so check them out if you haven't.

On another note, just read in the papers that you can catch most of the World Cup matches at Muddy Murphy's! Other nightspots are also cashing in on the football fever, but for me, it'll definitely be MM's (or maybe The Balcony) should I desire some live footballing action with non-stop beer consumption. The other places are too...far. Heh.

I'm rooting for all the underdog teams in the World Cup. Go Japan, go Korea, go Australia, go Mexico! :)

There seems to be more and more contests giving away World Cup tickets and packages. This one's giving you a chance to head to the FINAL - just turn up at the local S.League matches.

The Guitar Shop Gal

2006-05-25T19:10:00.000+08:00

Last night, I bumped into The Guitar Shop Gal on the mrt train.

I call her The Guitar Shop Gal cos' that's where my brother and I first met her. She was an employee of that shop and we happened to be there on a hunt for a new guitar. Like all rock star wannabes, my brother suffers from GAS (Guitar Acquisition Syndrome) and loves looking at Fenders and Gibsons.

Anyway, The Guitar Shop Gal is one hot chick. She's the kind you simply cannot resist taking a second look at. A little pan-asian, plus a combination of wide-eyed innocence and nonchalant aloofness; it's THAT sort of allure. Very hard to describe, but I guess my brother's reaction said it best: his face turned from pink to red within mere seconds, and a silly grin crept up the corner of his lips and for a whole 10 minutes or so while he browsed through the guitars (or rather, pretended to browse while he tried to steal multiple looks at TGSG), that silly grin just plastered itself there. Heh.

Attractiveness is something really hard to grasp, and even harder to react to when you're hit by its arrows. Grinning uncontrollably, stammering, trying to avert the other party's eyes...come on, don't shy don't shy, we've all been there.

Yes, beauty is hard to resist, and seriously, we shouldn't resist it. You don't need to have the balls to take it on face to face, but do appreciate it while you can. Like The Guitar Shop Gal, she must have gotten used to all forms of friendly glances by now, perhaps even more used to the sight of cheeks turning rosy in her presence.

I wonder if she caught me stealing a glance at her last night. I wonder if she remembered the day we stumbled into the shop.

She alighted one station before me.

Accept it, some beauty is meant to be appreciated from afar.

Tat Chuan and his shoes

2006-05-24T17:41:00.000+08:00

In the spirit of football fever, I'm going to catch a S.League game LIVE tonight! Woodlands Wellington plays host to Balestier Khalsa @ Woodlands Stadium.

Actually, in all honesty, I dig both teams with equal fondness. There are really outstanding players on each side; Akihiro Nakamura from the Tigers is always a fan favourite, and of course, there's 'bad boy' Goh Tat Chuan playing for the Rams.

Now, I don't even know how that tag came about. He looks like such a nice boy-next-door, doesn't he? The sort aunties would like most. Hehe. Shi Nai Sha Shou.

Have a Game of Pool

2006-05-23T16:05:00.000+08:00

One of the nights when we were in Phuket, me and TSO bar-hopped and landed up in a quaint little restaurant-pub owned by a Japanese guy. (Phuket is as cosmo as you can get - blindfold yourself and pick out 10 people from the streets and you'll probably get a mini United Nations)

That pub was really nice as it serves cheap ice cold beer and you could play pool the whole night FREE of charge. Now, where in the world can you find something like that in Singapore??

Anyway, both TSO and I are lousy pool players, but you know lah, being in a foreign land where no one knows you and there's no need to look cool and fear of being publicly embarrassed, we jumped at the opportunity, grabbed those pool sticks and played two rounds. (Two long rounds, for it took us forever to finish one)

When I think of pool these days, one of the the first things that come to my mind, is a particular scene in Hou Hsiao Hsien's Three Times, where Shu Qi and Chang Chen linger over a pool table and make eyes at each other. Aahh. It's a really romantic sequence, accompanied by the lovely song "Rain and Tears" by Aphrodite's Child. Believe me, it's so romantic it sticks in your memory.

And...Shu Qi is stunning in that film. (Gosh, I could go on and on about the great stuff that Taiwanese cinema is producing in recent years, but I shall save it for another time.)

Art house fan or not, do yourself a favour and watch it.

