Do Do Bird

There are no soccer matches tonight.

Highly irritated. This is one of the symptons of cold turkey. Am relying on strong doses of chocolate to stay alive and human. It is strange how the female species can throng Orchard Road for retail bargains. Madness, when they could have been lounging at home in state of zen.

Since I am free, I shall blog on one memorable experience that happened during the World Cup. It is the sort where if I am ever confronted with it in real life, I shall act confused and shake head profusely. So friends, you have been warned.

The silliest thing I did during this World Cup happened during one night at 3 am. Usually, all I need to do is turn on the tv because the soccer channel is normally the one last tuned in to.

Unfortunately, this time my dad was feeling intelligent and decided to watch the news on Channelnewsasia prior going to bed. No sweat, the brilliant me could always switch things back to the channel where the REAL action was.

Yes, soccer action at last. Jeez, Starhub's new soccer coverage isnt too bad. This must be the helicopter vision that my staff appraisal report talks about. The kind where bosses are said to have and which I dont.

After 15 mins, you start to think that Starhub is taking things too far. There is only so much entertainment in watching 22 stick figures running around the pitch. Hey, even the World Cup soccer game in Xbox is tonnes more interesting. You sulk because you cannot view the corner and free kicks properly. In fact, you cannot even see the soccer ball at all!

After another 5 mins of this, you have had enough. You reach for the phone and dial the 24 hr customer service. Mentally, you are rehearsing what you intend to say. All of them along the lines of if Starhub thinks they can get away with this new age helicopter vision screening of matches, they can jolly well think again, scoundels and unacceptable.

While waiting for the line to go through, you decide to check out the other soccer channel and see if things are the same at the other end. Who knows, maybe someone was trying to cut cost and reduce the number of cameras on the pitch just because there were 2 matches going on at the same time. The boys' scout's motto is to be prepared, or something along those lines. Much better to rant about 2 channels than 1. Make you sound like you have done your checks.

Then your mouth drops. The coverage on Channel 22 is perfectly normal. You realise that something could be wrong. Wisely, you click the call disconnect button on the phone. Then you flip to Channel 27 and see all things are fine. You frown a little and change channels to 28. Once again, there is the familiar helicopter coverage.

Enlightenment dawns.

Referee woes

It is now the half time break in the Brazil-Ghana match. Brazil is leading 2-0, a scoreline they thoroughly deserved and do not deserved.

I concede that man for man, the Brazilians are technically superior to the Ghanians. They can outplay Ghana just by simply stepping up a gear.

However, it is obvious that Ghana is playing with a lot of heart, spirit and fire. After having to endure boring matches that end in goaless draws, uninspiring matches decided by one free kick, and matches that resembled WWII, this is a refreshing change. This is what free flowing football is about. This keeps you glued to your seat. You can just sit back, drink beer, smile contentedly and watch football at its best. It is matches like these where I do not begrudge Starhub the extra charges for being able to watch every single WC match.

But referees who appear to have left their eye prescriptions/glasses at home ruin everything. How can the linesman not see that Brazil were obviously offside? Not once, not twice, but numerous times. Maybe he was unable to keep up with the pace of the game. If you cannot match the fitness level of young soccer players, allow me to suggest that you either retire or go train yourself.

The referee has also appeared to miss the fouls on Ghana by Brazil. Blatent fouls mind you. The kind that have me jumping out of my chair, hand in the air, screaming for blood, mainly Brazil's. On some occassions I want to hurl the remote control at the referee. I wonder if he is aware that there are 2 teams playing on the field, and he is the objective man in the middle.

For all the football playing males in Brazil, they have to bring a fat man who is past his prime, cannot run fast any more and can only shoot goals at open goal posts. Like as though Brazil is starved of talent and players. It is such a pathetic, sorry and pitiful sight on the field. The Ronaldo I remember could do wonders with his feet and creates magic for all. Now, I see another Ronaldo, the one who huffs, pants, and waits for others to create magic for him. It is sad to have to remember a great player this way.

But back to incompetent referees. The match is starting again. If only viewers could dish referees yellow cards. Or if there was some kind of feedback/rating for referees like the feedback system we have in school for lecturers.

Bleah!

The Luck of a Gambler

Is something which I do not have. *mock sigh*

My father can do dodo things like go buy the wrong odds, ie buy for England to give handicap when in actual fact he wants the other team to receive handicap. Then just for that one match, England won 2-0. In fact, it was the only match where England won 2- 0. (England vs Trinidad and Tobago) *disgusted snort*

Or else, he forgets to place his stakes because he had another appointment, and the team he wanted to bet on loses/draw. Something which happens to me, only in the reverse. The matches I forget to bet in, the team I want to stake on wins.

