Picasota

My eyes!!!! Can't open......

2006-10-26T19:57:00.000+08:00

Now i know why she look SOOOO familiar. Same tuition long long time ago......
Ahhh, i can't belive i forgot about it. Until recently.

Heck, so....
The mugging for As is taking its toll on my sanity. Im bored half the time, and the other half, im sleepy. Bored sleepy.... Sleepy bored.....

Yawn....

Luck Plus Materia

2006-10-17T20:10:00.000+08:00

Taking the train, listening to mp3, thinking about bio.
Wow, guess who i saw....
"It is too good to be true, can't take my eyes off you (Until Novena that is)"
Too bad my cam is only two mega pix, so this will have to do.

Credits go to Mr. K who took the photo.

P.S If you know the person in the picture, shhhhh.
If you are the person in the picture, "Hi!"

Salsa makes the world go round and round and round :)

I like asian food channel! (random)

2006-10-13T19:50:00.000+08:00

End of school. AHHH. So many people i wanna take photos with, pple's whose name i dunno :) I will definitely need to take "Bao Zi Dan" (Leopard guts) before grad night, seriously :) If only......

(Written by "Yours Truly")

If only i could touch the sky,
If only i could fill the void
In your heart and soul, get rid of the cold,
To leave the days of pain...

Waiting for it at the bay,
To light the spring of open space,
Let the white orb shine, (and) piercing the darkness
Wasting time away...

And if on-ly
I could
Just once more
If only...

Alright, this will be my last entry till after A's. All the best!

A Levels!

2006-09-30T23:39:00.000+08:00

I can't believe the J1's promos are over already but we're still stuck studying for A Levels!!! ARGH.

When nothing goes your way, nothing goes your way man. Haha. Every little thing always fails... It's like... Rubbing salt into already very deep and painful wounds. Haha I won't complain about my results, otherwise may get bashed by other people... It's not very nice anyway cos what one may think is not good may be quite good for other people... So to continue to rant and rave about it... It's not ethical. Lol.

But to cap it all off, I'm dao-ed massively, argued with my father more than once this week, and Liverpool lost again! Whoop-de-doo!

What a shitty week! I hope next week is better. Haha.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Idolicious

2006-09-30T01:26:00.000+08:00

http://shockingpants.zoto.com/galleries/silisha

The Beginning of the End

2006-09-27T16:15:00.000+08:00

Yeah i think i havent posted for a long loooong time..haha but really, wat can you blog abt the prelims? It's boooring to say the least. but wat the hell, its over.

Hmm this time its for real - the final lap, the last hurdle, the moment that defines the past one and three-quarter years. I wish there were more things to look foward to..but other than grad nite and other post exam activites, the next few months seem rather dreary. Oh well..guess we had our fun..

Sometimes i really wonder what will happen to most of our friendships after all these end. Will they continue to be as strong as ever? Will some remnants of them remain? Or will they just - fade away? Sometimes i fear i know the answer all too well, but why cross your bridges when you have yet to come to them? Time will tell.

Some ppl have said that no one remains your enemy forever, just as no one is always your friend. I find the latter part almost...tragic..but it has its truth i guess. life will take us different paths, paths that do not always converge.

Dont you sometimes wish that you knew the future?

" O that a man might know
The end of this day's business ere it come!
But is sufficeth that the day will end,
And then the end is known."

Julius Caesar

sj

New Blog!

2006-09-26T13:26:00.000+08:00

Hey guys! Visit my new/other blog http://thehigherreaches.blogspot.com! Will shift my match reviews there as well as my incessant crapping... but will be posting here occasionally too! Yeah!

Archangel

P.S. Chicken post more!

Jasmine!

2006-09-19T18:08:00.000+08:00

Yeeha, Thts me, interviewing who? Jasmine, yesh, Her, the one! The one contestant i looked forward to interviewing for so long. She is so pretty i tell you! Chio chio chio chio! Sigh... :)

Bloom, Orlando... Chocolate

2006-09-12T19:28:00.000+08:00

Why do i see white dots on chocolate sometimes, that look utterly disgusting? I think it is a type of fungi that grow on chocolate but im not sure, it look likes a blob of white crap under my microscope... Wah... (Just found it. Its called chocolate blooming, which is not poisonous, it just means that the chocalote has dropped in quality, due to improper storage. Often cuz the place is too warm or too damp, causing the cocao butter to crystallise out. It can be eaten still, but, yuck, looks gross man...)

Maths was an exremely fun paper, chem was ok, so was bio. But its was bad considering these were the two papers i didn't feel the rush of satisfaction upon completion. How i miss the primary and secondary school days...

I am looking for the music sheet for utada hikaru first love, but i can't seem to find it... sigh. But then again, i found the music sheets fot the whole of FFvii collection. Call me genius, call me pro, AHAHAHAH

Monopoly, I suddenly feel the urge to play it. The proper way, without loans from bank, without pple stealing my properties when im not looking....

Haha, 2 days, and i saw her, twice! We were so close (proximity), 50 cm? (Her friends sat on the table where we placed out bags. We khop the place already, how could they!) But anyway... I did not say hi. Or should i say, i didn't dare to say hi. Sigh sigh sigh, Exams has just made me an antisocial guy. I don't feel like talking to anyone ><

Btw, i am having these negative thoughts about someone, yet, there's really no reason for me to have those thoughts. I guess i am just so sick of how things are moving. (The exams, probably...)

FF13! Im luvin it, totally. See you in say, 3 years? Vaan in FF12 looks kinda gay, and i am slightly sick of the world design. Its getting cliche. But, the game play and plot is definitely great. Woot!~!~!

My 2 loves

2006-09-04T11:50:00.000+08:00

Hoho, the interview with Joakim was sweet, short, simple. Nicely done, but i need to do a write up... Sigh... Oh well, its not all that bad. Saw an eye candy! (Not Joakim la :p)

ALright, Ps3. I AM GOING TO BUY! PS3! DEFINITELY! FF7 remake Look so damn cool there, im astounded man. I shall do me replay on ps3. But first things first, this is FF7:Dirge Or Cerberus (Vincent) on PS2. The first game i am going to play during my dec holidays. Look at the graphics. Its crazily good man! I want i want i want!

The Meaning Of Life 2

2006-08-29T22:11:00.000+08:00

THE MEANING OF LIFE

The Eighteen Levels Of Hell

What factor determines which person goes to which level of hell when they die? According to the system, the worse the sin you commit, the further down you go. For example, for murder, you will go to a lower (higher magnitude) level of hell than... theft, let's say.

But there must be a cap, or a maximum, musn't there? Surely there must be a maximum criteria that can be fulfilled such that one can't go any lower. For example, if committing murder condemns you to the eighteenth level of hell, then so will committing murder, arson, theft, rape and so on and so forth.

So what our dear mathematician/philosopher/opposition party politician is trying to say is, once you have committed the most grevious evil, there is no harm in doing more... or is there?

SZ ~ Po(Kwong)

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Judgement day

2006-08-26T13:27:00.000+08:00

Life in RJ was almost perfect. Note, 'almost'. I can't really say that it was bland, neither can i declare it as the best time of my life. It's platable, definitely sthg to rmbr. But this is not the time to talk about the two years. I will leave it till after A levels, or until after grad night, after i get the photo i want so badly. Badly, madly, sadly....

Ok, whats so cool abt my last day? I PASSED THE DAMN NAPFA WITH A SILVER WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT THE EXTRA 6 WEEKS OR SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENT ANYMORE! (waits, there's the sats... Shit la...) BUT YEAH, I PASSED 2.4 BY 1 SECOND. 1 SECOND, TELL ME HOW LUCKY IT THAT! OMG OMG OMG. After the first two rounds, it was really my body telling my mind not to think about stopping that kept me going, and my mind telling my other mind to think like my body and not stop, even though the body was so tired it almost stopped. Confused? I think so. I was so confused, i just ran on a blank, thinking about nthg, nthg at all. I ran, and ran, and ran, and ran... And i made IT!!!!!! Wohoo! Of course, i screwed up sit ups and SBJump... But overall, i did it! There was this guy (fuin, ask me if you wanna know what it means) whom i was prejudiced against, so i really really felt like cursing him to fail (He didn't need the curse actually, lol). But oh well, thank you thank you to all who supported me in one way or another. Wohoo!

The other lucky thing that happened. I saw all eye candies in rj yesterday. (No offence. By eyes candies, I don't mean pretty girls with no brains. I kinda just mean girls with the looks.) I know this makes me sound kinda of despo, but yeah, i saw them. Every single one of them, in the canteen, along the stairways, in the classrooms, in the library, whenever, wherever. If i only i had photographic memory... Still, it had just become one of my best days in Rj and im soooo thankful :) The only regret? Hmmmm.....

Think i will get a chance to take a photo with her at g.night?

*wonders*

The Last Day

2006-08-25T21:40:00.000+08:00

Today was the last day of normal lessons, or at least till the prelims are over. Two years sound like a long time, but now that my jc life is almost officially over, it seems but a mere flash. Soon the prelims will come, followed by the As, and then my jc life would really be over. Will i leave empty and broken?

Had class lunch today. Doubt that it will be the last, in view of the probable post prelims and As celebrations in the near future, yet the sense of finality is all too palpable. Hardly got to talk with her, but then again, it's not like i have much to say anyway. Or rather, there is nothing much that i can say without making things awkward all over again. Disappointingly, the lunch was a - how do i put it - bland affair. Hardly something you would want to remember your two years in rj by. It shouldn't be like that. Really.

Bah. Me and my hopelessly ideal expectations. He that hopes high falls a long way to the ground.
It's sad really. Pathetic even. But you can never control how you feel can you? Perhaps i can try to get my expectations back to reality. Perhaps i can try to forget abt her. And perhaps pigs do roam the sky.

sj

Sheffield United 1-1 Liverpool

2006-08-19T22:26:00.000+08:00

What do a wet pitch, a team that parks buses in front of their goal, and another team that cannot shoot, pass or score for bananas combine to give?

An opening day draw for Liverpool.

