Paul Scholes, he scores goals!

That's the little jingle that the Old Trafford faithful have come up with for Scholes.

In case you do not know, Scholes used to be a really prolific goalscorer in midfield. Think Lampard and Xavi combined, and you get the Ginger-haired man.

He has always been my favourite player in Man Utd and boy was I glad to see him score the scorcher to bring us to the final this morning!

He has never been the attention grabber, nor does he vie to be in the limelight at all. More often than not, he only makes the headlines for the right reasons - his outstanding performances on the pitch.

This morning at the Theatre of Dreams, he did it again.
The match might not have been pretty to watch, but at least we made it through!

Anyway, as much as I hope that Man Utd can exact revenge by meeting Chelsea in the final, nothing beats the vintage Man Utd and Liverpool rivalry.

So Chelsea, scram off!

I am appalled, if not extremely disappointed and dismayed at Sir Alex's decision to use his second stringers for the second game in a row, and in the most 2 important games of their season to date too.

I mean, what was he thinking? That his second team can beat the likes of Barca and Chelsea at their home ground, or to just grind out a draw? Chelsea who havent lost at their ground for more than 4 years would crumble or quiver in their legs at the sight of Fletcher and co at the tunnel? If your players have come so far, I'm sure 45 mins more on the pitch wouldnt exactly kill them right? Adrenaline and big matches can carry even the most weary of legs and I'm sure that is the case with the players too.

To see Man Utd labour against their opposition in the past 2 games was not a pleasant sight for the many man utd fans to behold. If we have come so far only to falter at this stage, I wonder what was all the hype and hard work for previously. Honestly, if we were to lose out on everything, I wouldn't be surprised, but angry at what is really perceived to be tactical naivety and obvious underestimation of the opposition.

Fergie, what were you thinking?
All that talk about respect for match officials just a few weeks ago, and yesterday you absolutely ridiculed the men in black and if anything, respect was nowhere to be seen.

I hope you can bow out on a high, winning the Champions League for the second time, The Holy Grail, because that is what you really deserve after more than 20 years in the business, but I implore you to wake up soon, and realise that this season, we are really nothing much when Ronaldo isn't on the pitch.

Random

I like hawker centres. Do you?

I like walking around markets, hawker centres, town centrals, in the morning and taking in all the interesting sights.

Where else can you find such creative and original signs other than these places?

I'll make love to you...

Loosely translated as "Boss is out, anyhow sell!"

Sometimes, we all need to be simpler than what we have turned out to be.

The place I most like to have my breakfast at is the neighbourhood hawker centre. I'm never that free nowadays though. Used to go there everyday with Ys, Ch and Andrew for tau huay breaks. Haha.

I like it because they have everything there. Soya milk, carrot cake, wanton noodles, porridge, economical bee hoon, kueh, kway chap, nasi lemak, and the list just goes on and on. I must have had too much nasi lemak in primary school, it's become my favourite food now. That is why when Sat morning soccer doesnt happen and I do not spend friday night out late, I would sometimes try to make the effort to accompany my mum to the market, which doesn't happen too often as you might have guessed.

So yes, when all the aunties see a young man go with his mum to the toilet, the standard cries of "好命啊, 儿子这么大了..." ring all around. Sounds familiar to many of you too I'm sure.
On a side note, when strangers see my elder bro and I, most mistake me for the older one. To which my bro never fails to add in, "他比较臭老!" Well, can't fault him for his enthusiasm. Haha. You know the reason is because I am 10cm taller than you! Oops.

I think I will miss the day when I move out of a HDB town and stay somewhere else. I don't know but I am picturing the times when I start my own family and I will bring them to the market every Sunday. Haha.

Balls of fury!

A few sundays ago, the withering streak of my love for table tennis was suddenly rejuvenated and so the family organised a badminton cum table tennis Family Day at Changkat CC. Well, in a way, it was also a competition to find out who plays the meanest game of ping pong among the 3 brothers.

When I was young, my elder brother had a big influence in whatever I did.
Table tennis, soccer - the 2 sports that he was actively involved in, I picked up both as well, and got better too! =)

Maybe that was why my parents were so worried about me when my bro graduated from pri school and I would be left alone there. You see, I was very shy as a kid. Shy enough to buy nasi lemak from the same stall for a year just to avoid talking to the hawkers from other food stalls!

Needless to say, that became a HUGE family joke.
Every now and then it would still be brought up, much to the delight of everyone of course. Haha.