*another disgusted snort*

So we both betted in the Australia Italy game. I went for a draw and Aussie win.After all, fortune favours the bold, or so I thought. My dad plonked money down for the Aussies to receive a handicap. Would you like to guess what happened?

The Aussies conceded a penalty in the dying SECONDS of the game. And of course, just for that one penalty, Italy with its terrible record for penalties, converted it. Bah to Totti!

My dad commented after the final whistle that perhaps Australia might have drawn the game had I not dabbled my non-gambling fingers into the pie. With a big smirk on his face!

And you know what? My dad helped me fill in my Singapore Pools betting slip. In his classic dodo-ness, he marked out an Italy win and draw instead of an Aussie win and draw. As luck will have it, I looked through the slips. And amended his mistake!!!!!!!

Later, he was under the impression that he did not place any stakes for the Switzerland-Ukraine match. Upon checking, he realised he did but forgot about it. And of course, he won again.

Bloody unfair!!!!!

South Korea is out.......

Am devastated. How can the Koreans be out?!?!?! *sob sob sob*

This means that the closest thing Asians have to represent them in World Cup is AUSTRALIA, the country more popular for kangeroos than soccer, where prior to this WC, never qualified for one before.

Where were the heroics of Japan and Korea as seen in 2002?!?!?!

It's been a hot day today. Went to the new Tiong Bahru Market. Lots to blog about, which I shall do so only tomorrow, for the precise reason that it has been HOT, freaking HOT.

=p

Underdogs....

Yeah.... Australia is into the second round of the World Cup, and so is Ghana.

I love it when underdogs qualify!! =) =) =)

You can see the joy in the faces of the fans and players while everyone celebrates. The hug hug, kiss kiss, run around amok, pray to heaven, beat drums kind of celebrations. Leaves you with nice warm fuzzy feelings, the kind you get when an exercise released nice endorphins into your body.

I hope hope hope South Korea can fly the Asian flag high and qualify for the next round.

A friend I know refuses to support England (because they were our former colonial masters) and Japan (because they never apologised for WWII).

I am happy because I went blading today and there are many nice happy endorphins coursing through my body now. *grin* Just returned from dinner at Macs and realised that yours truly have been living in the jurassic ages.

Did you know that Mac also screens WC matches?!?!?......Yes, I see you nodding your head, disbelief all over your faces that someone could possibly not know this. Further confirmation of my citizenship in Jurassic Age.

Bought a nice pink lipstick after dinner. Retail therapy releases nice endorphins too... =) =) =)

Am buying quite a number of pink girly stuff...at least much more girl stuff than usual. Since I am in bimbo mood currently, I think I'll go all the way. I shall go paint my nails in England's colours to show my support. White background with a red cross is much easier than trying to paint Korea's colours.

=)

My replies to your comments......

Dear readers,

I apologise for not replying to the comments you have posted. Procrastination is a deadly sin with me. I promise not to do so in future, so do keep your comments coming. It is a great stress reliever to read what you have to say in response to my musings.

To:

Duck - It's your Xmassie pressie my dear.... (sheepish smile)

Kurakat - No prob if you want to host my Cars entry, if its not too overdue. No worries about the acknowledgments...really. As for the '8 days' entry, no I didnt rush it out. Was feeling a tad agitated when I wrote it. Did it sound rushed?

The Prof - YOU can SEW and COOK?!?!?!...... WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Hey Good Looker Test

Kurakat has posted up pictures of the actresses in Da Chang Jin on his blog. I have no idea how he managed to find them, but you can see them as they look in Jewel in the Palace and in contemporary outfits.

Kurakat's blog is http://eldwinjoshuawong.blogspot.com/

Otherwise known as Reflections under the Full Speed To scroll bar.

It's worth a look. Some of them are really really pretty, like the actresses who played the villian Lady Cui, the goody two shoes Liansheng and sweetie pie Xin Fei.

The others look hideous in the period drama as compared to how they look like in real life. Looks like rebonded hair, make up and tonnes of photoshop do have their uses.

Period dramas are really harsh on actresses who were not born pretty of face. Partly because you will look fatter than normal due to the layers you need to wear and partly because all the drama mama hairdos, means the emphasis is on your FACE! Where because all the hair is swept back and tied into various drama mama hairstyles, the actress can not count on rebonded highlighted hair to help mask whatever flaws she has.

