Soccer vs Tennis : The Verdict.

In my life, I always had soccer. Like it’s kinda magnetized to the feet, kicking it around whenever I see one. That was when I was young. A sports enthusiast, I always enjoy learning a particular sport, but as I have to excel in it, then I’m not too sure about myself. But what I’m gathering here is some comparisons between soccer and tennis. Yes, you got that right.

El Nino – One of the exciting talents in the world of Football.

Let’s start off with soccer. Argubly the most popular sport in the world now, it’s played by many, and yes, watched my many. Money runs in the blood, and so does the sweat of the players and managers, always under the intense pressure from the board. Well, judging from a little knowledge, soccer, or football in other words, date back to the medieval times in the Chinese military during the time of 476 BC–221 BC, then it was the Ancient Greeks and Romans who started playing a sport with their feet (obviously ain’t the chateh), and after all those things that happened, the Football Association was founded by the English in 1863.

Medieval Chinese – Chinese People Play Chinese Football.

At that point, clubs gathered in London to play against each other, with the FA setting a universal code, or rules to abide with, so that fair play is introduced as well as the clubs itself do not generate their own rules. The sport started off as an activity of amateurish class until business expatriates saw the opportunity to make money from the spectators and what have you. Once professionalism took hold, the rest is history.

The Beautiful One.

Well, no matter how we enjoy the game so much so, it still makes you ponder why 20 outfield men will vie for the ball, just to put the ball in their opponents net with their sheer power of the legs. And how can we not forget the legalised handballer of the game on each side, protecting the net with all their might, throwing themselves onto the ball as if protecting a bullet from hitting their loved ones.

Funny? Well, I think soccer’s a little senseless judging from all the play antics we see on Dogba or Lownaldo. With players that dive around, the beautiful game is kinda wrecked, not that I’m fingerpointing to them. As the game continues to excel in terms of players and club finances, I wonder if the amount of riches is a bane of boon to the club. Example – Roman Abramovich’s Chelski.

The Art of Diving.

On to Tennis.

I never really had the chance to play tennis though, although I did had a few games with friends. It was just the beginning, and seemingly the last time as well. Not because I didn’t want to play, but I didn’t had the chance to do so.

As we all know, I would consider Golf as the 2nd most popular sport in the world, Tennis was shoved aside like a crumpled paper waiting to be recycled. But as what we have been viewing on TV, the professionalism of tennis players has brought out much tension and affection in the game. Well, that’s because you only see either 2 players or 4 players competing against each other, less to the humiliation of 11 vs 11. LOL.

Yes, doing research on tennis is important here, because I do not have any knowledge on the sport. I do know how to play, but not their history.

According to sources from Wikipedia, tennis can be traced as far back as the ancient Greek game of sphairistike, and is mentioned in literature as far back as the Middle Ages in The Second Shepherd’s Play, in which shepherds gave three gifts, including a tennis ball, to the newborn Christ.

As the sport developed for another 3 centuries, tennis was known as Real Tennis. It started with the involvement of hitting the ball with bare hands and later with a glove. One theory is that this game was played by monks in monastery cloisters, based on the construction and appearance of early courts.

By the 16th century, the glove had become a racquet, the game had moved to an enclosed playing area, and the rules had stabilized. Real tennis spread in popularity throughout royalty in Europe and reached its peak in the 16th century.

The game thrived among the 17th century nobility in France, Spain, Italy, and in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but suffered under English Puritanism. By the Age of Napoleon, the royal families of Europe were besieged and real tennis was largely abandoned.

Real tennis played a minor role in the history of the French Revolution, through the Tennis Court Oath, a pledge signed by French deputies in a real tennis court, which formed a decisive early step in starting the revolution.

In England, during the 18th century and early 19th century as real tennis died out, three other racquet sports emerged– racquets, squash racquets, and lawn tennis (the modern game).

The Green One.

Ok, enough of the history thing. Should be enough to bore you out though unless you love the game. Well, judging from the rich history we have behind tennis (which not many people would have know about it), tennis is a growing sport, and in my prediction, will outgrow basketball one day as a very very popular sport.

Tennis, on the other hand, could be taxing, if each opponent have to play to the deuce in every set. A rough estimation of duration in tennis is about 1 and a half hours for the match to end. And with only either 2 or 4 players dominating the court, I would really think that it’s a tiring game. For that, tension and affection starts to show from the faces of the players. Be it joy, despair, whatever, it’s all on the lawn.

Roger Federer – A Champion.

Soccer, as everyone knows, is a 90 minute game excluding injury time and if so, an extra time and possibly penalties if it’s a competition final. Professionals are only built to last 90 minutes, if so, a little more than 90 minutes.

Tennis again, for the spectators, are to remain silent throughout a set or, until the opponent misses the ball, for a cheer. For soccer, anytime and anywhere could be a cheer. Just that whistles and other pyrotechnics are not allowed. And yes – match ruiners – those idiots that run INTO the field from the spectator stands. Banned.

Sir Bobby Charlton – A legend in Football history.

The verdict: As all can see, Soccer is definitely a wonderful sport to begin with, much to the delight of fans around the world, as long as the shareholders don’t fuck it all up, but Tennis is really something that is dominating in the broadcasting television studios and also the sports industry. Mindless to watch soccer? I guess so sometimes. Personal preference I believe. But to me, I would prefer soccer, even if it’s mindless. =).

But if you are looking for a fair game, then tennis is the one for you. Definitely.