Going into the match, one could clearly see that Benitez had underestimated the strength of the Sheffield United team. Possibly keeping an eye on the Champions League qualifier on Tuesday, as well as keeping in mind the players who played international friendlies earlier in the week, he rested Mark Gonzalez, Peter Crouch, Jermaine Pennant, Steve Finnan and Xabi Alonso. As he soon learnt, it was a huge mistake.

The match started, and it was Sheffield United who were the quicker off the starting blocks. With Phil Jagielka controlling the midfield and Rob Hulse pressurizing the Liverpool defence, Liverpool hardly looked comfortable in the opening half hour of the match. They did have their breakthroughs, though, and looked dangerous on the counterattack. Despite their best efforts, it was hardly any cause for alarm as they were firing blanks in front of the goal, and could not coordinate a team effort in midfield, such was the prowess of the Sheffield five across the middle of Bramall Lane.

Then the first setback came. Racing onto a long pass from Sami Hyypia down the left, Riise took the ball past the advancing keeper, and attempted to cross for Bellamy with the goal open and gaping. The cross was more power than height and it was headed away for a corner, but the price Riise had to pay for making that effort was high. As he crossed the ball he was tackled from behind and as a result twisted his ankle, making him a doubt for the next few games. He had to be subsituted off, and hence on came Mark Gonzalez in the 22nd minute, with Fabio Aurelio switching to left back to accomadate "Speedy".

The next setback came soon after as Jamie Carragher, who so magnificently controlled a ball and dribbled it out past Hulse earlier, tweaked his left leg as he was performing a clearance and was limping soon after. He had to limp off the pitch and was subsituted with Daniel Agger in the 34th minute. The first half and Liverpool were forced into two substitutions already.

Liverpool attempted to get into the game but looked weary and off-form at times. Sissoko was a shadow of the man he was in the Community Shield match and Boudewijn Zenden was very poor. The only highlight for Liverpool was a fantastic Fabio Aurelio free kick that was tipped over the bar by Kenny. With Webber and Hulse running rings around Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher, Liverpool could have considered themselves lucky to have not conceded until the break.

The luck ran out soon, though, as from a free kick on the left, Unsworth crossed in a beautiful ball and with Fabio Aurelio, Daniel Agger and Mark Gonzalez ball-watching, Rob Hulse took advantage of a free header and planted the ball into the back of the net. 1-0 to Sheffield United in the 46th minute.

Liverpool were clearly shaken: they had not expected this. In typical Liverpool fashion, they tried to get back into the game straightaway and came close as Hyypia's effort from a corner hit the post and bounced out.

Liverpool tried to strike back again and again but Sheffield put their players back and parked all of them in front of the goal such that every loose ball fell for a Sheffield player, denying Liverpool a chance at goal. If it seemed bad then things got worse as the pitch seemed to turn against Liverpool, with Bellamy, Fowler and Gonzalez all slipping as they got into good striking or crossing positions.

Enter Gerrard the midfield maestro, Captain Fantastic. He literally grabbed Liverpool by the scruff of the neck, and dragged them through the match as he attempted to breathe some life back into the club's lacklustre play. Shifting into the centre of midfield, he was able to dictate Liverpool's attack and they shot to life after the goal. Playing a neat one-two with Robbie Fowler, he raced through and was in the clear, except for Chris Morgan's trailing leg in an attempt to stop him. Gerrard tried to stay on his feet but stumbled as he took the shot, making it an easy save for the keeper. However, the referee deemed it was a penalty and Liverpool had a lifeline.

Robbie Fowler stepped up and coolly slotted the ball past Kenny for the equalizer. Liverpool were back in the game and were definitely going for the win. 12 corners in the match as compared to Sheffield's 0 was testament to the pressure they applied in search for the winning goal.

However, they failed to get the winner as Sheffield decided to defend for the draw and the point. Even with Jermaine Pennant on board in the last 10 minutes, Liverpool failed to get a clean shot on goal and gather all 3 points in what was a must-win in the opening game of the season. With such a disappointing pre-season and lacklustre performance in the opening match, one must wonder if Liverpool are fit for the title of serious contenders for the Premier League title this season.

Player ratings:

Jose Reina - 6
Average performance from the keeper. Apart from the Rob Hulse goal, Reina did not have many Sheffield shots to care about. The goal from Rob Hulse was unstoppable and was not really his fault.

Jan Kromkamp - 6
Made several mistakes at the back, but was Liverpool's best defender for the remainder of the match after Riise and Carragher were taken out. Does not perform the wing-back role as well as Finnan does and looks like he needs more match experience.

John Arne Riise - 7
Was a great attacking threat down the left-hand side and provided good cover for Aurelio as well. The loss of Riise largely impacted Liverpool's performance. He only played 22 minutes.

Jamie Carragher - 7
Performed very well in the first half, his best move came when he was controlling a difficult ball and dribbling it away from Rob Hulse who was pressurizing him. Did not feature for majority of the match due to injury - he only played 34 minutes. Liverpool sorely missed his consistency and rock solid defence when he was gone.

Sami Hyypia - 7
Good performance from the Finn, was unlucky not to score with a fantastic header from a corner after Rob Hulse's goal.

Steven Gerrard - 8
Was Liverpool's best player as he dragged them through the match in an attempt to win it. Was the only player who looked as if he knew what he was doing, and was capable of carrying it out. Would have influenced the play better if he had played in the centre rather than on the right for majority of the match. Fantastic run for the penalty and resulting equalizer.

Fabio Aurelio - 5
Did not play well, apart from a great free kick that was saved by Kenny. Failed to cover Rob Hulse when he came in for the goal and failed to link well with Mark Gonzalez on the left.

Mohamed Sissoko - 6
Was a shadow of the player he was in the Community Shield game. His tackling was reckless at times and his lack of creativity or inventiveness killed Liverpool in the centre of the park.

Boudewijn Zenden - 3
Very poor performance from the former Chelsea and Middlesborough man. Looked much better when he played for Middlesborough. His passing and tackling were poor, and he kept on looking for long balls that failed to reach his intended target in the end. Gerrard was deployed on the right which meant he had to take up the strings in midfield for Liverpool and control the match as Alonso always does. He failed to do that today. Why Benitez kept him on for the whole duration of the match is still a mystery.

Craig Bellamy - 7
Good overall performance from the fiery striker. Could not get Liverpool the winning goal though, and the long ball tactics did not suit him as he did not have the height to win them, despite his bags of pace.

Robbie Fowler - 6
He ran out of creative juice as his attempts at flick-ons and one touch passes largely came to nothing. Did not have the pace or positioning to challenge for long ball tactics played by Liverpool, as he played very deep. The tactic would have suited Crouch better, with Bellamy feeding off headers and knockdowns from him. Took his penalty very coolly though, for the equalizer.

Substitutes:

Mark Gonzalez - 6
Not a very good game for "Speedy". Has yet to show his world-beating pace and ability to dribble past defenders. Got a few good crosses and runs but failed to link well with Fabio Aurelio on the left.

Daniel Agger - 6
Played well when put into the fray for the injured Carragher. Looked comfortable in defence and even had a few pot shots on goal. Was partly to blame for Sheffield's goal though, as he failed to pick up Rob Hulse.

Jermaine Pennant - 6
Came on too late to influence the outcome of the match.

Final score: Sheffield United 1-1 Liverpool

Archangel's Man of the Match: Steven Gerrard

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

2006 Community Shield Winners

2006-08-15T21:43:00.000+08:00

The Premiership champions. The FA Cup champions. The Millennium Stadium. Chelsea vs Liverpool in a mouth-watering clash as a prequel to the upcoming season.

Before the match, Jose Mourinho claimed that Liverpool will be shamed and embarrassed if they lost to a 50% fit Chelsea side. How does he feel now that a far stronger Chelsea team (on paper) lost to a 50% fit Liverpool side?

Many supporters looked at the Chelsea side and were in awe: A full strength team, consisting of Frank Lampard, John Terry, Michael Ballack, Arjen Robben, Didier Drogba and Andriy Shevchenko, just to name a few, stepped out of the tunnel. "50% fit" he said.

Then they looked at the Liverpool side and were surprised: No Gerrard, no Alonso, no Hyypia, no Bellamy, and there was a second-choice central-midfield partnership of Mohamed Sissoko and Boudewijn Zenden. From the start, it already looked as if Chelsea were going to pummel Liverpool into submission.

But it was Liverpool which got on to a brighter start in the first half. With Jermaine Pennant and Mark Gonzalez speeding down the flanks and the ever-present Momo Sissoko winning every challenge in midfield, Chelsea were on the backfoot. The excellent backline of Liverpool, led by captain Carragher, held their own, catching Chelsea offside 5 times in the first 30 minutes.

It was no surprise as to who was going to score first. But it was the manner in which the goal was scored that surprised everyone. From a Chelsea corner, Lampard overhits his cross and Riise is allowed to sprint out of the box with the ball. He takes the ball over the halfway line, surprised at his lack of support and lack of challenges from Chelsea. As he nears the goal, the defenders continue to back off and back off, so from 35 yards he takes a crack. "I caught it sweet," Riise said in an interview after the match. And how sweet it was. The ball dipped into the ground and cruelly bounced just in front of Carlo Cudicini, making it even harder for him to anticipate the flight of the ball. He should have saved it, he just couldn't. After 9 minutes, it was 1-0 to Liverpool in Cardiff.

Soon after, Michael Ballack got injured in his hip area and had to cut his Chelsea debut short. Salomon Kalou, a player widely-tipped to be a world class striker, took his place in the centre of the park.

Liverpool kept up the pressure after their goal, and nearly scored a second when Mark Gonzalez put a wonderful cross into the box, but Luis Garcia and Peter Crouch stumbled over each other, looping the ball over and giving Cudicini an easy save as he tipped it over the bar for a corner. However, Chelsea aren't champions for nothing. It was inevitable that they would strike back, it was just a question of when, and in the 43rd minute, the 30 million pounds investment by Chelsea paid back some of his price tag with a clinical finish into the bottom corner of the net.

Frank Lampard found some space in the middle of the field and with an excellent lofted pass, found Andriy Shevchenko, who beat the offside trap with a well-timed run. He killed the flight of the ball instantly with his chest and once he had the ball under control, at his feet, one-on-one with the keeper, there was no doubting that it would end up in the back of the net. Even with Carragher pestering him from behind and Reina guessing where he would place the ball, he coolly slotted the ball into the right-hand corner. Wonderful goal.

