The matchups and predictions:
Liverpool vs Chelsea: Liverpool win. In all due seriousness, I sincerely believe Liverpool have got Chelsea worried after the midweek Champions League match. And Liverpool will carry that momentum into this Sunday.
Man U vs Fulham: Man U win. As long as Rooney doesn’t start at the bench, Man U have got way too much class despite all the injuries.
Charlton vs Tottenham: Draw. Tottenham are recovering, whilst Charlton seem to have defensive problems. I do believe Keane should start instead of Mido though.
Bolton vs Wigan: Draw. Yes, I do believe Wigan are strong enough to hold Bolton.
West Ham vs Sunderland: Draw. Broken record here, but yeah.
Arsenal vs Birmingham: Arsenal win. Birmingham have a talented team, but they don’t seem to gel. I feel bad for Pennant though. His quality is way too high compared to the rest of the strikeforce.
West Brom vs Blackburn: West Brom win. West Brom have to win this one, and I daresay they’ll rise to the occasion.
Aston Villa vs Middlesbrough: Aston Villa win. Props on Angel to score his first goal. Middlesbrough a bit inconsistent at the moment.
Man C vs Everton: Man C win. D'uh! Both teams maybe on a downward spiral but Man C are too much for Neverton. Sorry, Everton.
Well, aside from the first and the last predictions, I do believe I’ve been unbiased and objective! We’ll see what happens!
Friday, September 30, 2005
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Liverpool vs Chelsea (with more dissatisfaction of public services bonus!)
Now, this blog was not meant to talk only bout football, but seriously, nothing else has been of any note lately.
Take last Tuesday for instance. I drove my dad to the Putrajaya hospital for a results review. Had to wait for almost three freakin’ hours!!! The review itself?? Fifteen minutes, tops.
Oh, and these were the results. Wanna know when the actual TEST in question was?
JULY. Yeap, I kid you not. Two bloody months ago! When you take into account that the results may no longer be relevant anymore (i.e. the conditions may have changed) and you begin to realise just how sad the state of our public service is.
Aye, that’s definitely what was on Mourinho’s mind last night and boy is he scared. Chelsea were pretty lucky to run off with a draw last night, but unfortunately, the momentum is definitely with Liverpool now.
If Aston Villa showed us that Chelsea are not invincible, Liverpool has shown us how to NOT be intimidated by Chelsea. Chelsea were pretty much on the defensive for most of the match. I’m not gonna talk about the deserved penalties, goodness knows there’s tons of talk about them in the media already.
But Liverpool has given Chelsea a reason to worry, a reason to fear… so Sunday, Liverpool vs Chelsea Rd 2, here we come!
Take last Tuesday for instance. I drove my dad to the Putrajaya hospital for a results review. Had to wait for almost three freakin’ hours!!! The review itself?? Fifteen minutes, tops.
Oh, and these were the results. Wanna know when the actual TEST in question was?
JULY. Yeap, I kid you not. Two bloody months ago! When you take into account that the results may no longer be relevant anymore (i.e. the conditions may have changed) and you begin to realise just how sad the state of our public service is.
Anyway:
Liverpool vs Chelsea Rd 1: 0-0
"Oh shit, I think he’s figured out how to beat us"
Liverpool vs Chelsea Rd 1: 0-0
"Oh shit, I think he’s figured out how to beat us"
Aye, that’s definitely what was on Mourinho’s mind last night and boy is he scared. Chelsea were pretty lucky to run off with a draw last night, but unfortunately, the momentum is definitely with Liverpool now.
If Aston Villa showed us that Chelsea are not invincible, Liverpool has shown us how to NOT be intimidated by Chelsea. Chelsea were pretty much on the defensive for most of the match. I’m not gonna talk about the deserved penalties, goodness knows there’s tons of talk about them in the media already.
But Liverpool has given Chelsea a reason to worry, a reason to fear… so Sunday, Liverpool vs Chelsea Rd 2, here we come!
Monday, September 26, 2005
YFF Objectives achieved!
Okay, I admit it, my gamble and my dream tip didn't pan out as well as I would have liked.
Having said that, I have pretty much achieved all that my objectives I set out for myself for the week.
Er... unless of course, Mido decides to score a brace tonight... hopefully that doesn't happen, sorry Rudy!
Onto the highlight(s) of the week, -Liverpool vs. Chelsea- x 2
Despite the fact that Lpool drew against Birmingham last Saturday, I was glad to see that at least it was not another goalless draw. Liverpool need to take more chances and I'm glad I saw this last Saturday. Hopefully we can use this as a springboard into success against Chelsea.
However, I would be extremely annoyed if Cisse ends up not in the starting 11 in either of these matches. It's starting to get ridiculous and looking suspiciously like favouritism. Is Cisse being punished for some behind the scenes offense? Or does Rafa just not like him?
I do believe Liverpool can bring the match to Chelsea, and that being said, I am keeping Gerrard AND REINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Having said that, I have pretty much achieved all that my objectives I set out for myself for the week.