I hate to say this but I think I did a shitty post here.

Stereotypist. Are you?

Today has been a very very tiring day as this is my FOURTH post that I’m about to type. And what about Stereotyping? Are you one? How do you know if you are one?

The meaning – to characterize or regard as a stereotype. Or a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group. In example – The cowboy and Indian are American stereotypes.

Actually, almost everyone is a stereotype. It’s just that almost everyone keeps their opinions to themselves, thus knowing as the internal stereotypist. Like a hate, in the heart. But be reminded that STEREOTYPING ain’t DISCRIMINATING because to discriminate is to make a distinction against a group or someone. Oh well.

After reading an article on the Newpaper regarding some guy that beats the pulp out of a China man just for talking too loudly in the bus, I can’t help but wonder – is that guy irritated because of a bad day, or is it because that guy can’t stand the accent of a China man? I wouldn’t say that I’m siding anyone now, but it’s a bit thoughtful that the China man lowers he’s voice as Singapore is a little quieter in the bus than in China. But it’s still wrong of the Singaporean to lay punches on a somewhat innocent act of talking on the phone.

The other incident that made me a little agitated was about Singaporean gangsters – be it an Ah Beng or Ah Lian, mat or minah, or whatever Indian gang personnel u name it – blast their techno or trance music loudly in the train for everyone else, who are either in their serene sleep or reading their books or papers – to listen. Now the judging point – do you, as a Singaporean or a person – feel irritated yet agitated, or feel that just because it’s a Chinese, Malay or Indian that gives you a bigger reason to smash his phone?

Apparently, like I said, I do not side anyone because I have friends from all of the races mentioned. Yes, it does irritate me, not because of their race, but because of their discourteousness and inconsideration. But I can tell you that I hate gangsters in overall, thinking that they are some big fucks in the society.

The most controversial situation I could ever think of in a stereotype is about gays and lesbians. After much discussion with a friend of mine, I now ask anyone who is reading this. Do you discriminate them? If it’s not, then do you accept them for hitting on you?

Ok, the moment of truth is this. In my own opinion, I do not discriminate gays or lesbians. Stereotyping them is not the option. After all, they are humans. And of course, of equal rights in this country. But just because they have more hormones of the opposite gender, we couldn’t judge them for who they are right. But of course, as we all guys would love to know – we do not really appreciate lesbians taking away the girls from us. But what can we do. We can accept that they are our friends, because I wouldn’t agree that if one is gay/lesbian means one is a virus.

The other fact is that, as time goes by – YOU AGE. Don’t forget that. So let’s fly to the future. We couldn’t possibly see a gay getting into a relationship with a guy and have – kids – because it’s unnatural. And as you grow older, you tend to see the different side of life. Because, as we all know, it’s only possible if guy and a girls gets together in love and vice versa, and things won’t work out that way if both are of the same gender.

So we would see the gays and lesbian part as temporary human beings in our lives, because ultimately, they have to choose on which side to lean on. Life has it’s fairness.

The mind’s desire is full of perfection, just that life is not fiction.

Pic of the Day: Stereotype? =|

Nihon Mura (日本村)

Apparently, I’m a Japanese food lover, so I would want the best for my stomach and definitely, my taste buds. A little picky, but don’t count on it.

Ate at the Cathay outlet with my girl before we headed to the cinema to catch Chronicles of Narnia : Prince Caspian. Apparently, I was quite amazed with the self service concept, something that I wouldn’t expect from a Japanese restaurant. But for the 99cents per plate sushi, it’s a fresh feeling and it doesn’t bother me although it bothers some.

The sushi’s are alright to me, just that I don’t like the taste of the Maguro – or Tuna – to be exact. Saba’s not that salty, which is definitely good, but the salmon teriyaki’s a bit tasteless. The chawanmushi is not bad though. I think I would prefer their salmon sashimi. It’s indeed fresh for a place that offers a variety of cooked food that ranges from ramens to dons to yakitori and whatever.

What I really didn’t like was the Green Tea that was non-refillable. I would perhaps be slightly delighted that they serve Green Tea the “Japanese” way. Which means, REFILLABLE. But overall, the ambience is alright, the music is normal, and of course, I would love seats that can be laid back after stuffing so much rich into your mouth. And it would be much better if they don’t charge us for their service as they are trying to adopt a SELF SERVICE concept.

The price for the a la carte meals are not that cheap either. Although I only tried like 2 dishes, I couldn’t conclude on the the total satisfaction of the worth. But I would say that if your really like to dine here, just go for the 99 cents sushi. Perhaps, that might fill you up.

RATINGS (Out of 10 Stars)

Customer Service – 7
Ambience – 7
Food (Outlook) – 7
Food (Taste) – 7
Cost – 8

Stardust

LOL. Funny because I took a week to finish this movie… in my Iphone. Oh well. Here’s how the story goes.

The plot – Based on the best-selling novel by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Charles Vess, “Stardust” takes audiences on an adventure that begins in a village in England and ends up in a magical world. A young man named Tristan (Charlie Cox) tries to win the heart of village beauty Victoria (Sienna Miller) by promising to bring her a falling star. His journey takes him beyond the walls of his village to a mysterious and forbidden land. When Tristan finds the star, he is stunned to discover that it is not a lump of meteoric rock, but an angry, injured girl named Yvaine (Claire Danes) – who has no desire to be dragged across the world and presented to anyone’s girlfriend. However, Tristan is not the only one seeking the star.