Anyway, the sporting gene was carried over to my younger bro, though he isn't as passionate about it. All three of us were in the table tennis school team at one stage, and I say it with a lot of pride that I was groomed in Anglican High School!

So back to the day of our showdown, when I actually saw my table tennis coach (Yan Jiao Lian). He was coaching a small kid in the same room where we were gonna play. Small world eh? Had a chat with him and he told me that our beloved Mr Choo Hua Hua (sorry I just had to include the full name) has retired and is enjoying life, travelling around the world.

I didnt know he is in his 60s already. He looked like he is in his early 50s to me! Hmmm, the wonders of a cushy job, and teacher in charge. Haha.

To be fair, he did bring us a lot of laughter and fond memories. The times when he endeavoured to draw the perfect circle on the whiteboard, shouting out almost everyone's name on the class list for those who did not hand up homework, wearing his tight shorts for table tennis training with us... Actually with a name like his, he didnt have to do much else. Haha.

The guys always looked out for the times when he attended table tennis training sessions in shorts or pants. If its the former, it means the coach has to arrange for some unfortunate poor soul to train with him.

Train basically means being sent into the room and have a one to one sparring session. I always reckon its something that he takes immense joy in, when he retreats and hits high balls for the lower sec kids to smash back at him. And no matter how hard the kid tries, he returns every ball with much ease. All the while, he would grin from ear to ear, indulging in this paedophilic pleasure.

I say that because I have been there, done that too. Haha. Everyone in the table tennis team goes through that ritual, until we become too good for him. Ahhhh, the liberation that comes when you officially graduate and smash the living daylights out of him! Haha..

Okay I'm getting too carried away talking about him. Back to our family day. So my elder bro and I won a game each, and the last game had to be stopped because time had run out. My younger bro was not quite in the same league, but he must have been honoured to witness such an epic battle anyway. Haha.

It was weird while playing with my bro, with my former coach in the same room as well. Brought back memories of the time I used to train under him. Maybe it was stress, if not I really should have won the two games. Haha alright not finding any excuses here.

In all, it was good family fun on a Sunday morning. Everyone should do that, does wonders for family bonding!

Puberty, once more...

After much procrastination, I finally sought medical help for my what-seems-to-be-ever-increasing acne. Not that I had wanted to see the doctor, but my pimples were getting out of hand, and onto my face literally.

One, then two, and all of a sudden, 4 big hard lumps were stuck on my face, causing my face to look misleadingly bloated. There were not like normal pimples, but more like mosquito bites,
big, swollen and felt really stiff to the touch. So Sunday was the day I decided that I had to put a stop to it.

It wasn't easy to force myself to wake up at 730am on a Sun morning and rush down to the very famous dermatological Maple Clinic in Tampines. And the fact that the Man Utd game was at midnight meant I had precious little sleep.

Doctor: When did you start having these pimples?

Me: Around 2 months back, I guess.

Doctor: Did anything happen in these 2 months?

Me: Ermmm, I broke up, does that count?

Doctor: Ahhh yes yes, break up.. Stress stress.

Me: *Perpetual smile*

I thought that was a brilliant diagnosis, just like what my mum told me too. My mum even went on to name me the celebrities who grew many pimples after they broke up. Haha.

So she gave me some antibiotics and some 5 course application lotion to be applied twice a day. Well, as long as these pimples get the hell out of my sight and face, I wouldn't mind all the extra trouble! Review will be in 3 weeks time and hopefully, everything gets a lot better then.

Just like before
It's yesterday once more...

KTV

The 2 interns decided that singing to just the only audience (me) in the office isnt enough so they decided to organise a singing session at Kbox.

Well, I was pretty apprehensive initially but I guess I couldn't reject the invitation from the 2 ladies. In the end, I sang much more than what I had thought I would. Haha.

Because I am 4 years older and do not update myself with the latest songs and stuff, I find myself keep asking them if they even knew or heard the songs that I chose.

Is it really true that I only choose emo songs? I know I like songs by William So and Andy Hui, but emo, I'm not so sure. Anyone else wants to second that vote?

I find one comment particularly amusing. Shanice said there was a feeling of Hugh Grant when I was singing Way Back into Love, which I can't help but wonder if that's a good thing. The funny part is that I actually kinda agree with that. Haha. And btw, Hugh Grant doesn't sound that fantastic in the song.

Yup I like to close my eyes in photos...

Ms TTT

Serenading

Chloe - Shanice - Me

And of course, credit to Ms TTT for the beautifully touched up photos..
I didnt forget alright?