Er... unless of course, Mido decides to score a brace tonight... hopefully that doesn't happen, sorry Rudy!
Onto the highlight(s) of the week, -Liverpool vs. Chelsea- x 2
Despite the fact that Lpool drew against Birmingham last Saturday, I was glad to see that at least it was not another goalless draw. Liverpool need to take more chances and I'm glad I saw this last Saturday. Hopefully we can use this as a springboard into success against Chelsea.
However, I would be extremely annoyed if Cisse ends up not in the starting 11 in either of these matches. It's starting to get ridiculous and looking suspiciously like favouritism. Is Cisse being punished for some behind the scenes offense? Or does Rafa just not like him?
I do believe Liverpool can bring the match to Chelsea, and that being said, I am keeping Gerrard AND REINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, September 22, 2005
The YFF SQUAD
My football fantasy team for the weekend, subject to Injuries of course:
Forwards
Darren Bent – So he didn’t score against Chelsea. Big deal. It doesn’t displace the fact that he’s been a scoring revelation for Charlton, and a consistent goalscorer. My only regret was not picking him at the start. He’s been scoring like no one’s business. Also, having his price drop after the match was tempting.
Michael Owen – At 7.79, this guy is a steal, and appears to be helping Newcastle gain momentum. His track record is impeccable, and the only reason he didn’t score in his 1st match was due to poor Midfielder support.
J. Floyd Hasselbaink – Okay, this guy’s a gamble. I had Mark Viduka in his place, but then I found out that he’s recovered from injury. He’s only played 3 games for only 2.5 pts??? Big risk, but one I’m willing to take.
Midfielders
Danny Murphy –After watching him play two weeks ago, I liked what I saw. Considering he gave me 9.5 pts against Chelsea, that makes him strong enough in my book.
Charles N Zogbia – Suddenly this guy looks a lot more attractive after scoring two goals in two matches. Currently he appears to be the sole Midfielder doing a good job for Newcastle, offering great support to the two strikers up front. At 7+, he’s also quite cheap for the performances he’s put up.
Steven Gerrard – I know I may seem biased, but this guy is doing so much in Liverpool compared to his teammates it’s ridiculous. I’ll only leave him out if he’s injured.
Matthew Etherington – Okay, this needs some explanation, especially in respect of the fact that West Ham are against Arsenal this weekend. Truth be told, I DREAMED I picked him this week. The Force is strong in this one.
Defenders
Jamie Carragher – Liverpool’s defence appears strong enough against a weakening Birmingham attack.
Chris Powell – Seems like a Charlton invasion, doesn’t it? Let’s just say I was disappointed by two of my favourite teams, Bolton and Man C (AFTER Liverpool of course!), so I’m being sulky.
N. Jensen – Tottenham are upset, no doubt about it, after their past few performances. I see Jensen doing a lot of work this weekend, even if Fulham loses, I’m sure he’ll get good points.
Goalkeeper
J. Reina – After two successful performances in my team, I see no reason to kick him out.
Other options:
Robbie Van Persie – Normally I wouldn’t choose an Arsenal player, but my Manager, Rachel Stevens thinks he’s hot! Hey, if you got a red card for inadvertently kicking a defender in the face, you’d be hot too!
Mark Viduka – It’s still a toss-up really between him and Hasselbaink. I just feel that Jimmy’s more hungry for goals at this point.
Peter Crouch – It’s a hunch, one I’m not sure I should follow up on.
Trevor Sinclair – He’s been a mainstay of my team before that injury he picked up against Bolton. If he recovers, I’d be hard-pressed not to put him back in.
Azier Del Horno – I’ll definitely make room for him if he recovers, even if I have to spend more than I did originally to get him back. This guy is DA BOMB!
The main issue with the selected team: Too Many AWAY matches. Then again, Newcastle did a spectacular job against Blackburn last week, so I’m hoping more of these anomalies happen.
3 objectives for the week:
Pull away from Who Needs Owen
Score 100+ points
Narrow the gap between S Club Executor and Deportivo de la Muerte
Here we go!
RockStar INXS Rant
Before I start, I want to advertise a hit job on Mr. Ainul of Blood Bowl/Twilight Imperium fame for spoiling the results for me! Any news and information on his whereabouts would be useful too! I will hunt you down, Mr Ainul, make no mistake…
After all the amazing performances this show has seen since it started, the finale was a REAL letdown. I was hoping there’d be more performances, i.e. a longer, spectacular show. The winner is gonna lead an established world act band for crying out loud! I was expecting a showcase of rock brilliance, and I was sorely disappointed. If you were one of those world audiences who voted, I’m sure you would’ve felt cheated.
Of course, this wasn’t helped by the fact that INXS chose JD, someone whom I always felt was more cut out to be a solo performer. It’s obvious in the way he does things, such as writing songs. He’s not cut out to be a team player. Let’s see if INXS don’t end up losing patience with him.
