Fads in October 06

1. North Korea tried and tested nuking.

2. Barthez retires. No more spitting and tiresome antics.

3. We felt dense smog for weeks this month. In the age of land clearing, matchsticks and kerosene were actually preferred than tractors.

4. “Systematical marginalisation” was explained while “uncovered meat” was not.

5. The pathetic three lions lost 0-2 to Croatia in Zagreb. What formation to use after 4-4-2 and 3-5-2 had been introduced?

6. Mike Tyson, the boxer from Hell is relegated to doing entertainment style of “World Tour” boxing circuit. He used to strike fear in his bigger opponents and down them in a matter of seconds. Sigh...

7. An elite babe got harsh words for a 35-year old working class guy. Words like iron bowl, darling, balls, poor spelling, etc were hurled.

8. West Ham is in their worst run in 74 years. I actually think that ageing stars like Trevor Brookings, Tony Cottee and Alvin Martin could band together and string better results.

9. Vivocity opens. There are large crowds gushing in… and I hoped the vogue crowds would still be there a couple of years from now.

10. Beckham is out of the England squad quite for good and warming the Real bench as well. Since when did I thought he was an Untouchable.

11. Steven Gerrard was reportedly to believe that Liverpool can win the Premiership title this season. Real optimism.

Law of Negativity

I can’t really comment much on a match that I didn’t get to watch. No “live” nor “delayed” telecast. I was lucky to caught Van Persie’s superbly executed freekick on telly.

From what I gathered, Everton got a lucky lead through Aussie Tim Cahill. It was probably down to static defending by the Gunners. I saw Lehmann clawing at thin air when Cahill pounced first to score from close range. A lapse in concentration and the Gunners were punished.

From then on, it was negative play by the Toffees as they were prepared to go through the entire match by defending, time wasting and hoping to frustrate the Gunners.

The telly highlights showed Tim Howard saving well from Henry, Fabregas, Van Persie and Rosicky. The Gunners probably had peppered the Everton goal the whole afternoon.

There was nothing to show for till Robin Van Persie stepped in to take the freekick in the 71st minute. The Dutch striker curled in an audacious freekick and we were back at 1-1.

Thank God… our unbeaten record at the Emirates was intact. An afternoon where both parties share the spoils.

This Premiership weekend was actually all about the Rooney show….about O’ Neill’s bubble finally bursting, about Pardew’s bubble bursting soon…and an Arsenal discard, Kanu topping the leading goalscorer’s chart with 7 goals.

Nine Emperor Gods Festival

Today is the ninth day of the ninth lunar month in the Chinese calendar. Incidentally, it is the last day of the Nine Emperor festival.

Temples housing the Nine Emperor deities hold elaborate festivals here in Singapore. I grew up in the Recreation Road area and I remember accompanying my mom to the Nine Emperor Gods or Kiu Ong Ya Temple at Serangoon Road, slightly ahead of Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre. There are quite elaborate festivities come the ninth lunar month. However, I reckon none could beat the festivals held at Phuket.

The Nine Emperor Gods festivities at Phuket are awesome. Over there, the devotees do penance and cleanse themselves spiritually by turning in a strict vegetarian diet. Hundreds of tang-kis would walk down the streets of Phuket. Their self-mortification includes piercing their cheeks and bodies with all kinds of objects. Most devotees would distinguish themselves by wearing all-white.

Self-mortification in Singapore is done on a very small scale. Those in Phuket are terrific. The tang-kis would inflict brutal self-hurting of their bodies with axes, knives and all kinds of sharp objects. Stranglely, in exchange, there are only some slight bruises to show.

The notoriety of the Nine Emperor Gods festivities not only centres on the piercing of the bodies of tang-kis. There are also the climbing of ladders of blades and swords, fire walking and the splashing of piping hot oil. Truly dramatic.

My mom has attended the Phuket festival before. I believe one day, I would want to be there to observe the festivities in Phuket.

The Left Side

The saddest part as a gooner was coming to terms that Robert Pires left in the summer of 2006. He was, in my opinion, one of the best left-sided midfielders in the world.

Pires’s incredible talent coupled with his sublime skill and vision probably, crosses the boundaries of sports and arts. He has a good eye for great goals too.

Many an opposition were dumbfounded by his unerring balance and twinkle-toed running. His abilities to glide past defenders was a gift and his telepathic understanding with Vieira and Henry was a huge delight to all in the terraces at Highbury.

