In with a shout

Really so cool... Beating Pompey 1-4 away and closing the year as genuine title contenders. Got to say that when Song, Diaby, Cesc & team are on song, the Gunners are quite unbeatable.

Looking at the fixtures, end-Jan to mid-Feb looks tough. Facing Man Utd, Chelsea & Liverpool in consecutive weeks.... was thinking, if could get 9 points from those 3 matches, should be home and dry by then. Woohoo....

Blackburn (Team A) 2-3 Arsenal (Team B)

This match was absorbing and exhilarating till the end. The Gunners gave Blackburn a footballing lesson in the first. The second half was pretty even and Blackburn came back.

Eduardo’s wonderfully executed shot put paid to Blackburn’s hopes in extra time. What drama. The Gunners storming to a 2-goal early lead, squandering it and then with 10 men, hitting the winner in extra time.

Now, for the semis and then Wembley should beckons...

Back in the saddle

Arsenal beat a Mourinho-less Chelsea for the first time since February 2004. The feeling on the final whistle was just too good.

The resilience and will to win was there. Yes, Drogba, Essien and a few others were out, but, don’t take that away from the Gunners.

A lone goal settled this bruising encounter. Captain Willy rose like a lark and head home from Fabregas’s corner near half-time.

After this round of matches involving the Top Four, I reckon the title would do down the wire this time round with Man Utd and Arsenal competing.

Yes… I love that muscular kung fu dragback that Fab4 used at Cashley. The match was a frenzy… my man of the match vote goes to our regular Blondie. He was simply superb.

One nil to the Arsenal.

Young and Dangerous

Mad Jens appeared for the Gunners in this match. The gunners played much, much better, unlike the Boro showing.

Great to see RvP and Diaby back…they looked so sharp as ever. Diaby even found the net. Nicklas Bendtner drove home the second just before half-time.

I am peeved, winning and still unable to top the group. Next Friday’s draw would be intriguing…. I am hoping we would meet Barcelona, for sentimental reasons, to have the young Gunners squaring up against Titi.

This Sunday would be so cool… Grandslam Sunday.

The day the music died...

Arsenal's 22-match unbeaten record in the Premiership came to an end at the Riverside. Okay, Middlesbrough won as they were marginally better on Sunday. But then, playing 3 games in a week did took its toll on the Gunners. Moreover, RvP, Flamini, Fabregas and Hleb were out…

Downing’s penalty strike and Tuncay’s shot gave Boro a two goal lead before Rosicky fired a late consolation for a weary Arsenal.

The Czech’s goal was a little too late…the Gunners tasted defeat for the first time this season. Hey, the game is about winning and losing. There’s no time to fret…the Grand Slam weekend is coming!

Relief for Sam

I reckon this was the match that could spell doom for Newcastle embattled manager Big Sam. After 90 minutes, it was 1-1. The result probably bought him more time at St James’ Park.

Arsenal's opening goal, which is around 3 minutes into the match, was another gem. Adebayor received Eboué's cross on his chest before executing a superb volley. I thought the floodgates was open…alas, Newcastle showed more grit and fight to storm back for a draw.

It was a pretty subdued performance by the Gunners. But then, that volley by Ade was simply audacious. I felt Arsenal do miss the quartet of Flamini, Fabregas, Hleb and RvP.

Class and resilience

This was one match that definitely got gooners purring and drooling all over…

Emmanuel Eboué was instrumental in this match. He was involved in both the Arsenal goals. His deflected cross set up Flamini to power home and his reverse pass free Sagna to cross for Adebayor to head home the decisive winner.

Yes, it was a game of two halves, literally. The first was Arsenal playing cosmic football and the second was classic resilience. Oh yes… the gunners did got rocked a bit in the second half.

Fads in November 2007

1. Spurs got their 7th manager since 1996. Arsenal had the same one since that year.

2. It’s the 25th anniversary of Wacko Jacko’s best selling album, Thriller.

3. It was the Yao-Yi NBA “China Derby”.

4. Norman Mailer passed on. He is 84.

5. England lost 2-3 to Croatia at Wembley and failed to qualify for Euro 2008.

6. Arsenal’s unbeaten 28 ended at Sevilla.

Lost the battle, not the war

My colleague was asking me yesterday…should he punt for an Arsenal away victory? Somehow, I told him not to….it was an under strength Arsenal team playing away in Spain. Gosh, the Gunners tasted defeat this time round.

I still feel the decision to rest the established first team players was just. There are tough games ahead… however, the gamble did not pay off. Sevilla isn’t that easy meat after all.

Eduardo scored the only goal for Arsenal after out muscling Daniel Alves. It was undone by two superb goals from the home team in the first half. Damn, there was even time for Sevilla to score a third through an injury-time penalty.

Hope they rebound fast enough. This weekend’s trip to Villa Park could be tricky.

Bruce's not almighty

Another Arsenal victory, but not till the last 10 minutes… Wigan provided stubborn resistance and some rough play in this match. Finally, two late goals saw off Wigan. Captain Gallas scored the first with a superb header. Sagna’s cross from the right was pin point. Rosicky added the second to seal the win.

Not a bad result for the home side with a depleted midfield… the Gunners were without Fabregas, Flamini, Gilberto and Hleb. It is now an unbeaten 28 in all competitions.

Halfway through the second half, I was actually worried about the Gunners not winning this match…why? Titus Bramble was doing the defending! Luckily, all well’s end well. While Wigan put up quite a fight in this fixture, those blardy tackles on Denilson and Walcott should be straight red cards.

Gallas was perfect in this match. Okay…I am slowly beginning to accept the fact that he is the One to inherit DB’s No. 10 jersey. Bendtner was good too…he was Dangerous Dane the moment he came on. The roll continues.

Goal #1001

Adebayor hit goal 1,000th with a curling shot and Hleb twist and turn in front of the Reading keeper before scoring the third. Arsenal were simply gloriously classy.

Reading took a defensive approach right from the beginning. The first goal came when Eboué, Adebayor and Hleb inter-played effectively for Flamini to score.

Three points were never in doubt. It could have been a rout… at times, the gunners over-elaborated with their passing. Anyway, it was quite a strolling breeze… the gunners are back on top. Yipppeee!

To the knockout stage

Not gonna write much… the Gunners just got the point they needed with this away 0-0 draw against Slavia Prague to get to the 2nd round.

I hate to admit it… it was agonizing and the match was quite a yawn. Who cares… the Gunners stay undefeated and are through to the knockout stage. That matters.

Though the whole thingie was far from beautiful...there was a message to Liverpool. Qualify then rotate. Don't rotate and try to qualify.

Old fogey's webb of distraction

The injury time equalizer brought much joy to my house. Luckily, my ah girl was asleep, if not, I might had toss her up in the air as well.

The midfield contest between Man Utd’s Anderson and Arsenal’s Fabregas was intriguing. Man Utd’s teenage Brazilian was like a young Edgar Davids, snapping at every gunner’s heels. He didn’t really snuff out the Arsenal play but he was dastardly irritating. My, I think this duel could soon replace the Vieira vs Keane or even the Wright vs Schmeichel feuds of the yesteryears.

I think Arsenal were the slightly better team on Saturday. Yup, even though they had to come from behind twice. When Fab4 calmly rolled the ball to made it 1-1, it was sensational. When Gallas made it 2-2 right at the death, I felt like it was …. like better than getting laid.

It now stands at a club record run of 25 fixtures unbeaten in all competitions. Sure, Man Utd did sort of prevent the Arsenal from doing their sleek passing game. So, this new found resilience and steel have prevented any dreaded results. We saw remarkable comebacks against the likes of Liverpool and Man Utd.

A draw was a fair result… and yes, Gallas gave everything… more such stellar performances from our captain. It was euphoric when captain Gallas hooked in the equalizing goal. This Arsenal team’s got character and they just doesn’t want to lose.

My initial blog title was "Stoppage time joy"...I've since change to this current title. Ha ha.

