Trail of Passion

Predator Strikes!

2006-12-31T13:27:00.000+08:00

Predator finally broke his duck on this last day of 2006!

And it was well worth the wait. Picking up the ball from 30 yards out, EH's number 13 unleashed a left foot screamer that beat the keeper emphatically, sailing over his flailing arms.

It sure took a long time coming, but the $200 pair of boots (by now encrusted in mud and grime) finally paid off.

Now that's ending the year with a bang!

Progress for the New Year

2006-12-30T21:48:00.000+08:00

Finally after slacking and wasting away at home for the last three months, I got the offer to re-enter the work force. More specifically, the civil service - a more fulfilling job with a 40% pay increment from my last role!

Which sets things up nicely for a challenging 2007 - when adulthood truly takes shape. (Pity I can't catch my daily dose of Gummi Bears at 11 a.m. anymore). Till then, a happy new year to all!

Who needs a dating agency?

2006-12-29T15:35:00.000+08:00

Was playing mahjong at a friend's house in Maple Ave (very rich neighbourhood) when I saw a flyer on the table, that read:

38-45 yrs, Male & Single? Or Know Someone So?

I am a 35 yr single unmarried female
Previously focused on career goals
Presently focused on finding a responsible life partner

I am
- Attractive, Elegant, Petite, Chinese
- Caring and Supportive, Reliable, Positive
- Well-educated, University Graduate

Seeking a
- Single, Decent, Loyal, Mature and Responsible individual, who
- Enjoys reading and the outdoors such as travelling, nature, snow skiing, scuba diving
- Not addictive, not abusive volative emotionally, non-smoker, social drinker

Kindly contact: XXX

The lady addressed and distributed the flyer to her neighbours!

Kindling your inner fire

2006-12-20T18:11:00.000+08:00

"Trust yourself. Create the kind of life that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny inner sparks of possibility into the flames of achievement." - Foster C. McClellan

Poster Boy

2006-12-13T09:27:00.000+08:00

Here's one from the photoshoot I did for my ex-company's Diversity & Inclusion poster. Guess which half I am!

The Ultimate White Horse

2006-12-10T09:20:00.000+08:00

First Harry, then Barry, now the new heir apparent....Larry!

Committed and competent leaders needed to helm a strong defence capability

SINGAPORE: In the face of an uncertain security environment, committed and competent leaders are needed to helm a strong defence capability. This call was made by President S R Nathan at a commissioning parade at the SAFTI Military Institute on Saturday evening.

More than 430 officers from the Singapore Armed Forces received their commission from the President. Their families and friends witnessed the special moment. And it was also a very proud moment for some Very Important Parents too. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Ms Ho Ching were present to see their son, Li Hongyi, commissioned as an officer.

"I've attended many parades and commissioning parades but this one is special. When your son is there, you watch every move," says Mr Lee. "I'm very pleased; it's a rite of passage. A young boy becomes a young man, growing up. I'm proud of him." - CNA/so

The DIY Mentality

2006-12-02T14:31:00.000+08:00

At least one other person concurs with my sporting views:

"It must be about being able to lift your own people and that is done best when your own do it, not people from outside. Sport is about showing the power of the country, showing that the people from that country is good at something. Getting people from outside won't achieve that. Countries cannot elevate their development programmes if they keep on looking outside for help. They need to concentrate on producing their own talent. So many countries are using money to bring in athletes and that's not good. They need coaches and long term plans. That is most important." - John Manyama, Tanzania coach

And here are perspectives of loyal athletes:

"Hiring other people is not being true to the natives of the country. That is why I think the international competition is going down. Many countries are not producing their own people, their own champions." - Jote Ashebir Demissu, Ethiopia runner

"It's not a good thing if I give up my citizenship and run for another country. It insults my nationality...I represent Kenya and will not be running with a true heart if there's another flag on my chest." - John Cheruiyot, Kenya runner

Discipline

2006-11-28T23:44:00.000+08:00

Here's what discipline has done for me today:

1. Said no to late night mahjong session - lengthened my lifespan by 5 hours with the additional rest I get!

2. Jogged to Pasir Ris Park from my home - gained a little more aerobic fitness to pass that 2.4 km IPPT run in three weeks!

3. Followed my Trading strategy to a T - made a Tidy sum!

Hope I have the discipline to keep up the discipline!

Peek-a-boo

2006-11-24T20:58:00.000+08:00

Got wind of peekvid.com - a fabulous site that features free viewing of full-length movies, comedies, cartoons and tv series - without having to download anything! I even managed to watch Casino Royale in the comfort of my own home, along with delightful episodes of Seinfeld, among other wonderful shows.

You gotta check out this link: http://peekvid.com/

The Spears Syndrome

2006-11-23T10:45:00.000+08:00

When Britney married K-Fed, any discerning observer could have told her that he was a bum. Yet she proceeded to "play with fire" (title of K-Fed's latest album, pardon the pun) and even bore him two kids, before finally coming to her senses.

That's human nature for you. Often we are warned of potential pitfalls ahead, but choose to ignore the signals because of our emotions. At the end of the day, we just want to do things our way.

(Left): Hit me baby one more time!

No quick fix in forging an enduring S-League identity

2006-11-17T15:33:00.000+08:00

Here's my article to ST Forum that was published yesterday. They changed the headline though to a much better one (my version is this post title). No wonder, for my publisher used to say I write horrible headlines!

S-League's brand concept needs a facelift

By Alvin Low

I was a staunch advocate for having our own professional football league in 1992 when we had 'Uniquely Singapore' amateur teams like Gibraltar Crescent, Tyrwhitt Soccerites and Tiong Bahru CSC.

That dream became a reality when we withdrew from the Malaysia Cup in 1995, and I looked forward to having our own passionate kampung teams the way every other top-notch professional setup in Europe boasts of.

Instead, the above-mentioned teams have gone the way of the dodo bird and are now replaced by exotic foreign teams from lands afar.

The rationale was that our local talent base was small, and through the likes of Sinchi, Sporting Afrique and Albirex, we could bolster our national team by fast-tracking their better players to become citizens.

While I have nothing against raising standards via the judicious use of Foreign Sports Talents to complement our Youth Development programmes, I feel that the very concept of hosting foreign teams in our league hinders the establishment of an enduring local identity.

Our strategic intent for the S-League should be to showcase a steady stream of exciting 'home-made' talents - the next Fandis and Sundrams. Already the likes of Indra Sahdan, Ahmad Latiff, Baihakki Khaizan, Sharil Ishak, Khairul Amri and Lionel Lewis have risen through our youth systems to thrive on the professional stage - proof that there is budding talent among our own ranks.

While a classy foreign player like Peres De Oliveira will always be an important asset, it is clear that S-League's muddled brand concept needs a facelift to revitalise our original 'Uniquely Singapore' football culture, which is more deep-rooted and sustainable in the long-run compared to passing fads that are our foreign guests.

Admittedly, after being a firm supporter of the inaugural S-League in 1996, I am now a mere armchair critic who does not even like watching the televised matches.

Still I wish to make the point that nothing excites bona fide football fans more than to see their young homegrown talents burst on the scene.

There can be no quick fix, no marketing gimmick that will capture the lasting imagination of genuine football fans and I'm not talking about the punters.

Make it be

2006-11-16T12:20:00.000+08:00

There are certain inalienable truths to success:

- Go with the flow...of your heart
- Embrace uncertainty - its the only constant
- Be disciplined in continually confronting reality

Here's some visionary quotes: [Flowerbloom the first one should be your favourite]

- "To freshen a room, open a window. Works for minds too, and for hearts." - Ed Seykota
- "Surrender to the reality that volatility exists or volatility will introduce you to the reality that surrender exists." - Jason Russell
- "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." - Alvin Toffler

The Adventures of Gummi Bears

2006-11-05T22:53:00.000+08:00

My favourite cartoon - on at 11 a.m Kids Central every weekday. Catch it if you can!

