Swansea beat us fair and square. So many things to blame. And also everyone finds blame when we lose. If we had won, nobody would be complaining.
1) Key Turning Point
I actually thought we played fairly well up until we conceded the first goal in the 67th minute. Mata had put us in front and we seemed to be cruising, even if we lacked the cutting edge up front. Then suddenly Rooney lost the ball far too easily, Swansea broke and found the net immediately. Then it was downhill from there.
2) Rooney Is To Blame
Of course the easiest way out is find the nearest culprit. But Rooney wasn't just culpable for that easy goal. Everything he touched was a tad bit too slow or went to an opponent. I really can't find anyone else to blame so directly for this loss today. LVG's blind faith in Rooney may end up causing his downfall. His philosophy better bring trophies this season.
3) Romero Is No DDG
Yup, even after five clean sheets, one game is all it took to see clearly that Sergio Romero just isn't good enough. And soon, our opponents are gonna exploit his dodgy ball handling and poor distribution. The 2nd goal was a large part his fault when he couldn't cover his near post properly.
4) Luke Shaw And Bastian Schweinsteigger
Both actually played really well today. Too bad the score line meant nobody cares.
5) Poor Substitutions
Herrera subbed, Mata subbed, Schneiderlin subbed. Only Schneiderlin should've been subbed. Carrick came on and did an okay job. Mata scored the first goal and was quite effective. Yet he came off for Young, who in itself was a bad substitution, but Depay was the one who should have come off. Herrera was also having a pretty good game and subbing Fellaini in was understandable. Yet what of Rooney the slow coach? He really should have come off instead.
Unfortunately it is starting to show that LVG has preferred treatment for certain players. Yet while all this is understandable and good when we win, if he cannot see through their poor performances, then he deserves the door if we continue with such poor form.
GGMU!!!
Monday, August 31, 2015
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Walk For Fitness
I decided to try a new way of keeping fit.
I am growing fat and this is due to me not exercising enough.
Running is way too boring for me and I run out of breath too easily.
Instead, I carried an army backpack stuffed with old newspapers and walked for 2 straight hours without stopping for a break.
So I actually managed to reach Fort Road before turning back and reach home in exactly 2 hours.
In doing so, I actually managed to clock 11,500 steps!
Will try this again soon!
I am growing fat and this is due to me not exercising enough.
Running is way too boring for me and I run out of breath too easily.
Instead, I carried an army backpack stuffed with old newspapers and walked for 2 straight hours without stopping for a break.
So I actually managed to reach Fort Road before turning back and reach home in exactly 2 hours.
In doing so, I actually managed to clock 11,500 steps!
Will try this again soon!
Back In The Champions League!
It felt weird last season not being a part of the UEFA Champions League.
This season we qualified via the playoffs after coming in 4th in the league last season.
Facing Club Brugge from Belgium, we overcame them 7-1 on aggregate over two legs.
I hope we go far!
Aoki By Les Amis
It's the wifey's birthday weekend!
Brought her to have Japanese omakase at the highly recommended Aoki restaurant.
Having previously tried omakase at Tatsuya and Waku Ghin, I actually rank Aoki as poorer than both on preparation (theatrics), hygiene and presentation, but actually better than Waku Ghin in taste and format. Tatsuya still probably is the best ever for me.
The hygiene part was abit of a put off for me because the amount of things the sushi chefs' hands actually touch, along with making your sushi, right in front of you, is incredible. They handle the meat, rice, knives, towels, storage boxes way too often, fingers spend too much time on the actual meat and rice, and all they use to clean their hands is a bucket of water and a towel that never seemed to be changed.
Yet bar this unsightly procedure in front of our eyes, the food actually tasted good. Maybe it was the 'extras' in his hands haha.
Total bill came up to $500 which was actually less than both Tatsuya and Waku Ghin.
We actually left the place feeling extremely full and happy, which is something I supposed was all I asked for, for such an occasion. So that was good.
I will recommend them if you like slightly more affordable high-class omakase.
Here are selected pictures:
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Hilarious Dinosaur
The boy drew this which absolutely cracked me up!
The whole family looks terrified by the dinosaurs!