This movie, as much as it interests me, is really a one-off fantasy that doesn’t disappoint at all. Big cast like Robert De Niro and surprisingly Michelle Pfeiffer. Sienna Miller as well, although she didn’t had much screen time. I loved the soundtrack. Totally mesmerised by the beauty of the tune, well that’s because it reminded me so so much of Lord of the Rings.

Stardust is a movie that possesses all the elements of a fairytale. From witches to mythical creatures, from true love to heart-stopping, pace-intensifying quest. Even better as humour was at the right amount of dosage. I didn’t fail to laugh at once because not only the scene was funny, the jokes were good and the soundtrack assisted in the scene as well. Exciting as it is, even the quest for the fallen star sounds so Lord of the Rings. Seriously. Call me mad or what, but really, it’s been a while that a show like this really impresses me.

In all, a magical fairytale so complete, it deserves a thumbs up for each and every moment of it. An under-rated movie that truly d

eserves more than just credits.

Ratings – 5 out of 5 stars

Chronicles of Narnia – Prince Caspian

Blockbuster? Good? Better than the first? Don’t judge everything before the end of the movie. Read on to find out more.

The plot – A year after their first adventure in Narnia, the Pevensie siblings (Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy) are pulled back in by Susan’s magic horn. They find that hundreds of years have passed and Narnia is now ruled by the bloodthirsty General Miraz, uncle to the true heir, Prince Caspian, who is now in exile. The children must find Caspian and help him get rid of Miraz and save Narnia.

Sounds cheesy? Let me tell you this. This sequel was done much better than the first. The thought of it was that this movie was, obviously, meant to make Narnia a darker movie, much to the similarity of a concept from Harry Potter. But if they were to name their movie, I think Prince Caspian isn’t the name to. Why? Because Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes), in this movie, plays more like extra. Even the fighting mouse and the 4 siblings had much much more screen time. And I don’t see Prince Caspian as a very huge role in the movie, which starts questioning the title.

The CGI was definitely good, especially when we didn’t expect much after the disappointment of the first movie. Still, the movie scenes were rather choppy a little here and there. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed it. Plus the humour and the battle scenes, I still think that it’s better than the first. Although the first movie’s battle scenes feature more Narnia characters fighting, this sequel’s battle scene did not feature much of the creatures, but that’s because people thought they might be extinct, which leaves nothing other than centaurs, minotaurs, dwarfs, mouse and griffins.

I did still enjoyed the movie. Definitely the graphics and storyline was much better than the first. But indeed, as every movie persist to excel, I think we should just stick to the storybook. Especially for the Narnia series.

Rating - 4 out of 5 stars (for the storyline and scenes only)

Short Short Post.

Apparently someone said that my post was utterly long. So I shall reduce my post. Good point taken. I used to type posts that never fails to cross the 300 word mark. Then again, it makes me wonder why do I like to blog now when I hate composition so much in secondary school days. Contradicting. Next post prolly talk about stereotyping. Find out more.

Is this short enough my dear friend? lol. Word counts at 79 after this sentence.

Pic of the Day: Walk Far, think near. =)

Made of Honour

Caught this movie with the gang yesterday at cine in what turned out to be the worst ever ticket-purchasing experience ever. Never felt so pissed off buying a ticket. Well, at least the movie didn’t disappoint.

The plot – For Tom (Patrick Dempsey), life is good – he’s sexy and successful, not to mention he can always rely on his best friend Hannah (Michelle Monaghan). When she goes to Scotland on a business trip, Tom is stunned at how empty life is without her. He resolves to propose to her when she returns but is floored when she becomes engaged to a handsome and wealthy Scotsman and plans to move overseas. Tom agrees to be her ‘maid’ of honor but only so he can try to woo Hannah and stop the wedding before it’s too late.

Made of Honour is really packed with a full load of humour and a plot that was so misinterpreted to be like a surreal story. Patrick Dempsey and Michelle Monaghan’s acting skills were without a doubt a thumbs up, with Patrick giving in his all.

What I loved about the plot was that they actually go scene by scene, not chopping around like for example, I’m going to the church and all of a sudden I’m cooking my meal in my home. That was just an illustration. LOL. The humour was really a tease, with some for you to think about it. Although there weren’t any distinctive sentences to remember, I still had a good laugh nonetheless. At least enough to mask my anger for the ticketing.

Overall, the movie had a great plot to an ending that is definitely a wish come true. It’s a pleasure watching this show, especially if you need to laugh your day off, accompanied with a touch of what we call love. =) A complete wedding love comedy.

Ratings – 4 out of 5 stars

Random of Randomness

Disclaimer – Be warned for opinionated comments and also sheer randomness. Totally.

Just feel the urge to type today, without respect to the regime. Oh heck it. Today, while sitting on the passenger seat at the front of the car, I looked out of the window, looking around all the things that are happening. Instances like people crossing the road, holding on their kids for dear life, like a gem, like a treasure. Then it reminded me of the earthquake victims in China.

In the evening, watching part of the charity show tells us so much of the despair and suffering of the people over there. With eyes bloodshot red, wailing away in the hardest agony, the victims’ parents or children or whatever relations they have were just sitting down there in a daze, at the same time with their hearts stopping every time they knew about the fateful truth.