Staying Together

2006-05-22T07:17:00.000+08:00

OK...that must have been one of the quickest hiatuses in the world. Hahaa. Was in the midst of a cold war with TSO over the weekend and I was all out of sorts and expecting worse come to worse, that this 'war' would drag on till god knows when...but, we cleared it up last night and everything's fine. So, hee, guess I'm sticking around in blogging land!

When it comes to relationships, it's never easy. Especially when both of you know you're in this for the long run (and not some puppy's love you-stick-me-i-stick-you honeymoon that goes kaput after two months...), a relationship takes much more than just mere fondness to be maintained. It's tolerance, companionship, patience, compromising, some giving in, some sharing...and of course, committment, all thrown into the package.

The arena of sports have produced golden couples who have successfully stuck together all these years, against all odds. Bets might not be high on them sticking together at first - think tennis duo Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. While Graf always appeared serious with her feet firmly planted on the ground, Agassi used to be the wild rebel of the courts (he had long hair, a slack attitude and...dated Brooke Shields).

But hey, since his marriage to Graf in 2001, the two have survived and certainly are going strong.

Closer to home, there's Fandi Ahmad and Wendy Jacobs of course. Whoever thought their differing backgrounds (Fandi is Singapore's most-loved kampung boy turned professional footballer and now, coach of the Young Lions; while wife Wendy is a model from South Africa) would be an obstacle in their way couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the stars in the skies had plans to build a mini football team for the couple - they have five children.

Hiatus

2006-05-21T11:11:00.000+08:00

GWB is going through emotional turmoil.

She has no wishes of this blog degenerating into an outlet for depression and disillusionment, so she will stop blogging - for now.

It will be sometime, but she promises to return, when the storms are over, when the dark clouds have cleared, and when finally, she can see the road ahead.

Till then.

Greatness comes with patience

2006-05-19T00:05:00.000+08:00

Was flipping this old issue of Men's Health and came across this feature piece on basketball beefcake Ben Wallace, who plays defense for the NBA Detroit Pistons.

There are a few quotes by Wallace that I felt were pretty good -

"1. A star team usually beats a team of stars."

"2. Don't stress if it takes you longer than your peers to get to your goal - life is not a race."

"3. You can't cut corners if you want to be great. Natural skills are fine, but work makes you a champion."

Anyone with a logical train of thought and frame of mind could come up with these, but it's nice to see that behind that rough, edgy demeanour and pumped up chunks of muscle, it's not just all brawns. Nice words of wisdom from Wallace to go around.

Our Young Lions sure could use some of his inspiration. Though they crashed out of the Malaysian FA Cup semis to Perlis, I bet they are all raring to bounce back. They face Woodlands Wellington tomorrow night, who have you placed your bets on?

Going by their excellent turns in both local and regional matches this year, the Young Lions have displayed that they are gradually evolving into a star team. (pt1) What they need to do next is to work harder (pt3) and not be impatient for success (pt2) as after all, all of them are so young! Yes, yes, chotto matte.

Greatness doesn't come overnight, just like boys don't simply turn into men with a blink of the eye. (Of course, there are definitely those amongst us who will argue that boys never turn into men; they were boys, are boys now and will continue to be boys.)

MEXICO - Dark Horse of the World Cup

2006-05-17T01:22:00.000+08:00

Mexico's been grouped along with Iran, Angola and Portugal in Group D of the FIFA World Cup 2006 and I seriously think the amigos have a shot at making the next round for the first time. (So far, they've never gone past the quarterfinals in World Cup history)

Too bad 'El Matador' Luis Hernandez won't be playing. I remember watching him in action back in 1998 and 2002...he was an electrifying bullet on the pitch, especially with his mane of streaked, striking blond hair!

For those of you who are harbouring desires of catching the World Cup LIVE in Germany and basking in the atmosphere firsthand, I just realised there are quite a number of contests going on, giving away World Cup packages. Sleague.com is doing one too...heh...guess it pays to support local football eh. : )

P-H-U-K-E-T

2006-05-16T07:40:00.000+08:00

Phuket, Thailand.

I know, I can be a real arty-farty tart.

5 Things about Phuket you should know:

1) The infamous 'Tiger Show' is severely overrated. (Those of you who think I'm talking about real tigers at this point, whack yourself first, then go check wikipedia)

2) You can see everything though...I marvel at how the guys and gals have no qualms about taking it all off, when so many pairs of hum sup eyes are leering at their privates.