Dudu on the double

Eduardo Da Silva fired his warning shots last night with two superb goals. Le Boss even insisted there is much more to come from the Croatian.

Dudu’s double was enough to sent the Gunners to the fifth round. The first was a swerving strike and the second, a sweet left foot shot after feinting past the keeper. Denilson added the third off a deflection.

Oh yes… it was simply Arsenal from start to finish or, Arsenal all the way. The Blades were clearly out-passed by this set of younger Gunners. Though it was 3-0 victory, it clearly could have been more…. without breaking a sweat.

Fads in October 07

1. A “humilated” Jens Lehmann blasts Wenger and the other 2 Arsenal keepers.

2. Arsenal launched their Chinese language website.

3. Time’s up for Tottenham’s Martin Jol.

4. Section 377A is a hot act.

5. The world’s most wanted suspected paedophile got nabbed in Thailand.

6. Thierry Henry took his international strikes to 43 and surpassed Michel Platini’s goalscoring record for France.

7. Is Sin Ming the funeral hub of Singapore?

8. AC Milan goalkeeper Dida looks very much like a promising actor.

9. Local farmers petition against granite stockpile in Kranji. It was hilarious when they sent a basket of fruits and vegetables to the Prime Minister.

10. Senior Citizen is re-branded as “Active Ageing”.

Record intact

Arsenal’s season had entered its most demanding phase, facing Liverpool and Man Utd in the space of 7 days. That includes Sheffield United in-between.

In the much hyped match played yesterday, it was a 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield. Yes, it was a pulsating match… Arsenal did the chasing as they fell behind early in the match.
Arsenal, coped well with this so called first big test of their Premier League campaign. Neutrally speaking, the Gunners were by far the more polished and better team.

Though a goal down so early in this match, they showed no signs of fear or nervousness… they just kept plugging away… struck the posts twice. With 10 minutes left, the excellent Hleb came from the left, found Fab4 and the young Spaniard toe poked gently past Pepe Reina for the equalizer.

Another excellent Arsenal display, great football, passing, teamwork and a never-say-die attitude. Blondie Almunia pulled off a few fine saves…I think Lehmann would be “humiliated” for a longer than expected time…

I’m glad with the draw. Actually, Arsenal could have well won it. It was a Liverpool displaying some admirable defensive work, working through a tight defensive mindset in a home match. Pooh pooh.

If Arsenal had not left Anfield with at least a point, it would be a real travesty.

Football from another planet? Yes!

Out of this world, it was outta this world….this was Arsenal in top gear. My, oh my… a mouthwatering 7-0 win over a bewildered Slavia Prague.

It is now an astounding 12th consecutive victories in all competitions. Walcott and Fab4 got 2 goals apiece, Hleb got erh, 2 goals too. Substitute Bendtner sealed the win with the 7th goal.

I like Cesc’s first goal, that wonderful curler. It has all the hallmarks of a player on top of his game. Walcott and Hleb’s second goals were equally mesmerizing.

Of course, young Theo Walcott stole the show. He was magnificent. Actually, so was the entire Arsenal squad. So va va vroom and it was a wonderful belated birthday present for Arsene Wenger.

A truly brilliant and flawless masterclass team performance. The only dampener was those scorching Lehmann’s remarks about being “humiliated”. Hope it is not affecting the team spirit too much…

Knox-king them down

Alright, it wasn’t a great performance… oh yes, the Gunners still nicked a 2-0 home win against Bolton.

The game did came alive during the second half. Kolo Toure gave the Gunners the lead with a low drive from a freekick some 25 yards. Rosicky and Walcott came on as substitutes and made the game lively. About 10 minutes to go, some blistering pace and a cross by nippy Walcott gave Rosicky the chance to tuck in the second goal.

I do wish for a better showing against Slavia Prague during mid-week… then it’s Liverpool and Man Utd. I dread and look forward to those matches at the same time.

It was great to see Gallas back in defence. This squad is something… even old guards like Lehmann and Gilberto have not find their way back to the starting 11 yet. Oh, I guess Bolton came with an intent to play out a draw.… armed with their fouls and ugly football.

Dudu didn’t really stamp his authority much in this match. To sum up the Arsenal strikers… Emmanuel Adebayor raced clear on goal 14 minutes from time, after rounding the keeper, he tripped over the ball. Thank God, a defender and midfielder scored.

Black cats culling

Man, this was one match that Arsenal should have been wrapped up nicely way before half-time. Instead, the Gunners were made to sweat a bit, got a bit of a scare and eventually, won all 3 points.

Well, the Gunners were all over Sunderland and had raced to an early 2-0 lead, somehow, cockiness and complacency sets in….squandered the lead and Sunderland drew level. Thank God, Van Persie scored his second to lift the Gunners to a 3-2 win.

Overall, a great game of enthralling football. There was excitement throughout… a stunning and ferocious Van Persie freekick, a 30 to 40 odd yard sizzler from Toure that cannoned off the post, Walcott sitting on his bum when an open goal was there for the taking, Senderos scoring, Hleb’s battered crown jewels…. and much more.

The poor decision to disallow Arsenal’s “third” goal was decisive. I actually felt that if that goal had stood…the turning point would had led the floodgates to open. 6 or 7 goals would have been a possibility. Damn.

Haiz…wish the Arsenal to be more ruthless…finish their opponents by half time so that the substitutes could come in during the second half for match exposure….leaving it till the end was nail biting but it have been painful.

9 in a row

The Gunners took a step closer towards qualification to the knockout stage in the Champions League with a Robin van Persie strike in the 76th minute.

At the final whistle, Arsenal became the first English side to beat Steaua Bucharest. Only saw the goal highlights…Van Persie did lashed out a good strike. Fab4 had an incredible miss from close range early in the match.

It was great to see Hleb up and running after that injury he got from the West Ham match. I guess it might not be a vintage Arsenal performance. I rather called it controlled with a few scares.

It is now a superb run of nine consecutive victories for Arsenal in all competitions. There is already talks of going unbeaten and emulating the form and consistency back in 2003-04. It is early days….for me, just enjoy the moment. Tops in the Premiership and group H in the Champions League. So, there might not be a need for a new Thierry Henry to emerge in the Arsenal ranks after all. Just keep winning.

My wishlist….also that our local cable operator could at least try showing the Slavia Prague match in three weeks’ time. Is that too much to ask?

One-nil to the Arsenal

The roll continues… this time round, it’s a win against the team who did the double over the Gunners last season.

This Hammers encounter looked every bit a hard fought match, unlike the skinning of the rams last week. Ha…of course, that extra grit, class, cohesion, energy and resilience matters….the Gunners held on to an early Van Persie header for a victory.

I’ve heard it’s the 101st meeting between this two sides and it’s Arsenal's first league win at Upton Park for seven years. This time round, there’s no shoving of Pardew, but there is Mark Noble's crude challenge on Alex Hleb, causing him to be carried off the pitch.

Upton Park was quite a big test and Arsenal came out with a win. Sitting pretty at the top….The Gunners’ title aspirations would really be put to the test come end-October… meeting Liverpool and Man Utd in a week. Wow!

For now, I’m wondering if Starhub is showing this week’s Champions League game against Steaua Bucharest.

Fads in September 07

1. Arsene Wenger signed a new 3-year contract extension with Arsenal till 2011. It is also his 11th year in charge this month.

2. Russian Alisher Usmanov upped his Arsenal stakes to 23%.

3. Arsenal is Europe’s 2nd richest football club.

4. The Special One quits Chelsea.

5. It’s six years after 9/11.

6. The ex-chairman of the old NKF got 15 months’ jail.

7. I was surprised with the recall of Emile Heskey to the England squad. However, to my pleasant surprise… he linked up pretty well with Micheal Owen.

8. An army chap went missing with a rifle and some ammo. The bloke got caught after a 20-hour manhunt.

9. Local football club, Woodlands Wellington walked out en masse against Tampines Rovers in a S-league match. The local football fraternity called it “a sad day for Singapore football”. Actually, I was thinking... what is there to be sad about?