The second half began and Chelsea were building their momentum, with Dider Drogba coming close with a cross-shot, only to see Pepe Reina tip his effort over the bar. From the ensuing corner, Shevchenko created a header virtually out of nothing, but Reina was on hand to deny the Ukranian, diving quickly to his left to push his shot wide.

Liverpool were not going to sit back and soak up the pressure though: they wanted another goal. In came the big guns, with Aurelio for Gonzalez, Gerrard for Zenden, Alonso for Pennant and Bellamy for Garcia. Here was where the tide shifted in Liverpool's favour; their somewhat "reserve" team had managed to hold Chelsea for a full hour of the game and now Liverpool had their big players on the field against Chelsea's second-stringers (Diarra, Kalou, Wright-Phillips, Bridge, Obi-Mikel).

Bellamy was a threat to the Chelsea defence everytime he got the ball, winning several free kicks for Alonso, Aurelio and Gerrard to attempt strikes at goal, or set-plays. It was Bellamy who set up Crouch for the winner in the 80th minute, as he took the ball down the byline and produced a magnificent cross for Crouch to head it pass Cudicini. It was harder to miss then to score, such was the brilliance of the cross.

Chelsea were desperate to win but they could not penetrate Liverpool's stubborn defence, with Momo Sissoko looking excellent in midfield with his no-nonsense tackles and wonderfull ball winning displays. Aurelio came close to adding a third but his swerving shot was not hit hard enough and Cudicini managed to push it around the post.

The final whistle blew, and Liverpool were the Community Shield winners. With such an excellent display in the Millennium Stadium, even at a 50% fitness level (unlike Chelsea that day), surely Jose Mourinho has to concede that Liverpool are genuine contenders for the title this season.

Player Ratings:

Jose Reina - 8
Composed performance from the Liverpool keeper. Saved some vital efforts from Didier Drogba and Andriy Shevchenko to keep Chelsea at bay.

Steve Finnan - 7
Quiet display from the full back, did his job unspectacularly and well. Always the consistent performer.

John Arne Riise - 9
Excellent performance from the left back. Wonderful solo run from his own box to score the first goal. Was great defensively as well and was always a threat down the left flank which he bombarded frequently.

Jamie Carragher - 7
The captain of the day looked a little lost without his regular partner Sami Hyypia, but was great defensively as well. Marshalled his defence well as they played the offside trap to perfection.

Daniel Agger - 7
A good performance from the youngster who is widely tipped to be the next Sami Hyypia. Played some beautiful long balls from the back, and was rock solid in defence.

Jermaine Pennant - 6
Was quiet in this game, did not have a fantastic match. Looked a little threatening at times but his runs usually came to nothing. His corners and free kicks were sub-standard. Perhaps was bothered by his early knee injury.

Mark Gonzalez - 7
Like Pennant, his runs usually came to nothing, but he displayed his great speed in this match, harrying and pestering the opponent defence. Put in a few good crosses and had a few good runs down the left flank.

Mohamed Sissoko - 10
A commanding presence in midfield. He gave his all and went 100% into every tackle and challenge, winning most of the balls in the centre of the park. Looks every bit like the new Patrick Vieira everyone tips him to become in the future.

Boudewijn Zenden - 6
Not a fantastic performance in the centre of the park from Zenden. Played aimless long balls sometimes in an attempt to create a striking opportunity. Linked up well with Mark Gonzalez on the left though.

Peter Crouch - 7
An average performance from the striker. His goal could have been better taken but it was proof that his heading is improving. Linked up well with Craig Bellamy.

Luis Garcia - 6
Poor performance from the big-game player. Having scored twice against Chelsea in the Champions League and FA Cup semi-finals (Liverpool won both cups by the way), he was largely expected to pull off a big-game performance in this match. Was somewhat disappointing.

Substitutes:

Fabio Aurelio - 7
Good debut from the full back/left midfielder. Played some good balls and was one of the free kick specialists on the field. Nearly scored with a neatly caught swerving volley as well.

Steven Gerrard - 7
The captain came on and lifted the shield along with vice-captain Jamie Carragher. Played well down the right flank and was a threat whenever he moved infield.

Xabi Alonso - 7
Great defensive work from Xabi Alonso. Looked a little off at times but did his job well.

Craig Bellamy - 8
Was a menace to the Chelsea defence, running all over the place, earning free kicks and looking to threaten everytime he got the ball. Produced a wonderful cross for Peter Crouch's winner.

Florent Sinama Pongolle - 6
Did not have much to do as he only played for around 5 minutes. Held up the ball well when Liverpool were looking to waste time in the dying minutes of the game.

Final Score: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

Archangel's Man of the Match: Mohamed Sissoko

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Of mp3 players

2006-08-14T22:53:00.000+08:00

Guys i need your help! i want a new mp3 player..need some technical advice..is apple or creative better? in terms of sound quality i mean. I should get a balanced view from you two right? considering that one of you owns a zen while the other owns an ipod =)

Optimism Will Be Your Downfall

2006-08-11T22:38:00.000+08:00

Just when things seem to be going just right, everything is nicely progressing, you think you are getting somewhere... Then reality hits you in the face.

Sound familiar? If not, you've led a blessed life.

The same thing has happened over and over again... The same impending doom... Yet I blindly walk into the storm. Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong... That has not proven to be false for me yet.

It doesn't pay to be optimistic. The more you raise your hopes, the harder you will fall when they're not met. I've said this many times before. Maybe it's got something to do with my personality. The chase to be perfect. The determination to succeed in everything I try. Yet success, for me, always comes with a clause: it is never perfect. You work for 10 As, you get a B in your results cert. You know you can get a gold for NAPFA, but one of your stations makes you get a silver. You know that kind of thing? In the end, you can only think of what might have been, and ponder what you did wrong, and what you should have done. But eventually, you have to let go and forget about it.

Life sucks.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"... but I always will.

Archangel

News anywhere, anytime

2006-08-08T20:51:00.000+08:00

Interesting? Comment.

If

2006-08-07T22:58:00.000+08:00

If i had to do it all over again,

i would still choose to know you

i would still choose to like you

i would still choose to fall in love all over again

i would still choose to go through all the hurt and the pain

just so that i may have the slightest possible chance

of being together with you

The Meaning Of Life

2006-08-07T21:58:00.000+08:00

THE MEANING OF LIFE
for potentially depressed individuals (PDIs)

Chicken Drumsticks ARE soul food. Do not consider healthy alternatives. Anything with a fat content of <5% is the work of Satan. Let no one convince you otherwise.

If you are not doing well in your exams, consider the following:

Jumping down a 5-storey HDB flat. If you live, God LOVES you.
Becoming a teenage rebel and running away from home. Wander around as a homeless freak while trying to contemplate the meaning of life.
Blame OTHER people. You should not admire people with high grades, you should ostracize them.

consider studying (if all else fails)

SZ~Po(kwong)

and a sidenote from Matilda...

Rejected Children's Book Title:
POP! goes the hamster and other fun microwave games.

Lol... I love my classmates.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Scholarships

2006-08-07T21:32:00.000+08:00

Wow haven't posted for a very very long time... Hmmm.

Went to scholarship day on Saturday (for nothing as it turned out). I was only interested in two of the organizations offering scholarships... PSC and SPH. So I went to the SPH booth and asked them, "What courses do you allow your scholars to study?" or something like that, and she replied, "Oh you can study anything! ...except medicine." Haha! Can't say I wasn't expecting that... So I just took a form and thanked her... Who knows I may end up a journalist after all... :P Then I went to the next booth which was PSC and waited... and waited... and waited. There was this girl practically hogging the woman to whom we ask the questions. I waited for 10 minutes, and left without asking what I wanted to ask because I wanted to go for the DSTA talk... which was totally useless. Then I went to the PSC talk, and learned quite a bit (except for the part where they invited their scholars to talk and they started talking about the weather, the food and whatnot in their countries which was totally irrelevant).

After that I returned to the PSC booth, determined to get my questions answered. As it so happens, Amanda Zain asked exactly the same questions I wanted to ask... So I kinda eavesdropped hahaha! Yeah both the woman and Amanda knew I was listening cos I was like leaning so FAR in... Haha... But they didn't mind anyway. In fact, the woman spoke louder so I could hear what she had to say...

So in the end I only had one question for her. What does "President scholar calibre" mean? Apparently, only those who were shortlisted to be a President scholar (that means gone for interviews) and did not make it, then they may be offered the PSC Medicine Scholarship. I think I fainted right on the spot. So I commented, "That means not many people will be getting it" and she laughed and said, "well, we had three this year... that's quite a lot". OH MAN!!! Haha. Oh well, you win some you lose some. I found out later that PSC Medicine Scholarship only allows you to study in Singapore... which means NUS.

Wah some people seriously dress SUPER inappropriately... I mean, it's scholarship day, surely school uniform, pe or just T-shirt and jeans or something comfortable will suffice, right? Haha... Apparently not. There were a few students I spotted, wearing high heels, spaghetti stripes, dresses... Do you need to beautify yourself for this kind of thing?! Haha... So funny. I mean, it's not as if it's anything... grand. Or special. It's just... scholarship day. I seriously cannot fathom the minds of some people. Hahaha... I think i saw some make-up on the faces of some people too...

Something super funny happened before I went for the DSTA talk with Jon Teo and Liang Ze... When Liang Ze and I visited the Global Investment Corporation (GIC) booth, we met this damn funny guy who told us he was in his first year of studying in an overseas university... He was a scholar bonded to GIC, that is. This is how the conversation went...

GIC Scholar: So, what subjects are you taking?
Me: Oh er, triple science.
GIC Scholar: Oh ok, I took double maths when I was in RJC.
GIC Scholar: I'm currently studying Chemical Engineering in (dunno what) University.
Liang Ze: What does that have to do with Investment?
GIC Scholar: Nothing!
*blank looks from both me and Liang Ze*
GIC Scholar: Does that answer your question?