Then came the newspaper article I read in the morning. Like buddha idols, temples and mosque still standing upright and untouched by the destructiveness of mother nature. Pure structure steadiness or the work of God? Well, it really depends on one’s point of view as it is something to ponder about. If you see it in a realistic point of view, then I would say the material and the structure is well chosen and built to fit the most drastic conditions you would see of mother nature. On the other hand, choosing to believe in a religion would let you know that the Gods are teaching us something. Or should I say, giving us a sign.

The fact that the mosque that still stands firm on the ground after the Tsunami at Aceh was a rare sight, after all that is surrounding it are prey to the rising waters. And the Buddha Idols in Si Chuan, China remained unscathed and upright after all that has tumbled on them, still looking new and fresh. So if you ever know that a natural disaster is about to happen, then go to somewhere religious to hide. But on the contrary, you would be running for your lives and not thinking about a Temple to hide from it no. Haha.

I have to thank the ones up there today – FOR BRINGING US A GOD DAMN HEAVY RAIN AFTER DUNNO HOW MANY FREAKING DAYS. At least when I stick my hand out of the window, I feel cold air instead of sauna-warm atmosphere. How I wished it rain TONIGHT as well. I have been having sleepness nights because of the humid weather, with myself seeking refuge in my sisters’ room for air-con. I feel very pathetic these days. And perhaps, if we humans continue to destroy our beautiful planet, next time Singapore will be having 38 degrees Celsius as the LOWEST day temperature. Like Dubai NOW.

No job, no good night rest, no money, no education. I feel like a useless bum. Wanting to earn the slightest of money on the net wasn’t going to be easy for me. Why? I tried to serve Nuffnang ads and it’s known that a free WordPress.com webby like mine doesn’t permit a Javascript thing. For that, I cancel off Nuffnang as additional cash. So much for trying so hard. Secondly, I tried shutterstock.com. They are some sort of website that allows people to upload photos for downloads, and the more downloads, the more money you get. Apparently, they suspended my uploading just because my uploads are not of their expectations. For example – not enough white balance, not bright enough, not colourful enough.

I think even a beggar in Orchard Road can earn more money than me typing my life away. Somebody please pay me for updating my blog. Like it will happen……

Quite surprising that Zainal knows Eng Chang and Joyce, Zhenlong knows Jiayin, Hillary Ho knows Lianjin, Anthony, Guorong and Kailin, Bridget knows Stephanie Tango, Siurong and Samantha knows Zicheng, Boonkiat and Yong Quan, Amanda kwows Daniel, Chloe knows Samuel Chua, Willy knows Swee Liang, GL knows Suxuan, Xueli know Minghee, Muq knows Nadiputra, etc etc etc. My oh my. Singapore is getting too small and Singaporeans are way too many.

Why do I have a computer that is still running in 6 years and starting to fault on me when I have the least money at the moment? Looks like the time of the computer has come. Emitting out even more warmer air, the computer has been with me since my polytechnic days. Spent only a thousand dollars to buy the monitor, keyboard, mouse, the CPU. As time goes ticking by, upgrading was rather necessary, so I bought 5.1 speakers, sound card, printers, scanners, blah blah blah. And now, when I know that it’s my best configuration till date, the heart beats irregularly. Die.

And after watching the Monaco Grand Prix, I got so much passion that I would want to be an F1 driver some day. Being a driver is the same as being a pilot, as just by pulling the amount of G-force is cool enough. Haha. The race was so much of a emotional and hectic race as weather was unfavourable, cars crashing, altering the time difference between each vehicles, change of strategies blah blah blah. Oh my, it was the best and memorable Monaco Grand Prix I have seen so far.

Yes, that’s the end of my Randomness. Totally. Long post. =)

To dedicate this post, I shall NOT put up a picture. =)

Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull

Haha. Watched this with Suban, Colin and Zainal today. Was trying to see if this movie has done better than the previous one. Read on to find out.

The plot – Indiana Jones is enjoying a quiet life teaching before being thrust back into his old adventuring. He races against agents of the Soviet Union for the crystal skull. His journey will take him across New Mexico, Connecticut, Mexico City and the jungles of Peru, as well as the warehouse from the end of “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, where numerous treasures including the Ark of the Covenant are kept safe by the US government.

How should I start. Firstly, it’s quite a feat for Mr Harrison Ford to break his backs and bones to do stunts that he usually does again. And because he’s willing to act this role again, that’s why the action scenes are quite tense. But of course, you can tell that he’s aging from his movements and actions, practically he look a little tired from all the moves and fight scenes.

The plot was rather “E.T-ish”, as you know that Steven Spielberg never parts with his love for extra-terrestrial beings and sayings and what have you. Nonetheless, if you are archaeological and superstitious enough, you would want to have more knowledge on why the Egytians and Mayans manage to build structures so huge yet without the use of the technologies of today. Who taught them? What made them discover the way to do things like these? Definitely there’s an answer to it, and that’s what this plot has got to say.

The villian – Irina Spalko – played by the ever so well Cate Blanchett, was, yes, really good. She took the role well enough like she would for every role, injecting some Russian accent that you will never get enough of. At first thought, I couldn’t even recognise her. Haha. Shia Labeouf’s appearance did spark a little life as his actions and sentences attracted some humour though. Nonetheless, the acting was pleasing.

But seemingly true, it took like 19 years to bring back the sequel of this ancient, but it’s like a typical Indy show, with the actions here and there and with a story now that sounds and looks almost like a National Treasure movie. There’s room for another sequel as I have seen, but hopefully they do not take another 20 years or so.