Dashing and daring, Courageous and caring

Faithful and friendly, With stories to share

All through the forest, They sing out in chorus

Marching along as their song fills the air!

Gummi Bears, bouncing here and there and everywhere!

High adventure that's beyond compare

They are the Gummi Bears!

Magic and mystery, Are a part of their history

Along with the secret of gummi berry juice.

Their legend is growing, They take pride in knowing

They'll fight for what's right in whatever they do!

Gummi Bears, bouncing here and there and everywhere!

High adventure that's beyond compare

They are the Gummi Bears! They are the Gummi Bears!

Here's a link to the opening theme video on Youtube:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-TXpPrVX_mU

What Haze? I'm afflicted by the Laze

2006-10-26T01:13:00.000+08:00

L ift no more than one finger to press the remote button by viewing single-digit channels

A ccess only internet sites that are already in the drop-down box or "favourites" folder

Z zz during the afternoon for those cosy naps

E at pre-cooked meals that can be chucked into the microwave oven for quick heating

Stretch the rules, bend the truth

2006-10-24T11:56:00.000+08:00

"Innovate or vegetate", was the message from our Senior Minister at an event I covered last year. In today's context it has become more than a catchphrase - it is now a survival imperative.

I recall a strategic management class in which the professor held a mock competition whereby teams had to stack the tallest house of cards. My team, led by yours truly, was last to go and trumped all others by bending the cards. The rest had tried in vain to defy gravity and friction by making the archetypal card pyramids on the smooth table surface. The busines lesson here is to go against convention.

This came to mind after watching "Come dine with me" on cable - a contest where five individuals bid to outdo each other in deciding who the best host is. One of them innovated (some might say cheat) by getting a top-class restaurant to do all the cooking, while claiming to be the chef. Even though she eventually succumbed to her guilt by admitting the truth, the judges were all unanimous in awarding her top marks for the fabulous dining experience.

Apart from competitive scenarios, don't leave your creative juices behind in social settings - the art of stonewalling can be especially important around the sensitive (read: fairer sex). I was once dealt stares of daggers by a femme fatale after innocuously blurting out that the jacket she was trying on looked tight. The moral is that if a girl should ever ask you the question of doom - "Do you think I look fat", just improvise the "truth" ... and run.

Un-Tinkable

2006-10-22T20:59:00.000+08:00

Incredibly, Benitez tinkers his line-up for the 97th consecutive match! Here's a blow-by-blow of the "riveting" match:

2nd min: Ferguson caught littering with his Wrigley's chewing gum wrapper

5th min: Carrick loses the ball

6th min: Rooney mouths an expletive

8th min: Carrick loses the ball

9th min: Rio trips on his own ankles in the box and dives for dramatic effect

12th min: Gonzalez miscues the ball

13th min: Rooney mouths an expletive

15th min: Carrick loses the ball

18th min: Riise falls on his butt while heading

20th min: Referee Poll shows Sissoko an imaginary card to warn him for his glaring foul

21th min: Rooney mouths an expletive

23rd min: Gerrard swears at Xavi for a misplaced pass

24th min: Gonzalez miscues the ball

25th min: Rooney mouths an expletive

27th min: Carrick loses the ball

28th min: Referee Poll shows Sissoko the yellow card for his glaring foul

29th min: Rooney mouths an expletive

30th min: Gerrard shows Kuyt the middle finger for not running into space

33rd min: Riise falls on his butt while tackling

35th min: Rooney mouths an expletive

37th min: Neville gesticulates at Rio, then spits in a dramatic fashion.

39th min: Rooney mouths an expletive

40th min: Gerrard scratches his head, wondering why he's not signed for Spurs after Scholes marks his 500th Man U match with a goal

41st min: Carrick loses the ball

42nd min: Xavi takes aim at a prawn sandwich-eating Man U fan for sniggering at him in the 23rd min but his wayward shot misses the target and hits the prawn sandwich

43rd min: Riise falls on his butt while shooting

44th min: Gerrard does DX's famous crotch-chops in frustration at Garcia for tripping on the ball

45th min: Gonzalez miscues the ball

46th min: Rooney mouths an expletive

Half-time: Ferguson caught chewing on his 23rd Wrigley's gum of the match

Oh by the way, the 2nd half continued in much the same eventful vein, and Man U won the insipid encounter 2-0.

The Generation Gap

2006-10-22T17:36:00.000+08:00

Well-meaning relatives are a cute lot. They like to ask about when we are graduating, getting a job, finding a spouse or if married, why isn't the first kid due. (Words like probe and pry are too harsh for good intentons). These are deemed to be life-defining moments depending on which phase you are at.

Our generation however, are more concerned about "pressing" issues like the upcoming U2 concert, the next late-night mahjong session, the latest entertainment news or the regular football kickabouts (ballet practice for girls). These are pre-occupations borne of fantasy, and become stuff of legends (in our own deluded minds at least).

Clearly, us Gen Y people have our own distinct life priorities to fulfill before we plunge into the drudgeries of relationship commitments, like winning the Champions' League with Spurs in Championship Manager!

Mr Magneto

2006-10-22T14:23:00.000+08:00

My friend recently stumbled into an interesting experience at a club.

While inadvertently hanging out with four other girls, mere male acquaintances started getting all chummy with him in a bid to hit on his company. They would buy a round of drinks then inexplicably disappear. This was to happen repetitively on five other occasions, where random guys would come up, buy his entourage a round of drinks, then dissipate.

Apart from being a hit with guys, he was also attracting other girls by association. After all, how can he be a jerk when he's with four girls? This perception allows him to converse freely with another hot girl, while other desperate guys were foolishly giving free treats to vie for attention.

Talk about being a lady's man without "playing the game". Now all he needs to do is make sure people don't mistake him for being queer!

Reverence to the Reverend

2006-10-21T18:16:00.000+08:00

Was deeply inspired by Reverend Jesse Jackson, after watching his in-depth interview with Larry King. Among the many nuggets of wisdom that the famed civil rights activist and hostage negotiator dispensed, the following quote stood out:

"Recognition is the driver of nature", says Jesse, who was explaining why he believes in speaking to the 'enemy'. Undoubtedly, diplomacy is the only way in solving the world's prevailing political problems.

On the personal level, I'm sure many of us have been taken for granted before, be it by friends or employers. Being aware of and sincere to the sensitivities of others is worth a tonne more than any meaningless showers of physical gifts.

Bolly Muse

2006-10-21T15:39:00.000+08:00

On chatting with Prak, I found out that the actors in Bollywood flicks mostly ad-lib their songs. While there's a sound reason for this - songs are such a prominent feature in these movies that the voice of expert vocalists are best used to complement the attractive star faces - it got me thinking about parallels in the mainstream western entertainment scene:

1. Hollywood action stars who use body-doubles for their stunts.

2. WWE divas who use implants for their bust enhancements.

Emcee of the night

2006-10-20T22:09:00.000+08:00

Let's rap: Was told by a friend to "get off my lazy bum" so I attended my nephew's kindergarten performance. (Left) At the mike with his gal pal.

Ooh Aah Dimitar

2006-10-20T11:20:00.000+08:00

Even before scoring that stunning goal to sink Besiktas, Dimitar Berbatov was teasing and taunting the Turkish side with his magnetic close control, decisive first-touch and silky skills.