Hahaha! All three of us started laughing... It was damn funny la! I think scholarships are damn spastic... They sponsor you to study a subject which may be totally irrelevant to the company, then you're expected to return and serve your bond in the company, when you've studied nothing that's related to the job you're gonna take up. Lol... Quite spastic.

Oh well... I'm gonna have a string of posts dedicated to our resident class philosopher Poisson Kwong Si Zheng san! Hahaha... The stuff he comes up with is seriously damn funny... Well the frequency of which I'll be posting this depends on the frequency of his psychological inspirations... Haha... Watch this space!

Argh my dog is making so much noise...

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

LOL

2006-08-04T23:18:00.001+08:00

Summary. This convo, the full length version was so funny, i almost died* laughing

Pysics tutor(Edwin) : Can anyone guess what i am going to do?
Blow into the straw and make noise?
No, ok watch. (Blows....) (Water rises in the straw)
*Action of blowing, everyone laughs, for no apparent, but subtle reasons*
There's noise what.
Class : hahaha
Class, did you all see the rise in water level?
Yes.
Ok, let me try again, i can blow so hard i raise the level to blah blah the other time.
Class : hahaha
Don't laugh la, must give me time to compose myself mah. (Blows again... nthg happen)
Class : haha
Ok, Mingren come out and try. If no one can reach that level, no break ah. (grins sheepishly)
Ok.
*Mingren starts to do some licking action at the straw*
Class : WTH Hahaha
*Mingren breathes, but class keeps laughing, so he can't blow*
Jeffrey : First time ah?
Class : Roaring with laughter
Jeffrey, you mean you blow the tip of straws very often isit?
Class : Roaring with laughter again

Then, after class, apparently, i tried blowing across the straw, but because i did it really hilariously, Edwin laughed. And according to a few pple, it sounded gay.... HAHAHAHAHAHA

There were more stuff like man's self pleasure (w*), thus making today a really screwed up, yet hilarious day! Woohoo.
And i won hearts.

Bas****

2006-08-04T22:38:00.000+08:00

Irritating, just plain frustrating. Getting on my nerves... Why does he do all those stuff, say all those things? Its no longer just for fun, it is becoming mean, plain mean. The big question is whether he is aware of it. Even if he doesn't, it does not mean my dislike will lessen an inch... Hmm, maybe a centimetre... Can't he make less cynical comments? Why is it ok when he does the suaning, but not when others do it? (He'll act like its wrong to suan pple, hypocrite...) Why must he make insulting jokes? Wait, what jokes? They aren't even funny, just fc* insulting... I can try to laugh off a few, but 19+ months of it just crosses the line. As glad as i am that he is not talking behind pple's back (then again, how can anyone be sure), I am just as infuriated with his "its ok to be cynical and pessimistic and self righteous. its ok to be an ass suaning the sh** out of pple as long as i act upright" attitude. Plus that hypocritical look... ARGH
(I am just super irritated now, so the words may sound harsh. Still friends, i hope... Sigh, must ReN)

Rippling throught nerdish looks, Yeeha

2006-08-03T19:19:00.000+08:00

HOLY SHIT, IM OUT ON RIPPLEVOX AND I LOOK LIKE A DOPE. AHHHHHH THIS SUX! VERY SUX!!!! I AM TELLING YOU THAT IS NOT THE REAL ME. THAT IS ME WHEN I AM SUPER SLEEPY, SUPER NERVOUS AND SUPER DOPE! DOPE, NERD, MUGGER, DOOFUS, AHHHHH, I DON'T DARE TO SEE MYSELF, AHHHHHH. THIS SUX SUX SUX.

Actually, im quite handsome right? ;D

www.ripplevox.com

Gimme comments, I wanna know how dopish i look. And pardon the grammar, xie xie ;D

Cars, yet to come

2006-07-31T23:30:00.000+08:00

Shall make this me primary blog for now, until after As when i will make a food photo blog.

Is it just me, or do most people feel this way? The feeling of uneasiness and discomfort which appears whenever somone close isn't in a good mood. It causes unnecessary stress sometimes, which is why there are so few people out there who can be great listeners. I for one, tend to think too much and end up with undue worries. Maybe i should just listen for the sake of listening and no longer feel too deeply. That way, its saves me the bit of sanity which i lose every so often when i try to make things better... I guess everything has its limits

I just blew my chance by asking for her email. Is it that scary when a guy you have no idea of ask you for your email? Come to think of it, yeah, it is. Maybe i shouldn't bother. The feeling wasn't strong anyway, so it doesn't matter. But this incident just confirmed how difficult it is to befriend someone who barely knows you or you barely know, simply because even a simple innocent message can mean so many things. Another reason why it failed is because the medium of choice was sms, one of the most unsincere froms of communication... I should have just said hi when i had the chance. Too bad she was always with her friends (the crowd which i dare not approach)... Well, if the disaster i created can be saved, i will be so thankful, i swear off dota for the rest of my life. Really :)

The dull pain throbs on...

Can't let go

2006-07-31T21:56:00.002+08:00

There seems a weight within my heart, it hinders my thoughts and clouds my mind.
It's her i know and yet i know not why.
I wished and wished but wished in vain; nothing, it seems, can free me from my pain.

It was so long ago, but just when i thought the pain was gone and i could start anew, it all came back and hit me - hard. It hurts all the more because i never saw it coming. i thought it was long gone, never to return. The shock is insurmountable i tell you. it stifles you, wrings your brain and churns your thoughts like how your stomach churns food. You end up with some sticky mess that you can't make a head or tail of. So i end up holding this sticky mess while she goes abt her business as if nth has happened. Most unfair i tell you.

And yet i cant forget. yet i cant let go.

Somebody save me.

PRIDE!

2006-07-30T21:19:00.000+08:00

As you can tell, I AM VERY VERY PROUD OF IT! And the reason im posting another photo is because it will no longer be mine in a few days, so i better take photos for memory sake, sniff..... Jeff, you better appreciate it or else (Good thing he doesn't read this blog, so the surprise* ain't spoilt yet :p)

No idea why, but i am really really tired. And no, its not because of caffeine and sleep debt blah blah. Its just that thermo dym is killing my brain cells because the stupid notes do not give enough explanations like what the hell exactly is dH? dQ? or dQ + w'? Or TdS +VdP? And is TdS = dQrev, or any dQ? (Apparent in the appendix of the notes) Hey reader, if you know of any professors, or if you are a professor (in this area that is), please please, clarify my doubts. Use the tag board, comments, anything! Im desperate... And yesh, tired tirrd tird, sleepy sleppy slepy, i am....

Grad night, I used up shit loads of saliva to convince pple to go since it is a once in a life time thing... But... hy ain't going.... Damn damn damn..... So not fun one, what to do..... Sigh.... Righto, have fun nonetheless

Hmm, what should my next message be? An innocent "How are you?"? Or not... Damn...

Down...

2006-07-29T20:04:00.000+08:00

Today, is the day, where i surpassed the limit which i never thought was possible, attaining a 51000+ score for Johnny crash texas, placing me on the 9th place in the world ranking of the game! (Must check the website) Cool huh!

Hmm, maybe not,Get a life Jon....

Spent the whole morning making this really cool photo frame. Priceless. So proud of it!

Have people changed? Or is it I who have changed? Or is everything changing? I can't help but feel helpless in a world where humans believe that they control their fate, control the world, when in fact, the role is reversed... I mean, things are happening to people around me, i want to do something about it, but in the end, my efforts are futile and the things just happen. Relationships becoming distant, friends becoming enemies, love becoming hate, and there's nothing i can do about it. I guess there are some things i should not do or say anymore, for they only serve to worsen the things i fear most. For now, lone, seperation and isolation look like the very things i want to embrace...

Sigh...

Hit me

2006-07-27T21:30:00.000+08:00

Howz life for now after making that altruistic decision? Fine, just fine. Im ignoring all feelings of love now as they bring about nothing but worries and temporal happiness that goes away so quickly i'm better off without it. It is difficult to shake it off sometimes. Like the one time she msged sthg about not feeling well, i thought it referred to her and got rather worried. Only to realise later on that the msg got cut off and it was referring to some one else instead. Got worried for nothing, no shit... Time, soothe my pain, kill my lust, make me a man without the desire for love, for now. Strengthen my resolve, for i shall live a life of new hope! Yeah, it starts with a wrongly sent msg. Maybe i'll make a new friend out of this innocent mistake. Just maybe...

Alright, this i must definitely blog about. Bridge, no trump. I had 5 cards left, 4 clubs and one spade. The clubs were all winners except for 6 club. AND I PLAYED IT! It was like a random pick, no thought put into it. I don't know what i was thinking, but in the end, we lost terribly, because of the stupid mistake... Next was Heart. Yix told LCY "i gave it to you". I was half listening, thus i did not register its meaning. 5 spade, 6 spade, then it was my turn. I thought i mught as well get rid of my Ace spades, praying LCY didn't have the queen. He did.... AHHHHHH, if only i had listened. The most amazing thing was, I WON THE GAME NONETHELESS, by shooting the moon! How cool is that!

Gtg

Bastard

2006-07-25T16:31:00.000+08:00

You know what I can't stand? I can't stand people who are so damn insecure that they frequently put people down just to make themselves look good. Especially when they suck in that particular department but they think they're so damn good. These kind of people are just ignorant bastards who think they're better than anyone else in anything and to assure themselves of that delusion, keep criticizing people and putting them down as if they're an expert in that area. They only know how to talk the talk, but they can't walk the walk. That's right, empty vessels make the most noise, and the person I am talking about is a huge fat empty vessel. You can take that literally too if you know what I mean. If you're so good, show me what you can do, instead of talking bullshit all day without proving your so-called "talent". Bastard. You really showed your true colours today when I challenged you but you backed down like a coward, blowing all that hot air all over the place. You're just a sad loser, it's a pity you don't know it. Ass hole.

It's one thing to criticize a person when you actually are good in that area, but it's another when you have no substance at all, yet you keep putting other people down. I'd like to see you try to better me since you're so confident you can. Actually deep down in your blackened heart you know you can't, that's why you're so afraid of taking me on when I challenged you today. You suck, you know that? I bet it's embarrassing to be you.