10. Asafa Powell is the world’s fastest man doing 9.74 secs in the 100m dash.

11. Italian opera great, Luciano Pavarotti died at age 71.

The run continues...

Damn. No telecast of this match on telly.

A summary of several match reports I’ve read….it was Arsenal all the way.

Jokes aside, it was a team containing only 3 from the side that thumped Derby, outclassing a full Newcastle squad. Nicklas Bendtner and Denilson scored their first goals for the club in the last 10 minutes of the match.

I’m so delighted….Furthermore, the Gunners are tops on the money pile. Only second to Real Madrid in Europe. Best news was the 70 million pounds to be made available for Le Boss to boost the squad. Power!

Demolition Derby

Wow. The Gunners gave the meek rams a football lesson on Saturday. The result – A thumping 5-0 scoreline and more exhilarating football to boot. The relative ease that Arsenal finish off Derby was great. This young side is shaping up well….

We had Fab4 moving in top gear. The modern thinking footballer, spraying passes intelligently and importantly, scoring goals regularly. This was his sixth match in a row which he has scored.

Abou Diaby opened accounts on the 10th minute with a rocket, Adebayor added two more to make it 3-0… Another rocket whistled in on the 70th minute, it was Fab4’s parting shot prior to being rested. The fifth one and Adebayor’s hattrick came when the Togo international chested a long ball forward, evaded his marker and fired home.

Every Gunner played above themselves. Walcott looked as though he was trying to hard. His final ball did go astray couple of times. However, I like his darting runs. Hoped he could rise and show all the flair and early promise he was demonstrating back in Southampton.

I admit I am a bigot. I once commented that Adebayor wasn’t the type of finished article I so long for to lead the Arsenal attack. I am wrong.

Keep on playing this magical way…come May 08, the Thierry Henry years will only become fond memories and this team of young Gunners will be the Special Ones.

The perfect start

A 3-0 win over Sevilla. What I saw was an Arsenal display of consummate ease, sharpness and professionalism.

Fab4 notched his sixth of the season on the 27th minute. Looked pretty much a deflected shot. It was 2-0 in the second half when Robin van Persie fired home from close range after Sagna had nodded to his path via Fab4’s freekick.

Dudu came on late in the match and still had time to notch a third goal at stoppage time. It came off a classic move involving superb ball interchange between Fab4 and Hleb.

To be fair, that so called dark horse Sevilla did have some good spells… or spurts. For the home team, Fab4 was fabulous and Sagna was so solid at the back.

On more football front, Russian Usmanov upped his Arsenal stakes to 21%. The biggest news was probably The Special One leaving Chelsea by mutual consent. Lastly, Juande Ramos and Martin Jol just got that sinking feeling together.

Actually, I don’t give a hoot about what goes on at Stamford Bridge….C’mon, the Gunners, slay Derby this weekend.

Childhood days

Just relieving my happy days of my childhood, my youth and naivete.

I reckon I was quite a morose when young, the happiest memories of my early childhood were having the chance to steal lengthy glances of those teen or music magazines bought from the nearby mama shop, belonging to my elder brother. Of course, made possible when there is nary a soul at home. Back then, stars like Leif Garrett, Andy Gibb, Parker Stevenson and Shaun Cassidy were hot. I thought they were super cool. Before I go further, I am not gay, hor.

My earliest known fave song is likely to be “Shadow Dancing” by Andy Gibb, who so tragically died so young then. Other than that, “Physical” by ONJ sounded okay and I didn’t really know why it was deemed too controversial then. I also like the music of Grease and Xanadu. Boney M may seems goofy now, I thought I like them then. I also like Abba and The Osmonds a great deal.

Like most children, I was afraid of the dark. As far back as time deemed that I was old enough to sleep alone without falling off the bed, the issue of lights out and darkness irks me…. Big time.

I do have a couple of friends from the neighbouring blocks. Games were just the silly “one-leg”. I was hopeless with marbles, catching spiders or venturing down drains to catch guppies. To top it all, I can’t swim or cycle for nuts. To recap, my older siblings had never played with me that much. Frankly, I guess they were not that keen at it themselves.

It did not help much that I am always on the receiving end – being pelted by the tennis ball in “hantum bola” game, being caught all too easily when playing “One-Leg” and being discovered way too early in the “Police and Thieves” game.

In my teenage years, I spent the greater part of my day locked up in my room. Of course, I had radio for company, those Smash Hits and Shoot! magazines to keep me company. My first experience with blue movies was definitely “Deep Throat”. Ha ha…a porn classic. The stirring of one’s teenage groins…. Ooh aahh… Linda Lovelace and Traci Lords were goddesses. Not forgetting, my weekends… late Saturday nites were spent gluing to BBC radio, listening to the fortunes of Arsenal FC. Match highlights….I must say…the Terry Neill years were not that spectacular.

I love to laze on the floor. It’s cooling. With no one at home, there are always 1,001 things to do, besides school homework. I loves dreaming… I remember I often get lost in the picnic adventure world of The Famous Five…. even, being an Arsenal player. Some one like Graham Rix or Liam Brady. I consider them as silky skillful players back then.

My mom is not going like reading this… I actually dread going to my maternal grandparents’ place during Chinese New Year. It was sheer distaste to fulfill this social obligation. While CNY is a time for merry-making, setting off fire crackers… it is a much-dreaded event for me. Even, it is once in a year!

I can’t understand the evergreen habit of comparing of one’s height, weight, school grades, blah, blah, blah. Let me tell you, as the years goes by, one still had to be field questions on income, job and marital status.

For eons, I wanted to break away from this vicious CNY visits. It is a tedious social and family tradition. I just thought… will those relatives ever go away? Let me live entirely to my own free will, without their well meaning intents and uncalled interference, the world, or rather, my world, would be a better place to live in.

Now, as a parent, I would be mortified if ah girl thinks likewise. CNY visits are one heck of an undeniable facts of life and kinship are at best, of unbreakable bonds.

The Graph

I got this pic in my email. Thought it was hilarious...

Crayfish Hor Fun

This Ipoh crayfish hor fun is yummy. Used to go queue during lunchtime, real legendary queue…about half an hour or more. I’ve given up on queuing during weekdays. Nowadays, I go down on Saturdays. Around 11 am to avoid the crowd.

Superb dish of hor fun, prawns and crayfish. The thick and tasty gravy is light, not too salty and gives a smooth, savoury and nice flavour to the dish.

Location: 2nd floor, at the hawker centre in the Hong Lim or Fook Hai area.

Storming to the top

In a season where Arsenal would be Henry-less, expected to be reeling and all sorts… viola, the Gunners are top of the Premiership after the London Derby.

My heart almost stopped when Gareth Bale took a superb free kick and sent Spurs in the lead at half-time. I was really feeling down at half-time. I wasn’t sad for long… the second half display was awesome.

Emmanuel Adebayor gave a towering performance. He equalized by jumping in front of Paul Robinson and headed home for the equalizer. Of course, Spurs did have their chances to extend their lead….luckily, they didn’t convert their chances in this free flowing derby.

Fab4 continued his goal scoring run by drilling home a 30-yard drive for Goal No. 2. The best of the 3 goals came late….Adebayor flick the ball up and a thunderous volley on the turn. Now, that’s what I call audacious.

Interesting derby. The ever-reliable Gilberto was a bit groggy in defence. Not sure if it was the midweek transatlantic journey for Brazil. Blondie Almunia running out of his area to nowhere in a heart-stopping moment, expensive Darren Bent miskicking, Le Boss’s first game since signing a new 3-year extension contract and that 30-yard boom.

Radiohead

I hadn’t been listening to the radio for awhile….quite awhile. Perhaps, too many distractions. Maybe watching too much football. But, football is never a distraction. Arsenal is never a distraction.