3) What shows like these do is play on our innermost fantasies and turn them into realities on stage. Take the bathtub sequence right at the end, when the performers start soaping themselves and frolicking in bubbles and water (to the tune of Lao Shu Ai Da Mi, that's the aghast part). You don't need a pro-dancer or genius actor to do that; showering is natural an act as you can get. Yet, we still lap it up.

4) Don't see why female members of the audience aren't invited on stage when the guys are. The guys get to eat from the 'human sushi table', shan't us girls be invited to be at least closer when the male performer is hitting the drum with his...thing? So far, how to see...

5) I realise I've used up my four points to talk about the Tiger Show. Phuket, of course, is more than just that. Sun, sand, sea, bikinis, bars, pubs, cheap beer, pasar malam selling fake Diesel and Rip Curl, seafood, motorcycles, tuk tuks, muay thai, expats with thai girls...and the list goes on.

Taking a Break

2006-05-10T07:49:00.000+08:00

GWB is taking a short break! Just a few days lah...going to the land of the thousands smiles. Yes, I'm all geared up to hit the beaches, drink to my heart's content, paint the town red, rendezvous all night...! Hahahaa.

To quote Workers' Party Sylvia Lim - I will be back.

In no time at all.

Aesthetically Yours

2006-05-09T18:33:00.000+08:00

Hmmm...I'm beginning to think I have quite a dysfunctional sense of aesthetic appreciation.

I realise that what often equates 'attractive' to me, as in - what type of guy or gal who'll catch my eye instantaneously - is pretty unorthodox.

Somehow, it'll be the pretty boys who'll grab my attention. Long hair, dimples, cute smile. Not exactly the most manly type. Someone like...Selangor footballer Liew Kit Kong.

Ahh...doesn't he look like one of those charming Native Americans in Dances with Wolves? Hee. Of course, he's not in reality. The guy has a Chinese name but it's not hard to tell he's of mixed parentage - Chinese-Indian.

Yours truly here was lucky enough to get to see him live in person before, but you can too! Kit Kong will be playing for the Selangor Selection team tomorrow against our very own S.League Selection tomorrow at the National Stadium. Apparently, the old Msia Cup days players will be playing in some veterans game before that. But aiyo, not my generation lah, so I'll much rather look at Kit Kong and co. Wahaha.

Anyway, back to the topic, yes, conversely, I find gals who do not fall into the typical feminine, demure, petite category prettier. They don't necessarily have to have short hair lah, but the 'cool' factor is what that's most appealing. Hmm, so hard to describe in words.

Someone...like Jordana Brewster. :)

Beautiful People

2006-05-08T02:00:00.000+08:00

Pretty shagged tonight, so I shall just let beautiful people entice your eyes...

This is beach volleyballer Rachel Wacholder, voted Best Defensive player in the AVP (the Pro Beach Volleyaball circuit) Women's last year. If you agree she's HOT beyond words, check her out at the AVP official site.

This scruffy-looking handsome is footballer Suguru Hashimoto. Good news for the ladies. The japanese lad's currently playing in the S.League club Albirex Niigata, which simply means - can be sighted at stadiums near you.

Good Old Days of Playing Hockey

2006-05-06T10:09:00.000+08:00

Back in my university days, I stayed a semester in the school hostel, and for some strange reason, I was roped by some hall mates to join the Inter-Block Hockey Competition.

In retrospect, it was really an embarrassing affair, because...in the end, we actually won.

Don't get me wrong; winning is definitely a nice feeling. But at the same time, it was kinda embarrassing because our whole team was made up of amateurs who had never held a hockey stick in their entire lives before that (yours truly included). Prior to competition day, we had one crappy 'training session' (I can't see how it can even qualify as an official training, as there was no coach) and that's basically it.

Oh, I played goalkeeper, so the interesting bit was getting to wear that cool looking get-up - especially that protective headgear - though after a while, I was sweating like mad.

Anyway, yes, after one 'training session' which we spent more time chatting than twirling our hockey sticks, we gungho gals plunged in. Unexpectedly, like that also can win. Champion some more.

Of course, not to exaggerate things too much, it was an Inter-Block Competition (that means, within the hall), so it's a really mini affair lah. My hall had only 4 blocks.