This is not the first encounter I've had with this ass hole, and it's not the first ass hole I've encountered. You think I don't know your kind, but your kind spawns all over the place. It's sad, disgraceful and shameful the way you strut around with no substance to back your claims. I don't think you know the meaning of shame.

I'm determined to make this type of encounter with this particular ass hole I'm talking about the last ever. You and your kind can all just go f**k off and die. I hope you read this and die of guilt when you understand all the truth I'm saying and realise what an embarrassment you are to yourself, your name and your family. Oh what am I saying, you probably won't die of guilt because you're so thick-headed nothing can penetrate your damn skull, you're just a damn f**ker who doesn't feel any shame. It's disgraceful and sad.

I could have been your good friend you know? Hell, I've known you for at least four years. All this time, I've seen everyone around you making fun of everything you do. But I guess it doesn't pay to be nice huh? I tried to be nice to you, for four bloody years, but you just took all that and threw it back in my face by doing to me what others did to you. And not just once or twice, but virtually every time you see me. You're such a damn bastard. Just because I'm nice to you doesn't mean you can take advantage of me.

You chose to be such a condescending loser-bastard and now you've made me your worst enemy. This encounter this afternoon was the final straw. I've had it, putting up with your nonsense for such a long time. Trust me, I'll be the worst enemy you can ever get. Don't waste my time anymore with your presence and get your ugly mug out of my face. Have a nice life, the kind of life you think is better than everyone else's, but that's just your warped perception, isn't it? Bastard.

Now I've got all that hate out of my system... Take a huge, deep breath...

These bastards are not worth caring about.

Wow! I feel much better now. Just my luck to run into him twice today. I finally blew up in the LT and that's when I challenged him. I thought he would accept it but he backed off, that coward. I got so pissed I think I frightened Wei Hong... Haha. Ok I won't think about ass holes like that any longer...

Thankfully I managed to catch up with Kai and Wei Shern to take 156 home... Talking to them on the bus really cheered me up from that rotten mood I had from that encounter... Haha... It was so... Relaxing... Just crapping on the bus on the way home. Hahaha! Yup...

Oh well. I've to go study. Just wanted to get all that hate out of my system before my mind gets contaminated. I think I write hate mails really well. Haha...

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

K9

2006-07-23T17:39:00.000+08:00

Ooh watched "The Contender" Season Two yesterday... Season One was absolutely fabulous, and Season Two looks like it's gonna be too!

Haha the first thing I noticed was the obvious disappearance of Sylvester Stallone... I have no idea why he's not in the second season... Maybe they wanted a "real" boxer (Sugar Ray Leonard) to be the official host lol... The woman from last season is gone too... Can't remember her name. East and West teams have changed to Gold and Blue teams too.

Haha the guy I rooted for won again. I seem bless whoever I support, from the first season up to now... Cornelius "K9" Bundrage was the last to be picked by the "captains" cos they thought he was very lousy when they saw him in training... Then the ultra cocky captain (Michael Clark) of the gold team was supposed to fight him in the first fight and he was so happy can... He kept on mocking K9, like during the morning run he kept on barking and growling like a dog... Real ass-hole. He seriously thought K9 was going to be a pushover.

Then POW! K9 won the first two rounds, just like that! Fantastic stuff... But Michael Clark, who was rated the best fighter among these 16, was not gonna give up without a fight... And he won the next two rounds... Fighting like his life depended on it... Haha... He just flew in and attacked K9 man, don't know how K9 prevented himself from falling.

Then, in the 5th and final round, K9 KOed Michael. Well... Not exactly KOed, but hit him to the ground. Solid! After that he was a shoo-in to win. Haha...

Lesson learnt? Never judge a book by it's cover. K9 sucked during practice and Michael was whacking the trainer, but when it came to the crunch, K9 was the one who survived. Another lesson learnt? Never mock other people or make fun of them just because you think you're much better than they are... Or it will come back to haunt you... It's called Karma. Haha...

Shoot the study chair just broke! I can't believe it! One moment I'm sitting on the chair the next I'm sitting heavily on the floor. Talk about shoddy construction. I told you, I'm cursed. Apparently Karma works different for me, it's like all the "negative energy" is pumped in place of the "positive energy" and everything that happens to me is bad. I'm serious! Haha. Oh well...

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Breathe (2 AM)

2006-07-23T16:57:00.000+08:00

Breathe (2 AM) by Anna Nalick

2 AM and she calls me 'cos I'm still awake
Can you help me unravel my latest mistake
I don't love him and winter just wasn't my season

Yeah we walk through the doors so accusing their eyes
Like they have any right at all to criticize
Hypocrites you're all here for the very same reason

'Cos you can't jump the track
We're like cars on a cable and life's like an hourglass glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button girl
So cradle your head in your hands

And breathe, just breathe

Woah breathe, just breathe

May he turned 21 on the base of Fort Bliss
Just today he sat down to the flask in his fist
Ain't been sober, since maybe October of last year

Here in town you can tell he's been down for while
But my God it's so beautiful when the boy smiles
Wanna hold him but maybe I'll just sing about it

'Cos you can't jump the track
We're like cars on a cable
And life's like an hourglass glued to the table,
No one can find the rewind button boys

So cradle your head in your hands
And breathe, just breathe

Woah breath, just breathe

There's a light at each end of this tunnel, you shout

'Cos you're just as far in as you'll ever be out
And these mistakes you've made you'll just make them again

If you only try turning around

2 AM and I'm still awake writing this song
If i get it all down on paper, it's no longer

Inside of me, threatening the life it belongs to

And I feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
Cause these words are my diary screaming out aloud
And I know that you'll use them however you want to.

But you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable
And life's like an hourglass glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button now
Sing it if you understand

And breathe, just breathe
Woah breathe, just breathe

Oh breathe, just breathe

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Audio:Anna Nalick - Breathe (2 AM)
by New-Blue-Champion

The Best Dribblers...

2006-07-22T13:37:00.000+08:00

Scoring two goals in after PE soccer really was a great remedy to post VIVA World Cup blues. I think I played much better in that game than in that stupid tournament. I think I learned something after that game, something which I formulated after several games against different opponents.

My game is mostly about dribbling. Whether it's beating people down the flanks or running at opposition defense, if you give me the ball at my feet, I'll show you what I can do. However, this has become stagnant and it's not due to lack of games or practice (although that can be a factor as well), it's largely due to a lack of confidence.

When you come up against an opponent, you do not have much time to plot your next move before he comes in for the tackle. If you spend too much time thinking, the next thing you know, you've lost the ball. This is where confidence comes in. If you're confident you can beat him, you will not have to worry about what your next move is. You just beat him. If you're not, you will usually try to formulate a way to get past him and that will be your downfall.

That is why when most dribblers get the ball, they look at their opponent and attempt to beat him straight away, without considering if they can do it or not. Why do you think the best dribblers in the world are some of the most arrogant, or pure genius? Look at Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho, just to name a few. They brim with confidence everytime they play.

I guess that must be my weakness. I give my opponents too much respect and that's why I always lose out when it comes to the big games. Does that mean I must change my game to be able to play well? That's the question.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

World Cup 2006 Dream Team

2006-07-19T18:07:00.000+08:00

Since there were so many journalists' "Dream Teams" or "Best XI" in the newspapers, I will publish my own and see how they compare. I bet my team whups all their asses and I'll get hired as a sports columnist in the New Paper. Wahaha!

Goalkeeper : Gianluigi Buffon - Italy

Buffon was instrumental in the Italian's World Cup triumph with his masterful saves and excellent goalkeeping. Of course it helped to have a great defence in front of him but when he was called into action, he never failed to disappoint. He only conceded one goal before the World Cup Final and that was an own goal by Cristian Zaccardo. The other was from an illegitimate penalty by Zinedine Zidane.

Right Back: Gianluca Zambrotta - Italy

It is ironic that the best right back in this tournament is naturally a left back. After Cristian Zaccardo's horrible own goal, Zambrotta was put onto the opposite flank with Fabio Grosso on the left. Zambrotta proved his versatility by having an excellent tournament, and even scored with a clean finish against Ukraine.

Left Back: Philipp Lahm - Germany

Relatively unknown coming into this World Cup, Philipp Lahm shot to world fame in the opening game against Costa Rica when he curled a sweet shot into the top corner of the Costa Ricans' goal, scoring the first goal of the tournament. The right-footed left back then showed he was not a flash in the pan with amazing performances throughout the World Cup. He even played on the right flank in the 3rd-4th placing match against Portugal. Philipp Lahm has a great ability to get forward and join in the attack, providing excellent crosses and the occasional deadly shot.

Centre Back: Fabio Cannavaro - Italy

It has been said many times that the Italians are gifted in the art of defense. With three players (including the goalkeeper) in this defence, it definitely proves the old adage true. Cannavaro, although dimunitive, is a master in the art of defending. He has amazing anticipation and speed, and the ability to stick to a striker and get the ball off him or sheperd him away from the goal, without fouling him. In the seven games that he played, he did not get a single card, yellow or red, and in his 100th game for Italy, the captain of Italy led his team to glory. He is my captain for this team and for me, the player of the tournament.

Centre Back: Ricardo Carvalho - Portugal

Although the centre back has not really made a huge impact with Chelsea in England, his confident displays at the World Cup assured us that he is still one of the world's best. In the fracas against Holland, he marshaled his defence to perfection with only nine men of his team remaining, and prevented the Dutch masters from scoring. An excellent header of the ball, Carvalho can provide impressive aerial power and height for any defence. He is no slouch on the ground as well, being a quick reader of the game and of his opponent's moves.

Right Winger: Franck Ribery - France

The youngest player in France's first team at the age of 23, Franck Ribery burst onto the scene with a huge reputation, and huge boots to fill. Touted as the "next Zidane", Scarface did not fail to disappoint when he was finally put into the starting lineup for the faltering French. The speedy winger scored against Spain with a clinical finish as he rounded Iker Casillas to slot the ball into an empty net, single-handedly hauling France back into the game with the equaliser.