Indeed our 10 m pound signing shares similar traits with the great Eric Cantona. I was watching the mercurial Frenchman's hat-trick in a Charity Shield re-run between Leeds and Liverpool, and was struck by how good he was in the air, just as he was comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Like Bergkamp and Cantona, Berbatov is calmness personified and doesn't need to employ lung-bursting acceleration to get past players. It's all about timing and anticipation - my kinda player. What an absolute joy to watch.

Suck it

2006-10-16T10:40:00.000+08:00

Hail the most electrifying act in Sports Entertainment today! I can't help but plug the irrepressible D-Generation X (DX) for re-igniting Raw and livening up my living room every Wednesday night on Cable Channel 22.

Pair Shawn Michaels - The Icon, The Showstopper, The Heartbreak Kid; together with Triple H - The Game, The Cerebral Assassin, The King of Kings; and you get an explosive (albeit aging) Dynamic Duo who epitomise WWE's unadulterated humour, pure drama and raw passion.

And if you're not down with that, we just have two words for you.

Quote of the Day

2006-10-09T00:38:00.000+08:00

"Don't worry - life's like a bicycle, you don't fall if you keep pedalling."

- CJ's MSN nick.

Made in Singapore

2006-10-06T00:25:00.000+08:00

Kudos to the creators of Talkingcock.com!

They deserve all the accolades of their internationally-acclaimed local production Singapore Dreaming. I watched it in a GV theatre with only 10 people in the audience including 6 over the age of 70, 3 of whom were giving a running commentary of the show by repeating the dialect and Mandarin dialogues ad verbatim. Shows what a chord the movie has struck with local audiences, especially the elderly who can relate to the dark theme.

Makes you wonder - have we gone overboard with our obsession over the 5Cs? After all, as those in Fairy-Tale Land would say, "The best things in life are free!"

Quote of the Day

2006-10-05T20:05:00.000+08:00

Me: "That throws a spanner in the works." (on finding out that the girl our friend is keen on is attached)

Ric: "Just get rid of the spanner and it will work."

For the uninitiated, Ric is the expert on dismantling obstacles to relationships. He has aced GF101 with undisputed distinction.

Woman of substance

2006-10-02T23:39:00.000+08:00

Was impressed by BBC's HardTalk Extra guest - Shabana Azmi, especially the intelligence and grace in which she fielded tough questions about politics and film. The actress and activist ended the interview stating her mantra in life:

"When working for change, build in expectations that it will not happen in your lifetime, but continue to work on it."

Girl power!

Leaving your mark in style

2006-09-29T21:51:00.000+08:00

What a rousing send-off! Okay not quite the free lunch treats and surprise cakes (though there were mooncakes going around), but it was still quite touching to receive two job offers from the department and an offer of referral from my ex-ex-boss!

Apart from the warm goodbyes from colleagues, the icing on the cake was my boss and manager thanking me for making an exceptional handover. What a way to bow out, not to mention the free salary of the next month that takes the cake.

Just goes to show that when it comes to work or personal relationships, brutal honesty pays! Just try to rein in the attitude a little...

Salary without working

2006-09-26T21:02:00.001+08:00

You won't believe it. After an innocuous face-to-face chat with the boss at the lift lobby today, my last day at work has now been brought forward to...this Friday!

She even agreed to honour my contract and pay my wages all the way till November - even without me working for the remaining 1 1/2 months!

What a payoff - now I know how Sven Goran Eriksson feels.

Double Jeopardy

2006-09-26T20:08:00.000+08:00

What utter coincidence!

My footie teammate Ric writes an article on the disabled that was published in yesterday's Today. And they decide to re-use the photo featuring two of my best friends!

And best of all, my friends had overtook them to finish third in that wheelchair race. It happened in such an aggressive manner that Ric fell off his chair into a drain!

It's a small world after all.

East Horizon

2006-09-25T01:12:00.000+08:00

Horizons United: Prak musters a smile inspite of his obvious pain!

The Fallacy of Lying

2006-09-22T20:05:00.000+08:00

Recently Sam Allardyce of Bolton was implicated in a bung revelation by BBC, which based their allegations on comments made by three footie agents (including his son) to their undercover journalist. After the piece was aired, the three agents now claim they lied to the reporter.

During this same time, Hungarian public radio on Sunday broadcast a closed-door discussion between Prime Minister Gyurcsany and his party's deputies last May in which he said the government had accomplished nothing but "rubbish" and "lied all along" in its first term in office.

He now claims he did not lie but only exaggerated for dramatic effect in a taped conversation that sparked unrest in Hungary and a clamor for his resignation:

"It's important to emphasize that I did not lie," he told The Washington Post referring to a conversation in which he revealed he had misled the country about the dire state of the economy in order to win re-election in April.

"It's like you are arguing with your girlfriend, after four years of living together, saying to her, 'My darling, don't you understand? Our life is nothing! We screwed up our life!'

"It doesn't mean your four years were nothing. It doesn't mean that you don't like her. It means that you would like to change and improve your relations," Gyurcsany told the newspaper.

White and black has never been more muddled before. What conflicting times to bring up a kid!

Immortality

2006-09-18T20:41:00.000+08:00

Took me awhile to get through this book, but here's a moment of literary genius by Kundera I must share:

I think, therefore I am is the statement of an intellectual who underrates toothaches. I feel, therefore I am is a truth much more universally valid, and it applies to everything that's alive. My self does not differ substantially from yours in terms of its thought. Many people, few ideas: we all think more or less the same, and we exchange, borrow, steal thoughts from one another. However, when someone steps on my foot, only I feel the pain. The basis of the self is not thought but suffering, which is the most fundamental of all feelings. While it suffers, not even a cat can doubt its unique and interchangeable self. In intense suffering the world disappears and each of us is alone with his self. Suffering is the university of egocentrism.

Finally! Fulfilment at work!

2006-09-13T20:04:00.000+08:00

"Fired" my boss today - and I've never been more satisfied at work. To clarify, I didn't resign - I merely made a firm commitment to let my contract run out. Nice of her to send me a one page email clamouring for a rethink.

The main issue was a lack of empowerment, in which I found no work fulfillment in. Will look forward to my block leave in October-end - and the exciting challenges that await!

Singapore vs China 3

2006-09-09T11:57:00.000+08:00

Action!: (Left) Li Tie on the ball (Right) Asseem our UK friend ordering liang ge teh ping in Mandarin! (Shows you how forgettable the match was!)

Singapore vs China 2

2006-09-09T11:46:00.000+08:00

V for Victory or Peace?: (Left) Amusing ourselves during half time (Right) Amusing ourselves after the dour game

Singapore vs China 1

2006-09-09T11:38:00.000+08:00

Stampede at the gates: We had to queue 1 hr just to
get in - by then it was 30 minutes into the match!

Talking Cock

2006-09-09T10:49:00.000+08:00

Loosen up Singapore! Look at what we are missing out that every other 1st world citizens get to enjoy gawking at:

Three PETA activists deported from Singapore over planned protest, 9 September 2006

SINGAPORE: Three animal rights activists with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have been deported. They had planned to hold a demonstration outside a KFC restaurant along Rochor Road. There was no demonstration.

PETA's executive director Jason Baker, an American, and 20-year-old Canadian Ashley Fruno had planned to hold a naked demonstration outside the KFC restaurant - wearing just a banner - to protest against what they called the fast food chain's abusive treatment of chickens.

In a statement, police said they received a call on Thursday afternoon about suspicious behaviour. When they arrived, they found two banners in the woman's possession. Police said she was reported to have cooped herself in a chicken cage clad in a yellow bikini in Bangkok and went topless outside a KFC outlet in Canada.

Separately, police on Friday received another call about a Filipino woman, Astudilo Sonia Gueverra, behaving suspiciously in Bencoolen Street. Based on their profile and records, police assessed they would all be participating as PETA activists in an anti-KFC campaign without a permit.