Oh ya. Prairie Dogs are just cute la. Haha!. Watch if you know what I mean.

Ratings - 3 and a half out of 5 stars

A Bum, hopefully not anymore.

Ok, I have been slacking at home since March 15. Yes, I have been a bum, still in search for the perfect non-committable job. I have nothing to do. Only thinking of holidays and stuff, I haven’t really seen town in a while. Friends not free, friends helping me find a job, friends not willing to entertain me just because they are busy.

My criteria for the job isn’t really very pleasing, especially if weekends are to be committed. Definitely I would want a 5 day work week, from 8am – 5pm, with an environment enough to make me happy. Of course, pay has to be reasonable. After all, I couldn’t expect much from anyone as my qualification is just stuck at this rate. Who doesn’t wish to be paid well though.

I think jobs are easy to find in Singapore, it’s just that Singaporeans like me are rather fussy about getting their own jobs. I can always go back to companies that I work for, just that I won’t get enough experience. I have a total of 8 to 9 jobs to my resume. It’s enough for anyone to hire me. May the job scope and pay be of my experience. Hmmm.

Recently, I watched the Man Utd and Chelsea Champions League Final just to curb my boredom. Of course, not being either fans – which means I’m neutral – it was quite surprising for me that the 2nd half of the match was a bore. Like no fans cheering, more fans jeering. Man Utd did rip off Chelsea in the first half, but as 2nd half reached, it’s like a sit back and counter for both teams, which end up in a draw. Boring to say, I have to wait all the way till the penalties to be excited about.

Yes, as all would had known, John Teddy (yes, I purposely spelt it) missed, the “diver” missed for Man Utd as well, and who could have forgotten the Sulk who missed as well. Read from soccernet.com that he’s complaining about being played too wide, which he had every right to be. Oh, and that Dogba (another appropriate mis-spelt) getting himself red carded at the face for doing another hand motion on another face. What a dog.

It’s just another EPL match for me to view, just that the Finals is the only difference it makes. Well, supporting Liverpool and hating Man Utd is common for arch rivals no, but when Mr. Roman came with his stash of cash, I couldn’t help but giving my all due encouragement to any team (and yes, that includes Man Utd) just to support my claim of ANY TEAM BUT CHELSEA. And since Arsenal have been falling apart recently, and Man Utd getting stronger just because they have the Glazers at the backs, I’m going all out for my team next season. Yea, it’s always next season. Like ALWAYS. …..

Hopefully Benitez knows what he’s doing this season. Judging from what I have commented, I guess working for the critics might be fun. Good potential job for me.

Don’t wanna be a Bum no more.

Pic of the Day: He ain’t a bum. Respected. =)

Regime

Hmm. It seems that bad health is getting the better of me, so I might want to start going on a healthy regime. Here’s what I have in mind. I believe that I might not even be able to follow the plan as according, but I will try. Hopefully laziness doesn’t get the hang out of me. It will be a one week thing, which means, maybe no computer, no this, no that, blah blah blah.

What made me do this is actually a few stuffs that occurred in life at the moment. Firstly is the price of rice. The price is painstakingly increasing, no doubt about it. But why affecting my life? Well, the price hike gives me another reason to eat lesser rice as my family members are all like “rice buckets”. They eat a lot. So do I. If I eat lesser than usual (2 plates of rice every meal), I will be able to save some money to buying rice more often.

The other reasons to do so is because of the disasters that are slowly ripping people off the face of Earth. Myanmar facing Cyclone Nagis, China facing the Richter scale 8 strong earthquake. With almost more than 100,000 people dead in all, it’s not surprising why I would want to eat less so that more could be brought over for the needy at the moment. Just read from today’s Newpaper that the haze is coming back, in 2 weeks time. Put on your mask and get ready for a torrid time as bushfires wreck hell across the greens in Indonesia.

Alright – the plan.

1) Sleep at 10:30pm everyday, exceptional for weekends.
2) Wake up at 8:30am everyday, including weekends.
3) Eat healthy – balance diet.
4) Eat cheap, exception for gatherings and outings with my girl.
5) Exercise at home – weights and chin ups. Maybe jog or cycle.
6) Do sports regularly – soccer on tuesdays, whatever on whenever.
7) Have less snacks in afternoon.
Drink at least 8 cups of water everyday. Without fail.

These are the steps that I would love to follow in reaching a more healthier lifestyle. We all know what fats is like. I would want to regain some fitness, just in case I have to go back to my reservist unit. Perhaps the usage of the computer might reduce. As in, lower amount of usage = more electricity saved = more money saved.

Pic of the Day: A Beautiful World. Not at the moment. =|

Death and All his friends.

That’s Coldplay’s new album name in English means. Well, speaking about friends, recently I lost a friend due to an accident. A freak accident I would say. But it’s really hard to swallow reality at times. And the only few things we can do is to accept the fact that he’s gone and also to tell yourself that life is very very fragile. My heart goes out to his family.

In this world, it’s hard to accept death. It’s like some god that comes to it and tells the soul “Ok, it’s time for you to go.” We all wish that we were normal. We all wished that nothing would go wrong. Complacent? Perhaps a little. But who could we blame, for fate doesn’t really lie in our hands all the time. Life consist of a few things – namely Love, Interest, Money, Worries, Hope and a tinge of luck. Love, as all of us know, is a common topic discussed and brood over by most heartbreaks. Interest could only be shared among those that fancy it.