Friday evening

It seems like nowadays, I play soccer at East Coast every week. Not that I'm complaining though. Met up with Dz, Alvin, KY and Jackson for a game on Fri night. And Jackson really looks like he has made it big, and I mean it for his physical outlook as well. Haha.

Saw Pei En that night and I think it must have been the first time that I saw her since sec school days. She looked as slim as ever though. To be honest, I am really impressed with how the two of them have come so far. I heard that they had a few ons and offs in between but still, it takes a lot to reunite after such a long time.

After the game, we hung out at McCafe and surprisingly, talked football with DZ. Seems that he has suddenly taken to watching football games and the ones with Man Utd in particular.

DZ, I recall now. You didn't throw *bee bee at Cuiwen, you threw at the random unfortunate passenger sitting on the bus! And I wasn't the one who accused you, it was Andrew. But, it was the truth anyway!

Oh, and thanks dudes for the brilliant sabotage.
Appreciate it deeply.

*For the uninitiated, bee bee is the best thing since sliced bread! And it just costs $0.10, mind you.

Of they who deserve better

Let's face it, there's a part of all of us that loves those relegation scenes when players slump on the turf with tears in their eyes. Leeds was clearly the pick of the bunch and the sight of El Hadji Diouf wiping his eyes might well match that for entertainment.

The vision of Stephen Hunt with sodden cheeks might bring unexpected pleasure, but what crazy, evil bugger (who doesn't support a relegation rival) would like to see Brian McBride, Jimmy Bullard or Danny Murphy in tears?

Source: F365 Blog - Put your hands together for McBride...

I can just picture how phoney Diouf would look like, if he really does cry when his beloved Bolton goes down. Hilarious!

I agree with the part about McBride wholeheartedly though. He is every bit the old-fashioned, never-say-die striker that all the papers write about him (ala Heskey). If only Bullard and him hadn't been injured for much of the season, they wouldn't be mired in this relegation dogfight at all.

Anyway, I guess its too little too late now for them. Better luck next season, and I hope I will see you guys play soon enough.

Michael Buble - You Belong to Me

See the pyramids along the Nile
See the sunrise on a tropic isle
Just remember darlin' all the while
You belong to me

See the market place in Old Algiers
Send me photographs and souvenirs
Just remember when a dream appears
You belong to me

I'll be so alone without you
Maybe you'll be lonesome too, and blue

Fly the ocean in a silver plane
See the jungle when it's wet with rain
Just remember 'til you're home again
You belong to me

Fly the ocean in a silver plane
See the jungle when it's wet with rain
Just remember 'til you're home again
You belong to me

The R Letter

I tendered my resignation today.

While I was on the way to work this morning, I was just thinking that this was exactly the same shirt I wore when I first went for my interview with the company.

I remember it so clearly because it is my first business shirt and my mum had insisted on paying for it.

So I went to the boss' office and spoke to him about it. I need to give a 75 business day notice before I can leave the job and that would mean staying on till end of July. By then, my studies would have started so I had requested for an early release.

He didnt agree to it, nor did he promise me that I can leave earlier than the stipulated period. But, he did assure me that he would look for a replacement and he sees no point in holding me back.

To be honest, I can't wait for the day when my replacement comes and I can hand over my duties. That's not to say I would slacken off or I won't bother myself with work anymore. The boss will probably have his reservations that I will still give my best given the situation, but I would think I am that professional enough to continue in the same stead.

Which also means, I would be a poor student very soon..!

East Coast Futsal 120408

Even though there were a few scares when a few backed out last minute, the turnout was surprisingly good, and Elaine turned up as well! As much as I would have liked to stay on the pitch and played all the while, my team lost quite a few games and I could see her yawning almost every minute everytime I sat beside her.

Dz, it takes a lot a for girl to wait for you 3 hours, sitting down at the bench, and helping us with the stopwatch all the while. You've got a good catch on your hands, so treat her really well! Haha.

The game went well, with 4 groups of friends playing together - Jason's, KY's, my elder bro's, and PJ's. I thought everyone enjoyed themselves, and $12 for 3 hrs is pretty worthwhile.



I'm waiting for everyone to be done with their exams and I would want to organise one for all of us. And andrew of course, if you are even coming back...

Quote of the Day

Success is getting what you want.
Happiness is wanting what you get.

Dale Carnegie

East Coast Futsal

Venue: East Coast Futsal
Date: 12 Apr (Sat)
Time: 10pm

I need people! Whoever's free and wants to play, let me know!