He is world class. Always moving so easily, smoothly, with poise and elegance. Great command of the ball and well balanced too. Pires was the inscrutable adversary to all the other Premiership teams.

Pires was the architect and goalscorer of many a truimphs. Look back at the winning goal in the 2003 FA Cup final. Season 2001/02 was Robert Pires at his majestic best. I will never forget the scenes during the end of 2002 season, as he hobbled to the podium, the whole squad went down on their knees to pay homage to him.

One question still looms…can Rosicky be the adequate successor to this French dude who has given me, or us, six great seasons of breathtaking football entertainment?

Incidentally, Pires turns 33 tomorrow. I will always be marvelled at his unfettered brilliance.

American pop culture & the shaping of my music taste

Popular culture in America is ever-present almost everywhere. They can be found in the movies, music, wrestling and sports. Mohd Ali, Bart Simpson, WWF, Ric Flair, JFK, Superman, Norman Bates, Andy Warhol, Citizen Kane, Bob Dylan, Marilyn Monroe, David Letterman, Watergate, Batman, Ben & Jerry's, Pac-Man, Walt Disney, Calvin Klein, Jimmi Hendrix, Barbie dolls, Elvis Presley, Seinfeld, Madonna, Traci Lords, Andre Agassi, Mike Tyson, Michael Jackson, King Kong, Aerosmith, Jim Beam, Budweiser, American Top Forty, Michael Jordan, KISS, Oprah, Indiana Jones, Dirty Harry, Bushism, Alfred Hitchcock, Frank Sinatra, Sesame Street, Dennis Rodman, Chicago Bulls, New York Yankees, Saturday Nite Fever, Billboard charts, Hulk Hogan, Ralph Lauren, The Terminator, Tom Hanks, Star Wars, MTV, X-Men, Alice Cooper, 9/11, Hard Rock Cafe, Bruce Springsteen, Purple Rain, Google, Jim Morrison, Grateful Dead, all these household names and genres have joined other American products in spanning across the globe.

On a music standpoint, i love rock music, heavy metal, punk rock and, sometimes rap and hip hop. I began to appreciate music since the seventies, the period i saw the wave of singer cum songwriters who touch on emotional and personal lyrics of folk. There are the likes of my fav James Taylor, amongst others. They gave smoothing performances as well as exhibiting great lyrical ability. This very period saw the rose of soft rock. It was a mellow form of pop-rock, exemplified by bands like Chicago, Bread, Toto, Journey, Foreigner and America.

Near end 70's, disco, a form of electronic dance music, was in the forefront. The lifespan of disco was short. Donna Summer, Earth Wind & Fire and Hot Chocolate were cool, i guess. The early 80s saw the rise of Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen, the working class hero with the dense and anthemic songs that resonated with the lower classes in America. I also wouldn't mind John Cougar, Fleetwood Mac, Jackson Browne, Steve Perry, Blondie, J. Geils Band, England Dan & John Ford Coley, Tom Petty or The Doobie Brothers.

The eighties was my favourite era, contemporary R&B turned popular with sexy & sultry funk singers like Prince, alongside pop stars like Michael Jackson and female icons like Madonna, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

I like heavy metal. It is real loud, thumping music characterized by aggressive, driving rhythms and heavily amplified distorted guitars, coupled with complex lyrics and virtuosic instrumentation. Some outstanding 80's metal bands i love include bands like Anthrax, Metallica, Faith No More, Aerosmith, Quiet Riot, Motley Crue, Ratt, Cinderalla, Skid Row, Poison, Guns N' Roses, Bon Jovi, Slaughter and Van Halen. They were great.

Master class performance

Worlds apart… I am talking about the footballing performance at Moscow and at the Madejski. The former, quite ineffective and the latter, simply masterclass. I thought it would be tough at the Madejski, Man Utd and Chelsea didn’t have it easy. My fears were unfounded.

The Gunners simply pass and stroked the ball around all too easily. Steve Coppell’s men were made to look like amateurs. Henry even scored a fast goal. I think he was surprised with the pass from The Cesc. Sixty seconds into the game, One-nil to the Arsenal.

Goal No. 2 showed great one-two teamwork, Hleb linked up well with Rosicky and let fly a bullet to the Reading roof. The match was effectively over as a contest before half-time.

Hleb was lively and laid his hand to the third goal. Hleb came in from the right flank, interchange passes with King Henry and squared the ball to Van Persie. The Dutchman’s job was easy. He just slide it home for Goal No. 3. This goal was probably the best. Neat touches and most of all, UNSELFISH play. Good football thrives on wonderful teamwork.