Horror of horrors, I’ve realized that I am pretty uncomfortable with 98.7 FM. I used to loved this station. Right now, I reckon it’s for kids who wants the noisier stuff. To be honest, I am pretty comfortable with Gold 90 FM, in Brian Richmond’s company. I was thinking that 95 FM might be too soothing for me.

Of course, I miss those days when Chris Ho was in Redifusion. I especially miss that radio show playing those thundering heavy metal numbers…by that lady DJ, was it Lyn Sardon, or something like dat? Her shows were explosive, man. Sheer dynamite. Oh yes, Ann Neo wasn’t too bad either. Of course, I am a big fan of the late John Peel. There were his superb programs on BBC then.

Actually, I really hope that one day, there would be one local station dedicated to rock music. 24/7 type, playing Led Zeppelin, Dio, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Black Sabbath, right up to Slipknot or Linkin Park. From 60s to today, and back again. Also give me Twisted Sister, WASP, Poison or Motley Crue anytime. In between, to feature guitarists….like Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai to Randy Rhoads. Now, that would be heavenly.

I must come clean…I’ve never grown out of rock n roll. While I am the early middle aged good guy who pay his bills and taxes on time, I still steal fixes of rock or metal’s unrestrained thuds and thumps everytime I am safely ensconced in some pub. In fact, when I do have lunch at Hard Rock Café occasionally, I always try to sneak a peek at Eddie’s Kramer, Elvis’s Vegas suit, Bowie’s Serious Moonlight concert boots and every bit of rock n roll memorabilia.

I must say, rock music is very much an adolescent form of expression. It’s not like jazz or classical. Hey, those few old rockers who are around, don’t look ridiculous today. Look at Eric Clapton, Keith Richards or David Bowie. They have submitted totally and lived out all the rigours, demands and excesses of rock n roll. One can “feel” their performances, the stimulation is visceral.

When I played it real loud and get enveloped by it, my, the beat and its incantations, it sure gives me the feel-good rush that nothing can. Furthermore, it has that rough and ready feel, the intense noise and the anarchy. Raise your fist and yell!

I told my wife the other day, I wouldn’t mind our daughter learning a musical instrument. I was contemplating…an electric guitar. If she like, I would buy her a Fender Stratocaster. I would play drums, rammed it up like Keith Moon. I dream to be her roadie, ferrying her for her performances, lugging her amplifiers and be her manager. Okay, stop dreaming…

Little Earthquakes

Those earthquakes in nearby Sumatra rocked me this morning. At around 0750 hours, I could feel the house moved. The bed was shaking, the floor was moving. Even those laundry hung high up in the kitchen area was swirling. It was almost like a swivel.

Ah girl’s favourite object at the moment, the windchime, was literally smashing against each other. It is making me dizzy….my head is spinning.

Volcano High

I saw this movie, Volcano High on Sunday nite over Arts Central. It was a made in 2001 Korean film. Boy, it was hilarious and interesting. I was riveted to my sofa from start to finish.

The show revolves around a problematic high school student named Kim Kyung-Soo. From the simple subtitles, I gather that he was transferred from school to school. Finally, Volcano High accepted him. It is an institution where several students displayed incredible kung fu skills. Some even had mysterious psychic powers.

Between plots, Kim was drawn into fights between the different school clubs. There’s also a secret Manual that could hold Great Powers and a group of 5 teachers roped in by the principal to check the students’ discipline or rather, maintain some order.

The final showdown between Kim and the 5 teachers remind me of the 1980 film, Superman II whereby Superman squares off with 3 baddies similarly dressed in black. Oh, and the fighting sequences in Volcano High did bear some resemblance to those Matrix scenes. Great stuff.

I was pretty much glued to the TV. Luckily, manage to stop my daughter from rolling down the couch in time. Phew.

A rock & roll fable

Streets of Fire remains one of my favourite movie. Remember catching that movie at the then President cinema in Balestier back in the mid-80s. Since then, I’ve never seen it on telly. Actually, I’ve tried numerous video shops and whatevers, never manage to get hold a VCD or DVD copy of this movie.

Basically, it’s about a soldier of fortune returning home to rescue his ex-girlfriend from some thugs. It had that great mix of musical, action, drama and comedy with elements of both retro 50s and 80s. The lead, Michael Pare had that cool look then. I rank it up there with Sly Stallone’s Cobra and Kurt Russell’s Snake Plissken. Another bunch of my movie heroes.

Though never a box office hit, this movie is said to have attained cult status. Could be the rock soundtrack….I just lurve listening to “I can dream about you” by Dan Hartman. A fine rock and roll fable, indeed.

In Arsene We Trust

The great news is out… Arsène Wenger has signed a three year extension to his current contract, taking his tenure at Arsenal Football Club to 2011.

Best news for a weekend devoid of league matches, better still for most gooners, the recent departures of Henry and Dein was tough. Glad that Le Boss would be around…to built the next great Arsenal team. Hopefully, within this tenure, the Gunners could capture the Holy Grail, the Champions League. To be Kings of Europe.

More good years…

The Other Side

My wife met up with her ex-colleague for lunch couple of weeks ago. Her ex-colleague was a rich tai tai, a go-getter… ah, whatever. Many people would probably find her brash and she is sure to snort, “It’s your problem.” Strangely, though complete opposites… after all these years, she still kept in touch with my wife.

They sat through lunch, I guess that tai tai friend of hers must had looked expensive – the well manicured nails, the clothes, the pointy shoes, wearing nice perfume, the latest mobile phone and Luis Vuitton bag. It is likely that everyone around was rushing through their lunch while they were eating their lunch slowly, killing time.

Moving forward…my wife was back home. She was going on…saying how that tai tai friend ticked off a young waitress for not serving properly or rather, not to her satisfaction. At the back of my mind, I was cursing….those rich people at it, again.

Then again, I was into wishful thinking… how nice if I’ve got tons of money, I could just lap it up, stay at home and live a life of leisure and luxury. This scenario is too good to be dismissed outright. Imagine being able to walk out on one’s fxxxing highly stressed and low-paying job. For me, flying to London for Arsenal’s home matches, taking my meals at El Bullil, shopping at Milan, relaxing at some spa in some faraway Thai resort, and going almost anywhere, anytime.

It seems, her ex-colleague married rich. I guess there is no point marrying a struggling chap and spend the rest of the time trying to stretch his salary to cover housing loan, car loan, food, utilities, transport fares, maid levy, petrol and other necessities. Bluntly put forth, one might as well go back to work.

I only see the glamour part of being rich. Not sure how her ex-colleague sees it. Maybe she might have told people that the grass is always greener on the other side. You know, it could be… she may have sleepless nights worrying about her maid, about her husband in his overseas job stint, about her country club membership being open to outsiders, about en-bloc profits, about her golf handicap, about a fatter bank account and a zillion of other trivialities.

I really don’t know about what the ultra rich might worry about. My wife and myself haven’t had a holiday in donkey years. With a baby in tow, we just can’t pack our bags and leave whenever we feel like it. Sometimes, when things go wrong, if ah girl starts bawling in the middle of the night, we might had wish we were still single. This has got to be human nature…. to yearn for something that we do not have.

Days of being "wild"

I was a growing child of the seventies, a dull one. While many people can boast of a childhood with exciting stories like catching guppies in drains, catching spiders among thick bushes, swimming in the well, falling from tree-tops in their kampong homes…I virtually got none. Maybe, got lah…. playing that ridiculous game called “One-leg” in badminton courts or jumping up and down from the double decker bed that daddy bought for me and my older brother.

Maybe my wife might have a more exciting childhood, she grew up in a kampong home near the Bukit Timah hills. From young, I was a product of congested “high-rise” HDB flats. I’ve never flown a kite all my life…. apart from a few pathetic attempts to fly kite from the narrow corridors of the flat I used to live.