Left Winger: Harry Kewell - Australia

Harry Kewell has been largely overlooked in many of the journalists' Dream Teams or Tournament XIs, but few will doubt his importance to Australia. He only played three games at the World Cup, starting two of them, due to injury. Australia look a much more attacking side with him in the team, and without him, they lost their matches (against Brazil where he was a substitute and against Italy where he was sidelined with an injury). He put Australia on the footballing map with an assured finish against Croatia to seal a 2-2 draw that put them into the round of 16, arguably the greatest moment ever in Australia's footballing history. A tricky winger who can provide deadly crosses and shots from midfield, he is also gifted at set pieces and scores or supplies goals with the occasional free kick or corner.

Central Midfielder: Andrea Pirlo - Italy

Andrea Pirlo is a technically gifted midfielder who can provide a pass as wonderful as that of Zidane's or Riquelme's, or defend as well as Makelele or Hamann. He is actually a very similar player to Xabi Alonso. In fact, he is so good that he should be placed in a class of his own. A midfielder who is the creative force both AC Milan and Italy, he possesses a keen eye for a pass and is also a great shooter of the ball. He is wonderfully gifted at set pieces as well. Elegant and refined are the only ways to describe him.

Central Midfielder: Maxi Rodriguez - Argentina

More consistent than Michael Ballack and more powerful than Maniche, Maxi Rodriguez had a fantastic World Cup where he scored three great goals. One of them will be remembered as a moment of South American samba where 24 passes were construed before Rodriguez slammed the ball into the back of the net, and another one will be remembered as a last-gasp wonder goal against Mexico that sent Argentina into the quarter-finals. Maxi Rodriguez is an industrious attacking midfielder who terrorises defenders and pops up with vital goals for his country and club. Any player who can displace Pablo Aimar from the international team while keeping Lionel Messi on the bench must be some player, and Maxi definitely fits the bill.

Striker: Miroslav Klose - Germany

The striker was widely ridiculed in his previous World Cup in 2002, where he scored all five of his goals with his head, four of them coming against Saudi Arabia. In 2006, he showed us all that he is a force to be reckoned with and is very much a world class striker. Showing impressive dribbling skills and a great chemistry with his strike partner, Lucas Podolski, Klose is an unselfish striker who sets his teammates up if they're in a better position instead of going for glory. He scored a wonderfully headed goal against Argentina in the quarter final to force the game to penalties, which Germany won. Miroslav Klose is the Golden Boot winner of this year's World Cup, with another five goals to his name.

Striker: Fernando Torres - Spain

The 22 year old has been a revelation for yet another underachieving performance by Spain in this year's World Cup. Scoring three goals in his four World Cup games, Torres formed formidable partnerships with whoever he was paired with in attack, be it Raul, David Villa or Luis Garcia. He led Spain's frontline brilliantly and was a menace to every defender who came up against him. The young prodigy has finally made his first step to becoming a world class player.

Substitutes:

Jens Lehmann - Germany (Goalkeeper)
Ricardo - Portugal (Goalkeeper)
Willy Sagnol - France (Right Back)
Fabio Grosso - Italy (Left Back)
Christoph Metzelder - Germany (Centre Back)
Roberto Ayala - Argentina (Centre Back)
Cristiano Ronaldo - Portugal (Right Winger)
Bastian Schweinsteiger - Germany (Left Winger)
Michael Ballack - Germany (Central Midfielder)
Juan Roman Riquelme - Argentina (Central Midfielder)
Thierry Henry - France (Striker)
Lukas Podolski - Germany (Striker)

Waiting List:

Shaka Hislop - Trinidad & Tobago (Goalkeeper)
Lillian Thuram - France (Centre Back)
Javier Mascherano - Argentina (Central Midfielder)
Luca Toni - Italy (Striker)

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Nuttey!

2006-07-18T00:12:00.000+08:00

I shall change Nutte to nuttey, after realising what it means..... Oh man ><

10/7/2006

2006-07-10T21:51:00.000+08:00

Haha I just decided that if I wanna blog and just crap about my day I'll just name the blog title the date of that particular day...

Wow I just realised how great it is to do all your work (plus near-future work) during the weekend cos during the weekdays when you're so tired when you get back, or because of a crappy day at school, when you get home, you don't feel like doing work at all. Okay actually I could do some work right now but I've got nothing to do. Okay fine, I do have stuff to do, they're just not of immediate importance. Haha. This is probably the first night in a long time where I've gotten back from school without anything of utmost importance to do that I just watched two Grey's Anatomy episodes on my com and am waiting for House to start at 11pm...

Guess what, my mom told me I could go buy new shoes if I want to as long as I get rid of the other two I can't wear anymore! Hahaha. I've been eyeing the adidas blue and white court soccer boots lately... But I don't really want to throw away my two old pairs of boots... Sigh. Dilemma.

Hmmm brought that subject up only cos I remembered I'm going to Queensway with Alvin on Wednesday. Gonna buy some running/exercise pants my stupid RJPE pants are too darned short. I think they shrunk in the wash.

Oh yay we're gonna make jerseys for the VIVA World Cup tournament! I'm gonna get "Archangel" and No. 7! Hahaha. That's if the printer can squeeze all nine letters of "Archangel" onto the back of the shirt... Stupid Neng Yang is so damn conceited... Say "oh sure can score past your keeper" like he's so good like that... Haha. You haven't seen Liang Ze play before he's gonna make you eat your words... I hope they taste bad... I guess Neng Yang's just sore that I rejected joining his team so I could play with my class... Haha. They're better anyway. Hahaha! Oops I'd better not say that otherwise we suddenly lose to his team then I dunno where to put my face liao. Hahaha...

Hey sorry to the guys who wanted me to post reviews of the World Cup matches on the blog... Haven't exactly been following the World Cup because of common tests... Then the matches are always at 3am so I fall asleep halfway... But I'll get back to work as soon as the new Premiership season starts!

Wow I discovered on a Grey's Anatomy episode two WONDERFUL songs... They played "You And Me" by Lifehouse and "High" by James Blunt... Very nice songs... I went to find them online straightaway hahaha.

Hmmm Matilda has got me hooked on to CSI: NY. Hahaha... I think it's pretty good! Watched CSI: Miami too but Matilda said NY was better so... I took her word for it hahaha. Brainsharers after all :P

Oh well... Guess I'll stop here... Gonna watch House, it starts in 15 minutes or so... Hahaha :P

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Biggest Dreamer!

2006-07-08T19:10:00.000+08:00

http://macadish.blogspot.com/2006/07/another-dream.html
http://macadish.blogspot.com/2006/07/grading-system.html
http://macadish.blogspot.com/2006/07/dream.html

Like always, click on post once there. Works the same as this blog. ;D
Think i will have any more weird dreams???

Is that the true you (plural)?

2006-07-06T23:27:00.000+08:00

I realised, why i am not close to the guys from my class. A simple birthday present yet a heated 'discussion'.

So what if i feel like sharing the present with other people. After all, i am suppose to know him better, at least at a more personal level. Do feel bad when i see don't see him around sometimes, and many other feelings, thts why i don want to share with the group. In fact, to me, he is not part of the class clique. I would rather see him as tuba and my friend, the 'magic' guys. Then some guy had to make stupid comments about it. Ok fine, so i just let them know i am discussing with someone else (tuba) . Another series of stupid comments appeared. Then i suggested taking a photo. It is definitely meaningful, especially since we'll all part after this year. A photo is definitely sthg to remind him of the happy moments together. Noo, somebody had to make tht idea sound like bad news (News for that somebody, jeff's not the kind of person who will look at photos and think of all the wrong things).

Great, you guys figure it out yourself. You think i care? Can't believe the most decent person in that convo is yuan. Comparing that convo with the one i was having with tuba, one felt like hell, the other heaven, respectively. Don't try to tell me those comments were jokes, because they are not funny. Man am i irritated, with myself for forgetting his bdae, with those pple who don't mean anything they say.

Enough, as touched as i am that i got the watch (thnx to jeff again, and maybe a few others), but im just as irritated by the fact that such kind of things can happen over a bdae presents. Notice that i seldom get agitated over anything. So this is what you people really are... I give up. (leaves convo)

Fun Fun Fun

2006-07-01T02:09:00.000+08:00

Click on 'post' to view
FUN FUN FUN ;D
http://macadish.blogspot.com/2006/07/fun.html

CTS TMR!

2006-06-25T15:19:00.000+08:00

time really flies..and tomorrow the cts arrive! wheeeeeeeeee..how do you spell doom in twenty different ways? The reign of terror starts tmr, scream and pee and flee! The ground will run red with failing marks!

_______________

I can't wait for the cts to be over. i know tat's how everyone feels, i know tat's how i always feel before the cts, but all the same, i can't wait for the cts to be over. the light at the end of the "tunnel" seems so alluring when you are stuck deep in the middle of the tunnel, and it becomes downright dazzling when you are nearing it, but the moment you poke your head out in the sunlight, you forget that you were ever in the tunnel. it's only when you reach the next tunnel that you realize how dark it is in the tunnel compared to the outside. Its the same for exams i guess. the o levels was one hell of a long tunnel, but you forgot how dark and winding that tunnel was once you were done with it. Perhaps you remembered for a while, but after a while all you knew was sunlight and fresh air. And the worse thing is, after a while it becomes a natural thing to have nothing but sunlight and fresh air.

so when the next tunnel comes...

i guess you just don't really cherish the things you have till you lose them..and i'm not just talking about exams, but everything in general..its sad but true, isnt it?

"Late last night, I heard the screen door swing,
And a big yellow taxi took my girl away..

Now don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got till it's gone.."

sj

Another test

2006-06-24T10:33:00.000+08:00

Tickle Friend Test (who has the email lame_laming_lamer@hotmail.com? I forgot)
Me!
Seriously, there's nothing like spending time with the person who just naturally brings out your sunny, and funny, side. Who wants to be dour and sour? Your upbeat attitude and appreciation for the lighter moments in life is what seals the deal for you and the resident comedian in your life. You know who we're talking about — the friend with the one-liners, the quick wit, the insightful commentaries on life's absurdities — the friend who can make you laugh even when they're poking fun at you.But even if they are telling a joke at your expense, you know you can count on them to keep you young at heart, laid-back, and fun-loving. When it comes down to it, would you want it to be any other way? No way!