Outclassed Reading even had to concede a late penalty. Henry’s placement hit the inside of the post and flew in. Four-nil to the Arsenal!

A fifth successive Premiership win on the trot. Thank God, Lehmann didn't raise hell with Stephen Hunt. Arsene Wenger, happy belated 57th birthday.

Marriage…. it’s like vintage wine

I got married in 2003, somehow I dare say… it’s better than singlehood.

To make love stay… my wife always say that marriage is the end of the sweetness experienced during courtship. True to an extent. For most, courtship is probably about winning the lass over and marriage is the time to make ends meet. That’s why…. the magic of the sweetness is sometimes gone. Nevertheless, we must strive and be guarded to ensure our marriage is able to retain the sweetness.

An enriching and fulfilling marriage demands couples to prune and protect it from the many aspects of life. There are many distractions… the demands and pressures of making a living. The rising costs of living… increasing so rapidly that inevitably, couples would have to work harder and put longer hours in the office.

With the pursuit for a better life, we musn’t forget to communicate and share our inner thoughts and feelings readily with our spouses. We must never let the grinding monotony of this pressure cooker society void us of feelings. We have to place the greater concern to our spouses instead of ourselves. That could probably make love last in marriages, ride through the heat, the bloody haze and into the sunset and to the twilight of our lives. With children, of course.

Marriage is like wine, if nurtured properly, can get better with the years. Habits like picking one’s nose, burping and farting loudly, once grated, can turn second nature. Silence, which may be awkward, can be blissful and comfortable.

The richness of the marriage experience, as one has yet to find or unravel as the years flies by, is because the BEST has yet to come.

The very last kick

The outcomes of some football matches are like…. made in Heaven. Look at Liverpool’s truimph over AC Milan and Man Utd's recovery against Bayern Munich. Truly remarkable and unbelievable.

For me, the mother of all football folklore had to be Arsenal’s win over Liverpool on May 29, during the 1988-89 season. The win was to be as dramatic as any Hollywood script.

It came down to the last match of the season, between the first and second sides of the then First Division. Graham, the Bung adopted a sweeper system that denied space that the Liverpool so craves for. I remember the pace in that match was so bloody relentless.

Seven minutes into the second half, lanky Alan Smith scored. With 90 minutes almost up, right-back Dixon cleared the ball and passed to Smith. He lobbed it for the rushing Michael Thomas to score the most dramatic goal in English league history. Thomas even evaded two challenges, let Grobbelaar commit, then flick to score.

Wow... Arsenal got to win by two clear goals...they did it...at the last match of that season and with the final kick. I don’t think any gooner could sleep that night. I didn’t.

Long, cold & bitter night in Moscow

The recent good run by Arsenal came to a halt at CSKA Moscow just hours ago.

In fact, the Gunners were outclassed by a gutsy Moscow side who snatched a 1-0 win through a first-half free-kick from Daniel Carvalho. I saw the wall and it was abysmal. Enough said, CSKA now topped Group G. I reckon Arsenal would eventually run out as Group winners.

My only complain is that Henry got a perfectly executed and legitimate goal disallowed in the final minutes of the game. For the trouble, he even got a yellow card for his efforts. I think the referee felt he controlled the ball with his arm. I am not sure…I think he chest it down to steer home. Could have been 1-1.

Probably sum up the night….poor pitch, poor refereeing and a long, cold bitter night.

The Smog Part II

Oh dear… the smog was getting from bad to worse. I think it was an all-time high earlier this evening.

What have the treaties and pacts done for us? Is the shrugging of shoulders or the saying of sorries ever enough?

My friend told me that he read somewhere... the Government from this neighbouring country is doing something proactive. They are getting Holy Men to pray for rain. I thought it was hilarious. Not sure if it is fact or fiction.

Anyway, the smog is making me irritable… it’s like John Lennon’s “Cold Turkey”. The inner me is making horrible screams and animal-like grunts, starkly exposing the awful truth about the bloody haze, not heroin.

The lyrics read… “Oh, I’II be a good boy / Please make me well / I promise you anything / Get me out of this hell.”

Stinging the Hornets

I thought it was a pretty Saturday stroll in the park. There was this ceremony to mark Arsène Wenger’s 10th anniversary of his first game in-charge. Another history in the making was Theo Walcott – given his first start or a full debut as an Arsenal player.