I’ve also never learn how to swim or go bike cycling. I guess I’m lousy…I also dropped out of NPCC in my secondary school days. I couldn’t stand the bloody marching. I settled for ku niang ones like chess and book reading. My youth, was limited to reading sleeping, eating, studying, reading Famous Five, Secret Seven and eventually, graduating to reading Agatha Christie’s murder novels. Hercule Poirot was like Sherlock Holmes to me. He could solve almost every darn thing. Damn good.

I still harbour a great deal of regret of not enjoying myself that much when I was young. It’s about as tragic as anyone’s childhood can get. That feeling of irrecoverable loss of being short-changed. I definitely would want my daughter to play as much as she can and stay happy.

I worry for her….must she chalked up an impressive array of extra-curricular activities in school? Must she go for gold, go for all the "A"s academically? Would there be a future if only she can jump higher, run faster, dance that perfect ballet routine, swim faster, score that perfect 10 in everything she does. Furthermore, sing that perfect note.

Things have changed, I mean, in education. I reckon there is a great emphasis on an all-round education by schools. I really shudder, to think that only the fittest kids will survive. That, it is a jungle out there.

I am all for fair play, or rather, the sound principles of fair competition and meritocracy in general. But, would this intense desire to be Number One, degenerate into a cruel rat race. I hope the intense pressure to win would not take away the joys of learning and participation. I hear horror stories of parents doing volunteer work on weekends so as to secure the choice primary school for their kids.

But what else would matter for me as a parent of an eight-month old baby girl. I believe that many others, in my generation, were left alone to stop and smell the roses, to watch TV shows and generally, left alone to indulge in fun and games.

Apart from the mid and year-end examinations, I was basically left alone to my own devices. I had the leisure to just grow up, albeit boring, and also to do things just for the heck of it. I must say I was terrified of my paternal grandfather.

I fear….kiasuism would strike me. So much so that I would thrust a set of Tang dynasty poems for my ah girl to recite. Yah, how could I forget Shakespeare. Not afraid to say, I’m no academic myself. I flunked my “O” levels, retook it and somehow still manage to get a basic degree later in life.

Singing. I also harbour thoughts of my girl to be the latest child singing sensation. What’s wrong with a precocious child emerging as champ in a phone voting competition among tiny tots? What’s wrong if ah girl could sing so well and boasts of a voice that can put adults to shame? I must be mad. Imagine the grueling process that maketh a child star.

It is all just wishful thinking. I’m sure that my wife and myself would only want our ah girl to be happy and to spent an eventful childhood that she can look back fondly. Hey, my infant and childhood years wasn’t that entirely deprived after all. To relive them, I think I could buy and then go fly a kite this weekend. Then again, I could live another childhood through my ah girl and yet stay an earnest adult.

Three to the good

4 goals, a thrilling performance by the Gunners and a sending off. Who needs those Russian roubles?

Arsenal were up early, leading by two goals by half-time. Even Senderos’s sending off didn’t derail them one bit. There was still time for Rosicky to drill home the third one from an acute angle.

Emmanuel Adebayor converted the first goal through a penalty with ease. The second came in the 35th minute through Fab4. He spun and slide to score for the third successive match.

First half was fantastic with 11 men, the second half was even better, with 10 men. My man of the match vote goes to everyone donning the red and white. Clichy and Flamini fought tooth and nail for each ball, Fab4 was ever so brilliant.

It was great to see Arsene clenching his fists and punching the air in delight after the match. Le Boss is surely building the next Great team based on his philosophy of not buying big.

Can’t wait for Spurs to come on 15 September. It’s gonna be mouth watering.

The red + white oligarch and another signing

This is a round up of some Arsenal news... David Dein, the former vice-chairman had been installed as chairman of the Red & White group after trading his 14.86% stake to joint owners Alisher Usmanov and Farhad Moshiri.

In the transfer front, Arsene Wenger left it late to beat the transfer deadline by signing Chelsea midfielder, Lassana Diarra. So, another one on a long term contract for an undisclosed fee.

The best one has got to be Arsene hinting that he will go public about his future sometime next week.

Fads in August 07

1. Elvis Presley’s 30th anniversary.

2. Previously, it was no brown T-shirt at MRT, now it’s no pink tees at the Botanical Gardens.

3. Van Halen are starting a reunion tour next month. The better news is that original singer, David Lee Roth is the frontman.

4. Roy Keane “alf-inge haarlanded” the WAG phenomenon.

5. Despite of previous sand and granite bans, a book titled “Gotong Royong” was launched to celebrate the friendship between Indonesia and Singapore.

6. Trans-atlantic Beckham played 3 matches in 6 days, in 2 different continents.

7. Read somewhere that the Chelsea team are naïve, pure and clean.

8. Barry Bonds hits No 756 home runs.

9. Marseille’s Samir Nasri is being touted as the “new” Zidane.

10. The Barca strikeforce of Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry are dubbed the “Fantastic Four”.

11. WOMAD celebrates its 10th anniversary.

12. McDonald’s famous Big Mac, the 3 layered burger, turns 40.

13. Rob Styles is the referee of the month.

14. Suree Sukha is the first Thai player set to play in the English Premiership.

Easy does it

My word. Another Arsenal blackout by the local cable TV operator. They can show the Liverpool vs Toulouse and skip the Arsenal match. Quite normal here, they shaft you what’s available. We got to take it… only one cable operator here.

After reading many match reports, I could conclude that it was an easy ride. Read from Sggooner’s post that Clichy, Hoyte, Dudu, Diaby and Walcott sparkled. Rosicky, Fab4 and Dudu were the scorers.

The 5-0 aggregate score is a Wow! What’s more… £25 m is on the way with this qualification to the Champions League group stage.

The group phase draw takes place tonite. I’m sure there will be tougher opponents than Sparta Prague. The season has just started, tougher tests lie ahead and I could see the young Gunners are up to the tasks.

On a sad note, Antonio Puerta, the Sevilla defender passed away on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack.

The zany drummer

Wild musicians start me up. Keith Moon is definitely one of them. He’s the drummer for the Who. Moon is the manic member, whose life is largely centred on excessive drinking and wild partying. Bad? Not sure. I thought he represented the youthful exuberance and zany side of rock & roll, of course, on the downside, it's self-destructive.

Keith Moon, though a drummer, was the heart and soul of The Who and the core of its sound. My, he sure bangs the drums with wild abandonment and such intensity. His lunacy, more than likely brought a strong personality to the members of The Who. It gave them that wild image and that razor cutting edge.

It can be said that The Who became tighter musically after Moon’s death, but then, things may not be that quite the same. Rock n roll isn’t quite the same when someone as zany as Keith Moon is gone. Like how John Bonham’s death in 1980 sort of derail the great Led Zeppelin.

Keith Moon in his prime, is one drummer with lust, wit and leer that was evident in his influence on The Who’s music, very much decked out between the songs themselves. He passed on in 7 September 1978. That’s 29 years ago. Time flies.

In memory of Wayne Seah and Corey Nonis, 2 young & promising local drummers who passed on this year.

Those old cheena and ang mo movies

I was an avid movie-goer. That was the past. Even my wife has stopped grumbling that we don’t visit the cinemas anymore. Must be the over-arching effects of looking after ah girl…..

The good ole cinema days.... dimming of lights, the never ending commercials, the “compulsory” in case of fire, how to run out of cinema ad, and so on, and on, and on…. then, the interval time, everyone goes for pee break.

Screening resumes, still, no movie. It goes like for eternity… longer than Ben Hur, Gone with the Wind and Godfather Part I, II and III combined. Until the last frame of the final tedious commercial, then the film bops out.

Love those days, my grandma, aunties, mother, cousins and siblings all in tow to watch the latest mushy movies acted by Zhen Zhen, Alan Tang, Qin Han, Lin Feng Jiao, Ku Ming Lun and many others. I remember the free seating, now defunct Kok Wah cinema at the old fifth mile, in the Serangoon area. I love the delicious yong tau foo push cart stall there and the hot tau suan.