I don't know why I talked about this...it suddenly popped up in the corner of my mind I guess. Haha. Perhaps, I was thinking whether it's possible for us to learn any kind of sport should we put our hearts to it?

Eagles - You've Found your Wings!

2006-05-05T07:47:00.000+08:00

So happy to hear that Geylang United have finally won their S.League match after a string of disappointing letdowns! They beat Gombak United 1-0 last night in an away game...I'm sure their diehard fans must be exhilarated. Though not amongst the frontrunners for the league title, Geylang, in my opinion, has one of the most tight, cohesive fan clubs in the S.League.

Their numbers might not be massive (referring to the fans here), but they somehow always manage to stay positive & keep those spirits up even when their team is lagging behind. Now that Geylang's back in form and tasting victory once more, their fans, I feel, deserve a rousing bout of applause for sticking with the team through ups and downs (especially over the past month, it's mostly 'downs').

Anyway, last night's scorer was Nam Woung Ki, Geylang's new Korean signing this season.

Here he is, in another game - against Albirex Niigata - (he's the one in green. Looks-wise, no Lee Byung Heon obviously, but still pretty decent-looking lah)...

He and fellow Japanese teammate Ryuji Seoka make a solid, tag-team strikeforce for the Eagles.

Ryuji, however, is the cuter one. of course. :)

Fantastico Campos

2006-05-04T01:42:00.000+08:00

One of my favourite football players as a kid and watching the World Cup back in 1994, was none other than...goalkeeper Jorge Campos.

The Mexican former international (of cos now retired...so old liao) was best known for his bright, multi-coloured neon, flamboyant, unorthodox outfits, as well as his tendency to move 'outwards' as the game progresses - He'd start out the match as a keeper, then gradually move out from his box to join his teammates upfront, sometimes even taking shots at goal!

I bet he probably made the 'Fashion Police' pages in his homeland papers all the time. Haha.

Anyway, I love the wackiness he displays. If all goalkeepers are like Barthez, Schmeichel or Seaman, alamak, so boring.

Cast away Homophobia, Labels, Stereotypes!

2006-05-02T23:46:00.000+08:00

When I came across this article, the first thought that crossed my mind was: Aiyoh, they should have just dismissed the woman instead of merely slapping her with a fine!!

For those of you too lazy to pore through the entire wordy stuff, basically, the news story revolves about this obnoxious female college basketball coach Rene Portland who turned offensive and hostile towards one of her players whom she perceived as a 'lesbian' (in fact, the player isn't) -- because of the player's tomboyish appearance.

First, it's really ridiculous, how in this modern day & age, some people can still be so homophobic! (And this happened in the U.S some more, the supposedly home ground of all things liberal) Does it even matter if a player is straight or gay? What difference does her sexual inclination make? Will being more feminine make her a better, more competent competitor on court?

Second, it's all these shallow, stereotyped perceptions of how a male or female should look like. Ok, I guess a major part of why I'm irked, is cos' this is something pretty close to my heart. Personally, I embrace androgyny and dislike societal conventions of gender appearances. Who says a girl must have long hair, wear skirt, high heels, put on makeup, adorn jewellery? Why can't she wear comfy jerseys, berms, sport shoes, cut her hair short or spiky? Does it make her less a woman?

Come on, admit it, standing next to Kenji Arai (Note: he's japanese and a footballer for S.League club SAF Warriors...ahh, the people you meet on streets :P ), faceless, andro-looking me could be a guy for all you know. But, that's my point - do guys only go 'Wah, Sui!' if they see a long-haired, slim (slimmer than me) silhouette? If that's the measurement of female attractiveness, then any bimbo/ah lian on the street = pretty lor. Brains and personality don't need to count liao lah.

Similarly, metrosexuality is such a in-word now, but cast aside the hip terminology and I can bet with you - there are still some standoffish folks who will, at the sight of a man wearing bright pink and speaking in a high-pitched voice, immediately take one glance at him, then secretly snigger "confirm gay".

If such is a society we are living in, it's pathetic. For goodness sake, it's the 21st century, why still hide ourselves under so many stereotypes, so many cliches? If one's not straight, then he or she is crooked? Then, if bi how? What label to label the 'in-betweens'...wavy?? Haiz.

Why conform and fit into age-old boxes when you, as an individual, have the right to be free, to design your image the way you desire it to be?

In this age, when boundaries are diluted, when sexuality is more fluid than ever, it's time to cast homophobia and labels out of the window!