If you can't beat them, join 'em..!

Yahoo has said it will carry out a 2 week trial of showing Google ads (Adsense) alongside their own search results.

I am not biased when I say that Yahoo search still has a long way to go, compared to Google. I've recently tried using Yahoo Search Marketing and its really disappointing. Its almost elementary, when you compare the two.

Hmmmmm anyway, I think their latest move is an attempt to scare off Microsoft or more likely, to force them to jack up their takeover bid.


Read more at:
Who needs Microsoft when Yahoo has Google?

He's back.. (Drew, this entry's for you)

Four minutes later Rooney was brought on in a bid to increase the misery on Roma.

He was given a rousing reception but that was nothing compared to the roar that greeted Gary Neville in the 81st minute.

It was first run out for a year after ankle injury and he took the armband.

Source: Soccernet

Just look at that killer look

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The Neviller is back.. All England and Man Utd fans rejoice!

Serendipity

It took quite a while, but it finally arrived last Saturday.

I am pleased to inform you that the University has accepted you into the programme on condition that you complete and pass the Preparatory Course commencing in June 2008.

So its official now!

The preparatory course starts on 4th June and will end late August. Classes will be conducted around 4-5 times a week. Basically, they deem that my Business IT diploma isn't proficient enough so I would have to take these 3 modules, Accounting, Econs, and Marketing.

Hopefully, I have not forgotten how to study already.. =)

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Anyway, would an 81 year old man still have enough libido to crave for sex? I seriously have my doubts but the facts seem to prove otherwise!

Return of the... Michelin Man?

Football365 Source: Cech could miss rest of season

Tal Ben Haim has been identified as the Chelsea player who collided with Petr Cech during training on Sunday, causing the goalkeeper to be rushed to hospital.

It is understood that Cech required 50 stitches and it remains doubtful whether he will be able to return this season.

According to The Daily Mail, 'Cech was wearing his skull cap at the time the incident happened but it offered no protection as the wound was on the part of his face which is not covered.

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This comment from one Football365 reader really cracked me up:
"He'll be coming out dressed like the Michelin Man soon..."

When more isnt merrier..

You know when they say the first and the last person you think of in the morning/night is the person you like, what happens if you think of different people and it alternates among the few every time?

Sms Etiquette

I am pretty particular when it comes to unanswered smses. When I say that, I refer to smses that require a reply.

I dont know about you but it certainly is very frustrating when I ask questions via sms and they go un-replied. Like the many articles before this that harped about the lack of courtesy and etiquette in email and smses, this certainly reinforces that trend.

Isn't it basic etiquette to reply a question?

Because the question came in the form of an sms, it is thus rendered insignificant, and you can ignore the sender totally.

When people ask questions, it is precisely because they need answers.. from you! And the least you could do is to just take up that phone and key out the very few letters needed for a reply, positive or not.

It appalls me, when I see the number of people who think so lightly of this nowadays. And when I do ask them why did they not reply, they give me crap like,

"I thought we had rapport!"
"We're such good friends, doesnt matter if i reply or not la.."

And they can do the same thing over and over again, like I am an idiot sending one-way messages. It is just not a coincidence when the same person does not reply your smses everytime. I get so disillusioned that I phase them out totally the next time round.

To me, it just shows a complete lack of respect.

Well, so far, I've only seen that happen in guys so it's probably fair to say that we do have some way to go when it comes to basic etiquette.


**Dont worry CS, i'm not referring to you here.. The Golden Doubles go way beyond that.. Haha

Dell Inspiron 1420

Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology - Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T7250
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium
2GB DDR2 SDRAM
14.1” WXGA Display with Integrated 2.0 mega pixel web cam
160GB* Hard Drive
DVD Burner*
Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
1-Year Limited Warranty (Next Business Day On-Site* Service)

Online Price S$1,599
----

Is that a good deal?

Thailand bans castrations..!

The country most famous for its tom yum soup and transsexuals has now banned castration operations, at least for the time being.

Read: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20080402/tts-health-thailand-gay-transsexuals-5b8313a.html

The boys hope that by removing their testicles, their bodies will not develop masculine features and they will appear more feminine when they eventually complete their gender reassignment surgery.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I certainly think that isn't true at all!

Hey I need a tagline, description, a line that describes the picture on my blog.

And I need ideas! So all contributions are most welcome.. Lame, cheesy, corny, stupid, keep them all coming!