Immigration authorities had cancelled their Social Visit Passes and they were asked to leave Singapore by Friday. At least two of them were believed to have left the country on a flight on Friday at about 3pm. The police statement added it would not allow any individuals or groups whose presence may compromise its security arrangements for the IMF/World Bank meetings.

- CNA /ls

Andre the Giant

2006-09-04T22:03:00.000+08:00

It felt like a bittersweet symphony, as I stayed up to watch Andre Agassi's final professional match - a trademark never-say-die performance. My absolute admiration for the man was tinged with utter empathy at the sight of him grimacing, wincing and limping. Yet in spite of his injury, Agassi fought courageously, willed on by the thousands in attendence and millions watching at home. Alas it was not to be - but even in defeat, the showman from Las Vegas captured our hearts - and bowed out gracefully.

For the past two decades, this was the man who had already won our imagination with his flamboyance and charisma. Yet in a fitting finale, his classy character truly shone through in his final speech:

"The scoreboard said I lost today, but what the scoreboard doesn't say is what it is I found. And over the last 21 years, I have found loyalty.You have pulled for me on the court and also in life. I've found inspiration. You have willed me to succeed sometimes even in my lowest moments. And I've found generosity. You have given me your shoulders to stand on to reach for my dreams, dreams I could have never reached without you. Over the last 21 years, I have found you. And I will take you and the memory of you with me for the rest of my life."

Friends in deed!

2006-09-04T21:15:00.000+08:00

My good pals TH (left) and YS (right) were caught in the act today - literally on page 4 of today's Today - doing the deed. Trust these two compassionate mates to participate in "The Amazing Wheelchair Race", where they were pictured in our local daily having a lot of fun racing around Giant Hypermart in the IMM building.

In-deed, "where there's a wheel, there's a way", as the headline screamed. YS was contributing his time to this worthy cause even though it was his birthday!

How can such caring guys still be single!?

Muchos Gracias

2006-09-02T07:03:00.000+08:00

You know my blogging honeymoon is well and truly over when you find an updated post once every 7 days!

It's been a mind-numbing week at work but I won't bore you with the details. It's evident that when you don't have a love life, work consumes you!

I'm truly touched to see 10 visits per day despite not posting anything of worth in the last month. Especially since I myself didn't bother visiting my site for the last three days! Thanks for the support and I'll try to dig deep to find my wit again...soon!

Idle Supporter

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

Hadi blew the competition away!

Or at least thats if musical purists (or anyone with a functional pair of ears for that matter) had their way.

As much as I want him to win though, I refuse to put in so much as a dime to make it happen. After all, the onus should be on those naive idol-chasing schoolgirls to stop squandering their parents' money by making repeat calls to sustain the inept Joakim and Paul u-can't-see-my-face 2Hill.

Let's cross our fingers that talent will prevail!

Run for a cause

2006-08-19T11:04:00.000+08:00

Thought that I'll never do anything charitable again after the Red Cross debacle but on the beheast of my colleague, I now find myself having to raise $300 for the Breast Cancer Foundation and run the half-marathon as part of our Greatest Race on Earth initiative. So all you folks out there, I'll be earnestly looking for your kind donations. Here's a tongue-in-cheek slogan (pls take no offence) - your breast, our best!

Carpe Diem!

2006-08-14T01:12:00.000+08:00

Time to rise up to the challenge!

This is a pivotal moment in my budding career and the key is to communicate effectively and probe proactively. Crucially, I have to confront reality and do what matters to get things right. My professional reputation is at stake.

My manager's resignation has created an opportunity as well as a threat as I now have to meet higher standards of expectations. Time to assert myself and come November, I will either be out of a job or become firmly established with a hefty pay raise.

How exciting for now - more responsibilities, more demands, more OTs - at the same remuneration. But as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Not in his accomplishments, but in his transitions is a man truly great."

What is time but a state of mind? Time to let my feet do the talking.

Live on HardTalk

2006-08-12T11:03:00.000+08:00

Felt like I was a guest on BBC's HardTalk. I had an explosive hour-long 'heart to heart' talk with the boss following my manager's resignation, during which she cast aspersions about my ability to deliver the goods. Time to issue an ultimatum. Watch this space...

Mired in mid-table mediocrity

2006-08-09T14:06:00.000+08:00

EH stretched our unbeaten run to five games with a 1-1 draw but this national day morning's league match felt more like a defeat. VJC's top player Keith made his guest debut for EH, displaying superb composure and sheer quality before capping off a fine performance with a brilliant goal that went in off the post. Alas it was not to be as a rash, needless challenge by JW gifted our opponents the equalising penalty.

Quote of the day:

"I aligned myself with the opposing goal-posts" - Gary our misguided goalkeeper who positioned himself poorly while facing that last-minute penalty, which was slotted weakly close to the middle.

Caustic remark of the day:

"Your dribbling is 'too' nimble for him" - Viks telling me off sarcastically after losing the ball for the umpteenth time in the match.

Kiam pah shout-out of the day:

"Their keeper is unstable!" - the highly confrontational WK trying to incite the opponents during a corner.

What a load of Trash-er

2006-08-08T20:50:00.000+08:00

Pay attention mates - its time for your favourite blog site to post a long overdue defamatory (read:sarcastic) remark; in a subtle manner of course. Read this in the latest issue of Fortune magazine:

"Unless the CEOs stuffs the money in his mattress, there are only four things he can do with it, and they're all good: (1) Spend it - which stimulates the economy and helps create jobs. (2) Invest it - which provides capital for construction, mortgages, and other essential loans. (3) Donate it - which provides relief for the needy. (4) Pay taxes - which means the rest of us can pay less. So what's the big deal? (Except in our envious minds.)" - Norm Trasher, Central Lake, Mich.

With such "stinging" criticisms of the elitists in their publication, its no wonder Fortune magazine recently faced tightened regulations by our very own media watchdog. After all, we don't want freedom of speech to incite a riot among our rich aristocrats!

Equation of Life

2006-08-06T20:23:00.000+08:00

Here's what I found out over the weekend:

Fatigue + Depression + Alcohol = A puking-good time

For the uncontrollable, multiple puking effect, try a combination of whisky, sherry, beer and wine, topped up with prata and nuggets.

Then the morning after feels like an absolute train wreck once the malaise sets in.

Shallow Al

2006-08-01T22:21:00.000+08:00

Been rather bemused by Catherine Lim's "muse and amuse" columns in Today, and thought I'll try my hand at poetry as well. Here goes, under the self-depreciating moniker Shallow Al:

What an irrevocable stance
When Hezbollah took up arms
Never in their wildest imagination
Did they expect such a fierce retaliation

Yet what price the spoils of war?
When terror strikes right at the core
Violent deaths knock on the village door
Can anyone guess what hatred lies in store?

- Shallow Al

Graduation Ball 5

2006-07-31T00:23:00.000+08:00

Shiny Happy People...Hunks and erm, Punks!

Graduation Ball 4

2006-07-30T01:34:00.000+08:00

One-on-One...Me posing with campus celebrity blogger Yingwai and the lovely Jas

Graduation Ball 3

2006-07-30T01:27:00.000+08:00

In the Spotlight...(Left) Jamie gets a kiss from Ade. (Right) Dan the Man shakes his booty to be crowned Prom King!

Graduation Ball 2

2006-07-30T01:23:00.000+08:00

Male Bonding...Men in black

Graduation Ball 1

2006-07-30T01:18:00.000+08:00

Time of our lives...Two of many group shots - all of which are NOT in my camera!

Convocation!!

2006-07-26T01:24:00.000+08:00

...and friends!

Convocation!

2006-07-26T01:17:00.000+08:00

With family...