Hey, this could even be a good looker test to check out the natural good lookers from those who uses every single modern day comestic aid. It is fast, simple, and can be conducted anywhere and everywhere. Plus it's 100% accurate.

=P

Women soccer fans wannabes

Some of the stuff I've heard from female soccer fans wannabes (FSFW) in recent times....

FSFW: Which do you think is the best match to watch?
Me: You could try the Argentina vs The Netherlands match.

FSFW: The Netherlands is playing? I quite like the Dutch. Have been supporting them and hope Holland goes thru

*dwang*

FSFW: I'm painting my nails to show my support for England.
Male friend of mine: Ermmm, since when was England's colours blue?

*dwang*

Female soccer bimbos make my day.
Die, I will be reborn as a cockroach for my meaness..... 'cross fingers it does not happen'

=)

8 more days to smoke free coffeeshops

8 more days to the day where the smoking ban is imposed in coffeeshops.

There are howls, shrieks and protests. Every self respective coffeeshop ownder is saying that it will affect their business because if you ban smoking, the smokers will not come to patronise them, buy their beers and eat their food.

Indeed!

Unless the smokers have suddenly discovered previously unknown culinary skills, they will definitely still patronise the coffeeshops. You cannot deny that most Singaporeans are lazy when it comes to having to cook. Especially when hawker food is widely available and relatively affordable.

Took grandmother to this yummylicous crab place in Ang Mo Kio today. Had to endure 3 young men at the next table puffing away. I searched for a no smoking sign and saw none. Unable to tolerate things any further, I remarked loudly to Dad that I cannot wait for the no smoking ban to be enforced. Thankfully the smokers took the hint and puffed in another direction.

I acknowledge that smokers have a right to smoke. However, puff as long as it does not affect the people around you. Non-smokers have been way too tolerant towards these smokers for the longest time. You grin and bear it once too often and soon it is accepted that you should grin and bear it.

Non smokers should stand up for their rights and fight for a smoke free environment diplomatically. No need to burn cigarette sticks and protest outside cigar shops. There are side effects to second hand smoke that non-smokers endure, and the effects are immediate for me. My nose gets runny, eyes start to water and I lose my voice complete with sore throat. I am not alone with such complaints. Second hand smoke triggers migraines amongst some of my friends.

Yet I am guilty of silently suffering smokers. Because some of them are my bosses, who have been really nice to me. Because some of them are friends and I wish to keep the peace. Because some of the settings are social and I have no wish to be a spoilsport.

Till one day when the smoke environment in a friend's office got way out of hand. And the only thing her Director could do was to send a mail to everyone saying that he will smoke outside the building from henceforth and encouraged others to do likewise. As for smokers from other offices who smoke in the common stairways, he would not do anything to keep the peace all around.

How nice it must be to be a boss and be blessed with such wonderful helicopter visions. So what if you smoke outside the buidling and others continue to do so internally? Does it solve the problem? Do you care that every single one of your staff uses the stairways, but not every one in the other offices do so?

You obviously do not. And because you are a smoker, the smoke does not affect you as much it does to your non-smoking subordinates. And because you have been such a wonderful boss, everyone suffers in silence together.

But I feel that you should have done more and could have if you really wanted to. Not come up with such a 'half past 6' email and hope that the protests dies down. Why ask for feedback then?

So I made my opinions known. And got rebutted by another friend who said I was making a mountain out of a molehill. There have been times when I have tolerated smokers and hence I have no right to speak.

So because of a few extendend trials of patience that I allow, I am doomed to hold my tongue?! Even when one is a short duration of smoke and another is perpetual everyday duration of smoke?

So now speak up I will. Smokers will try my patience and tolerance no more. If you lack social graces and common sense to see that your smoking affects everyone, it should be pointed out, albeit in a diplomatic manner, to you. I am not saying that you cannot smoke. Smoke all you want, as many sticks of cigarettes your wallet and health can afford you. Just be mindful that not everyone shares your lifestyle. Common sense is it not? Or is common sense not so common after all?

As for the misery in my poor friend's office...que sera sera. I hope it works out well for her, but I doubt so. Just when we thought that workers in Singapore only have to deal with retrenchements, structural unemployment etc etc etc. Looks like fresh clean air is now a priviledge and no longer a right.

Good things come in pairs

Good things come in pairs.

First, the last few mornings have been lovely cool rainy mornings that are perfect for sleeping in.

Now, MANGO is going on SALE!!!!.....and I am ON LEAVE during the SALE!