No more politics here...and UP's the way for Young Lions

2006-05-01T01:03:00.000+08:00

Aiyoh...what is that James Gomez doing?! This is not going to do any good to the Workers' Party election campaign!

Anyway, I'm in quite a 'policital discourse mood' these days (blame it on the GE), but I've decided not to blog anymore about it liao...everything is just bound to end up in circles and circles anyway.

So, I shall just end off all these party talk by saying that I'm really impressed with Vivian B.'s flair of the hokkien dialect. I was listening to an mp3 of a PAP rally, where he spoke out at SDA's Chiam See Tong.

An excerpt: "Li gong, ai zou zin zui tian tui, wu gao lui bo?" (Tell me, you want to make lifts - referring to upgrading - but do you have enough $$?)

The Young Lions have won their first leg of the Msia FA Cup semi-final! And yes, I was at the stadium (Jalan Besar). It was truly one emotional ride for all of us watching...the cubs went 2-0 up in the first half, but then they got overconfident or something, and Perlis scored two goals within minutes in the 2nd half to draw even.

Luckily, defender Juma'at Jantan put in one more to make it three for us, and just when everyone though YIPPEES...it's over, victory's in the bag...the Young Lions conceded a penalty! Gosh...you could literally hear the whole stadium exploding in frustration and indignation (roars of 'Referee Kayu!' were to no avail). BUT, proving that miracles do happen -- goalkeeper Fadhil Salim saved the day by predicting correctly the direction of the kick. It's one incredible, mighty save! You can't imagine how wild and ecstatic everyone around me went...as for me? Of cos I yelled lah. Hee.

Toothy-grinning hero Fadhil shouldn't be surprised if his act of bravado just won him legions of admirers!

One Ballsy Lady

2006-04-29T09:15:00.000+08:00

It's a nice, sunny morning, so I shall talk about a whole different ball game - the General Elections!

Sylvia Lim is definitely one strong woman with balls.

Anyone who has been following the elections coverage in our local media (very lopsided as usual, where PAP gets like 80% of exposure time whilst the opposition is given the 'Hollywood severely-edited treatment' -- fast cut, blink-and-miss, no quotes), would probably have heard of the lady.

Currently leading the WP team against George Yeo and gang contesting for Aljunied GRC, Sylvia, Gomez (James Gomez) and co. are in good shape. The coffeeshop buzz is that Aljunied is prepped to be where the fiercest electoral competition lies.

Sylvia Lim - you can't fault her achievements man. Ex-police inspector, ex-lawyer, current lecturer at Temasek Polytechnic. She's extremely fluent, presents her ideas rationally with a clear line of thought. And, of course, she dares to shoot down the Men in White (MIW).

Here's her rebuttal at the MIW using promises of upgrading to pull votes - "It is a pressing problem for the nation. What message are you sending to people?....think of yourself, whether you're upgraded or not. Vote for the PAP for your self-interest, that's the message. And is this the message and the value we want for Singapore?"

I fear for Ms Lim though. Over the years, those who oppose the MIW fervently have not exactly gone through the best of days. Look at CSJ (fines, lawsuits, jailtime), look at JBJ (bankrupt), look at Steve Chia (so promising when he first emerged, then the nude photos scandals hit him), look at those who couldn't stay in Singapore anymore (yes, the exiles - shan't drop names here lest my blog kena banned...hahaa).

It's not an easy road ahead. Comments in the Young PAP forum directed at her are unpleasant and to a certain extent, chauvinistic; just to quote one: "Gosh, she should be making babies at home lah" (Sylvia Lim's single). Someone should really whack whoever made that remark.

Politics is dirty, but Ms Lim, do hang on, and pull through.

Hotties on the Pitch

2006-04-28T01:26:00.000+08:00

I don't really have a fave country when it comes to the World Cup (of cos', if our national team does make it to the finals some day, the patriotism in me will be ignited and I'll scream 'S-I-N-G-A-P-O-R-E!' in a heartbeat)...but if I die die got to name one now, I guess i'll be rooting for Italy.

Very simply, it's because of...Francesco Totti.

I'm sure you all know which one is Totti in the picture. Wahaha.

Anyway, the drool-worthy hunk is back from a two-month injury (he's been out of action since Feb) and looks very likely to start for Italy come June, when they take on Ghana in their first World Cup tie.