Money, in all aspects of the society, is important. As long as you know the way to make it grow in your seemingly shallow pocket, then you are safe to live. Worries, having been something that really affects your mood, is something that we should always not have. For more worries make one more anxious. Not really a nice way to make your life well lived. Hope is what we would want to use. Why a usage? Hope is like a tool. Partially a 50-50 thing. Because, sometimes hope might not always be sitting beside you. We use it within our hearts, not literally, begging for the success of the wish. Hopeful? Hopefully. =)

Then here comes the demon of all. Luck. Who would have known that you fell into the drain? Who would have known that you had that amount of luck to win $300 in a game of poker? Who would have known that you missed the bus by a split second? Luck, is something like hope. Not a tool, but a fate. Something that either lies with you, or spits at your face. So it’s either plenty of good, or bad aplenty. Too much of everything is not good. That’s why we have give and take.

But it just takes ONE piece of bad luck that makes one die. Wonder what did my friend did to deserve such a tragedy. Another good human leaves this world once again. Hmmm. I’m rather hopeful that this tinge of BAD luck doesn’t go anywhere near anyone that I know. For I would love to say hi to whoever I know, not a last goodbye.

Pic of the Day: Life without friends is like that, lonely and dull. =(

Near Misses

The trip to Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin was rather fruitful for me, learning some of the marine life that we have in Singapore that should be considered rare. Also had a wonderful time with the family, although we perspired like pigs drowned in mud. Totally. But there were some things that made us wonder if it was really a forgetful mind we had or was it just fate. Read on.

By the plan, we are suppose to go to Changi Ferry Terminal to get a ferry ticket for the car and each passenger that is boarding along with it. Our initial plan was to actually head to Desaru for a day getaway. While speeding through TPE, my dad realised that he didn’t bring his box of Malaysian Ringgit out. For me, I forgotten to bring my earphones because I always have them for long distance travelling. Maybe it’s just telling me that we might not even need to go far for today. End up taking another ride. Bumboat ride. To Pulau Ubin.

When we were on the bumboat, with all that hope, we would wish to rent and ride a bicycle, for we haven’t cycled in months. Seemingly true, my dad thought that it would be better if we took the van transport because of the distance we had to make to Chek Jawa. Worse, the sky wasn’t really on our side at that point. As the Teochew Opera was wailing away it’s graceful dialect in style, we manage to hope on the van in the end. Lucky for that near decisive thought of taking a bicycle, cycling to Chek Jawa was kinda like a bad idea for that day because the road up to Chek Jawa is literally UP. As in upslope. Haha.

Just when I thought the forgetfulness would be over. Mum brought her umbrella but not her hat. Which wasn’t really a matter because it was cloudy. But she had her umbrella all over her head. Haha. For me, busy snapping away with my camera, I was apparently shocked a few times when branches and leaves fall in front or beside me, narrowly missing my head. Butterflies and other Dragonflies flying around, almost getting themselves knocked onto my forehead, as if they were drink driving.

Luckily for us, while exiting Chek Jawa, we manage to catch the van again with the same driver. Almost all of these incidents led us to a very exhausted but fun family trip. At least we didn’t need to wait for long to build up our fats at Zam Zam after that. Haha.

In case you wanna know, sometimes when it’s meant to be that way, it’s meant to be that way. No point forcing reality to change for you. No point making things happen when it’s supposingly impossible. No point being stubborn when you know life is on the line. Accept the facts and move on with reality. =)

Pic of the Day: Reality? Checked. =)

World War 3?

When I went for Lianjin’s Birthday at MOS, i met up with one of my seniors in our ex-unit. So seemingly looking at the sleazy people that we observed over a quiet time and suddenly we were talking about jobs and school and stuff. Then when we came to the competition in the university, I mentioned about the amount of China Chinese and India Indians that compete with you relentlessly in the university, always helping their kind but not each other in the class.

For that, he was labelling them evil and yes, for all the evil people in the world we have, we should have World War 3 to eliminate some of these idiots. LOL. At one point, I agreed to his sarcastic but sensible meaning because, I totally agree that we are having too many people in this world having a totally unorthodox thinking. For example, Singapore.

The government regretted before that we kinda drove away our talents overseas because of the amount of competition in the education field, and the reason for allowing foreigners to take our place because the government wants to earn that cash. And when another country unearths a gem in their ground, it turns out to be a Singaporean, but he/she might not want to recognise Singapore as it’s mother country because of the treatment it got, and thus the government regretting it.

Singaporeans know it. You know it. It’s hard to live here. So hard that even average people like me have to settle with lower means in life. Which leaves me a resume and a diploma to survive. I feel like a Malaysian suddenly. Like some citizen that grows older and older day by day, learning the skills and waiting to take over the father’s business. And it sucks totally because your dad was hoping that you will not suffer like what they do.

After this, the government kinda persuade us to not only put your minds on the straight path in life, but if you deviate a little, you might become successful. Now the humourous part – teens here, or maybe young adults to include, deviate too much I guess, thus having gays and lesbian problems. Guys liking guys, girls liking, well, girls. It’s not surprising to see gays and lesbians around these days, perhaps adapting to our society like a chameleon blending in the forest. The question – are our teens in Singapore deviating their thinking so that they MIGHT become successful in life? Perhaps their deviation lies even in their sexual orientation. So if the GIRLS get the GIRLS, then what about the guys? We can’t possibly settle for Desker Road could we. Insane.