Brilliance in Simplicity

2006-07-22T11:45:00.000+08:00

Today is Dutch maestro Dennis Bergkamp's last appearance on the field and I'm compelled to pay homage to my favourite footballer of all time. Dennis the Menace scored 37 goals in 79 games for Holland - all breathtaking ones the best of which was a goal of pure poetry against Argentina in World Cup 98 (left).

His deft touch, astute anticipation and sharp vision combined with sheer selflessness has brought out the best in all that play alongside him. Yet when the time arises for him to steal the show, Bergkamp consistently pulls magical moments out of his repertoire of classy acts. The sight of how he made an absolute fool out of Nikos Dabizas with his sublime turn can only be described as brilliance in simplicity.

Thanks for the memories - there will never be another shadow striker quite as technically captivating.

The North Star

2006-07-21T22:10:00.000+08:00

Read this front-page article featuring the new school for PSLE failures - Northlight School, which attempts to offer a three-year curriculum featuring a mix of vocational training, character development and foundation education. I was deeply impressed by the beautiful words of wisdom that the principal Ms Chua Yen Ching dispensed in her interview:

On the school's mission:

"We want them (the misfits) to feel this way: Today I am proud of Northlight. Tomorrow, I want Northlight to be proud of me. And instead of running back home and walking to school, we want our students to run to school and walk back home."

On the school's badge - a star shooting out of the letter "N":

"The star represents the students...Stars shine day and night but they shine brighter at night. We want our students to shine brightest in the midst of challenges. Stars appear small to the human eye but they are actually big objects waiting to be discovered."

"F**king Hellll!!!"

2006-07-16T13:57:00.000+08:00

Pardon my crudeness, but that was the warcry Vikas yelled out after scoring the winning goal today as EH came from behind yet again to register a second consecutive win. Viks followed up his jubilant celebrations with a back-roll on the ground before punching the air in delight. His goal was in similar fashion to Elsie's last week - a header off a pin-point corner.

A momentary lapse in defence (of which I'm partly guilty of) saw us trailing at the break. But the pendulum of opportunity swung our way in the 2nd half when Cheung managed to spring the offside trap, round the keeper and slot the ball home for a well-deserved equaliser. Carpe diem!

Predator has yet to open his account, but did had several strikes on goal today with the closest being an early freekick. Thank god that didn't go in though as it would have been annulled anyway following a comical mix-up in referees. Results may be coming our way but Predator will have to build up his fitness in the coming weeks to make a bigger impact.

Thank you for smoking

2006-07-14T23:15:00.000+08:00

Just watched the critically acclaimed satirical film shown exclusively at Plaza Singapura. I could relate to the protagonist who, as the official spokesperson of the tobacco industry, has to put a positive spin on everything - which pretty much sums up what my job is about as well.

Like my childhood friend who is a PR veteran of 2 1/2 years says, it's about giving what journalists want. "But the media wants off-the-cuff remarks," says I. She then corrects me, saying," We give the media what seems to be off-the-cuff remarks."

Sounds like the consummate spin doctor!! But damn - you really need to have an unwavering optimistic perspective on life!

Pourquoi?

2006-07-10T20:13:00.000+08:00

Eight years ago, the "Nod of God" by Zinedine Zidane brought Brazil to their knees. Last night the famed forehead did the same damage - this time to a disconsolate French nation. What a shame that the maestro's coup de grace of a glorious professional career would be an inexplicable "Nod of Infamy".

Let's hope when the dust clears, fans will remember Zizou's chip of brilliance - a casual penalty flick spinning magically through the Berlin air, caressing the underside of the crossbar before bouncing naughtily in and away from the goal-line, making a complete baboon out of Buffon - the best goalkeeper in the world no lest.

Alas someone forgot to lend Italy the script, for they fought manly back into the game and in a twist of fate, Materazzi metamorphed from villain to hero, while Zizou was read the riot act. Pourquio? Maybe it was those voices he often hears in his head.

Another flawed genius...that's why Italy's sheer team effort was so commendable, the siege mentality giving wings for non-descript journeymen to play out of their skin, ironically showing Les Bleus what "one for all, and all for one" truly means.

So this is how winning the World Cup feels like!

2006-07-09T17:45:00.000+08:00

Great work guys!! EH posted a rousing come-from-behind-with-the-last-touch-of-the-game win today in the most dramatic of fashions. Things looked to be going pear-shaped again after a dismal first half that saw us go two goals down. During the break, a "friendly" exchange of words broke out between me and JW, inducing Dre to put in a fiery discourse of how we should move into space.

Maybe that pep talk did the trick - or it could even be due to the disruption caused mid-game when vehicle-owning players around Marina South rushed to put coupons following the Traffic Police's sudden appearance. (It was a truly funny scene). Whatever it was, we bucked up and Prak's brilliance put us back in the match, the equaliser a moment of pickpocketing genius that Thierry Henry himself would be proud of.

Then with the very last touch of the match, Latiff put in a pin-point corner which Elsie glanced home - EH lead 3-2 and the final whistle blows. Can't believe I got kudos for playing simply and unimaginatively at left back - at times hoofing the ball out of touch - but that was what the team needed to win.

Quote of the day: "You managed to turn a 70:30 ball into a 50:50 one," said Vikas to me, after my distinct lack of pace wasted a sublime through ball by Latiff during a ineffective first-half at left mid.

Memorable Football Quotes

2006-07-08T13:24:00.000+08:00

Here are some all-time classic quotes from people in football according to a poll by Plain English Campaign (PEC), which surveyed 10,000 fans in 80 countries:

1. "Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that." - Bill Shankly

2. "When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea." - Eric Cantona

3. "I never predict anything and I never will." - Paul Gascoigne

4. "I think this could be our best victory over Germany since the War." - John Motson

5. "I spent most of my money on birds, booze and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." - George Best

6. "The World Cup is a truly international event." - John Motson

Amelia Low takes Centerstage III

2006-07-06T23:08:00.000+08:00

...with her group Tari Youth before they embark for the trip tomorrow morning!

Amelia Low takes Centerstage II

2006-07-06T22:58:00.000+08:00

...giving a cameo of her Macau performance @ the Esplanade...

Amelia Low takes Centerstage!

2006-07-06T22:50:00.000+08:00

Shining star: My ballet-crazy sis tries her hand at contemporary dance...

Football Fever@Club Momo

2006-07-04T22:42:00.000+08:00

Calm before the storm: Hanging out before I got saboed - can't complain though - went home with free movie tickets!!

Quote of the Week

2006-07-03T20:17:00.000+08:00

Many people have their own perspective about what penalty shootouts are well, about. Owen Hargreaves subscribes to the "Russian Roulette" point of view by insisting that "Penalties are not about talent." I disagree - it's 30% luck, 30% talent and 40% mental character. Just don't ask me how I come to this conclusion.

Perhaps the best version comes from Portugal's penalty-saving expert Ricardo who says, "It doesn't matter how much videos or games you watch, a penalty is a special moment. You try to read in their eyes and their soul what they're going to do."

"The person who's taking it thinks you know which side he's going to hit it. And the goalie thinks, he knows I know, so he's going to hit it the other side."

Hey I'm not gonna argue with a man who just saved three penalties from England's bests!!

Predator stung by Vipers

2006-07-02T18:58:00.000+08:00

Flash: (Left) At a live screening of England vs Portugal outside Tampines Mall. (Right) Me, Predator and my two most loyal blog visitors - Ric and Vik. Unfortunately Predator's debut couldn't stop EH from losing 6-0 against a 10-men side. Sob.