Of course, he will be joined by fellow countryman, AC Milan's Alessandro Nesta then. By the way, Nesta, who whips up a mean defence, is also a hottie.

Comebacks are always delightful, so it was definitely good to hear that Geylang United FINALLY drew their sleague game (2-2 against Balestier Khalsa) after dunno how many consecutive losses...at least my dear Thai midfielder Rangsan Vivatchaichok won’t be carrying this grimacing, pained, 'suffering-from-toothache' expression anymore.

A draw is a good start to better things. I'm sure he's smiling tonight.

Ok, too much ogling for one night. I shall stop.

Cubs win, and Ping Pong!

2006-04-27T01:16:00.000+08:00

I just read on Sleague website that the Young Lions defeated SAFFC 2-0! Whoa...way to go, our cubs! This also means SAF has lost 2 games in a row already (following last Sun's defeat to the afrikanos...), I think perhaps, the SAF people can consider getting some soldiers, no better still, lieutenants and marshalls to whip up their players' fitness levels...wahaha...anyway, SAF = army mah...all under one roof, might as well make use of the resources.

One player that certainly deserves attention in the Young Lions camp is this striker named Khairul Amri. Only 21, he's been scoring a lot of goals lately and everyone is kinda placing hopes on him to work his magic again on Sat, when the Young Lions meet Perlis.

That moment of celebration is the most beautiful, in my opinion. It’s the most natural unleashing of joy. Ahhh.

Was clearing out one of my cabinets earlier and came across some old photos. Taken back when I was on study exchange in China, and staying at the international students’ hostel. To digress a bit here, going on exchange is probably one of the best things that one must experience at least once in their lives – cos’ though ‘study exchange’ by name, there really isn’t much studying to do!

It’s basically the time when you can cheong till you drop, have flings, rendezvous, eh hem…and discover sides of yourself you never knew… I’m not saying I tried all of these ok, but gosh, yes, exchange does bring back plenty of memories.

One memory is of a bunch of us playing table tennis (or ping pong) at the sports hall inside our hostel. I know some of you guys are probably already going – wah leow, ping pong?! Such a sissy sport…– come on, when it’s a hot lazy afternoon and you’re in the country where ping pong is the favourite sporting hobby, there really isn’t much choice ya.

By the way, I must say, table tennis is fun. It was my ECA back in primary school so I knew the basics. But even if you don’t, it’s easy to pick up. To master, that’s the hard part. If it was, there would be so many Zhang Yi Nings around today.

Introducing Zhang Yi Ning – the world’s best table tennis female player at the moment. With her small eyes and small gin na face, she’s also a cutie, in her own special way. Hee.

Look at that look of mental concentration. So focused she’s biting her tongue.

If you don’t know Zhang, I’m sure there must be one ping pong player you know.

Forrest Gump! : )

One for the Women!

2006-04-26T00:00:00.000+08:00

I think it's wonderful Chris Evert and the tennis gals are voicing out, standing up for their rights about the whole Wimbledon $$ issue...cos THIS is just totally unfair. There is seriously no reason why sportswomen should be paid less than sportsmen when it comes to prize money.

It's not as if the male tennis players had to do NS or something.

Anyway, a little about Chris Evert...she might not be the greatest female player in terms of skill, but she has this very seh demeanour and calm presence that made her stand out among her contemporaries then - Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King etc. (ok, I guess Evert is also the best-looking amongst them lah...haha)

Ok, sleepy...I shall end off by saying that Alan Shearer would be missed. Newcastle fans, don't be too sad...after all, it's been a great 10 years.

Good Night.

Baseball, Ichiro, and the flamboyant Flamingos

2006-04-25T00:08:00.000+08:00

Over the weekend, while my dad and brother sacrificed beauty sleep to catch Liverpool defeating Chelsea in the English FA Cup semifinal (nothing new for football-crazy folks I guess, just a couple of grown men screaming their lungs out at the tv set -- of cos', hurling that occasional abuse at the opposing team; whether the team can actually hear their abuse is another thing), I did the unorthodox.

I...slept.

Yes, I slept and woke up pretty early the next morning, only to find myself indulging in potato couches' favourite hobby: channel-flipping. Anyway, ESPN was showing a live telecast of Major League baseball.