Phone 2

2006-06-16T10:15:00.000+08:00

Oo, realised the trade in value of my big big phone is $300 for starhub. I can get more from private sales, but, dad wants me to trade in. So, if i get the w810i, i only need to pay $168 more! Yeah, But... Now i want the K800i. Its a 3.2mp cam phone with the cybershot label. Wow. Saw some sample photos and i must say, the quality is very very good for a phone camera. It is just like a low end consumer digi cam. It even uses xenon flash instead of the normal led flash. With it, i don need to lug a big dslr all the time, can snap anything i want anywhere anytime. Truly amazing phone. Drawback? The battery life is too low for it to be a heavy duty phone. And it is coming out at the end of August... Which leaves me just barely 4 months to use it. Shall just get the w810i and get it over it, since sis won't be use the camera function anyway nxt time. This is by far the most extensive research i have done for anything i want to buy. So, i had better not regret my choice.
My dream phone w850i? It has got some lousy review, basically cuz it is not a value-for-money phone. The functions are good, like the w900i, but low batt life and specs that are not needed. And 3G is way too expensive now, so is 2G. Don't expect anyone who will want to surf the net anywhere for that kind of price.

End of phone :)

Mug mug mug mug.... boring.... Chicken, blog about your malaysia trip. Will write about mine when i come back. Yeah.

Feeling lost..

2006-06-15T23:05:00.000+08:00

Everything seems so...out of focus. I'm desperately behind for studies, but as important as that is, it's not the only thing tat's bothering me. News flash..I have gathered from what i know that she is under pressure to do well for the cts..tat seems to be one reason that makes all that has happened so far fall in place, and one that allows me to hope. Hope? I was brimming with it at the start of the hols, and it seems so foolish now...I guess i can just wait for the cts to end, and hope tat all things turn out for the best..seems to be the only thing i can do anyway...

It's so ironic isnt it? On one hand i'm wishing that the hols will stretch out as long as they can, that the cts will be pushed back to some dark corner where they can be forgotten and i can be happy and free to watch the world cup and read and play all i want. Sounds really childish i guess, but if you could, wouldnt you just stop time for a while during the hols, and go out to enjoy the sun? or just sit down for a good read or a match? Can you honestly say no? remember how nicely the morning sun falls on you, warming you up from the outside all the way deep within your very soul? remember how it feels like to be able to do anything you want without having to worry about impending exams and deadlines? if you have forgotten, you are a true blue singaporean student.

but i digress.

On the other hand though, the end of the cts would mean the moment of truth, or at least the gradual dawning of it.

so you see how i'm torn between these two thoughts? i wish for one and pray for the other.

now i know why like long rides, esp on the bus. you travel miles, but you do not move an inch from your seat. Time passes like the miles, but you sit back and rest. you have time to think. time to reflect. you are not bothered by the passing time or miles.

seems that this piece of writing is unorganised, with bits and pieces here and there. well, suits my present frame of mind perfectly. have econs make up lesson tmr, followed by a cip camp. havent handed up an overdue econs essay. Guess which of the two activities i'm looking foward to.

sj

Phone, the luxury, the bane

2006-06-15T13:24:00.000+08:00

Woohoo, i will be getting a new phone soon enough. But which phone.... Sony erricson? Or Motorrola. W850i, my dream phone. White or black, it looks so cool. Its expensive, no doubt, but the functions and design. "Isn't it worth fighting for? Isn't it worth dying for?" Best of all, I can use normal headphones. Which is a plus plus plus!
http://www.sonyericsson.com/spg.jsp?cc=sg&lc=en&ver=4000&template=pp1_loader&php=php1_10242&zone=pp&lm=pp1&pid=10242
Then there is the v3x, which i am likely to get. It is nice to grip, it is cool, but. THEY DO NOT HAVE AN OUTLET FOR THE HEAD PHONES. I can only use it as a loudspeaker. If i really want to, there is the bluetooth head phones, but it will consume a tad too much power. Sigh
Then there is the k750i. Cheap and good, though the memory is abit too little, and the design is kinda lousy. Otherwise, a good choice i would say.
If only there was a phone that cost $50, does not require a plan, has 3G capabilities, MP3 playback, user friendly, 1gb worth of memory (in bulit plus memory), bluetooth, infrared, 2mp camera, Zoom and flash capabilities, Organiser, Contact list that can store any no. of contacts limited only by memory, games that are reasonably good, Elegant design, light, small, comfortable keypad. (I think i should write $500 but even so, sigh...)
V3x, here i come...

Is it time? Nope. Is it time? I don't think so. Is it time? I wonder if it is up to me. To wait somemore, i will have to. To look beyond the tree, i think i should. Only time, will tell.....

World Cup!

2006-06-14T20:02:00.000+08:00

Results:

Germany 4-2 Costa Rica
Poland 0-2 Ecuador
England 1-0 Paraguay
Trinidad & Tobago 0-0 Sweden
Argentina 2-1 Ivory Coast
Serbia & Montenegro 0-1 Netherlands
Mexico 3-1 Iran
Angola 0-1 Portugal
Australia 3-1 Japan
USA 0-3 Czech Republic
Italy 2-0 Ghana
Korea Republic 2-1 Togo
France 0-0 Switzerland
Brazil 1-0 Croatia

Tonight's Matches:

Spain vs Ukraine
Tunisia vs Saudi Arabia

Well the first round of matches is almost over... and the World Cup is well under way! Well some disappointments of the tournament so far...

England

Sorry, I'm an England slammer. I like their players, I like the way they play (sometimes) but they can't seem to gel in the most important matches. Sven Goran Eriksson gets it all wrong sometimes and for all the talent they have in the squad, it's just sad. Their saving grace is their rock-solid defence, with Steven Gerrard protecting them for all he's worth. Frank Lampard has been good too and is probably the main threat for England. Beckham has surprised me, he looks good, whipping in deadly crosses, corners and free kicks, the England captain is playing at a very high level.

But for all the goals scored against Jamaica (and there were 6), all England had to show against Paraguay was one goal. An own goal. Michael Owen looked very off-form in the match, failing to deliver and looking far-off from the world-class striker we all know he is. Owen is and has always been England's main source of goals in major competitions and if he fails to find his form, England had better change their tactics or they're goners. Crouch looks inexperienced, but who's to blame him? Defenders play dirty when they come up against him, and make it look as if he's fouling them all the time. The height advantage really puts him at a disadvantage against the referee's whistle.

Then comes the best part: England's only other fit striker, Theo Walcott, has been injured by England's injured striker, Wayne Rooney. What an irony. So now if you exclude the off-form Owen (who has just recovered from a metatarsal injury), England only have one fully fit striker for the competition. Woo hoo!

Netherlands

What happened to the Dutch? The masters of "Total Football"? One goal?! Against Serbia & Montenegro? One goal?! It's the first time in many years they've won a match by scoring only one goal... The free-flowing football by the Dutch was missing against the Serbs. Only Arjen Robben was credible, Van Persie too.

France

France are dead and buried. For all their world-class players, they failed to come up with a goal against a plucky Switzerland. It's like a mathematics equation: Thierry Henry at Arsenal scores loads of goals. David Trezeguet at Juventus does the same. So does Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid, Louis Saha used to at Fulham, now he's doing it (somewhat) at Man United and Sylvain Wiltord does it at Lyon. Put them all together and voila! No goals.

I'm waiting to see how Spain will do... Apparently Luis Garcia is starting while Raul isn't. Go Spain! Go Alonso and Garcia! Yeah! Haha... I hope and pray REALLY hard RTM shows this match at 9... Hahaha.

Yuks I mugged the whole day today and only managed to do Homeostasis, Liver and Endocrine, The Mammalian Kidney, Atomic Structure and Chemical Energetics. Yuks. So SLOW. Luckily I'm almost done with Bio and done with Physics and halfway through Maths. Haha... I worry for my Chemistry. Bleah. Oh well. Stupid common tests. I didn't even get to enjoy my June holidays and it's all going to be over. Sigh.

Well at least I predicted one thing correctly, the African teams aren't doing too well at the moment. Haha...

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

World Cup!

2006-06-13T00:37:00.000+08:00

Results:

Trinidad & Tobago 0-0 Sweden
Argentina 2-1 Ivory Coast
Serbia & Montenegro 0-1 Netherlands
Mexico 3-1 Iran
Angola 0-1 Portugal
Australia 3-1 Japan

Still playing:

Czech Republic 2-0 USA

Baros isn't playing so I won't get any points from him.

I can't believe it! 3 goals in 8 minutes see the Aussies beat Japan 3-1! Haha! What a match! Too bad I couldn't watch... Sigh. I can't believe the World Cup is here after 4 bloody years and I can't watch any of it. Sucks! I can't even do it Tze Kwan's way got some error... Anyway can't install anything on this com it's my mom's and MOE is the administrator lol.

MY. FANTASY. TEAM. SUCKS. How come all the players I consider putting in but never put in eventually score so many points??? All the CHEAPER players also! ARGH. Stupid Argentina had to go and concede against Ivory Coast so instead of getting 6 points for Gabriel Heinze, I got 1. Then guess who scored for Ivory Coast? Dider Drogba whom I was considering putting in my team. He got like 5 points while my idiot Owen got 1! And he costs 2 million less than Owen! ARGH so PISSED! Then Tim Cahill scored TWICE against Japan. Kewell, on the other hand, didn't score and gained 2 points. Cahill got 10. Cahill costs 1 million more than Kewell though, but guess which one is in my team?

WAARGH. My team only has 13 points that SUCKS. My overall rank is dropping like mad la. Aiyah. So irritating.

I want to watch the World Cup... Sigh...

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Flour

2006-06-12T00:29:00.000+08:00

Flowers flowers flowers, why am i reminded of it. Nonetheless, it is something very interesting to talk about.

Who watched zatch bell today? Did you see the power flowers? The ones controlled by mamodo Voltorb i think? Well, if only there was such a kind of flower.

Scientifically, flowers are part of a plant that has distinctvely attractive features the attract pollinators such as bees, or bats. They may emit scent like the rafflesia, or be aesthetically appealing b y being brightly coloured, or contain precious precious nectar hidden deep inside. Pollinators brush past the anthers and carry along pollen grains, which they then bring to the stigma. Fertilisation occurs, seeds are formed, and new plants are formed. So, that is the primary use of flowers in our ecosystem.