Art of Investing

2006-06-29T13:34:00.000+08:00

Despite $61 billion being wiped off Singapore shares last month, popular analysts still expound the virtues of buy-and-hold, asset allocation and dollar-cost averaging. Either these “experts” do not know of any other worthwhile strategies or they are not taking into account the psyche of investors. I reckon it’s a bit of both – and a huge dollop of furthering their own self-interests by manipulating the market. As YS said, “They have an obligation to say such stuff, if not the market will slide further. It’s an agency problem.”

Everyone knows they need a disciplined approach to investing, so as to leave emotions at the door, but few are willing to share their strategies. Here’s one that I learnt of 3 years ago at the library, that will give you a healthy compounded annual growth return of 20% - Fabian’s trend-following strategy. I recommend anyone to try it because it’s a simple-to-understand approach that empowers you to grow your own money. It doesn’t try to predict the market; it lets the market tell you what to do. You don’t have to sustain unnecessary downturn losses or gamble away your “play” money anymore.

This strategy lets you know when to buy and sell, and how to monitor – just 5 minutes a week is needed because it deals in the highly diversified, lowly volatile unit trusts. By all means apply fundamental analysis to seek out reliable funds, but it’s important not to neglect tracking the technicals as well. As far as I’m concerned, this is the most effective long-term investment strategy in terms of delivering consistently strong returns without exposing your finances to undue risk.

Not to mention that there is no hidden agenda (unless you are a high-networth individual) – the old man Fabian just wanted to share his immense, time-tested knowledge. Read all about it here:
http://www.fabianfinancial.com/axioms.jsp

Audere Est Facere

2006-06-27T20:00:00.000+08:00

Why don't teams just play 4-4-fking-2!?

Even with 1 goal down and 1 man up, van Basten opted with 1 miserable centre forward until the 85th minute, leaving the lethal Babel and van Nistelrooy clicking their heels on the bench. That's why Guus Hiddink is a genius - because he uses sheer common sense...

...along with a tonne of guts. It is not enough to be a sore loser, you have to be a gutsy winner. People like Kobi Kuhn, van Basten, Raymond Domenech forge hard-to-beat teams with their cautious mentality, but when you don't have the appetite to attack even when a draw means as much as a defeat (e.g. Holland vs Argentina), then you are simply inept.

Master Guus will throw caution to the wind, because of his insatiable desire to not just avoid defeat, but to WIN. Be it Korea or Australia or PSV or Holland or Valencia or Real Madrid, it is the same policy for him - 4-4-fking-2, with 3 strikers (i.e. Australia vs Japan) when the situation calls for. Even as his brave unfettered Socceroos bow out, Guus has upheld his pride and won immense respect for his bold philosophy.

To dare is to do. Ultimately, who dares wins.

Predator's on the Prowl

2006-06-24T17:07:00.000+08:00

Tools of the Trade: EH's number 13 is on the prowl with my Adidas prizes - including a flashy pair of Predator! Time to wreak havoc.

Football@Work III

2006-06-23T21:34:00.000+08:00

Here's another World Cup report I wrote published in BT today. Hope Korea gets knock out today though - getting tiring for me to hype up their chances and for u to read also!

"The Swiss will be tough to play against. Any lapse in concentration will prove fatal in this final group match. However there is a real belief in South Korean ranks that they can take another major European scalp and should approach this match without fear or inhibitions. If they can produce another spirited performance. South Korea can nick a 1-0 victory that will catapult them to the top of the standings and into the next round."

- XXX, whose player of the tournament is Park Ji-Sung,"who has shown why he is Asia's top player, working tirelessly to haul his team back after going behind on two occasions."

Yes I drafted that little drift about Red Devil Park as well. GO HOLLAND!!!!

Living on a Prayer

2006-06-21T20:51:00.000+08:00

Had an interesting "bust-up" with my manager today - funny how two PR people can't even communicate properly between themselves, though the disagreements were eventually resolved.

One tip for those about to enter the corporate world - brace yourself. To quote Bon Jovi's Living on a Prayer, "You live for the fight when that's all that you've got." In a twisted sorta way, I'm enjoying these confrontations and frank rebukes by the day.

I'd recommend people to have more disputes, it's the only way to narrow the difference in mindsets. As Darren Hayes croons, "More than angry words I hate this silence, it's getting so loud. I wanna scream, bitterness has silenced these emotions, its getting hard to breathe."

Bottling frustrations inside is only gonna drive yourself crazy.

Oranje marches on

2006-06-17T13:06:00.000+08:00

Much criticism has been levelled against Oranje's performances. But it is clear to anyone who has watched their qualifiers that van Basten's system is meant to be effective and not attractive. Holland was the force of beauty in France 98 and Euro 2000, but fell on penalities in both semi-final hurdles. This time round, we are looking to win the tournament however way we can.

The Dutch thrashed then-Yugoslavia 6-1 in 2000 with an even more dominant display, so Argentina's 6-0 beating of their weaker predecessors is no big deal. It is my view that while Spain, Argentina, Italy and Czech Republic may look the best teams thus far in round one, it will be England, Brazil, Holland and France that prevail to the semis.

Yes van Bommel, Sneijder and Cocu has been largely anonymous thus far, but that is precisely the point of having a good coach - to win the tactical war even when his charges are losing the individual battles. The free-flowing Argentines will find the stifling Dutch system a different proposition to play against. It will be an interesting duel between 2nd string lineups - Messi, Tevez, Aimar and Cambiasso versus Babel, Kuijt, van der Vaart and Maduro.

The pundits should relax on their anti-Dutch rhetorics - Holland is still firmly on course to lift the Coupe Du Monde on 9th July, and more than a match for the best sides.

Football@Work II

2006-06-17T11:45:00.000+08:00

As expected, was asked to do the Business Times write-up for France vs South Korea. Here was my published piece attributed to my CEO:

"Both teams rely heavily on veterans from their previous campaigns, but France has not scored in this tournament for eight years. Coach Raymond Domenech seems too keen on accomodating his ageing stars at the expense of more in-form strikers. Dick Advocaat will need to muster the same tenacity that was his team's hallmark four years ago to have any chance of extending France's barren run. And if the talismanic Ahn Jung Hwan can weave his magic again, we could be looking at a famous 1-0 victory for South Korea."

Had actually predicted a 2-0 win for France, but in PR, its not my football precision that they want!

Football@Work

2006-06-13T20:20:00.000+08:00

More World Cup analysis of mine got published - this time in Business Times. I drafted a quote for my CEO as he was participating in the Philip World Cup Charity Fund - and it was used ad verbatim!!

Here it is on page 14 of today's Business Times, on the South Korea-Togo match (my CEO is representing South Korea):

"Togo were impressive in ousting star-studded Senegal to top their qualifying group, but South Korea will be keen to prove that their semi-final performance four years ago was no fluke. While Togo's hopes rest largely with the individual brilliance of their Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor, the resilient Koreans will once more bank on their teamwork and fitness in matching the more physical African side. I expect South Korea to win 2-1 as their superior experience should give them a slight edge."

Got added praise when I met him earlier today - he says he didn't even know who Adebayor was!

Golden Comments

2006-06-12T21:51:00.000+08:00

The most outstanding performance so far in the World Cup must be the commentator. I do not know his name but his comments are certainly unforgettable:

Gem 1: "Trinidad hopes have been written off more times than the Mexican national debt", when the Caribbean side was eking out a result against Sweden.

Gem 2: "Bravo by name, Bravo by nature", after the Mexican striker found the net.

Gem 3: "I knew the Australians were in town when I found myself sitting beside an inflatable Kangaroo on the train", when he got bored calling the match by himself.

Give him due credit for these gems of wisdom - it's not easy talking to yourself for 90 minutes, without muttering rubbish!

Award Winner!!