It’s a mystery as to why they chose him, although a plausible reason would simply be that JD’s rebellious streak is appealing to the current generation, and I suppose INXS are desperate to be relevant in today’s music world.
Talent wise, Marty and Mig win hands over, although MiG does appear less flexible when it comes to songwriting. I also thought that Mig’s decision to sing Bohemian Rhapsody was totally wrong, because it showed that you retreated to a safety net for a make-and-break performance. Having said that, I thought Susie sang it better too!
On the PLUS side though, Marty Casey and Mig Ayesa, not too mention Susie McNeill, are now world famous because of the show! Let’s hope that their solo acts are more popular and successful than JD with INXS will ever be!
All in all, despite the ending, I really loved the show. It was like a Journey through Rock and Roll, although I was disappointed that there was no U2 in it. I guess maybe they didn’t give permission to use their songs…
After all the amazing performances this show has seen since it started, the finale was a REAL letdown. I was hoping there’d be more performances, i.e. a longer, spectacular show. The winner is gonna lead an established world act band for crying out loud! I was expecting a showcase of rock brilliance, and I was sorely disappointed. If you were one of those world audiences who voted, I’m sure you would’ve felt cheated.
Of course, this wasn’t helped by the fact that INXS chose JD, someone whom I always felt was more cut out to be a solo performer. It’s obvious in the way he does things, such as writing songs. He’s not cut out to be a team player. Let’s see if INXS don’t end up losing patience with him.
It’s a mystery as to why they chose him, although a plausible reason would simply be that JD’s rebellious streak is appealing to the current generation, and I suppose INXS are desperate to be relevant in today’s music world.
Talent wise, Marty and Mig win hands over, although MiG does appear less flexible when it comes to songwriting. I also thought that Mig’s decision to sing Bohemian Rhapsody was totally wrong, because it showed that you retreated to a safety net for a make-and-break performance. Having said that, I thought Susie sang it better too!
On the PLUS side though, Marty Casey and Mig Ayesa, not too mention Susie McNeill, are now world famous because of the show! Let’s hope that their solo acts are more popular and successful than JD with INXS will ever be!
All in all, despite the ending, I really loved the show. It was like a Journey through Rock and Roll, although I was disappointed that there was no U2 in it. I guess maybe they didn’t give permission to use their songs…
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Splendid news
Wanted to post this on the WGS forums, but they're down I think, so...
http://http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/050921/2/ds2o.html
Great Cisse, this is EXACTLY what Liverpool needs to start scoring. Without a doubt. I'm sure they meant that type of scoring, I really do... I can't wait...
http://http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/050921/2/ds2o.html
Great Cisse, this is EXACTLY what Liverpool needs to start scoring. Without a doubt. I'm sure they meant that type of scoring, I really do... I can't wait...
SEVEN
Alright, I've never done one of these things before, but thanks to YK, here we go!
Seven things I plan to do before I die:
1. Visit Prince Edward Island in Canada
2. Participate in GENCON (Damn you Joe!)
3. Watch the Ashes in Australia
4. Join the Mile-High Club
5. Write tons of books
6. Play the role of Danny Zucco in a theatre
7. Do tongue exercises with Ms Jolie (okay, that's a stretch)
Seven things I could do:
1. Dance to GREASE LIGHTNING!!!
2. Write tons of shite
3. Tell you the story of Lisa Hayes and Rick Hunter
4. Read Sandman over and over again
5. Teleport, oh wait that's a fantasy... but I could.... If I really wanted to...
6. Eat chocolate
7. Sleep... I shit you not
Seven Celebrity crushes:
1. Nicole Kidman
2. Claire Danes, my Juliet
3. Willow, er, sorry... Alyssa Hannigan, psycho witch
4. Buffy Summers.. err, sorry, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Vampire Slayer
5. Angelina Jolie, Male Slayer
6. Kylie Minogue, Aussie dance princess
7. Rachel Stevens, S Club Executor Manager
Seven often repeated words:
1. No worries
2. Shit
3. crap
4. Yeah right...
5. Girls!
6. Really?
7. Mmm... chocolate...
Seven physical traits I look for in my partner:
- Everything that all hot blooded males want!
Seven tags go to:
1. Elyzrin Mat Drai
2. The top-decking madman
3. Aileran Eirreannach
4. Steven Gerrard
5. The 80s fanatic
6. Adam Gilchrist
7. Sleepy Jedi
Alright you Seven! Start cracking!