Don’t worry, the World War 3 part will not involve these gays and lesbians that we have in the country. Maybe eliminating a few for taking the pretty and handsome ones. But for World War 3, we should leave this to eliminating terrorists. Come on. Who won’t think of a bombing when you wanna set foot on another country for a vacation? And especially the fact that those terrorists target the Caucasians more, perhaps it kinda make you think twice about travelling. I personally don’t even feel like stepping into Malaysia because of crimes that might even cost your life. The world ain’t safe like it use to be. Let alone our country, which manage to allow a terrorist go scot free from a detention centre without even knowing.

Maybe a mini World War 3 should be conducted to really get rid of those that are opposing to the normal human rights in the country. Like the China and Tibet thing. Like the US and Terrorist thing. Like the North and South Korea thing. You know what I mean. Get rid of these people and the police won’t have to think so much. That eases a lot of pain in the normal humans like us. =)

Pic of the Day: Is too many too messy? =|

Batam (14th May – 16th May 2008)

Ole, I’m back from my trip to Batam. Sad to say, I went with my uncle who is someone that doesn’t really enjoy sports and stuff. The only thing we did was bowling. (-_-”). But overall, it’s like a first-hand experience on the place itself. I might just head back there, but definitely with a group of friends.

DAY 1

We both left Harbourfront at around 9:20am, reaching the Waterfront city jetty at 9:20am. Yes, it’s Indonesian time. Don’t worry. Don’t get confused. Once we arrived there, the resort staff from Harris Resort are already there to settle everything for you, from your passport chops at the immigration check point to the transport to the resort itself. Quick and efficient I would say. They allowed us to check in earlier as the it was a weekday, obviously because there isn’t any other tourist around other than 2 couples and a pathetic me with my uncle. There’s Whitley Secondary School kids as well on a holiday or something. The rooms were fine, like any normal resort. Not that bad. At least the fridge and Cable TV made up for the disappointments, if there were any.

Ooo. Root Beer Float. Haha.

The first thing we did was to get a trip down to the town area. Due to the thunderstorm that greeted us, the only thing sensible to do is the get out of the resort, so we apparently head down to town via a complimentary 2-way bus ride to town. Town was normal. Kinda remind me of Brunei. But amazingly, I discovered A&W – the extinct fast-food restaurant in Singapore. Yes, jealous as you can be, I tasted their Root Beer float that ever amazes you. Of course, how could I forget the curly fries? They have chilli sauce that is REALLY CHILLI SAUCE. Not like those packet sauce that you squeeze out in Long John Silvers and doesn’t taste spicy AT ALL. Their sauce is like – Balachan. Good stuff really cannot bluff. I regretted not eating their waffle with ice cream. Crap. But overall at the A&W was magnificent. Like a whole new fast food deal.

After the meal, we walked around in the shopping centre named Nagoya Hill. They have Adidas there, which sells their apparels at a cheaper amount than in Singapore. Then they have one of the oldest brands of jeans that are extinct in Singapore. Branded Wrangler, their jeans are like SGD$43? What the hell man. Even Levi’s cost SGD$60 at least. Hmmm. Walked around and like Brunei, it’s not surprising to see fake goods everywhere. From shoes to sunglasses, from perfumes to wallets and purses etc. Was a bit tempted to buy the LV wallet, but saved on it. It’s $6 by the way. LOL.

Chilli Sauce. Woah.

I discovered a competitor for chicken in the fast food industry. That company would be no one else other than BFC. Named Best Fried Chicken, I was taken aback at the sign when I saw BFC this 3 big letters. I thought i was some stupid football club or restaurant. And perhaps it WAS a restaurant. Cool yet laughable at. LOL.

BFC at it’s best. LOL.

We headed back to the Resort around 3pm that day, with the terrible weather still crowding the sky. We didn’t have to do much. Rest till the rain stopped around 6, and we went down for a stroll. Swimming pool nicely done, cafe area at the lobby, with the resort owning a store of their name. And their Polo. Yes, having heard all the things about cheap polo in Batam, I have come to realise that the Polo that they have is – yes, you are right, NOT the USA brand. Seemingly the same as the USA brand, their price range do differ a lot from the ones that you purchase in Singapore. Design wise, they are definitely the same. But the price at $52 per polo-tee is definitely not a price that I would buy for. And it’s an Indonesian Polo. Not Polo Ralph. Don’t be mistaken.

Harris Resort.

Had Carbonara for dinner. The restaurant they had was fantastic, with their food that surprises your taste buds. Just when I expect the least from an Indonesian resort. Really a great job done by them. Service was fantastic as well, with their waiter or waitresses always putting a smile on their faces and yours definitely.

Pasta Carbonara in Style. Lol.

After the dinner, strolling was necessary as this plate of pasta was really really filling. Walked around the area to discover their bowling alley, their pool and billiard area, gym, squash court etc. Not really surprising that it’s rather low in maintenance. But nonetheless, you won’t know till your try. Hmm. Back to bed. Suppose to be waking at 2:40am to catch the Uefa Cup final between Rangers and Zenit St Petersburg. OVERSLEPT. LOL. Blah.

DAY 2

Woke up and head for breakfast at around 8am Indonesia time. Buffet style. Haha. They have a very good range of food to be served. From omelettes to bread, Honey Stars to noodles, rice to beef, porridge to pastries. Whatever, it’s there. Even fruits. Woo. And it’s nice as well. This place really needs some recognition for their food.