I must say, the 17-year-old was impressive and inventive. In a nutshell, I have seen enough to say that England got hope….Before half-time, the Gunners had the game under their wraps. They were ahead through a Jordan Stewart's own goal and another Thierry Henry gem. A blistering run leaving three or more Hornets in the wake.

Captain Marvel set up another for our Togo international to make it 3-0. A youthful team playing like seasoned pros. Look at Fabregas, Walcott, Hoyte, van Persie, Clichy and Djourou. Those are young diamonds on parade… and I must say that the future looks bright at the Grove.

Three points was never, never in doubt. We are fourth now…and charging.

The craggy Stone

Watching Keith Richards play the guitar is like seeing a piece of rock n' roll soul in action. He is 63 this December and he remains one of the genre's big-time movers. To me, he is one of the rock icons of our time.

As the rhythm guitarist of The Rolling Stones, Keith is known for the raw passion than the flashy technique that other guitarists adopt. His singing, seems to a large extent, instinctive.

I remember during the Stones concerts back in 2003, he sang "Slipping Away", "Happy", "Thru & Thru" and "Before They Make Me Run". Before he sings, he clears his throat. No mean feat, he must have decades' worth of nicotine down his throat. One loud uummmphhh and the throat clearing turns to a hacking cough and he lights up a cigarette on stage. Keith Richards winds up laughing.

The opening guitar riff for "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" has been compared and widely known as "rock's equivalent to Beethoven's Fifth". Very flattering, I guess.

Well, truly Keith Richards is the undisputed tough and craggy Stone that I knew of. He stills remains the personification of rock n' roll's delinquent tendency. As the key figure of The Rolling Stones (besides Mick), he has contributed a pivotal musical legacy and still looking unbowed since the early sixties. Five decades of barely imaginable mayhem.

Ooh! Aah! Cantona!

“When seagulls follow a trawler it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea” the stoic Eric quipped. Till today, I am still baffled. What did he mean? It was perhaps, a classic Eric on-field performance. Everyone was outfoxed and left in the lurch….so hard to catch and impossible to comprehend. Ask any defenders who had played against him during his Leeds and Man United days.

Eric Cantona was a genius. Even the Hairdryer stood by him, for good and bad. Even Beckham and Keane were not accorded such treatment. With Hairdryer extoling his professionalism, Eric had repaid his manager’s faith in full when he made his comeback on October 1995.

Not since the days of George Best and Gazza…. has a player been so idolised in the United Kingdom. I think his flying kick at Selhurst Park in January 1995 left the footballing world divided. For me, the foul-mouthed spectator probably deserved that kung-fu kick.

L’Enfant Terrible is sheer attitude. The sort of character that the game demands and needs. He truly sets himself apart from the average professional footballer. I loves every moment he troops to the field, with the trademark collar up.

One will never forget… his sublime body feints, the shimmies, the cheeky delicate backheels, the most exquisite of well-timed passes, and lastly, his goals. Goals scored with a panache of a maestro with French flair, of course.

I am always a keen admirer of Ian Wright, Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry. I find it awkward to sing praises of Cantona. He is an exception; he’s even a Red Devil. The day he grabbed the big Belgian, Philippe Albert by the Newcastle collar and threw him to the ground like a sack of potatoes… he became one of my favourite footballers.

Two nites of Stonesfest

The legendary Rolling Stones held a two-nite concert three years ago. I was there on both evenings. Man, it was surreal. Seeing them on stage, before my very eyes put me in awe. The legacy of the Stones had grown into mythical proportions since 1964 or rather, over the last five decades. Deep down, I was not just watching a rock concert. The 8,000 odd crowd on both evenings were there to witness a piece of rock history.

The Stones were back in Singapore after 38 years, now, a quartet since the departure of original bassist Bill Wyman in 1993. They brought along a four-piece horn section, a keyboardist, a bassist, and three backup singers to give Singapore a taste of rock and roll heaven.

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ron Wood rocked the house down with an infectious energy that belied their age. Except for Wood, the baby of the band at 56 then, the rest are 60 and above. Not even when one saw close-ups of their weary faces on the giant screen behind them. Jagger pranced around with the exuberance of a man half his age. Richards and Wood were the epitome of coolness as they strummed classic rock riffs with consummate ease and great showmanship. Watts kept the beat strong and steady with ease and little frills.