And the guy on the extreme left is 爷爷！Hahahaha...
Sunday, August 23, 2015
We Were Young Once (Saturday Football Warriors)
This is the first time we've actually taken a picture with so many of us present.
From the earliest days in VJC, followed by TJC, then ITE East, then Temasek Poly, and now Kovan Indoor Futsal.
It has been more than 15 years I think.
From when we were leaving the army, starting school in our universities, going out to work, landing our current jobs. From being single, having girlfriends, getting married to having kids. From the most athletic, skillful and fastest players, to the current injury-ravaged (mainly ankles and knees), slow veterans (man-boobs and muffin tops et al).
It's been a really good run.
To another 15 more!
Sunday, August 16, 2015
SG GE 2015: What's Happened Since 2011?
So right after GE14 in 2011, I shared a chunk of my thoughts.
What's happened after that? Here's a breakdown.
1. WP actually went on to win the by-election of Punggol-East SMC in 2013 after PAP MP Michael Palmer stepped down. Renaming the new areas of Aljunied, Hougang and Punggol-East, AHPETC, the WP have governed with mixed reviews, depending on your news sources. It hasn't been terrible, but it hasn't been all that great either. This coming GE15 will actually show whether in particular, voters in Aljunied GRC will still want to endorse the WP lineup and their form of governing. They are also looking strong ins both Marine Parade and East Coast GRCs this time around.
2. George Yeo was and is still the biggest loser of the 2011 GE. But he has gone on to respectfully do alot of other things in the private sector and has probably even increased in popularity. His decision not to return to politics in 2015 has only helped make him even more popular. Probably a very likely candidate for President when Tony Tan steps down.
3. Mr Chiam is so old now and yet he still goes around with his wife to campaign. There is alot of respect for Mr Chiam from all Singaporeans regardless of political affiliation. He was another of the old guard who truly cared for his people.
4. The SDP has been almost unheard of since the last GE, a continuing problem that plagues all other parties other than the PAP and WP. This time around, the big wigs are gone and the old bird has returned. Who else but Mr Chee Soon Juan himself. I hope age has helped him mellow, otherwise, be prepared for more fireworks from him.
5. Nicole Seah couldn't take the pressures of being such a political starlet. A series of poor choices and bad maneuvers made her decide to step away from the limelight. So she's sitting GE15 out, as announced recently. Still extremely popular and who knows if she'll ever make a comeback, but given her political clout, I hope she doesn't let that go to waste.
6. Tin Pei Ling. My, my, what four years of being a politician has changed many a mind, including mine. She has definitely gone on to prove so many naysayers wrong. One of the few MPs who starting walking the ground the moment she piggy-backed GCT in Marine Parade, she has actually earned respect from her residents for truly caring about them. And it has not gone unnoticed. This coming GE15, Macpherson SMC has been carved out as a single ward and she's been given the honour of staying on to fight an incoming WP candidate. A testament to PAP's confidence in her retaining her seat (or maybe not?). I would honestly be surprised if she loses in GE15.
7. A far more mellow me in 2015 would disagree with myself of 2011. The GRC system has proven that it works in that it allows for minorities to be represented. Regardless of race, religion, sex and orientation (gulp!), only the GRC system would prevent popularist voting in every single constituency.
8. Pasir Ris - Punggol is now a much larger place. That said, Teo Ser Luck has done a fairly good job although the impression is that he isn't as high-flyer as before. Maybe he hasn't been standing out as much.
Looking forward to the General Election 2015!
What's happened after that? Here's a breakdown.
1. WP actually went on to win the by-election of Punggol-East SMC in 2013 after PAP MP Michael Palmer stepped down. Renaming the new areas of Aljunied, Hougang and Punggol-East, AHPETC, the WP have governed with mixed reviews, depending on your news sources. It hasn't been terrible, but it hasn't been all that great either. This coming GE15 will actually show whether in particular, voters in Aljunied GRC will still want to endorse the WP lineup and their form of governing. They are also looking strong ins both Marine Parade and East Coast GRCs this time around.