2006-06-09T19:49:00.000+08:00

Look out for my award-winning article in today's Today (Pg 75)! Was motivated to write in and win that Adidas World Cup package after splitting my boots last week. Told YS after submitting 2 days back at 1 a.m. that I've "scrawled a masterpiece". Evidently the editor concurs, "Great writing Alvin, and for your astute analysis, you've won our first Off the Post Letter of the Week award."

On this same day I also drafted a quote on the South Korea-Togo match for my CEO to appear in Business Times' CEO contest. He has agreed to use it ad verbatim!! Will post that up here soon as it gets published. Meanwhile, here is my award winning masterpiece in Today:

Clockwork Oranje will march on
By Alvin Low

Much has been made about the sudden spate of injuries that have befallen Holland, thanks in no small part to our “friendly” Aussie neighbours. Although their Group of Death looks ominous, pundits who expect the Dutch to limp meekly into the World Cup finals are sorely mistaken.

My theory is that the absence of playmakers Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart in particular will force coach Marco van Basten’s hand into playing a more effective system. One scenario could be the selection of the more decisive Ryan Babel or Dirk Kuijt in the forward role. This will pose more of a threat than their current 4-3-3 system which tends to isolate the strikers and result in a lack of penetration against opponents bent on putting bodies behind the ball.

Another plausible option would be to select the insipid Denny Landzaat in a three-man central defensive midfield trio. While that choice would constitute a relatively dour approach, it is a system that can grind out results as it lulls opponents forward to create spaces for the formidable attacking triumvirate of Ruud van Nistelrooj, Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie to exploit. (This whole paragraph was omitted due to space constraints).

Popular media largely favours England and Brazil to lift the Coupe du Monde come July. But these pundits have overlooked the competitive drive and spirit this youthful Dutch side possesses – Van Basten has forged a fearless, united team to complement their undisputed talents.

I am convinced that this synergy of pace, skill, desire and tactical edge will help Holland blaze a glorious trail across Germany 32 years after Johan Cruyff’s anti-climactic twist of fate in Munich. The time has come for an Oranje imprint on the sacred trophy.

The editor also changed all my "Netherlands" to "Holland". Vikas you can write in with your little trivial to chide them on that!!

Human IS divine

2006-06-08T21:43:00.000+08:00

This is my first, last and only post on religion. Subsequent ones will be purely on football (who for some is more serious than religion), so non-fans (aka 99% of girls), brace yourself for boring times on my humble blog.

I don't take sides spiritually - I think human IS divine (as the much-derided Da Vinci Code will have you know) and subscribe to the belief that the best homage to God is to maximise one’s potential.

I admit I can do more to develop spiritually, but don't think religion is a necessity for Nirvana. Essentially all religions ARE the same, as long as one adopts critical thinking and not take the LITERAL word as gospel truth. Truth as we know it, is highly subjective and biased upon the source anyway.

A Muslim friend once asked me what my views on life after death is, since I don't officially have a religion. I'm convinced that as long as one lives with strong moral values without committing universal sins (meaning harm anyone), then that is all that matters.

And count your blessings. I'm very thankful for my life thus far - at various stages there have been angels who nourished me - further proof that God shines through Man. Of course, evil will continue to exist (in the form of brutality and injustice as part of balance of the force and all that cosmic crap), but do your best, and let God do the rest.

Coupe du Monde to turn Oranje

2006-06-04T17:28:00.000+08:00

When I started my blog 6 months ago, the very first post was of Holland's draw for the group stage in this World Cup. With 5 days to go before the biggest extravaganza on earth, I'm going to make a bold prediction that the popular media is not espousing - Holland will lift the World Cup for the first time, on German ground!!

Yes look into the steely eyes of my all-time idol Marco van Basten, that determination personifies what this Dutch team is all about this time round - teamwork and unity to complement their undisputed talents. This crop of hungry and skillful players are an exciting bunch - Robben, van Persie, Babel, Sneijder, van der Vaart, Maduro, Heitinga and Kuijt have emerged to energise van Nistelrooy, Cocu, van Bommel, Ooijer, van der Sar and van Bronckhorst.

Everyone is talking about Brazil and England, but Holland's brand of youthful drive, spirit and desire will see them through the Group of Death. I honestly don't care who lie await in the knockout stages - it doesn't matter. After missing out four years ago, the world will take notice of the best Oranje Army since Cruyff, van Basten himself and Bergkamp led Total Football with distinction.

Vibrant Stars

2006-05-30T23:31:00.000+08:00

Let's Dance: Guest dancers grooving along to enchant the West Mall crowd!

Vibrant Star

2006-05-30T22:59:00.000+08:00

Sing when you are winning: My platoon mate Wong Yaozong ended up winning the Vibrant Star Music Competition! And no it's not kelong - he's really zai!

Vibrant Blood I

2006-05-30T22:08:00.000+08:00

Vibrant Joy: (Left) Me standing beside the very elegant Eunice Olsen, (Right) Me taking the picture perfect shot of the very tall Lionel Lewis.

Where the hell are u?

2006-05-28T23:10:00.000+08:00

I was living a mental torture at the Vibrant Blood football tournament, burning both days of my weekend. Despite my objections, the tournament proceeded at the poorly-constructed court, but after a player broke through the wooden barricade (reminiscent of WWE table fights), there was no other choice but to use the street soccer court - as per my initial recommendations.

My PR abilities were stretched to the maximum, having to personally deal with 52 teams throughout both days due to prior communication cockups by the publicity team. As if not enough that 2 players needed to be sent to hospital, the coup de grace came when it rained heavily on the 2nd day and I was forced to postpone the men's tournament - TO NEXT WEEK!

So my blood-y hell is prolonged...and I'm back for round three. Moral of the story? Never EVER do volunteer work.

What's in a word?

2006-05-25T20:43:00.000+08:00

PAP MP Denise Phua revealed the need to "manage" dissenting opinions purveyed over the internet, to which a reader pointed out that "engage" is more prudent. This latest admission ranks alongside other timeless gaffes by our ruling party like wanting to "fix the opposition" and "buy votes" (with our hard-earned tax payers money no less).

"Manage" has such strong business-like, pragmatic connotations compared to the more caring and empathetic "engage". It's more than just a nuance in meaning, but implies the ruthless pursuit of efficiency. In such a stifling environment - be it work, home, political or civil - something has got to give. It's only a matter of time before society strikes back.

The Immigration Conundrum

2006-05-21T22:13:00.000+08:00

The irony is not lost on me that we are, in effect, all immigrants ourselves. Only the indigenous natives can claim otherwise, but just look at what has become of the Red Indians and Aborigines, and closer to these shores, the Orang Lauts.

Now we see illegal immigration problems (aka humanitarian crisis) in US, Spain and Australia. Jay Leno joked that the enhanced deployment of national guards to the Mexico border would last until the Latinos can self-govern (echoes of Iraq).

And in Singapore, our 20-year-old China-born table tennis player Xu Yan, who won bronze during Commonwealth Games, has announced her decision to quit, shortly after being granted citizenship. Sure we "appreciate" foreign talent - but are we being taken for a ride?

The Bossy

2006-05-20T08:51:00.000+08:00

My boss's PR mind is bordering on paranoia - she sees everything as political and feels like everyone is out to get her. Anyway, the burden of responsibility lies squarely on her, so I'll leave discretion and initiative out the door, and follow her instructions to a T. I take stock of every situation, good AND bad, and adapt accordingly, so it's no problem. But when someone questions my intent - why I want to get work done - it irks me.

BGR

2006-05-17T20:12:00.000+08:00

I came home from work and my 4-year old nephew says, "Tomorrow I marry Sue-ann (his kindergarten classmate)." I asked "Why?" and he says, "Because I like her." Earlier in the day, my boss attended her 5 year old son's parents-teacher session and was warned that he was getting too close to a female classmate.