Seven things I plan to do before I die:
1. Visit Prince Edward Island in Canada
2. Participate in GENCON (Damn you Joe!)
3. Watch the Ashes in Australia
4. Join the Mile-High Club
5. Write tons of books
6. Play the role of Danny Zucco in a theatre
7. Do tongue exercises with Ms Jolie (okay, that's a stretch)
Seven things I could do:
1. Dance to GREASE LIGHTNING!!!
2. Write tons of shite
3. Tell you the story of Lisa Hayes and Rick Hunter
4. Read Sandman over and over again
5. Teleport, oh wait that's a fantasy... but I could.... If I really wanted to...
6. Eat chocolate
7. Sleep... I shit you not
Seven Celebrity crushes:
1. Nicole Kidman
2. Claire Danes, my Juliet
3. Willow, er, sorry... Alyssa Hannigan, psycho witch
4. Buffy Summers.. err, sorry, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Vampire Slayer
5. Angelina Jolie, Male Slayer
6. Kylie Minogue, Aussie dance princess
7. Rachel Stevens, S Club Executor Manager
Seven often repeated words:
1. No worries
2. Shit
3. crap
4. Yeah right...
5. Girls!
6. Really?
7. Mmm... chocolate...
Seven physical traits I look for in my partner:
- Everything that all hot blooded males want!
Seven tags go to:
1. Elyzrin Mat Drai
2. The top-decking madman
3. Aileran Eirreannach
4. Steven Gerrard
5. The 80s fanatic
6. Adam Gilchrist
7. Sleepy Jedi
Alright you Seven! Start cracking!
Monday, September 19, 2005
There goes that IDEA!!
Last I wrote, I was trying my hand at predicting outcomes of matches. So how'd I go?
Results:
Results:
- Charlton vs Chelsea: Chelsea
- Portsmouth vs Birmingham: Draw
- Manchester City vs Bolton: Bolton
- Newcastle vs Blackburn: Newcastle
- Manchester United vs Liverpool: Draw
- West Ham vs Fulham: West Ham
- West Brom vs Sunderland: Draw
- Middlesbrough vs Wigan: Draw
- Tottenham vs Aston Villa: Draw
- Arsenal vs Everton: ?
My score: 2 out of 9! 6 & 7 correct
What have I discovered? Answer: I'm shite at this!
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Azmin goes punting!
Alright this week, I wanna try some football punting aight!
Let's see if I'm good at this:
Charlton vs Chelsea: Charlton win! Yeap upset here folks!
Portsmouth vs Birmingham: Birmingham win.
Manchester City vs Bolton: Manchester City win.
Newcastle vs Blackburn: Draw
Manchester United vs Liverpool: Liverpool win! Okay I'm gonna say Liverpool win 2-0.
West Ham vs Fulham: West Ham getting stronger and should win.
West Brom vs Sunderland: Draw
Middlesbrough vs Wigan: Overwhelming victory for the Mids here
Tottenham vs Aston Villa: sorry Baros, that's a Tottenham win.
Arsenal vs Everton: Are you kidding me? Arsenal haven't looked good, but Everton haven't looked, period.
We'll see how we go starting tonight!!!
Let's see if I'm good at this:
Charlton vs Chelsea: Charlton win! Yeap upset here folks!
Portsmouth vs Birmingham: Birmingham win.
Manchester City vs Bolton: Manchester City win.
Newcastle vs Blackburn: Draw
Manchester United vs Liverpool: Liverpool win! Okay I'm gonna say Liverpool win 2-0.
West Ham vs Fulham: West Ham getting stronger and should win.
West Brom vs Sunderland: Draw
Middlesbrough vs Wigan: Overwhelming victory for the Mids here
Tottenham vs Aston Villa: sorry Baros, that's a Tottenham win.
Arsenal vs Everton: Are you kidding me? Arsenal haven't looked good, but Everton haven't looked, period.
We'll see how we go starting tonight!!!
Friday, September 16, 2005
Final elimination performance!
Mig finally gets into the bottom three, which as I said before, is pretty much meaningless as they are all quality singers anyways. And Suzie finally ran out of her 9 lives, faltering just before the finish line…
So, there you have it. Marty, Mig and JD. Next week’s the season finale for the show, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store.
IMO, it’s a toss up between Marty and MiG. JD, despite being an excellent performer, doesn’t really fit INXS and is better of going solo.
Cya next week!
So, there you have it. Marty, Mig and JD. Next week’s the season finale for the show, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store.
IMO, it’s a toss up between Marty and MiG. JD, despite being an excellent performer, doesn’t really fit INXS and is better of going solo.
Cya next week!
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Liverpool picking up...
FIRSTLY,
I just want to go on record that I'm pretty happy with the way they performed this morning. Heck I ended up oversleeping and didn't watch it LIVE, but I watched the replay and they've definitely got a lot more drive...
BUT!
They need to play like this in the premiership too! I have to admit their last match against Tottenham WAS commendable, but I hope Rafa's not underprioritising the premiership again.
HAVING SAID THAT:
Peter Crouch and that Cinema guy are such a contrasting strikeforce! When Crouch patted his head, it actually looked paternal! Of course, from Cinema's point of view, Crouch is a bloody giant!
INCIDENTALLY::
Are players like Cinema, Jeremi and Traore ever going to play in the premiership? So far, those three have been like Champions League specialists. Of course, selection wise, I'm sure Rafa knows what he's doing. And I'm glad he benched Gerrard so that he'd be fully rested for the weekend.