Can it get any better? Oh yes, and England will be playing Ecuador and not Germany.

Maybe good things come as triplets. =)

Robinsons is extending their sale...and I need a new lipstick because I burnt its predecessor by placing it too near the laptop.

Maybe it is a sign to skip blading tomorrow for other more important missions like lifting the economy.

Yipeeeee

Bloody Hell

I so do not believe this......

Was surfing the Auctions sites on Yahoo! and saw that someone had posted tickets to the WC semi finals for sale at a grand price of S$15,000. And that's the starting bid!!!...So what if it comes with air tickets and accommodations?

You obviously got your tickets at some lucky draw somewhere since you seem to have zero idea of which semi final it is. And instead of going on the trip, or giving it to your loved ones, you decide to sell it. How very practical and pragmatic because soccer fans are known to go crazy and pay astronomical prices for the once in a life time experience. It makes me wonder about the person that you are.

I keep my fingers crossed that no one is insane enough to allow you to profit from your one piece of good luck. Because I know that there are many people out there, who if THEY had won the prize you won, they would be packing their bags now. Because I know that Singapore is such a soccer crazy country, you will definitely be acquainted with someone who has such a passion to watch the game and could have offloaded your prize to them. Because I know that you, instead of cherishing the chance that fate has flippantly thrown your way, you abused it and hope to make a quick buck out of it.

I know....because in April, I called Emirates to check out their WC packages. And it costs 6k (air tix, accomodations, match tickets, taxes and all) to go to the Final. And what are you charging for semi finals?

Bah!

Xiaxue vs SPG

It is 1.30 am in the morning...and I am aimlessly surfing the net reading blog entries as I wait for the England match to start.

Xiaxue's blog is really funny. You can find her blog under Leisure Reads, not that she would require any testimonials. I first read Xiaxue during the time where there was this big hooha about Sarong Party Girl and her nude pictures. Dan said he found Xiaxue funny. I remarked casually that I preferred Sarong Party Girl's style of writing. (Yes yes, I am a big dinosaur not to know who Xiaxue is. But it was Daily Gripe who first introduced me to this blogging business)

Last weekend, I chanced upon Xiaxue's blog again and started reading...and reading and reading. That is something you can never do for SPG's blog unless you wish for a major headache. It could be because the content is more mature and the sentences more complex (at least for my puny brain). SPG is reserved in her writing, that it is hard for you to know her via her works. And this could be the reason why Xiaxue is so widly popular. You feel the person behind the words, the raw emotions and all. But before you plunge into Xiaxue, let me qualify that this was more apparent in her earlier works. Her recent blog entries seem more 'photoshopped' for lack of a better word, yet definitely still tonnes more 'real' than most bloggers out there.

You get the feeling that this is a girl who understands that to be alive is a grand thing.

On leave again.......

I am on leave...for an extended period. How wonderful can that be?

Very...trust me.

This morning, I woke up to wind and rain. Must be really lucky. There is this thing about me being on leave and the rain. Lovely lazy mornings to sleep in do not present themselves during the time when yours truly is able to sleep in.

So you would be see me online more often.....

To The Prof - Thanks for reading my blog. Could you email me your addy in the beautiful country that you're in please? Dont worry, I promise not to send anthrax, bombs, or missiles. Perhaps just a xmassie card.

WHICH reminds me, Ghosties, I am so sorry. I ran out of office yesterday and left all your pressies in office.... =(

Cars

* Warning: May contain spoilers*

It is strange that this post started with the above line. Have yet to decide how the entry would go. Japan is playing Croatia in the background.

The thriller for Cars does it no justice. I am talking about Cars, the movie that combines cars and small town America. Saw the thriller prior to the screening of The Da Vinci Code. My mind dismissed it off as just another movie about appreciating the smaller things in life. Until I read the reviews.

I know many people place little faith in reading movie reviews. But the trick is actually to find a reviewer with the same taste as yours, or failing which, the exact opposite will also suffice.

The movie was worth every cent the ticket costs. It handles heavy duty topics about how the old always makes way for the young, about how quickly the flow of traffic can change a place, about being good in what you do, about taking things slower and see the roses, about how winning is not everything and yes also about appreciating the finer things in life.

It made cars, a very physically tough object, appear so emotionally vulnerable. It engages you on almost all fronts. It satisfies both the visual and the emotional. You can practically feel the G-force as the cars negotiate the bends. (If you have gone karting, you would know what I mean) You literally feel yourself punching the air in the finale scene.