The back catalogue of famous songs came fast and furious. "Let It Bleed," "Gimme Shelter," "Sympathy For The Devil," "Midnight Rambler," "Street Fighting Man," "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," "Start Me Up," "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Honky Tonk Woman" were all churned out. Their new song then, "Don't Stop," arguably their best thing for quite awhile, sounded great. "Sympathy For The Devil" didn't sound quite menacing after all. "Let It Bleed" became a breezy country number while "Street Fighting Man" came close to being feel-good. The only raunchy thing that reminded everyone of their bad boy sex-drugs-and-rock-and-roll past was during the song "Honky Tonk Woman". The video screen showed some animation of a topless manga woman riding the infamous tongue.

The Rolling Stones have become an excellent feel-good rock and roll band. Boy, did I feel good after this unforgettable two-nite spectacle of rock and roll! Ronnie Wood even gave me his packet of cigarettes.

England’s Newest Hitmakers – The Rolling Stones

Just what is the fascination that holds me and fans worldwide so spellbound to this rock group. The rebellion, the contempt to the world, the scowling band members, their music? It must have been a combination of all.

Their journey started in 1963… since then, they have undergone changes in band members, some bad spells, yet they are still releasing albums and touring till today. In the process, expanding their massive cult following with each truimph. The Rolling Stones are the only band who have battled the Beatles during their prime and have stepped out of the arena, more or less unscathed…. and still churning out great stuff.

Back in the sixties and seventies, the Stones were the demi-gods of a restless and rebellious generation. The band’s rebelliousness was probably meant to counter the clean cut, rapid rising Beatles. British youth grew increasingly aware of the Stones and they fired up the imagination of their fans. Their notoriety only further boost the band’s popularity and set the stage for a growing legend of rock.

I was a growing teen during the eighties and “Undercover” was the album that really made me sit up. I was enchanted by the rowdy tunes of “Undercover of the Night”. I then bought their past records and of course, I am a cult follower of the Rolling Stones till today.

What’s to come after “A Bigger Bang”? More albums, more world tours? Will they continue to build up their hoard of rock hits?

Whatever happens, the Rolling Stones have already bequested to all fans and the world with a whopping legacy of rock n roll that is unmatched by any other band. Importantly, they don’t seem to be grinding to a halt. That is because they are the Rolling Stones.

Imagine

John Lennon’s peace anthem, Imagine must have ridden the radio and Internet waves today. It would have been the slain Beatle’s 66th birthday. Imagine is one of my all-time favourite songs and is Lennon’s musical vision of a world free of war and poverty.

John was absolute anarchic with the Beatles. He made the British laugh and at the same time, he was a rebel too. He was the unsettling force. He possesses the great ability to charm and equally to offend. While Paul would smile for the cameras, John would pull a monkey face. It probably reflects his flat refusal to bow to the masses’ dictates.

He may have been gone for around 26 years, did we realise how important that his death had robbed the world of an obvious honest and perceptive talent? To me, Johnny was one of the finest songwriters of our time and as a Beatle, he was a great part of the phenomenon.

His murder back in 8 December 1980, was a personal bereavement for those, me included, who found in his music a sense of freedom and an articulation of our hopes and fears.

In reality, the late great John Lennon mattered very, very much!

The Fair Lady

We take a look at Audrey Hepburn, all at once, we know that God has made one of the ultimate impressions on Earth. The perfect lady, as perfect as a peony. She represents grace and sheer elegance. She possesses a kind of indefinable magic. It is the style and the unerring taste for quality.

This Belgian-born beauty (4 May 1929) first shot to fame with her first major film, Roman Holiday. Among her most famous films were Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sabrina, Funny Face and My Fair Lady. After her filming career was over, she devoted the last 4 years of her life to helping children in the Third World.

She may be gone… she still is one of my Idols in the silverscreen. Somewhere right on the Heavens…. she must be enchanting... not the mortals, but the angels.

Hurricane Andy

Here is the supposedly purported email by Andy Xie....

I participated in the panels on Commodity (sic) and China-India and in some obligatory dinner parties. On Friday night the Singapore prime minister invited the speakers at the meeting that the Singapore government organised. Trichet, Larry Summers, Paul Volker (sic) Chuck Price, the finance ministers of ASEAN countries were there. No government official from China was there …guess I was there to make it look like China was represented.