2. George Yeo was and is still the biggest loser of the 2011 GE. But he has gone on to respectfully do alot of other things in the private sector and has probably even increased in popularity. His decision not to return to politics in 2015 has only helped make him even more popular. Probably a very likely candidate for President when Tony Tan steps down.
3. Mr Chiam is so old now and yet he still goes around with his wife to campaign. There is alot of respect for Mr Chiam from all Singaporeans regardless of political affiliation. He was another of the old guard who truly cared for his people.
4. The SDP has been almost unheard of since the last GE, a continuing problem that plagues all other parties other than the PAP and WP. This time around, the big wigs are gone and the old bird has returned. Who else but Mr Chee Soon Juan himself. I hope age has helped him mellow, otherwise, be prepared for more fireworks from him.
5. Nicole Seah couldn't take the pressures of being such a political starlet. A series of poor choices and bad maneuvers made her decide to step away from the limelight. So she's sitting GE15 out, as announced recently. Still extremely popular and who knows if she'll ever make a comeback, but given her political clout, I hope she doesn't let that go to waste.
6. Tin Pei Ling. My, my, what four years of being a politician has changed many a mind, including mine. She has definitely gone on to prove so many naysayers wrong. One of the few MPs who starting walking the ground the moment she piggy-backed GCT in Marine Parade, she has actually earned respect from her residents for truly caring about them. And it has not gone unnoticed. This coming GE15, Macpherson SMC has been carved out as a single ward and she's been given the honour of staying on to fight an incoming WP candidate. A testament to PAP's confidence in her retaining her seat (or maybe not?). I would honestly be surprised if she loses in GE15.
7. A far more mellow me in 2015 would disagree with myself of 2011. The GRC system has proven that it works in that it allows for minorities to be represented. Regardless of race, religion, sex and orientation (gulp!), only the GRC system would prevent popularist voting in every single constituency.
8. Pasir Ris - Punggol is now a much larger place. That said, Teo Ser Luck has done a fairly good job although the impression is that he isn't as high-flyer as before. Maybe he hasn't been standing out as much.
Looking forward to the General Election 2015!
GE 2015 Is Coming
And so, four years on, it is general elections time once again. This year, I am in a more sombre mood, definitely not as feisty as the last elections. Here's a quick look at my reaction to PAP's 93% parliament seat win in 2011. And then there was 2006 even. I am appreciative of what the incumbent ruling party has done and improved on since the mountain of complaints back in 2011. Yet, with the Worker's Party's (WP's) win of a GRC in 2011, you cannot discount them from making further inroads this time around. Unlike most other opposition parties, they seem to provide the most credible option for a 2-party political maturation. It is definitely the most ideal, as compared to a scenario where the PAP screw things up and an unruly, divided opposition wins without being remotely ready.
All said, end of the day alot of things don't change. Electoral Boundaries change, defending or appreciating current policies means being labelled a PAP lapdog, speaking bad about PAP policies means I'm an opposition keyboard warrior, and Chee Soon Juan still being around.
Here's the current state of play, where GE15 is shaping up to become the first elections in independent Singapore where all constituencies will be contested.
From what I've seen and read on the national media and on social media (there is a far more unbiased view that way),I have a few general thoughts even before the official date of GE15 is announced (the huge rumour is 11-12th September):
1. Chee Soon Juan is making a comeback.
So?
2. Roy Ngerng is joining Kenneth Jayaratnam and the Reform Party.
Haha.
3. All opposition parties (bar the WP) look extremely fractious.
Horse-trading, internal politics, bad-mouthing of each other, very poor articulation of policies and visions. For all the things going for it back in 2011, they somehow went wayward in the last four years. All these add up to my view that all 'oppies' (bar the WP) will come in empty handed in GE15.
4. Worker's Party is shaping up rather credibly, in spite of the bad press.
There will be good reason for PAP to be worried this time around. In spite of all the bad press and mud-slinging from both sides in the last few years since WP took over Aljunied GRC, the WP has managed to win hearts and minds. It will not be a surprise to see them roll out another slate of high-calibre candidates this time around.
5. PAP is indeed making amends for 2011
Say what you will regardless of which side you're on. The PAP has woken up and really listened. Maybe not as much as people would like, but they are making changes to policies, regulations, planning, and processes. They are more attuned to the ground now than in 2011.