In my younger days, there was also the black and white Cantonese Tornado Palm re-runs on telly. This set of 50’s film series, chronicles the adventures of an overweight swordsman called Long Gim Fei. It had those goofy “cling cling clang clang” swordsplay, actors in gorilla suits, and those 50ish state of the art effects – animated flying poison darts painted to the film footages. The cast includes the evil Shek Kin, Chan Poh Chu and Siu Fong Fong.

Education opens me up…new horizons. No lah, I only got more exposed to ang mo-ish culture. After some six years in primary school, I am quite tuned to or I say, become suitably westernised. I started to listen to Casey Kasem’s America Top 40. I begin to like Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady and Al Pacino in Godfather. I discovered Alfred Hitchcock, in turn I got scared stupid seeing Norman Bates in Psycho. I love the fuss that John Travolta did in Saturday Night Fever. I also love Kevin Bacon’s dancing in Footloose.

I’ve had got out of this twilight zone now. It’s hard to find a fellow old-time English movie buff with whom I can strike a meaningful conversation. Life gets lonesome when one keeps watching video re-runs of those each and every Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Liz Taylor, James Dean, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly classics.

My wife is no old time English movie buff. Ha ha… I wonder how we could end up together. She’s more to the Chinese movie type. Tell her about classics like Giant, Roman Holiday, Indiscreet or Singing in the Rain would draw a blank face from her. It’s okay. I love her dearly. We can still catch up and watch ChungKing Express or The Millionaire’s Express. I love those Chinese movies too and can be more in-sync with her.

Bursting Sven's bubble

A match of firsts….first team to beat Man City, first to break Kasper Schmeichel’s 3-match old clean sheet record. The Gunners sure outplayed Man City for long spells during the match.

Thank God….Fab4’s rocket shot flew in 10 minutes from time. The young Schmeichel had earlier saved Van Persie’s penalty kick.

Fairly, there was enough chances for both teams to kill off the game. I thought the Gunners were once again, doing that continuous passing game and yet again or sometimes, hesitating to shoot. Hey, it’s not that it was bad. It was pretty to watch. Finally, it was thru Hleb on the right that fed Fabregas for that emphatic thunderbolt shot.

Richard Dunne and Micah Richards were stretched, yet they were excellent in Man City’s backline. Blondie Almunia had to make several saves during the match, luckily, it was routine enough for him.

A win that comes with defensive costs. Senderos and Sagna are injured. Not forgetting Gallas. Nonetheless, another 3 points in the bag for the Gunners.

The FT Squeeze

Two days back, in my office. A Foreign Talent (FT) colleague was complaining to me on our Government’s fervent efforts to attract more FTs. He was rambling about how other FTs can outmuscle and take over their jobs.

WTF, I am a local here, I don’t even breathe a word or had ever detested the influx of FTs, yet, here comes some shitty FT complaining about other FTs.

It’s probably normal for locals to complain about FTs taking over our jobs. A FT complaining about other FTs taking over theirs is an absolute KNN world first.

Will they be forgotten? Never

Will there come a time where people would forget Elvis Presley, The Beatles or The Rolling Stones? Yes, you heard me right. Forgotten?

They are the epitome and are representative of the most adulated and most abused decade of modern pop history, the Sixties. The 60s is like a password of an era where Bob Dylan is more than just a folk singer, he was a cultural force that shaped an entire generation’s way of thinking.

As a child of the 70s, I am oft, intrigued by all this all-conquering, consuming celebration of the 60s. There are friends I knew who were wearing diapers when the Beatles broke up. This year marks the 27th and 30th anniversaries of Lennon and Elvis respectively.

I was born a bit too late when Elvis was crooning to “Blue Hawaii”, when John, Paul, Ringo and George screamed “Love Me Do” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” was the most astounding guitar opening riff ever. In school or at home, I do know that rolling stone gather no moss, not a band.

The 60s have never left us. The music, the mini-skirts never did go away. Seriously, would anyone think it can be so endearing? Sir Mick and his rock n roll mates were part of one the most famous generations in rock history ever, they still continue to play the part to perfection.

At 64 this year, Mick Jagger is essentially doing the same thing on stage as he has been doing for the past 30 odd years. Prancing, jumping in those no-ballroom tight pants. To me, the Rolling Stones can do no wrong. The scowl, attitude and raw energy that started out as an act of rebellion to the squeaky clean Beatles, has now become a ritual. The rubber lips and that lolling tongue, used to be too sexual, is now a corporate logo for Stones Incorporated.

I guess the 50s was an era when rock n roll was born, the 60s was about how rock n roll sought to move the world. How about the 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond?

The 70s was post-Beatles, each going their own ways. Olivia Newton John, Barry Manilow and some others became 70s icons. Wait a minute, we also got Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, the Eagles, Rod Stewart and Elton John.

The 80s was the rise of synthesizer music and the invasion of British pop. I swear then, people felt that music coming out from a digital synthesizer has no less soul than an electric guitar and fiddle. Duran Duran, Culture Club, Kajagoogoo, Nik Kershaw, Howard Jones, Madness and company churned out pretty good stuff.

90s music might have brought better music than anyone can expect. It had some genuine innovation and surprising seriousness. Bands like Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails were awesome. It had that visceral kick and panache. Things were shook up, evasions got blast away and there was the direct expression of the moment.

Our parents, uncles, the elders are likely to convince us that music from the 60s are only worth listening to. I’m sure they wouldn’t quite relate to Boy George, Pete Burns and Blackie Lawless. For them, only the 60s matter. On the contrary, the Rolling Stones is one band that has been rocking from the 60s till today.

Forget them? No way.

Of butter fingers and simmering boiling point

Just when I thought that the points might be safe against a resurgent Blackburn. Out came another howler by our German custodian.

From the outset, it seems that the home team’s game plan was to unsettle the young Gunners with a rough and musclar approach. Arsenal took the lead in the first half through a close range Van Persie strike. The ball fell invitingly to Van Persie’s path after Rovers’ Brad Friedel had earlier blocked Dudu and Fab4’s shots in a defensive mix-up.

Though leading 1-0, Arsenal were under pressure for long periods in the second half. The equalizer came when David Dunn fired a shot from distance, Lehmann grasped the ball. However, it slipped and bobbled in…

It was a simple shot that should have been a routine catch. What a way to gift a draw in such a bruising encounter. In the other big matches, Man Utd lost away to Thaksin’s Manchester City. Liverpool and Chelsea drew 1-1. The penalty that led to Chelsea’s equalizer sure looked soft.

I was glad to see the new found toughness among the young Gunners. It seems that when Savage and the rest were attempting footbrawl, Fabregas, Van Persie and Flamini were likely to be there to give them an equally good whack back. They played the enfant terrible roles superbly and I like it.

Home, dry & one foot in

Sigh. No live telecast of this match on telly. Anyway, was glad to learn that Arsenal are almost through to the group phase of the Champions League competition.

Goals by Fab4, Arsenal’s dynamic playmaker and Hleb sealed the win. No howler from Lehmann this time round. It was great, their goals should put the 2nd leg beyond Sparta’s reach. Better still, the midfielders are grabbing the goals.

Now, my attention turn towards a possibly bruising encounter with Blackburn Rovers. Ha…got to add this…Spurs lost two in a row. I really feel sorry for their long suffering supporters.

Those supergroups of the past

It seems that the music industry don’t make such music anymore. What music? My kinda…back then. Those AOR (Adult Oriented Radio) ballads. I am referring to those supergroups of the past. To name them, Chicago, Toto, Journey and Foreigner.

Listening to Foreigner is like going through a crash course in 70s rock. They are the ones with those sweeping, anthemic ballads of adult-orientated rock. Their slow songs are spectacular and commercial. Singer Lou Gramm is the distinctive voice that has anchored so many of their hits. From the melodrama of ballads such as Waiting For A Girl Like You, or the 1985 monster hit, I Want To Know What Love Is, to the out-and-out rock of Jukebox Hero and Urgent. Gramm’s voice is tirelessly elastic, leaping into falsettos and beyond with much ease.