Rested awhile at the room before going for cycling at around 10:15am. It was complimentary for 2 persons at half an hour each. Knowing that we can’t go far, we manage to cycle out and try to go around the surroundings. Discovered a few restaurants (Don’t expect restaurants to be air-conditioned and high class) opposite the resort. Nice views and some river that stretches across the shady trees and green pastures did prove to be something different that we hardly see in an urban Singapore.

Kelong look-a-like discovered while cycling.

Shady pathway.

River View. Fantastic stuff.

After the half an hour ride, I was sunburnt. That’s how strong their sun was at Batam. Knowing that I can’t take the “bra” shape imprinted on myself, I had to go for a swim nonetheless. The swimming pool was big, like there’s a 2m area for you to swim, plus there’s like basketball and water polo nets for you to have some games. And with all the rattan seats or benches and comfy cushion shades, suntanning and swimming never had such a great combo.

Swimming pool view. Not bad for me.

And for that, I got my “bra” tan off, and with additional tan. I wasn’t that burnt. But it’s definitely a great place to relax. Didn’t swim much. Played a bit of basketball in the pool. Then tanned. Then headed for lunch. At the same resort restaurant. Didn’t go to their H Grill outside because it’s too expensive.

Name of Dish – Seafood Vera Cruz’s.

Lunch was this uniquely named dish. Consist of broccolis, calamari, prawns, dory fish and a crab. Yes. Crab. I was rather surprised. Braised to almost perfection, the crab, calamari and fish were fresh indeed. The prawn was quite fresh but not totally fresh. Love this dish. Nice name especially. =).

After the food was bowling. Yes, sport after meals. Well, we needed air-con and of course, complimentary again. 1 game each for the both of us. We extend a further 2 more games each and the Harris counter staff decided to give us a 50% discount, which means we only pay for 2 games instead of the 4 that we played. Nice and friendly guy. And it’s like damn cheap to play bowling there. Like S$2.50 a game. We were the only 2 playing there la. Sigh. But it was fun. Beat him 2 – 1 hands down. And my highest score till date for bowling – 140. My oh my. See the picture below? NO ONE ELSE PLAYING. And that Harris counter staff was so bored that he HAD to watch the both of us play. That’s life. They have reflexology as well, and the guy was like damn bored la, reading his life away. Haha.

Quiet Day at the Bowling Alley.

After the “strenuous” activity to the hand, we went back to the resort, where I took a nap while my uncle had the time to actually walk to Holiday Inn Resort, which is like 15 minutes down the road. As for me, I came down at 5 plus Indonesia time to take a look at the sunset. There’s a major difference. Compare.

Sunset at 5 plus pm.

Sunset at 6 plus pm. Fantastic.

After the sightseeing at the makeshift jetty, had some Frappe Mocha at S$5 before he came back from his long walk to head for dinner at the resort, with the complimentary set dinner voucher that we have. Yes, I have typed “COMPLIMENTARY” for like many times, and it’s part of the package and I’m glad its free. The voucher was given to us and we have to make a choice with either a Set Lunch, Set Dinner or a free pizza, which I didn’t try. Smells good but still, only my nose was satisfied. Not my taste buds. Damn.

Frappe Mocha. Cheaper and relatively refreshing. And I don’t smoke. =)

While waiting for our dishes to be served, we had the 4 Amigos that go around entertaining people with their acoustic strings and groupie singing, bringing a smile to everyone’s faces. Talented as usual, they were able to sing Hokkien songs, Chinese songs, English songs etc. Great stuff from them. Just after they left, our food came. Haha. Didn’t take photo of the dish, but sure the Sauteed beef that we ordered was sumptuous. =)

Gangster look-a-likes. LOL.

And yes, went back and had nothing to do other than the TV. Head downstairs to walk around and got myself another drink – Raspberry Soda or something. Nicely done though, although the waitress gave me a spoilt straw. LOL. And it was bed time at 10:45pm Indonesian time. Sian.

DAY 3

Had breakfast again, this time with different food and still as great as anybody would have mentioned. Then later walked around and explored till we came to the Monkey Beach Hut to know that the meals there are CHEAPER. The area is kinda like Indochine, with the exception of a live band performance. With the bar counter and tables for eating, they serve Western cuisines to Asian cuisines to their traditional ones too. NOT BAD for a BAR. Why call themselves Monkey Beach Hut? Apparently I only saw ONE monkey as a pet over there. Apart from that ape, I saw a cockatoo. A quiet avian moving around without any sound. Hmmm.

Monkey Beach Hut.

The Monkey Beach Hut also provides Sea Sports facilities such as Parasailing, Cable Skiing, Banana Boats (not that brand of tanning lotions or sprays), Jet Skiing etc. Of course, all for a price. I didn’t try as my uncle himself is someone that doesn’t want to try these kind of stuff. Hmmm. We checked out at 1pm and had lunch over here. Ordered fried rice. Really good stuff indeed. And we definitely pay much lesser here than the resort’s meals. After that it was to the jetty and back home.

Home Sweet Home indeed.

Waiting for a conclusion? Yes, you will have it here at…. ok fine I won’t brag. Overall, Harris Resort is somewhere that a couple can relax as well as a place where families and friends in groups can enjoy the fun and serenity over here. You could say that it was a weekday that I went, but definitely for sure, it’s worth the stay. Perhaps weekends might not have some peace but overall, do visit this place for its excellent service, various facilities and of course, their food. =)

KNN. Long post leh. Lol.