The dinner was turned into an Oprah with PM Lee Hsein Long (sic) at the center. The topic was on the future of globalization. People fawned him like a prince. Of course, he is. There are two reigning princes in the world that the Davos crowd kiss up to, Jordan and Singapore. The Davos crowd are Republican on economic issues and democratic on social issues. Somehow they manage to put aside their moral misgivings and kiss up to Lee Hsein Long and Abdullah.

I tried to find out why Singapore was chosen to host the conference. Nobody knew. Some thought it was a strange choice because Singapore was so far from any action or the hot topic of China and India. Mumbai or Shanghai would have been a lot more appropriate. ASEAN has been a failure. Its GDP in nominal dollar terms has not changed for 10 years. Singapore’s per capita income has not changed either at $25,000. China’s GDP in dollar terms has tripled during the same period.

I thought the questioners were competing with each other to praise Singapore as the success story of globalisation. Actually, Singapore’s success came mainly from being the money laundering center for corrupt Indonesian businessmen and government officials. Indonesia has no money. So Singapore isn’t doing well. To sustain its economy, Singapore is building casinos to attract corrupt money from China.

These western people didn’t know what they were talking about. Aside from the nauseating pleasantries some useful information came out of it. Trichet sounded very bullish on euro-zone economy (sic). He noted that euro-zone was catching up with the US in growth rate (sic) and talked about further gain in 2007. His tone was much more bullish than our house view. As Japan is surprising on the downside, I don't see how the rise of euro-yen could be stopped.

Larry Summers and Paul Volker (sic) were very worried about the US economy. As you probably know, Alan Greenspan is talking the same way. At the CLSA conference last week, he talked like one of his critics. There is fear of a US collapse. Many Americans think that an RMB reval (sic) would save the US. This is just a dream, in my view.

Most were worried about the future of globalisation due to income inequality. As average workers in the west are not seeing wage increase (sic), they may vote against globalisation. I thought that they were understating the benefit from cheap consumer goods. However, as inflation comes back, it does diminish the benefits for western consumers.

No-one was worried about the growth outlook for China and India. The Indian Planning Minister was very bullish, talking about 9% forever.

My sense is that policymakers are relexed (sic) about the short-term economic outlook but anticipate a US collapse at some point. Americans think that RMB reval could save the US. So they would keep pressuring China.

Source: www.littlespeck.com

The Smog

I woke up this morning... look out of the window.... and saw this. I could even smell a burning odiferous stench. Can't even see HDB Hub. Terrible. The PSI levels was the highest this morning. Reach the unhealthy level said NEA.

Just heard from the news that there are more than 500 hotspots from a neighbouring country. They said it is due to land clearing. It seems matches and kerosene are preferred than bulldozers.

Really pity those children...Mid-autumn festival, time to eat mooncakes, light up candles, play and carry lanterns. They are most likely to be ordered by their parents to stay indoors.

Sintua festivities @Whampoa

On the mid of every sixth and eighth month in the Chinese Calendar, there will always be temple celebrations on a grandeur scale on the open field at the Jalan Tenteram / Whampoa area. The celebrations tends to last for at least a week.

There will be huge temple flags all round the area, lighting, operas, getai shows, auctions, flower lorries, the cracking of Heavenly whip, beating of drums, clash of cymbals, mahjong sessions and charity dinners. Not forgetting, there are lion dances to usher in the deities and numerous temple mediums are there too. I think the main deity is the Qi Tian Da Sheng.

I am always delighted when this festivities are held at the field… it brightens up the area and the kampong spirit is so alive and kicking. Very heartening to see many Chinese participating in sintua activities, such age old practices have stood the passing of time and still hold its prevalence in modern times.

Team Oranje

Most football fans in Singapore are likely to be supporters of England or Brazil. Oddly for me, I like the Netherlands. Team Oranje fascinates me. Maybe it was Van Basten’s sublime and unstoppable volley past the USSR goalie, Dassayev that made me sit up, Gullit’s dreadlocks, the terrific triumvirate of Gullit, Van Basten and Rijkaard at AC Milan or Arsenal’s Dennis Bergkamp. It must be all these factors.

Of course, the Brazil of ’82 was the classiest side one could have ever witness. I must say the side led by Socrates was the best ever. However, Team Oranje will still be my favourite international team.

To start with… it must be the Total Football during the seventies. All I can remember is coach Rinus “The General” Michels, Johan “The Maestro” Cruyff, Johan Neeskens, Arie Han, Ruud Krol, not more. They were probably dominant, reaching the World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978 but fail to win anything in that decade. The nearly men of world football.