Chicago is one supergroup that contains so much more than Peter Cetera and their squishy ballads. While their love songs will always elicit the most applause by virtue of their mainstream appeal, the heart of Chicago lies in its breezy blend of a black-influenced rhythm section, filled with jazzy horns and conventional rock. I always remember Chicago as the band with the continuous stream of saccharine love tunes. Many could probably recall all their tunes, Hard Habit To Break (1984), Make Me Smile (1970), If You Leave Me Now (1976), Look Away (1988), Hard To Say I’m Sorry (1982), You’re The Inspiration (1985) and Baby, What A Big Surprise (1977). Fantastic, look at the years gone by, it’s almost like an unfolding of musical legacy.

Another favourite group of mine known for their adult-oriented radio (AOR) tunes is Toto. Everyone then was likely to be hooked up to the drum beats of Africa. People could gather around on the strength of the mellow Rosanna as well. Their other better numbers include Pamela, Hold The Line or the ever-pleasing I Won’t Hold You Back.

I reckon Open Arms is one track which any pub in anywhere in the world is likely to play this song over and over. If so, one would get to the experience the music of Journey. Singer Steve Perry can clobber power ballads with complete ease. Man, this guy can sure sing. I simply love Faithfully, Don’t Stop Believin, Only The Young, Open Arms and Who’s Crying Now. Those were perfect cheese-pop rock hymn. This is one supergroup that dish out polished sounds, fronted by Steve Perry’s superb and distinctive vocals.

Ha… I’ve got them. This are the four supergroups that were staple radio presence from the 70s right through to the 90s. I love my mushy ballads.

Season 07/08: Breathe Again

After the final whistle, I thought there was much relief all round. I was much elated, jumping on my sofa and kissing my daughter. Arsenal had capped another comeback win. I billed it as the first competitive match since Henry had left the building. It was important and the Gunners just had to win.

Well within that first minute, Lehmann gave us a self-inflicted horror. His attempted reverse pass fell straight to Fulham’s David Healy, who tap in easily from close range.

After 52 seconds, Arsenal was left searching for the equalizer. All their efforts were saved by Fulham’s stand-in keeper, Tony Warner. That guy was excellent, he kept everything out.

I reckon everything was lost… till Bocanegra blocked Toure’s charge. Robin Van Persie slammed the penalty home confidently. Six minutes left, scoreline reads 1-1. Into the final seconds of normal time, the Cesc worked his way through and pass to Hleb in the penalty area. Hleb found space from Chris Baird and strike home for the winner.

Nicklas Bendtner was pretty cool... he came on and rattled Fulham a fair bit. This bloke is quite similar to the John Carew role back in his Valencia days. I thought it was workmanlike and effective. I also love this... Spurs lost to newly promoted Sunderland at the death.

Year 1 and counting...

Oh my... it's been one year since I started blogging. Was surprised that I could continue on this something that I started for fun. Time flies...

On the Arsenal front, I was a bit surprised that William Gallas was chosen as captain ahead of Gilberto. Centre-back as the best person to lead on the pitch? Maybe.

My football memories...

It was all largely down to my late dad’s influence that I am the football-mad fan of today. He nurture this liking back in the late 70s… bringing me to the National Stadium… those Malaysia Cup days. Through football, we forge a strong father-son bond.

Lookin back at the swinging 70s, I was too young to appreciate Johan Cruyff and the Dutch Total Football. However, I could recall World Cup 78, the one which Mario Kempes shone like a star. The long locks of hair and legs. Also, the chain smoking Argentine coach, Cesar Menotti. He did make smoking look cool then.

In 1978, my love for the English game grew. Got to give credits to Spurs. I got hooked on football then, it was entirely due to the Argentine duo, Ossie Ardiles and Ricardo Villa. They were awesome in their FA Cup runs then. During that period, players like Kevin Keegan, Bob Latchford, Steve Archibald, Trevor Francis and Andy Gray were household names. The top managers were Bob Paisley and Brian Clough. Liverpool and Nottingham Forest were probably the finest English sides then.

1980. Arsenal were in the European Cup Winners Cup final against Valencia. The Gunners lost. The only two names that I still can recall were Graham Rix and Liam Brady.

The early 80s was all about Aston Villa and Ipswich Town. Players like John Wark, Eric Gates, Peter Withe, Gary Shaw, Tony Morley, Alan Brazil, Mick Mills, Arnold Muhren, Gordon Cowans, I can keep rattling about them all night. Oh, I must not forget to mention that great Liverpool side of the 80s.

Come Spain 82, I would say it was the most memorable World Cup for me. I watch quite a number of matches on telly with my dad. It was his last World Cup. He passed away the following year in December 1983. I swear that the Brazilian team led by Socrates was the best national team not to have won the World Cup. I remember my dad ranted so much how Toni Schumacher knocked Frenchman, Patrick Battison with an evil challenge. On the same note, my admiration for Michel Platini and Alain Giresse grew.

In the early 80s or right through that decade, Ian Rush of Liverpool makes goal scoring look so damn simple. Oh, and Gary Lineker too.

World Cup 86 at Mexico, the one where Diego Maradona won the World Cup single handedly. I thought he was absolutely the best. I feel so blessed to witness the skills of Maradona in his hey days. Pele and Kaiser were like passé to me when Maradona was around.

In Euro 88, Holland defeated the Soviet Union 2-0 defeat in the final. It laid to rest the ghosts of Dutch football. It was sheer delight to see Van Basten slamming home that well-executed volley past Dassayev.

1989, Arsenal’s Michael Thomas settled the title with the very last kick of the game. We took the title from Anfield at the death. It was a remarkable moment. It was THE MOMENT.

In World Cup 90, Gazza became a cult figure, an icon, for crying. His performances against Holland and Belgium were superb.

Before Asian players like Kazu Miura and Hidetoshi Nakata came by, there was Cha Bum-Kun, the Korean star. He ply his trade in Germany during the 80s. I thought he wasn’t that bad.

The early 90s…I felt very blessed to witness such a great team in AC Milan. They were and looked like they could go on unbeaten forever. The Dutch trio of Gullit, Rijkaard and Van Basten was simply masterclass. They were unbeaten in 58 matches that stretched from May 91 to March 93.

1994 was that dream final between Barcelona vs AC Milan. I saw Milan gave Barca a 4-0 demolition job. It was a feast of fantasy football. Dejan Savicevic ran the Barca defence ragged. The same year, the Gunners won the Cup Winners Cup at Copenhagen. Alan Smith with the lone strike. In World Cup 94, I saw a great Gheorghe Hagi goal when he lobbed from 40 yards against Colombia.

The 90s was interesting… , the great Eric Cantona was at his mercurial best. There was also the goalscoring exploits of Alan Shearer.

Euro 96 was football coming home. I remember that Gazza goal against Scotland. 1996 was also the year Arsene Wenger came by….Many asked… Arsene who? The rest is history.

The new millennium also saw David Beckham became the most recognizable face in world football. Of late, the global football phenomenon are probably, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, in which their dazzling array of flicks and feints seem destined to bewitch football fans in equal measure. I guess, they are the Beautiful Game’s latest icons.

Who is the Greatest? Pele, Maradona, Zidane, Ronaldinho, Platini, Cruyff, Figo, Van Basten, Henry, Kaka, Beckham, Gullit, Hagi, Stoichkov, Baggio...... For me, Dennis Bergkamp is the best.

The greatest moment that etched firmly in my memories….the Unbeaten 49 by the Invincibles. The run that started on May 2003 and ending October 2004. To witness the Ian Wright (1991 – 1998), Dennis Bergkamp (1995 – 2006) and Thierry Henry (1999 – 2007) years was equally awesome. I’m done with my ranting…I can’t wait for the EPL season 07/08 to start.

Ba Dong Curry Fish Head

Another stall serving yummy food. This place, located at Blk 95, Toa Payoh Lorong 4 serves delectable mixed rice and power fish head curry.