6. But is that enough?
That will be the big question in 2015. You can see that PAP supporters are worried from the rise of so many pro-PAP sites on social media. Has the ruling party done enough? Will there be surprises? A black swan even?
7. Can't wait to attend some election rallies
I think this time around I'd like to attend both PAP and opposition rallies. Will the crowd be as crazy, boisterous and strong as the last time out?
In my opinion, the biggest likelihood for an outcome in GE15 is that WP will retain Hougang, Sengkang East, and very possibly Aljunied, plus win at East Coast. Everything else if not won by PAP would be quite a surprise. Such a result would definitely towards turning WP into a formidable force, especially with 2 GRCs in hand.
As a voter, what really concerns me is what the winning party can do for me and my family. From the micro - who takes care of my constituency and keeps it running properly, to the macro - who can maintain growth for Singapore and take to forward for the next 5 years? So as GE15 draws nearer and nearer, there will be alot more noise on the ground.
It is rather ironic that 2015 is the year Lee Kuan Yew left us. It is also the year we celebrate our 50th anniversary as a sovereign nation. 50 years to the year when the Barisan Socialis walked out and the People's Action Party stormed into power, the Worker's Party may be set for its greatest gains. The Barisan Socialis actually was merged into the Worker's Party in 1988.
Let the hunger games begin!!!
All said, end of the day alot of things don't change. Electoral Boundaries change, defending or appreciating current policies means being labelled a PAP lapdog, speaking bad about PAP policies means I'm an opposition keyboard warrior, and Chee Soon Juan still being around.
Here's the current state of play, where GE15 is shaping up to become the first elections in independent Singapore where all constituencies will be contested.
From what I've seen and read on the national media and on social media (there is a far more unbiased view that way),I have a few general thoughts even before the official date of GE15 is announced (the huge rumour is 11-12th September):
1. Chee Soon Juan is making a comeback.
So?
2. Roy Ngerng is joining Kenneth Jayaratnam and the Reform Party.
Haha.
3. All opposition parties (bar the WP) look extremely fractious.
Horse-trading, internal politics, bad-mouthing of each other, very poor articulation of policies and visions. For all the things going for it back in 2011, they somehow went wayward in the last four years. All these add up to my view that all 'oppies' (bar the WP) will come in empty handed in GE15.
4. Worker's Party is shaping up rather credibly, in spite of the bad press.
There will be good reason for PAP to be worried this time around. In spite of all the bad press and mud-slinging from both sides in the last few years since WP took over Aljunied GRC, the WP has managed to win hearts and minds. It will not be a surprise to see them roll out another slate of high-calibre candidates this time around.
5. PAP is indeed making amends for 2011
Say what you will regardless of which side you're on. The PAP has woken up and really listened. Maybe not as much as people would like, but they are making changes to policies, regulations, planning, and processes. They are more attuned to the ground now than in 2011.
6. But is that enough?
That will be the big question in 2015. You can see that PAP supporters are worried from the rise of so many pro-PAP sites on social media. Has the ruling party done enough? Will there be surprises? A black swan even?
7. Can't wait to attend some election rallies
I think this time around I'd like to attend both PAP and opposition rallies. Will the crowd be as crazy, boisterous and strong as the last time out?
In my opinion, the biggest likelihood for an outcome in GE15 is that WP will retain Hougang, Sengkang East, and very possibly Aljunied, plus win at East Coast. Everything else if not won by PAP would be quite a surprise. Such a result would definitely towards turning WP into a formidable force, especially with 2 GRCs in hand.
As a voter, what really concerns me is what the winning party can do for me and my family. From the micro - who takes care of my constituency and keeps it running properly, to the macro - who can maintain growth for Singapore and take to forward for the next 5 years? So as GE15 draws nearer and nearer, there will be alot more noise on the ground.
It is rather ironic that 2015 is the year Lee Kuan Yew left us. It is also the year we celebrate our 50th anniversary as a sovereign nation. 50 years to the year when the Barisan Socialis walked out and the People's Action Party stormed into power, the Worker's Party may be set for its greatest gains. The Barisan Socialis actually was merged into the Worker's Party in 1988.