AND ON THAT NOTE:
C'mon, Man U! We're waiting for ya...
I just want to go on record that I'm pretty happy with the way they performed this morning. Heck I ended up oversleeping and didn't watch it LIVE, but I watched the replay and they've definitely got a lot more drive...
BUT!
They need to play like this in the premiership too! I have to admit their last match against Tottenham WAS commendable, but I hope Rafa's not underprioritising the premiership again.
HAVING SAID THAT:
Peter Crouch and that Cinema guy are such a contrasting strikeforce! When Crouch patted his head, it actually looked paternal! Of course, from Cinema's point of view, Crouch is a bloody giant!
INCIDENTALLY::
Are players like Cinema, Jeremi and Traore ever going to play in the premiership? So far, those three have been like Champions League specialists. Of course, selection wise, I'm sure Rafa knows what he's doing. And I'm glad he benched Gerrard so that he'd be fully rested for the weekend.
AND ON THAT NOTE:
C'mon, Man U! We're waiting for ya...
Of MiG, Marty, JD and Suzie...
There were two highlights to this show:
1) Marty
I gotta admit, after watching this week's episode of RockStar: INXS, Triona may be onto something. From the last few shows, Marty clearly showed he was by far the best candidate. What exactly does he have going for him?
1. Creativity - Clearly, he's got it, as evident from his song Trees, which he was asked to perform again. Although JD also got to sing Pretty Vegas again, it wasn't all his song in the first place.
2. Style - Of all the rockers, he's the most unique. His mad conductor show is Still the talk of the show!
3. Vision - Unlike JD, he comes across as really honest, not afraid to say what he thinks. His interview with INXS was different from the others because he was actually planning out his future with them, and not just answering their questions.
4. Comfortable - From photoshoots to interviews, he appears at ease, and confident with himself. Suzie definitely had problems today talking to INXS.
5. Looks - Okay, I'll defer to Triona on this... She's the expert here :p.
2) Brooke Burke
'Nuff said!!
So, who'll end up on top! As much as I want MiG to be, I'm afraid this week's show belonged to Marty.
To kick out: Jd or Suzie!
1) Marty
I gotta admit, after watching this week's episode of RockStar: INXS, Triona may be onto something. From the last few shows, Marty clearly showed he was by far the best candidate. What exactly does he have going for him?
1. Creativity - Clearly, he's got it, as evident from his song Trees, which he was asked to perform again. Although JD also got to sing Pretty Vegas again, it wasn't all his song in the first place.
2. Style - Of all the rockers, he's the most unique. His mad conductor show is Still the talk of the show!
3. Vision - Unlike JD, he comes across as really honest, not afraid to say what he thinks. His interview with INXS was different from the others because he was actually planning out his future with them, and not just answering their questions.
4. Comfortable - From photoshoots to interviews, he appears at ease, and confident with himself. Suzie definitely had problems today talking to INXS.
5. Looks - Okay, I'll defer to Triona on this... She's the expert here :p.
2) Brooke Burke
'Nuff said!!
So, who'll end up on top! As much as I want MiG to be, I'm afraid this week's show belonged to Marty.
To kick out: Jd or Suzie!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
A weekend reunion!
Faithful readers will remember about a month ago that I was harping about not being able to meet Yee Leng, a dear friend from Melbourne working in Singapore. Luckily enough, last week, she was back again in Malaysia, and, through some political wrangling, I was able to ensure that I would be free Saturday morning to meet up with her!
Sg Buloh is extremely far from Bangi though!!!
Her housing area was called Valencia (yes, you football freakos, Valencia!) and security in the area was tight! I passed through THREE security checkpoints before making it to her house, a delightful corner lot.
Being the supercool guy that I am, I managed to maintain my composure upon meeting her. Internally I was ecstatic though! Her dad was around (i had met him twice before, once in Melbourne, and once in their old place in Banting with my folks) and we ended up chatting quite a lot! Her family ranks in the Top 5 on my list of " friendly and hospitable family of friends", which, incidentally, is topped by Fina's family. :p
We could've gone on and on, but I came here to catch up with Yee Leng too! So, I took her out. First she gave me a short tour of the clubhouse where she hangs out and does her internet surfing, then we proceeded to 1 Utama for more walking and talking :) Talked bout all sorts of stuff, everything from Australia, to Sg Buloh, from friends to family, and worklife and relationships!
Popped by at Fish and Co to say hi to Sierra, then proceeded to get lost looking for the food court. In the end, we decided to double back and have lunch at Fish and Co instead! Lunch was great, I had the cajun style fish while Yee Leng took the coriander. Sierra popped by every now and then to chat. To top it all off, Yee Leng 'belanja'd me as well! Yeap, Azmin knows no shame...
Unfortunately, I couldn't stretch it much further coz I had a wedding to attend (Yes, Michelle, another one!) I sent her back and was just in time to catch YL's mum returning from work. Had a brief chat before I left, and said sayonara! In all I had a lovely time!