Baseball is one sport that I know so little about...I probably don't even know how the game fully works. For some odd reason, however, I adore baseball movies to bits. (Kevin Costner is great in them - Watch Field of Dreams and For Love of the Game...he's not an actor in those films, he is a baseball player.)

Back to the subject, that game I happened to chance upon was Baltimore Orioles up against the New York Mets. I was a bit disappointed becos' the only baseball player I know, Ichiro Suzuki, doesn't play for either team (he's part of the Seattle Marines), so no opportunity to see his suave, slightly scruffy, rugged countenance. Heh.

Ichiro Suzuki, as some of you will know, put Japan on the world sports map, together with footballer Hidetoshi Nakata. I think Nakata's a playboy, so I like Ichiro better.

Then, on Sunday night, I went to catch a S.League match at Choa Chu Kang stadium. (Not a bad place to pa tuo, acutally, hahaaa) I'm glad I went cos' that match turned out to be one of the biggest upsets this year - the new All-African team actually defeated traditional powerhouse SAFFC! Considering they were never the frontrunners, it's a really huge win for them.

This is their mascot - the flamboyant Flamingos.

You should have seen the african fans celebrating - with their bongo drums and non-stop cheering, singing and dancing. A pity I can't understand a single word they're singing - it's all French. But, as they say, happiness is in the eyes. And happiness is universal. I think Singaporeans should take a leaf from the afrikanos' spontaneity. Sometimes, the best cheers are not rehearsed dancesteps or memorised chants.

Instead, impulsiveness evokes the truest and most heartfelt emotions.

Fed Cup....and so many women

2006-04-22T09:12:00.000+08:00

More tennis action...woo hoo! The Fed Cup is around the corner...and for starters, it'll be the Belgians, led by Justine Henin-Hardenne and Kim Clijsters, taking on the Russian challenge of Elena Dementieva and Nadia Petrova.

Coincidentally, the latter two are known to be...ermm...there's really no nicer way to put it - the 'plainer-Janes' among the bevy of recent Russian tennis beauties. Maria's not playing, exotic dark-haired Anastasia Myskina (triple hot! see for yourself here) is sitting out too...

Thus, no eye candy lor.

Anyway, on the other side, it'll be Amelie Mauresmo leading the French camp against the Italians (unfortunately, I can't think of a single prominent Italian player now).
Mauresmo is somewhat of an enigma, simply because she looks really...unconventional. Haha. Big broad shoulders and bulky mass; hey, in fact, she can easily pass off as...one fine-looking guy!

This is what I call her 'Lorenzo Lamas' look.

Happy Drunks Rulez

2006-04-20T18:14:00.000+08:00

First things first, our Young Lions are through to the Msia FA Cup Semifinals, even though they lost 1-4 to Sarawak last night...well, I guess this home and away system thingee is very good. I figure for all future games, our Lions should always strive to win real big at home, go for the big score margins...then in away games, dropping a point or two doesn't matter one bit.

I dunno why but I feel like getting drunk tonight. Haha.

I remember the last few occasions when I got drunk, the situation got so bad my friends had to tell me what actually happened during that few hours when totally...lost it. Seriously, I would listen in horrors as they exclaim all animatedly - "Ahhh, you xiao zha bo, you threw that papaya in my face you know and puked all over my lap...yuckkkkss!"

Apparently, another trait I often exposed when the alcohol effect hits is getting all vulgar (otherwise, i'm a demure, nice girl-next-door most of the time...wahaha...yeah rite), expletives sprouting out of my mouth like water. I really wished someone could just videotape all that, so I don't have to rely on my imagination anymore.

Anyway, why I am talking about this...hehe...I guess because David James just popped into my mind. For the uninitiated, David James is one cool dude and goalkeeper...he used to be from Liverpool but is playing for Man City now.

Years ago, there was some scandal about him and some other player indulging in horrifying party ways, wreaking havoc and of cos', womanizing. It was all over the papers and it kinda affected his career a little...but ta da, he eventually escaped unscathed and now he's still in the EPL plying his trade and singing "I'm a Survivor".

That was back in the days when he was still...a handsome botak.

Which makes me wonder if all sports stars are hardcore party animals at heart. I think they are. And I think perhaps, they all have this unspoken policy, play hard (on the field, in the sports arena they belong to), play even harder when outside.