Let the hunger games begin!!!
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Jeremy Lin Signs With Charlotte
And now, I'm a Hornets fan. Haha.
Check this article out about his move.
I'll still be continuing to monitor his progress.
Check this article out about his move.
I'll still be continuing to monitor his progress.
Monday, August 10, 2015
Happy 50th Birthday Singapore
And so our four day ultra long weekend is at its tail end. What a memorable weekend it has been, that even though we didn't travel overseas, it felt like a holiday in itself. I've had so much fun with the wifey and kids.
Watching NDP2015 yesterday, I couldn't help but swell with pride at every segment. From the show of force from our combined arms forces, the mobile columns, the orchids on LKY's chair, seeing so many foreign dignitaries grace our birthday celebrations, the kids putting up such an amazing performance, singing all the familiar Singapore songs, the fireworks, and so much more.
There is so much to be grateful for as we celebrate 50 years as an independent sovereign nation.
Having travelled all over the world so often, I have come to appreciate my home. The world is now my oyster and Singapore is my home. How lucky I am to be born here in an era when we were just striving out on our own. We Singaporeans are indeed an extremely lucky lot. And we have LKY to thank for.
Looking ahead, I hope the next 50 years will take us to the next lap, the next level. I am happy though, as long as we do not regress. There is little history of any nation to have progressed so quickly in merely 50 years and it would be all too easy to take it all back to square one if we are not careful. We will have to tread carefully and cautiously, and yet with enough adventure and aplomb to continue our onward growth.
I hope I can live to see our nation celebrate SG100. More importantly, I wish that my children will continue to have a safe, thriving, and positive environment to grow up and have families of their own in.
God bless you, Singapore.
Manchester United 1 Tottenham Hotspurs 0
So I managed to catch this while waiting for the big party event on National Day eve.
A win is a win and I'll take it any day, but there needs to be improvement.
Some observations:
1) Matteo Darmian Best Buy
The lowest profiled new buy this season and what a showing he had at RB. If he carries on like this he will undoubtedly be the best buy of the season. MOTM for me.
2) Daley Blind As CB
I must admit I'm a huge fan of Daley Blind. A utility player who's good at just about every position that's asked of him. Not the best, but always good enough. Unfortunately, Blind us not a CB. So he had a decent game, but sooner or later, his height and inexperience will be exposed by better opponents. Hopefully LVG can see that, otherwise I hope I'm wrong and he makes that left CB position his own.
3) Schweinsteigger Is Not Carrick
As much as I like him, I've always believed he's already past his best. Injuries are hampering his contributions to the team too. What he does bring however, is loads of experience and that winning mentality. I hope that rubs off on the younger guns soon.
4) Depay Needs To Be Unleashed
If he's going to excel in that #7 shirt, LVG needs to let him play more adventurously. He looked so restricted throughout the game, quite obviously on a fixed set of instructions that included not taking on opponents on the dribble. To be fair maybe it was LVG trying to ease him into the English game, lest he gets fouled on reputation too early on.
5) Lousy Day For Many
Honestly, these players had a shit game. Rooney, Young, Shaw, Mata all did well in the preseason but looked rusty in their first game. They really need to improve else give the subs a chance! Like Herrera and Fellaini! Sergio Romero looked like with some less anxious distribution he could be top class. Smalling actually played well.
Well it's still a great start to the season, so here's to winning the league this season!
GGMU!!!
A win is a win and I'll take it any day, but there needs to be improvement.
Some observations:
1) Matteo Darmian Best Buy
The lowest profiled new buy this season and what a showing he had at RB. If he carries on like this he will undoubtedly be the best buy of the season. MOTM for me.
2) Daley Blind As CB
I must admit I'm a huge fan of Daley Blind. A utility player who's good at just about every position that's asked of him. Not the best, but always good enough. Unfortunately, Blind us not a CB. So he had a decent game, but sooner or later, his height and inexperience will be exposed by better opponents. Hopefully LVG can see that, otherwise I hope I'm wrong and he makes that left CB position his own.