Footnote 1: YL's dog, Ginger, is about one of the most friendliest dogs I've ever encountered. Eeps, Hasan, don't get angry now alright!
Footnote 2: The wedding included Satay in it so I was practically stuffed by the end of the day!!! Yummy.....
Sg Buloh is extremely far from Bangi though!!!
Her housing area was called Valencia (yes, you football freakos, Valencia!) and security in the area was tight! I passed through THREE security checkpoints before making it to her house, a delightful corner lot.
Being the supercool guy that I am, I managed to maintain my composure upon meeting her. Internally I was ecstatic though! Her dad was around (i had met him twice before, once in Melbourne, and once in their old place in Banting with my folks) and we ended up chatting quite a lot! Her family ranks in the Top 5 on my list of " friendly and hospitable family of friends", which, incidentally, is topped by Fina's family. :p
We could've gone on and on, but I came here to catch up with Yee Leng too! So, I took her out. First she gave me a short tour of the clubhouse where she hangs out and does her internet surfing, then we proceeded to 1 Utama for more walking and talking :) Talked bout all sorts of stuff, everything from Australia, to Sg Buloh, from friends to family, and worklife and relationships!
Popped by at Fish and Co to say hi to Sierra, then proceeded to get lost looking for the food court. In the end, we decided to double back and have lunch at Fish and Co instead! Lunch was great, I had the cajun style fish while Yee Leng took the coriander. Sierra popped by every now and then to chat. To top it all off, Yee Leng 'belanja'd me as well! Yeap, Azmin knows no shame...
Unfortunately, I couldn't stretch it much further coz I had a wedding to attend (Yes, Michelle, another one!) I sent her back and was just in time to catch YL's mum returning from work. Had a brief chat before I left, and said sayonara! In all I had a lovely time!
Footnote 1: YL's dog, Ginger, is about one of the most friendliest dogs I've ever encountered. Eeps, Hasan, don't get angry now alright!
Footnote 2: The wedding included Satay in it so I was practically stuffed by the end of the day!!! Yummy.....
Monday, September 12, 2005
Break!
The regular writing has currently been put on hold due to the 5th Test of the Ashes Cricket. We will resume regular programming upon completion of the competition. We apologise for any inconvenience.
GO AUSSIES!!!!!!!!
GO AUSSIES!!!!!!!!
Friday, September 09, 2005
Quick note...
I forgot to mention a few days back that my phone has been, er... on loan. If my friend did not forward any messages left for me which I did not get back on I sincerely apologise and will deal with my friend in certain ways best left to the imagination.Should get my phone back on Sunday or Monday I think, till then, e-mail would be best :D
Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a Football team to finalise and a cricket match to keep tabs on...
Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a Football team to finalise and a cricket match to keep tabs on...
Revelations
This whole week I had an opportunity to find out what sort of person I was.
It was a test for me, and I failed it. Horribly.
I look in the mirror now, and I don't like what I see.
I am truly a selfish person right now.
Let's see how long it takes for me to change...
It was a test for me, and I failed it. Horribly.
I look in the mirror now, and I don't like what I see.
I am truly a selfish person right now.
Let's see how long it takes for me to change...
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Farewell to Jordis
Considering the other 2 members of the bottom three, it would take a massive screw-up for INXS to choose JD or Suzie to leave over Jordis. And that didn't happen.
Unfortunately for Jordis, her downward spiral continued and she finally gave way, giving a lacklustre performance in her "Need You Tonight" performance. When asked if she's the right singer for INXS, her answer is an uncertain "I hope so..." For a world act like INXS, those are not the words you wanna hear from your lead singer. And with that, she was gone.
Mig remains the only performer never to take bottom 3. Next week with only 4 candidates left, will he ESCAPE it again? (Coz after that it doesn't matter anymore does it??) Looking forward till then!
Unfortunately for Jordis, her downward spiral continued and she finally gave way, giving a lacklustre performance in her "Need You Tonight" performance. When asked if she's the right singer for INXS, her answer is an uncertain "I hope so..." For a world act like INXS, those are not the words you wanna hear from your lead singer. And with that, she was gone.
Mig remains the only performer never to take bottom 3. Next week with only 4 candidates left, will he ESCAPE it again? (Coz after that it doesn't matter anymore does it??) Looking forward till then!
Comments protection
Due to constant spamming, I am now forced to include word verification for visitors commenting on my blog. I do apologise for this inconvenience, but it's become necessary. I hope this extra step doesn't prevent y'all from continuing to comment, needless to say, I appreciate ALL your contributions to my blog :D
To the spammers, SCREW YOU!
To the spammers, SCREW YOU!
Liverpool status report
Football fans ONLY
Personally, I don't mind Morientes got injured. Makes it a bit easier on Benitez mainly due to a reduction of options. With Morientes not exactly in form, now's the time for Peter Crouch to stamp his authority as a Liverpool striker.