Finally, as all good movies should do, it makes you ponder about things. To all the drivers out there, when was the last time you took the car out just for a spin, with no destination in mind? Or will you spin me the same old reason that oil prices are at its all time high? Have you done it before when prices were not at this crazy level?

I have. Alone. The first was when I just got my license. And many other times followed. Mostly it was on the way back and you just feel like taking a small detour. Others, it was when the mood seizes you and you feel the mood to drive. There is a certain thrill when the engine comes to life and your fingers grip the steering wheel. Then you release the handbrakes and move where the fancy takes you. Now perhaps you understand my fascination for the motorcycles and Vespas.

And yes, you do not have to have the weight of the world's worries burdening your shoulders, or crying out a broken heart to do so. The best drives are when you feel at peace with yourself, when you wish to spend sometime alone. Leave the alcohol to take care of the others.

Did you see the scenes when Hudson Hornet taught Lightning McQueen how to negotiate the bends? Or how quickly the cute little Italian car changed all McQueen's tires during his pitstop? These are what I call masters in their crafts. Just like the old Chinese adage about a scholar in every occupation.

Have you wondered how the economy today has brought us to the point of generalization? Save for professionals and the bottom rungs of the working ladder who can create something with their bare hands and imaginations, most of us have almost no skill to speak of.

My maternal grandmother who did not receive any basic education was a good cook. I used 'was' because she has lost sight in one eye and can no holder wield a wok. Till today, I have not tasted a rice dumpling better than the ones she used to make when I was young.

One of the drivers in my monopoly has perfect control of the car. He knows the precise timing that the engine will bite if the accelerator is depressed. He can squeeze into the most impossible spaces in traffic and perform the most exquisite lane changes.

Other than them, I know of people who have the gift of the gab and earn a living through sales, people who can take wonderful pictures when given a camera, people who play such a mean game of pool via a perfect control of the cue ball, people who can conceptualise designs for empty spaces in their heads, and people who can make crafts with their hands.

Yet here I am, with my university degree, and unable to even crack an egg.

Singapore Idol

A colleague and I had this discussion about The Singapore Idol recently, before she toodled off to holiday in Malaysia with her kids.

The concept of the Singapore Idol works best when you are a struggling unknown singer. Someone who has been singing in pubs, clubs, dinner and dances and other public events. Someone who perhaps also holds a day job so as to make ends meet. Someone who has been slogging away at your singing year after year because it is something that you are passionate about. Someone who for some reason or so, has remained undiscovered.

The Singapore Idol would have been your big break. The one break that you have been waiting for and working towards all your life.

Perhaps then, we will not have to suffer tone deaf contestants who cannot carry a tune to save their lives, flamboyant performers and even circus clowns. Perhaps then, we will see contestants pouring their souls into their songs. Perhaps then we will see contestants singing with a passion that will bring their performance to new heights.

Perhaps then, as many Singaporeans will tune in eagerly to Singapore Idol as they do to American Idol.

Perhaps then, you will feel what amount you have spent to call in and vote for your favourite actually is worth it after all.

What time is it?

Have you seen the Tiger ad that's been playing during the half time breaks?

The one where the spectators literally took things into their own hands and stretchered the referee off the field?

Check out the colour of the shorts worn by everyone on the pitch.

Sometimes its the small details that trip you up.

World Cup is coming...

The World Cup is drawing near. Can you sense the anticipation in the air? I am so looking forward to zombified days, midnight supper, thrilling football action and waking up at the most unearthly hours. Non soccer fans cannot understand why just for this month, life stops. I am staying late in office these few days to clear as much work as possible, and ensure nothing blocks my enjoyment of TWC.

Have yet to plan leave, which is not good news.

Singaporeans are a funny bunch. Despite our credible literacy levels, it is a wonder that most cannot comprehend the simple theories involved in pressing for a lift. Well, it's really simple. Just press the button that indicates the direction which you wish to travel...like you know heaven wards for inspiration and hellwards in desperation. It really does not help your cause to press BOTH buttons when you only wish to travel in one direction.

Have you ever been caught in such a situation? Your lift is going smoothly on its journey. You are minding your own business. Dang, the lift door opens. The harried person looks at the light which is lit and shakes his head. Sometimes they step inside the lift before realising their destination is in the opposite direction. You can only grind your teeth in mild exasperation. On better days, you smile an amused smile.

They always say it takes all kinds to make the world. You never believe it until such encounters open your eyes.

Oh yes, caught In Her Shoes over the weekend.