Their glorious moment must be in 1988. The Koeman-Rijkaard-Gullit-Van Basten axis brought them the Euro glory. From 1988 till now, I think, barren of trophies. Who cares, they still play sparkling football and churns talented footballers every generation. I am gonna to name players in the following passage….to those non-Dutch fans…stay away…..

Frank Rijkaard plays superbly in midfield while Van Basten scores goals for fun. Then, there is Ruud Gullit, the phenom. The heart and soul of the team. Mr Dreadlocks had numerous knee operations, every time, he bounces back stronger. Gullit, in his heydays, runs in full flight, with his dreadlocks bobbing up and down, he cuts an imposing figure. To me, he was the complete modern footballer, the great strength to support all his teammates with his pace and stamina. These three fabulous talents, singlehandedly, recreated the age of Total Football… once again.

Dutch keepers are worth mentioning too… Hans van Breukelen, Joop Hiele, Stanley Menzo and now, Edwin van der Sar. Commanding and reliable.

Then there is Ronald Koeman – the man with the missile longe range freekicks. No nonsense defenders like Danny Blind, Frank de Boer… Craggy midfielders like Jan Wouters, Peter Bosz, Aaron Winter, Rob Witschge. Skillful Wim Jonk, Bryan Roy…Of course, Arsenal’s No. 10 – Dennis Bergkamp and Wim Kieft.

Moving forward…. we got Khalid Boulahrouz, van Bronckhorst, Zenden, Overmars, van der Vaart, Arjen Robben, Dirk Kuyt, van Bommel, Reiziger, van Nistlerooy, Jan Kromkamp, Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, Arthur Numan, Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf, Patrick Kluivert, Roy McKaay, Jaap Stam, Philip Cocu….the list goes on.

Team Oranje are the essence of football – there is always the poise and fine balance of the game’s most accomplished footballers, their biting tackes, the orange colour, their fervour fans and finally, their ability to bring the excitement of the game’s greatest occasions and the glorious celebrations… enthrall the world.

Lessons from the Godfather

I can never get enough of the Godfather trilogy. I am a huge fan of these Mafia films. This three installments are the pedestal upon which we, movie fans were able to survey the scale of Francis Ford Coppola’s achievements.

Godfather films are no more about gangsters than Shakespeare’s King Lear is about geriatric folly. This series as a whole transposes the drama, pathos and violence of Greek tragedy into a modern metropolitan setting. In doing so, it seeks to plumb the measure of contemporary men.

Here are some memorable quotes from the trilogy:

“A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.” – in The Godfather; Vito Corleone directed this remark at his eldest son, Sonny, who has just come down after he had the bridesmaid against the door, conceiving Vincent Mancini in the process.

“It’s not personal Sonny, it’s strictly business.” – in The Godfather; Michael to Sonny after broaching the plan to avenge their father’s shooting.

“Women and children can be careless, but not men.” – in The Godfather; Vito Corleone to son, Michael.

“Never hate your enemies, it affects your judgement.” – in The Godfather III; Michael to Sonny’s illegitimate son, Vincent Mancini.

“If anything in this life is certain, if history has taught us anything, it is that you can kill anyone.” – in The Godfather II; Michael to the family’s adviser and lawyer Tom Hagen, as they plot to kill Hyman Roth, a Jewish gangster.

“Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” – in The Godfather II; Michael to his associate, Frank Pentangeli, whilst explaining his business policies.

“When they come, they’II come at what you love.” – in The Godfather III; Michael to Vincent Mancini.

“All my life I kept trying to go up in society. Where everything higher up was legal. But the higher I go, the crookeder it becomes.” - in The Godfather III; Michael to Vincent Mancini.

I have this burning desire to watch all three installments at one go. Uhmm...about 10 hours straight. I think I will do so soon.... on those lazy weekend afternoons, during year-end, near Xmas time.

Heng Kee Curry Chicken Noodles

If one ever craves for curry chicken mee. Look no further… Heng Kee at Fook Hai is the best. I don’t care about the other clones sprouting around Hong Lim, Maxwell and Chinatown areas. Heng Kee is the real McCoy. It is an institution of its kind.

Try going there at 12 pm to 2 pm. What you see is a snake of a queue. Jokes aside, I am a regular there and I still queue for 30 minutes or more for my curry mee. Try queuing only if you have the patience.