The problem with Liverpool, as I see it, is their current defensive mentality, due in part, I believe, to their winning the Champions League cup. In all due honesty, Liverpool's first 2 matches haven't exactly been humdingers. Fortunately, they'll be coming up against Tottenham, who are on a high, despite losing to Chelsea. Liverpool need to rise to the occasion or suffer their first loss. Football Fantasy wise, I will be putting my money where my mouth is, buying both Gerrard and Reina. So show me the quality LIVERPOOL!!!!!! Rafa, please do Liverpool fans a favour and concentrate on winning the Premiership as well!
Personally, I don't mind Morientes got injured. Makes it a bit easier on Benitez mainly due to a reduction of options. With Morientes not exactly in form, now's the time for Peter Crouch to stamp his authority as a Liverpool striker.
The problem with Liverpool, as I see it, is their current defensive mentality, due in part, I believe, to their winning the Champions League cup. In all due honesty, Liverpool's first 2 matches haven't exactly been humdingers. Fortunately, they'll be coming up against Tottenham, who are on a high, despite losing to Chelsea. Liverpool need to rise to the occasion or suffer their first loss. Football Fantasy wise, I will be putting my money where my mouth is, buying both Gerrard and Reina. So show me the quality LIVERPOOL!!!!!! Rafa, please do Liverpool fans a favour and concentrate on winning the Premiership as well!
Five for fighting: RockStar INXS
One of my favourite aspects of the show is that the contestants are not only encouraged, but EXPECTED to fiddle around with established hits in order to suit their voice and style of performing. As such, the one comment so prevalent in other singing reality shows does not exist here, i.e. feels like karaoke.
And now the show has gone one step further: All contestants are to perform songs of their own composition, an ability vital in today's music world. Gone are the days where songwriters and singers were always two separate entities. Now, thanks to people like John Lennon, it is common for the songwriter and singer to be the same person.
Anyway, enough woolgathering, onto my review for the week:
JD: What a copout! Using the song which INXS had written the melody for smarts of laziness and sucking up! He did perform well though but he really should be punished for taking the easy way out.
Suzie: Overall a good performance, but the country-rock influences ain't happening girl. Look what happened to Brandon and Tara!!
MiG: Everything about him was great up until his song. Personally, I don't like him using a song that he co-wrote with some other guy, that person isn't gonna be in INXS, you are! The ballad, while nice, was definitely not in INXS's style, as Tim Farris mentioned.
Jordis: Her inexperience suddenly stood out glaringly in comparison to the rest. Her discomfort in the photo shoot, the lack of songwriting guidance, all these combine to create a very likely candidate to be ousted tomorrow. I wasn't keen on her song either, and I didn't think her version of We are the Champions was any better than JDs...Boy, she's in trouble....
Marty: And then we have Marty who was THE BEST this week. Not only did he put in tons of effort to ensure his version of Everlong sound different but still great, he also had the best original composition.
Bottom three predictions (if they're planning on sticking to the system) will be JD, Jordis and Mig, Marty for the encore (if any). Will MiG's 1st time in the bottom three prove to be his downfall? We'll find out soon enough....!
And now the show has gone one step further: All contestants are to perform songs of their own composition, an ability vital in today's music world. Gone are the days where songwriters and singers were always two separate entities. Now, thanks to people like John Lennon, it is common for the songwriter and singer to be the same person.
Anyway, enough woolgathering, onto my review for the week:
JD: What a copout! Using the song which INXS had written the melody for smarts of laziness and sucking up! He did perform well though but he really should be punished for taking the easy way out.
Suzie: Overall a good performance, but the country-rock influences ain't happening girl. Look what happened to Brandon and Tara!!
MiG: Everything about him was great up until his song. Personally, I don't like him using a song that he co-wrote with some other guy, that person isn't gonna be in INXS, you are! The ballad, while nice, was definitely not in INXS's style, as Tim Farris mentioned.
Jordis: Her inexperience suddenly stood out glaringly in comparison to the rest. Her discomfort in the photo shoot, the lack of songwriting guidance, all these combine to create a very likely candidate to be ousted tomorrow. I wasn't keen on her song either, and I didn't think her version of We are the Champions was any better than JDs...Boy, she's in trouble....
Marty: And then we have Marty who was THE BEST this week. Not only did he put in tons of effort to ensure his version of Everlong sound different but still great, he also had the best original composition.
Mr. Marty Casey
Bottom three predictions (if they're planning on sticking to the system) will be JD, Jordis and Mig, Marty for the encore (if any). Will MiG's 1st time in the bottom three prove to be his downfall? We'll find out soon enough....!
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
The end of Australian dominance in cricket??
Alright Sean here's the news!!!
Today begins the last Test of the 5-Test Ashes, in which England lead 2 Tests to 1. After the 1st Test, all the newspapers, including the English tabloids, were panning the English team, telling them they shouldn't even bother turning up to matches.
Yet now, 3 more Tests later, Cricket has taken the focal point in England, with even Sven's nonsensical strategical experiments taking a back seat to Michael Vaughan and his merry men. Cricket has indeed, as the tabloids say, become the new football.