3) Schweinsteigger Is Not Carrick
As much as I like him, I've always believed he's already past his best. Injuries are hampering his contributions to the team too. What he does bring however, is loads of experience and that winning mentality. I hope that rubs off on the younger guns soon.
4) Depay Needs To Be Unleashed
If he's going to excel in that #7 shirt, LVG needs to let him play more adventurously. He looked so restricted throughout the game, quite obviously on a fixed set of instructions that included not taking on opponents on the dribble. To be fair maybe it was LVG trying to ease him into the English game, lest he gets fouled on reputation too early on.
5) Lousy Day For Many
Honestly, these players had a shit game. Rooney, Young, Shaw, Mata all did well in the preseason but looked rusty in their first game. They really need to improve else give the subs a chance! Like Herrera and Fellaini! Sergio Romero looked like with some less anxious distribution he could be top class. Smalling actually played well.
Well it's still a great start to the season, so here's to winning the league this season!
GGMU!!!
Sunday, August 09, 2015
Singapore Is Out
The best thing to happen to us as a tiny red dot.
Happy 50th birthday Singapore!!!
#SG50
National Day Mambo Jumbo @ Zouk
As with last year, this was touted as the final Mambo night (again!), this time because it really has to move from its Jiak Kim Street premises.
It was a very fun night with a few good friends and the wifey, but somehow wasn't as fun last year. Worst of all I didn't get to hear 'Home' which I was really looking forward to.
Wifey drank till she was very drunk. Lost her hand phone and thankfully some very good samaritan found it several hours and returned it to us.
Saturday, August 08, 2015
How To React To News Of Stage 4 Nose Cancer?
How do you react to a friend telling you straight up that he's got stage 4 nose cancer?
I really don't know.
For me I really didn't want to pretend like I knew what he was going through, because I don't. And it must be terrible to explain to so many people, multiple times how it was discovered during a screening to check his persistent headaches, and then see their reaction and try to rationalize their behaviours. Then people tend to react sympathetically and ask if things are in order, insurance is covered, family reaction etc.
It really must be hard.
It's things like this that puts life in perspective sometimes.
Buying insurance is important.
Thinking about your death is important.
Knowing how to communicate is important.
I felt rather sad when he told me earlier. All I could muster was a straight face and try not to look shocked. I asked him his plans and listened intently as he spoke. It takes a lot of courage to face this so stoically.
I wish him well and that he will make a successful recovery.
God bless.
I really don't know.
For me I really didn't want to pretend like I knew what he was going through, because I don't. And it must be terrible to explain to so many people, multiple times how it was discovered during a screening to check his persistent headaches, and then see their reaction and try to rationalize their behaviours. Then people tend to react sympathetically and ask if things are in order, insurance is covered, family reaction etc.
It really must be hard.
It's things like this that puts life in perspective sometimes.
Buying insurance is important.
Thinking about your death is important.
Knowing how to communicate is important.
I felt rather sad when he told me earlier. All I could muster was a straight face and try not to look shocked. I asked him his plans and listened intently as he spoke. It takes a lot of courage to face this so stoically.
I wish him well and that he will make a successful recovery.
God bless.
Friday, August 07, 2015
Families For Life @ Marina Barrage
Great fun and entertainment for the whole family this NDP weekend!
#SG50
#NDP2015
Sunday, August 02, 2015
LKY The Musical
Managed to catch this last week with the missus!
Adrian Pang as Lee Kuan Yew, Sharon Aw as Mrs Lee and Benjamin Chow as Lim Chin Siong.
It was quite good for a local production (music by Dick Lee) and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The only downside was Sharon Aw's singing which while wasn't terrible for being off-key, just sounded bad.
While the media played up the musical as a love story between Mr and Mrs Lee, the bigger attraction was the stormy relationship between LKY and Lim Chin Siong which was as insightful as it was educational.
Bon Jovi In Singapore
Finally, for the first time ever!
Cannot miss this!
Got my $188 tix already!
Although I wished it were a pure Bon Jovi concert rather than part of the F1 event.
Bangkok Blues
There are four days in a calendar year in the nation of Thailand where alcohol sales and consumption (even in hotels) are banned.
My business trip actually stumbles upon two of them.
FML