This ultra-delicious dish is served in mee or bee hoon and topped it up with rich chicken curry gravy. The broiled white chicken is placed on the noodles with those giant fish cake slices, chunk of potato and the “soggy” tau pok. Viola, slurp, slurp, glup, glup, can reach Cloud Nine. Heng Kee’s chicken are always succulent and tender. Their curry are pretty rich, not too thick, yummy and sinfully oily.

For starters, prices range from S$4, S$5 and S$6. Opens around 10 am to 2 pm. I think they are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Their phone is 6535-1077. I am not doing advertisement for this stall… it’s just damn good, I got to share it!

I fell in love... at the movies

I love mushy romantic love comedies. It just set my heart a-flutter and occasionnally making me smile to myself….When Harry Met Sally, Frankie & Johnny and One Fine Day are three such movies that appeals to me and I’m sure many would agree too.

When Harry Met Sally stars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, it chronicles the lives and relationships of Harry and Sally. It started from the time they carpool together from the University of Chicago to New York, right through several relationships of their own, several chance encounters before they finally became a couple together. What a relief for all.

I personally like Frankie & Johnny best. It is not simply about a cook and the waitress falling in love. It also depicts our inner fears and hesitations to fall in love and hence, starting and sharing a new life together. Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer simply oozes class.

I like this particular kissing scene between Frankie and Johnny with the backdrop of flowers. How sweet. The girl who would rather watch videotapes and eat ice cream at home was moved to falling in love. I also remember this scene where a patron had an epileptic seizure at the café and how Pacino and Pfeiffer helped the guy out.

One Fine Day was basically focusing on a hectic day where an architect and columnist fell in love. It was just mutual dislike turning to love in one day. Simply wonderful, if our own lives can be like that.

The soundtrack on those movies were equally good. Songs like Harry Connick Jr’s “It had to be you”, Van Morrison’s charming “Have I told you lately’ and the Doobie Brothers’ “What a fool believes”. Just setting the mood right for the touching scenes.

My favourite actors are Billy Crystal and Steve Martin. So funny. The former was hilarious at the Oscars and Steve Martin was really great in “Parenthood” and “Father of the Bride”. I also like Michelle Pfeiffer and Meg Ryan alot. Such sweet actresses.

I also like “Green Card” too. The part when Gerard Depardieu was playing the piano. Quite a poignant cinematic moment.

Mahamadou Diarra - The Enforcer

Lately, I have been staying up real late on weekend nites to watch Real Madrid in the La Liga. The main reason was to catch Mahamadou Diarra play. He is quite extraordinary, the enforcer in the Real Madrid team.

This midfielder is God-sent, he has such superb combination of incisive passing, waspish tackling and a work rate that would have done credit to a younger Patrick Vieira or Claude Makelele. He has got lithe athleticism, boundless stamina and sheer strength, all tellingly interwined by a ruthless and determined streak.

He is probably the best among the African players making recent football headlines. I rate him ahead of players like Essien, Drogba and even, Freddy Adu. This new generation of players are far likely to surpass their more famous predecessors like Abedi Pele, George Weah, Roger Milla, Thomas N’ Kono or the Super Eagles real soon.

From his earlier outings at Lyon, it was blindingly clear that this lad was going to be special. Diarra lacked nothing. His control was magnetic, his pace was so ever-searing, a visionary passer and a owner of shots that was both startling and prodigious flair. Devotees at Lyon must be lamenting how a thrilling talent of limitless potential was allowed to slip away.

This Mali international's midfield craft and understanding with Emerson is providing the Madrid backline with devastating protection. As Marca, a Spanish newspaper had screamed in the earlier weeks of season 06/07, “He is the lungs of the middle of the park who never loses the ball.” Can't be that wrong, he costs US$33 millions.

He is the leader of Real Madrid's new order under the Capello rule. His finest hour of towering accomplishment at Real Madrid has yet to come...

Goal of the season 2006/07

That majestic goal should be worthy enough to win any game. Any football fan round the world would be in awe looking at the superb volley which van Persie executed.

One again, with all the ball possession that Arsenal had, Charlton took the lead when Hasselbaink, looking very much offside fed the ball for Bent to score.

11 minutes later, wonderful ball trickery by Hleb gave van Persie the ball and he fire a low shot to the net. The superb second came from Eboue’s harmless looking cross and a flying van Persie let loose a rocket volley for the Goal of the Season. Keeper Carson who kept Arsenal at bay for most of the match was bewildered.

A fine 2-1 away win. I thought Gallas was a bit out of sorts at the Valley.