And why is that? Well, because after almost 18 years, England finally get a real sniff at bringing back home the Trophy, or rather the Ashes. The rivalry is intense, and understandably there's no love lost between the two, leading to many a funny exchange on the field, referred to in cricket as sledging.
Just imagine, as an English batsman, you arrive on the crease to bat, and the wicketkeeper behind you welcomes you with the following greeting, "So how's your wife, and my kids?"....... Priceless, absolutely priceless...
The main problem facing Australia's squad, imho, is that of age. Out of the 11 regular players, only 2 are actually under 30. The issue has always been that this group has just been too good in the past, and that most of the younger prospects have fallen short. As such, the lack of replacements is glaring. When Glenn McGrath was declared unfit for one of the Tests, Australia's lack of depth in bowling was alarmingly evident, as England racked up the runs with ease.
Whatever happens in the next five days, I would have to agree that whether Australia win or lose, their dominance is effectively over. Australia needs a solid succession plan after McGrath and Warne, and at this point in time, I don't see it.
As for my predictions, yes!!!!! Australia will still win and retain the Ashes!!! (Yes, Rudy, I may be a scouser, but when it comes to cricket, it's Australia, all the way!!!)
Today begins the last Test of the 5-Test Ashes, in which England lead 2 Tests to 1. After the 1st Test, all the newspapers, including the English tabloids, were panning the English team, telling them they shouldn't even bother turning up to matches.
Yet now, 3 more Tests later, Cricket has taken the focal point in England, with even Sven's nonsensical strategical experiments taking a back seat to Michael Vaughan and his merry men. Cricket has indeed, as the tabloids say, become the new football.
And why is that? Well, because after almost 18 years, England finally get a real sniff at bringing back home the Trophy, or rather the Ashes. The rivalry is intense, and understandably there's no love lost between the two, leading to many a funny exchange on the field, referred to in cricket as sledging.
Just imagine, as an English batsman, you arrive on the crease to bat, and the wicketkeeper behind you welcomes you with the following greeting, "So how's your wife, and my kids?"....... Priceless, absolutely priceless...
The main problem facing Australia's squad, imho, is that of age. Out of the 11 regular players, only 2 are actually under 30. The issue has always been that this group has just been too good in the past, and that most of the younger prospects have fallen short. As such, the lack of replacements is glaring. When Glenn McGrath was declared unfit for one of the Tests, Australia's lack of depth in bowling was alarmingly evident, as England racked up the runs with ease.
Whatever happens in the next five days, I would have to agree that whether Australia win or lose, their dominance is effectively over. Australia needs a solid succession plan after McGrath and Warne, and at this point in time, I don't see it.
As for my predictions, yes!!!!! Australia will still win and retain the Ashes!!! (Yes, Rudy, I may be a scouser, but when it comes to cricket, it's Australia, all the way!!!)
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Relatively quiet 3 days...
nothing much happening in the past few days, online more often than not...
See the stone set in your eyes
See the thorn twist in your side
I wait for you
Sleight of hand and twist of fate
On a bed of nails she makes me wait
And I wait without you
My hands are tied
My body bruised,
she’s got me with
Nothing to win and
Nothing left to lose...
See the stone set in your eyes
See the thorn twist in your side
I wait for you
Sleight of hand and twist of fate
On a bed of nails she makes me wait
And I wait without you
My hands are tied
My body bruised,
she’s got me with
Nothing to win and
Nothing left to lose...
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Selamat Pengantin Baru buat Fina dan Dave!!!
Yesterday, my dear friend from Indonesia, Fina Khairaty was happily married to her fiance, Dave, in Jakarta..
Sorry I couldn't make it to your wedding but hopefully I'll come down towards the end of the year to visit you both (and your family too, Fi!)
My congratulations and may you both enjoy a wonderful life together!!
All the best you two!
Sorry I couldn't make it to your wedding but hopefully I'll come down towards the end of the year to visit you both (and your family too, Fi!)
My congratulations and may you both enjoy a wonderful life together!!
All the best you two!
Friday, September 02, 2005
Ty takes his leave...
It was kinda disappointed that the elimination performances this week lacked the energy of the previous day.
Bottom 3 turned out to be Jordis, Ty, and JD, which in my opinion was meaningless, coz everyone's performance yesterday was OUTSTANDING! And in an amazing revelation (of which Triona would prob be ecstatic :D), Marty Casey had more votes than the bottom three combined!
See ya next week! Bye Ty, you were a great performer, but I believe what you lacked was, simply, personality...
Bottom 3 turned out to be Jordis, Ty, and JD, which in my opinion was meaningless, coz everyone's performance yesterday was OUTSTANDING! And in an amazing revelation (of which Triona would prob be ecstatic :D), Marty Casey had more votes than the bottom three combined!
See ya next week! Bye Ty, you were a great performer, but I believe what you lacked was, simply, personality...
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