Someone wins, someone loses

2006-04-19T14:27:00.000+08:00

It's Arsenal vs Villareal in the Champions League semis, & while half of the Singapore population will be rooting for the Gunners to win, my bets are on...Villareal.

Though Manuel Pellegrini's side just lost to Barcelona in the Spanish league, going by their wonderful track record against the English sides (zero losses in nine games...wow wow wow!), they should be able to take the game.

Plus - i think midfielder Javier Cajella (see below) has this goofy charm that is...mesmerising. Ok, hahaa, a bit out of point hor.

Anyway, closer to home...my friend just reminded me that our very own Young Lions are playing against Sarawak tonight in the Malaysian FA Cup! Not in Singapore though; away in Kuching...I have a hunch that they will perform superbly, cos' after all, the weather and environment over there is so similar to ours...guess there won't be any difficulties of adapting whatsoever.

Somehow, Singapore playing in this Msia FA Cup reminds me of the good ole' days of the Malaysian Cup and the Kallang Roar...oh my, I was still a kid back then! Time really does fly, doesn't it?

Fiery Spaniards and one lovely Belgian lass

2006-04-18T23:09:00.000+08:00

When Conchita Martinez announced her retirement from the world of tennis, it didn't come as a surprise...I mean, the woman is 34 -- that's the usual age female tennis players decide to hang up their racquets (unless they're Anna Kournikova who infamously retired at like, 20plus without a single major title...but heck, she's probably sashaying & doing photoshoots and making tons of $$ right now).

Anyway, back to Conchita, not exactly a very memorable player on the court...Think she won one grand slam back in the early 90s and that's about it. She's one very hardworking player though, together with fiery Arantxa Sanchez. Yeah, come to think of it, the Spaniards all have that perpetual frowned, determined look. Women you cannot play play with.

My fave female player, on the other hand, won't be retiring anytime soon! She's been on a losing streak of late, though, crashing out in those small tournaments. Latest news - she just lost to Patty Schynder. Bleah :(

She's none other than Justine Henin-Hardenne - Gosh, don't you just lurrve the way she crunches her fist when she scores a point! Raw emotion at its best man. Don't understand why guys just pour all their attention on Russian Sala-pova...hey, Henin's pretty hot too. (at least better than those Williams sister rite...)

For her tender age of 23, she's done real superb - great pro career, undaunted by injuries, happily married. Aah, this is what I call Successful Woman.

Suave football lads make my day

2006-04-18T15:06:00.000+08:00

For some reason, I've started to follow a bit of our local football league this year. (Thanks to a pal who gave me free tiks to one of the matches, u noe who u are) Before that, I must confess I know nuts about the scene here...yeah, i was the sort that would probably go - "oh, so u mean Fandi is not playing for the national team already...he's coach?!?" Wahaha.

Anyway, I've heard many people dissing the Sleague, making awful comparisons to the EPL or the Spanish La Liga like 'our one no standard lah', 'the action sooo slow'...blah blah blah...which are really unfair comments, i tell you.

The local league is seriously not that bad. Of cos', we can't expect it to rise to the ranks of EPL, but come on, it's our league after all. If we can forsake sleep in the wee hours to watch a bunch of big angmohs playing on tv (u lucky folks with cable), why not just drop by your friendly neighbourhood stadium sometime to catch a match?...something which moi did!

Ok, who am i kidding man...as much as it's for the football, at the same time, it's also these beautiful men that's making me sit up and pay attention to the sleague. I was fortunate enough to be able to get a photo with two -

This is Rangsan from Geylang...he's a cute Thai...though I heard Geylang's playing pretty badly now...got to buck up eh

And this guy here is Aleksandar Duric...he's a striker from SAF...as they say, the older men are, the more charming they get...

Obviously, I have no plans to let u see how I look! :)

Motivation is the Key

2006-04-18T12:03:00.000+08:00

Hmm, let's see...what actually motivated me to start this:

1) Marat Safin, Marat Safin, Marat Safin! (non-stop ogling)

2) Twenty-two hot hunks running around and heating up the pitch

3) Michelle Wie striking that beautiful pose with her club (love that sexy butt view...erm...I mean, back view)

4) Man U vs Liverpool (u mean u don't take sides? are u Singaporean?)

5) Beach Volleyball babes and their super short skirts

Hahaha. I know I know, I sound so bisexual.