Really awesome dishes… it may come across as the common mixed rice stall one finds in Singapore. The big difference is that Ba Dong dishes out yummy fish head curry and other delightful local mixed rice dishes.

Just sharing the one of many yummy food places in Singapore…

Fads in July 2007

1. A prisoner got an extra 3 strokes of the cane by mistake. Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!

2. Fernando Torres joined Liverpool. The new Lord of the Kop?

3. The Live Earth concerts was staged on 07.07.07 in 11 major cities.

4. Chek Jawa re-opens.

5. The “new” 7 wonders of the world were named.

6. After 6 months of waiting, the Beckhams finally landed in Los Angeles.

7. Ryan Babel, touted as the next Henry, went to Liverpool instead of Arsenal as rumoured.

8. Messidona scored an amazing measured lob in Argentina’s 3-0 semi-final win over Mexico in the Copa America.

9. Brazil won the Copa America with a 3-0 win over Argentina. I couldn’t believe my eyes when Julio Baptista hit that stunning first goal.

10. The ex-chairman of the old NKF was caught in Hong Kong.

11. The 7th and final Harry Potter book is out.

That sweet fleeting moment of Robin’s magic

A couple of months of non-Arsenal action….and two matches over the weekend. Two wins and the inaugural Emirates Cup belong to the Gunners.

Pretty uplifting to see the youthful gunners again…. 2 wins on the trot. Not that spectacular, a bit stuttering, but terrific for me.

The PSG game was a bit edgy. I like the Inter game better. Van Persie was great, that stepover and dragback before firing home the winner past Inter’s Toldo.

Things are looking good…. Flamini don’t seem like leaving, Henry’s absence don’t seem to hurt much, Diaby’s power play is majestic and Ebuoe’s runs looks marauding. I can’t wait for season 07/08 to start…

Yummy yong tau foo

I am always in awe with this yong tau foo stall at People's Park. It has fresh ingredients, clear & tasty soup, and lastly, the chilli and sweet sauce.

Each bowl costs $3 and is filled with yummy toufu, tau pok, fish ball and other generous stuffings. Every piece of yong tau foo is full of bite and taste. Dipping them to the chilli and sweet sauce, one get a completely superb taste of what supremely fresh yong tau foo should be like.

This stall is definitely worth a visit.... be ready to queue, that's all.

Freddie is a Hammer

Another of the Old Guard is leaving…yup, after weeks after weeks of yes, no, yes, no….the man is going to West Ham.

Nine seasons of goals, red hair, hard running, fighting spirit and flair. Occasionally, the Calvin Klein undies. He is my vote for the best Swede ever to turn out for the Gunners, ahead of Limpar and Schwarz.

In recent memory, all the ex-Arsenal greats seems heading to West Ham… Ian Wright, Nigel Winterburn, Davor Suker and now, Freddie.

I am sad today.

We can handle the Tooth (Truth)

Another whammy, the authenticity of the Buddha tooth relic housed in a temple at South Bridge Road is called into question.

Dental experts are claiming that the Buddha tooth may not be the Buddha’s tooth after all. Some are claiming it looks more like a tooth of a cow or water buffalo.

Besides the puzzling authencity of the Buddha tooth, I am also wondering why the temple need to use as much as 420 kilograms of gold for the stupa.

I am a simple Buddhist. I actually still think that observing and upholding the Five Precepts and practicing Lord Buddha’s Teachings was good enough to reap good karma and gain merits. Frankly, would donating tones of gold reap good karma and merits too? It then become a rich man’s game. Sigh.

It seems, thousands of years ago, the Man gave up on all wordly possessions to find the Truth. Observing His Teachings is the greatest homage any follower can show to Buddha. Maybe not by showering gold, not for me.

Army daze - Powderful whistle blowing

Last week, the “limelight” fell on a young maverick army officer. The young chap is 2LT Li Hongyi, the son of Prime Minister Lee. He was ranting here and there in an email to the army top brass against the workings of the SAF.

I didn’t pay much attention until I saw Rockson’s blog post on this matter. Check it out, I found it humorous, frank and earnest. Top marks for the right dose of vulgarities too.

Noise, sleaze... great sounds

When the “Appetite for Destruction” album came out in 1987, I reckon I might have been one of those first few who grabbed the CD then. After the release, Guns N’ Roses still wasn’t that popular. Somehow, all of a sudden, everybody starts listening to them and they became a top flight band from the 80s right through the 90s.

What genre they do? They are not alternative enough… they are quite heavy metal. What’s more… they are also commercial enough to hit No. 1 in America with the album, “Appetite for Destruction” and their single, “Sweet Child O’ Mine”. That’s it, back then, in the late 80s, I actually dig their style and scowl.

I guess many pop minded folks out there would see that Guns N’ Roses aren’t supposed to be commercial. The kinda band that is not supposed to be endorsed by the charts, by parents and not even to get near any airplay over the radio.

Who are they? To sum it up… they are noisy, sleazy, whiskey loving, long hair, tattoos, that no-ballroom tight pants and in general, the complete look of rock n’ roll decadence.

Ha ha… come to think of it, those into Scorpions, Rainbow or Deep Purple are likely to welcome Guns N’ Roses as another fine hair band. I would say that “Appetite for Destruction” did shook up action to some people, I liken it to a stab at total freedom. Listening through over and over again, I found that it gave me some sort of release. Most tracks from that album are stunning stuff.

“Outta Get Me” screams hell and fire on those people who are sitting on the other side. “Paradise City” is the Strawberry Fields Forever of driving hard rock. “Think About You” is sheer romantic rock coming down fast and furious. The fast talking “Mr Brownstone” is at best, undeniably attractive.

“Sweet Child O’ Mine” is the best track on the album. I will remember this song as the classic 80s MTV hard rock material. Right from the start, the classic opening guitar riff, to the wailing Slash solo, to the rhythmic kick and drive of the song’s groove to its bridge building up to a climatic crashing end.

This album makes me forget what should be and what should be not. Who cares if it is a bit hard rock, heavy metal, rock n’ roll or commercial sounding. It doesn’t really matter. It was the rise and rise of the sounds of GNR – the sounds of noise + sleaze = Rock & Rollah Freedom.

The new No. 3, on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee

Okay, great news once again. Another transfer scoop, another one on a long term contract for an undisclosed fee and viola, a new gunner.

This guy is Bacary Sagna, from Auxerre. Frankly, once again... never heard of him till the last few weeks. Many sites reported Bakary, now it seems officially to be Bacary.

Not gonna speculate where he will play or will Ebuoe be pushed forward....

The post-Henry era continues to look bright.... Cheers.

Meanwhile, it's Barnet for tomorrow.

High voltage rock

My first brush or rather, taste of AC/DC’s music came during my secondary school days. At Bartley Secondary. This Australian metal band features Angus Young. He’s the one with the schoolboy uniform and shorts….

AC/DC’s line up features singer Brian Johnson, the one with the trademark cap pulled ever so low and that so unholy howl. Phil Rudd, the drummer with the get-outta-my-sight concentration, bassist Cliff Williams and Angus’s elder brother, rhythm guitarist Malcom Young. Of course, we musn’t forget Johnson’s predecessor, the late Bon Scott. The one with that high, screeching and sand-papered bark. In particular, I find Bon Scott pretty eerie with that wig and milkmaid’s dress. It was like seeing Norman Bates doing that Psycho thingie on stage. Alternatively, it was like a nympho Heidi from Hell.

Angus Young is sheer dynamite on stage. The school boy with that bookbag, the non-stop headbanging, the fiercesome guitar tantrum, that Chuck Berry duckwalk with his axe. Together with the band, the animal magnetism, they freaking hypnotize me. No doubt.

When AC/DC are in full throttle, it isn’t enough just to hear their brand of rock and roll. One just had to see them. The pandemonium on stage, ever pulverising their audience, the raw energy…. Let ‘em blow up your video. We know, amp blowing up, smashing your guitar and another and another. Straight up, no frills and no bullshit.