Are our kids getting too expressive (or liberal?) these days or am I just too conservative? Either way, I do not envy parents or teachers alike. On one hand, they must not scar the innocence of a child with their prejudiced dogma but on the other, they must instill discipline in children to protect them from BGR woes.

Kids are so impressionable these days - it's scary.

NTU Market Chalet

2006-05-13T01:51:00.000+08:00

Shiny happy people: NTU Market holds our final gathering before the month-long Europe grad trip!

Pride of NTU Market

2006-05-13T01:38:00.000+08:00

L'Oreal Brandstorm: Well done NTU market! 3 teams, all decked in white have done us proud!

Sign of Nice Things to Come

2006-05-12T09:14:00.000+08:00

Wow I'm impressed that despite my long spell off blogging, I had 15 loyal visitors to this site yesterday. Sorry to have disappointed with the lack of fresh material - been rather busy having started my first full time job this week, and I won't bore anyone with the details.

My dear marketing friends are going on a month-long tour to Europe, so bon voyage and take many pictures (not to mention souvenirs :). As for me, I'm counting down to the World Cup and can't wait to see England fail while Holland triumphs for the first time. Many stars risk staying on the sidelines due to injuries but there's still plenty of sparkle - as familiar legends depart, new heroes will emerge.

For this long weekend Vesak holiday, I shall resume my austere reading life and hopefully score a couple of goals on Sunday. Ok this might have been my most un-eventful blog post ever, but bear with me - the creative juices will return soon.

Mission Impossible?

2006-05-06T20:19:00.000+08:00

Was catching up with five old friends after visiting the polling booth. 2 were Myanmese citizens with Singapore PR status, while of the remaining four of us, one voted for SDA (ME!), one voted for PAP, one voted for WP and one spoilt his vote.

Why did he decide to void his vote even though he was tempted very much to vote for the opposition WP in Ang Mo Kio? Because he felt that the ruling party could trace him down due to the serial numbers on the voting slips. This highlights the very real element of fear (whether self-induced or otherwise) prevalent in our society, further affirming the need for concerted opposition to enhance our freedom of expression and dispel this unhealthy climate of repression.

Anyway, I've done my part - I've voted according to the situation as it calls for. As a voter, I see my duty as one of balancing the dichotomy between efficiency in decision-making and accountability, capitalistic pursuits and societal growth. I'm not enamoured with either party the way I favour football teams and don't let emotions (namely fear or greed) get in the way of my choice.

Of course, we didn't meet up solely to discuss politics. We caught Mission Impossible III which was good entertainment in spite of the predictable betrayal, action and stunts. I expect the polling results to follow a similar vein for it looks like Mission Impossible for the oppositions. Yet for the sake of a more inclusive society and transparent government, let's hope a few upsets are in the offing.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

2006-05-04T14:33:00.000+08:00

Finally digested Milan Kundera's philosophic masterpiece - The Unbearable Lightness of Being. The essence of this touching tragic-comedic novel lies in the following quote:

"If eternal return is the heaviest of burdens, then our lives can stand out against it in all their splendid lightness. But is heaviness truly deplorable and lightness splendid? The heaviest of burdens crushes us, we sink beneath it, it pins us to the ground. But in the love poetry of every age, the woman longs to be weighed down by the man's body. The heaviest of burdens is therefore simultaneously an image of life's most intense fulfilment. The heavier the burden, the closer our lives come to the earth, the more real and truthful they become. Conversely, the absolute absence of a burden causes man to be lighter than air, to soar into the heights, take leave of the earth and his earthly being, and become only half real, his movements as free as they are insignificant."

And in light of recent political events in Singapore, there's a moral to all the deplorable chaos:

Behind the intelligible facade, lies the unintelligible truth.

Buddy Luv

2006-05-02T13:35:00.000+08:00

Friends, Blood Buddy needs your help! Into its third year, "Vibrant Blood 2006" will incorporate a music & football competition held concurrently with a bloodmobile drive at West Mall on 27th and 28th May.

Apart from aiding HSA's blood needs, we aim to educate youths and young adults to embrace blood donation as an integral part of loving, living and giving life. So come on down and lend your support to this noble cause of saving lives.

On a lighter note, Blood Buddy seems like an apt mascot for my Mr Luva blog persona don't ya think?

Hero again!

2006-04-30T21:01:00.000+08:00

What a hard-fought 3-3 draw by EH - and you know the only reason why I'm blogging about it is because I scored the equalising goal. A gaffe by the opposing keeper, who missed the ball completely, presented me with a simple tap-in. But after striking the post in the 1st half, I'll take a goal in any form or shape.

More important than the result, what stood out was the semangat that the team displayed, gravely lacking in prior matches. Certainly when our quality players return, EH will be a force to reckon with.

(Left): The logo I designed on behalf of the team.

Novellist has a nice ring to it!

2006-04-29T14:50:00.000+08:00

I was desperate to enrich my literary mind and tried to hunt down some recommended readings from Milan Kundera and Isaac Asimov...but the Pasir Ris library was simple inadequate and haphazard! (Another reason to vote for the opposition). In the end, I spent 2 hours browsing and found nothing worthwhile to borrow.

This got me pretty agitated - to the point that I'm now seriously pondering writing my own novel since I've got so much time and energy. (single and idle remember?) I've decided to write a 48-chapter, set-in-Singapore thriller by the end of the year, then upload one chapter per week in this blog at the start of 2007.

I figure that if my closest friends don't bother reading it, then there's no point distributing to the rest of the world. Plus it will help me solicit critical feedbacks on each and every verse so as to finetune my writings. Who knows, if it's any good, I may just publish it myself. Anyway till then, stay tuned...

My Personal Manifesto

2006-04-27T12:08:00.000+08:00

YES it's finally over!! I've sat my last ever exam to draw the curtains on 18 stifling and insipid years in the education system. Ok it wasn't all that bad - I did make great friends along the way and experienced inspirational, heartfelt moments. But I've served my time and I'm ready to take on the world.

In that optimistic light, it's apt to unveil my life manifesto. These are the values that will guide me in my future endeavours as I embark on this long-overdue journey into the unknown. Just like how I've scaled the pinnacle of peaks before, this is my personal reminder as to how I should emerge from the abyss of despair when challenges seem insurmountable. Three simple words with iron-cast signficance:

Intensity, Heart, Wisdom.

Warrior Behind the Mask

2006-04-21T22:07:00.000+08:00

It might seem queer for me to wax lyrical about a man whose claim to fame is the "gorilla press", but I must voice my admiration for the person behind the Ultimate Warrior persona - Jim Hellwig. In sports entertainment he was the most electrifying wrestler of all time, the "pioneer of ring intensity".

Outside of the spotlight, Jim is a man of strong-willed discipline and uncompromising principles. It's his insights and philosophy to life that inspires me now in the same illuminating way he did back then - a bona fide warrior indeed.

"I can, I will, I must" - UItimate Warrior

Read about his awe-inspiring thoughts:
http://www.ultimatewarrior.com/concept.htm

DVD Review

2006-04-19T14:30:00.000+08:00

City of God

More like city of lawlessness, this brutally honest (and violent) indie movie about the slums of Rio where any gun-toting 5 year old can run a gang moves at a breathtaking pace. That it was based on a real life story retold in a refreshing angle makes it all the more intriguing.

Sliding Doors

Must be at least 5 years late in watching this movie but better late than never, which happens to be the theme of this Gwyneth Paltrow flick. The plot personifies the "wings of a butterfly and chaos" theory - and asserts that fate is a guiding hand in midst of infinite scenarios that decisions can take our life into.