The importance of flowers outside of science? Nah. It is involved in biology, but the significance of flowers to many of us is in chemistry (pun). It is used to thank, to apologise, to praise, to offer condolence, to congratulate, to appreciate, to love. Yes, to love. Red roses, three stalk, or a bouquet. That is the importance. The picture that speaks a thousand words. Or just 3 words...

My point? None... Actually, perhaps, maybe, nevermind...

"No matter the distance
I want you to know
That deep down inside of me..."

World Cup!

2006-06-10T23:38:00.000+08:00

The World Cup kicks off today!!!

Results:

Germany 4-2 Costa Rica
Poland 0-2 Ecuador
England 1-0 Paraguay

The Germany match was fantastic! Most goals scored in the opening match in recent years... And all six of them were top quality stuff too! Haha... I can't watch any other matches my father didn't purchase the Starhub channels... Bleah. But Ecuador beating Poland 2-0 shows that the Polish cannot survive without Liverpool keeper Jerzy Dudek. Haha! The Poland manager is a jackass for leaving Dudek out of his squad. Na-na-na!

England won 1-0 with an own goal... Omgz... How boring is that... So officially they have played one game and none of their players have scored. Wonderful. Hahaha... They reported that Owen looks off-form and Lampard looks jittery... I don't know. But from what I read, Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole and David Beckham are playing world-class football. Not bad...

Argh my stupid Fantasy World Cup team is dying cos idiot Lehmann let in two goals against Costa Rica... The most idiotic part is that I had a premonition and was thinking of swapping Lehmann for Petr Cech or Edwin Van der Sar... Then decided against it. ARGH I hope Cech and Van der Sar concede a LOT of goals! Then I'll feel vindicated.

As it stands, I only have 13 points... So far. There are still 13 matches to go. Hmmm. Terry earned me 6 points, Gerrard got me 2 (cos he got a yellow card darn) and Owen got me 4 points. Yuks. I'm like ranked 21,072 out of 283,940 la! That... Sucks. Haha. Oh well.

Yeah I finally got my Liverpool DVD today and guess what! I got the COLLECTOR'S EDITION! Na-na-na! I couldn't believe it when the cashier took out and asked me to check if it was the one I wanted and I saw SILVER... Hahaha! I thought it was limited edition and I was going to get the red one without that special silver cover! Yeah man! Talk about good fortune.

Met up with my OGL Grace today... Haven't seen her for a long time... We spent most of the afternoon at a cafe chatting... Gossiping... Hahaha! She didn't want to tell me who Chunky likes! So evil! Bait me then pull the bait away... (hmm trying to find a good analogy) Aiyar. At least I know the girl he likes is from their OG and was in chorale. Haha! That narrows it down a lot... I think... Hmph. Grace Tan is evilevilevil!

I got Batman: No Man's Land Vol. 1 and 2 today... Wanted to get Batman: Cataclysm which is the prelude to the No Man's Land series but they didn't have stock. They didn't have the Superman: Man of Tomorrow Vol. 2 in stock as well so I didn't get those today... Will wait... Jim Lee is SUCH as good artist. Fantastic.

Hmmm I've gotta wake up earlyearly tomorrow... At 5 perhaps to get back on track studying... Haven't done much in the past two days... Just been doing Physics worksheets. Yup yup gonna sleep soon...

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Why England Should Win The World Cup

2006-06-09T21:05:00.000+08:00

England, with all its star players throughout the years, have only one World Cup to their name. Time and time again, they have disappointed with poor attempts to lay their hands on the gold for the second time. But this time, the England team have never had a better squad than when they won the competition back in 1966, and this is why England should do well in this year's competition:

The Defence

The England defence has never looked as solid as this: Paul Robinson, a world class goalkeeper between the sticks; Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, centre-halves many managers wish to have in their teams; Ashley Cole and Gary Neville, the full backs who love to get forward and are not shabby at defending themselves.
Not only are all these players effective at set plays and the art of defending, three out of the four first team defenders (sorry, John Terry) are really fast runners. Who said defenders are traditionally slow?
Furthermore, England can employ the services of the versatile Jamie Carragher, who can play in any position in the defence and even in midfield, and the seasoned Sol Campbell, who is in the class of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. England this year are a very, very strong defensive unit and we shouldn't see them conceding too many goals.

The Midfield

Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. Need I say more? The engine room packs a powerful punch with these two. Steven Gerrard at his best is a creative player who causes havoc in the opponent's defence when he moves forward, as is Frank Lampard. Both are midfield dynamos with the ability to turn a game. With David Beckham looking back to his best with his deadly crosses and free-kicks, and the ever creative and industrious Joe Cole down the left-flank, England have a midfield to rival most teams.
Not to mention their left-wing David Beckham equivalent, Stewart Downing (who, in my opinion, should start on the left if Aaron Lennon starts on the right), Aaron Lennon the pacy wing-wizard and Michael Carrick the English equivalent of Xabi Alonso, England have superb players to call upon should they opt to change their tactics.

The Forwards

Michael Owen and Peter Crouch look to have struck up a wonderful partnership between themselves, with each of them helping themselves to several goals against Hungary then Jamaica. Peter Crouch looks better playing for England than for Liverpool, maybe because of Owen (come back to Liverpool Owen!). If Crouch cannot deliver, they still have Wayne Rooney and the promising Theo Walcott.

With the right tactics, England should make a strong push for the world cup this year, forty years after their only win in the competition. If Sven-Goran Eriksson plays his cards right, he will be able to take England far this June. Let the games begin!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Camp!

2006-06-09T17:20:00.000+08:00

First things first, I must give credit to all who rmbred and wished me happy bdae. ~D, Jeff, Yix and a whole lot of others for the lanning, the watch and the fun. Go To those that didn’t make it, lets go KBOX! Then theres qx, and joella! People whom I did not expect will rmbr. They kinda made my day. And to V and chicken for being the first two. Then hy, for being the last. (Haha!) And to the friend that rmbred the date wrongly. sniff…… Haha

Ok, me, im a camp right now, right here.
First, the people i know and got to know at camp. Bzx, anyi, stephanie, shi yun, vincent, zhiling, rongsiu, jorina, wenyan, deborah, shi fu, chong yi, kelvin, deana, Beatrice, hai song, tiong hwee, etc whose name I forgot. Argh, I can’t remember names, sigh… Great bunch of people though, yeah!

On to the camp and events
Tuesday. I had to wake up so early because swiss cottage is so far away. Zzz. Poor vinc was sick, or so i thought. Only realised later on that he was at a chalet. $@!#@ :p I was still having a bit of a coughing fit which lasted since my fever. Then, we had to cheer. There was this guy called Eddie. He is like me when I am talking to sis or to certain friends. Very lame, very funny, and very loud voice. He taught us a number of cheers, but none of which was really stunningly good. Well, I will not be fussy, shall move on. We were taught a number of games as well, orientation games. The most memorable one was the knot untying one. Arthur, a CARE staff, was in my knot, so he oversaw our unentanglement. In the process, I hugged a guy (ChYi) 3 times, even though I was not holding onto his hand. Faggish…

I was assigned the role of game master at first. Thought it was going to be boring, and so I whined a bit. Hehz. Apparently, there was a chance for me to be a group leader because I had experience in dealing with problem kids. So I took up the challenge with rs. Oh I must mention this, hunger struck me at nine. So basically I was looking forward to lunch. 12.00p.m came after a long wait, and I was like, FOoood….. Walked to the canteen in great anticipation thinking I could eat anything. Then, food revealed. Rice with two petite chicken drumlets (Frozen chicken) and cabbage. With bland curry. Blegcrhm (Blech) sux sux sux. I am not fussy about types of food, just quality. So basically, memory for day one ends here, a bit bad.

Wednesday, start of the camp. It was an amplification of the training yesterday. I had to wake up earlier, but at least vinc was going too. The food was only slightly better. But when it was the only kind of food I was going to get for the day, it is so much worse. Must say that only milo and biscuit were decent. Sigh. Anyway,I did the most stupid stuff i'll ever do in life. This is the extent of which i intend to impress, and it also show the extent of my immaturity. Shan’t elaborate. (its called handphone)

My family group was ok, though, it consisted of kids with all kinds of attitudes. There were mischievous boys, ostracised boy although he is nice, a girl that goes “Eeee, I don’t want” to anything and everything she was asked to do regardless of whether it was a good or bad thing. Eg. Don’t want to stand in front of queue, don’t want to stand behind queue, don’t want to touch guys, don’t want to touch girls, don’t want to be player, don’t want to be keeper. Sigh… Reminds me of girls that go “I freaking broke my nailsss” A girl that cried, a girl whose flaw I dunno how to put into words. Only two kids were pretty ok, Lloyd and Jiamin. Matured enough to put others before self. Meaning they don’t just think about themselves and want fun. They are kids that are willing to compromise. So heres my group members. (Jun rong, Yi siang, Irving, Lloyd, Jialin, Jiamin, Uraimah, Farina.) Then the student leaders were very nice. One looked to an extent, chio. Like a member of some gothic band though. Then fellow fgl is rs. The game masters attached to our group was Beatr and someone else. Crashing was ZhL and Deana. My FGL name? APOC, theme matrix.

Apparently, the kids were not very enthu about a lot of stuff, so all the cheers I planned for them, I did not teach them. Sigh, wasn’t able to keep their energy level high throughout the camp. So basically, whenever it fell below a certain level, things happen. Ooo, the guys like to hit each other, irritate one another, and they have the cooties syndrome. Will do anything to not touch girls….

We started out with abit of get together activities. Played a game where our hands criss cross. Then we are suppose to tap in a circle, tapping twice to reverse, tapping 3 times to skip, with people accumulating forfeit points. Haha, rs thought it was fun, so did a few others, so success! I so wanted to teach them Mafia, a very successful OG game (Io’ren). But, no time and no chance. Aiya, wasted… The cheers taught was the kemama and the A-P-O-C cheer. Made on the spot. Yay.

It was on to the games. It was where all hell broke lose. I had to shout a lot to get the group to do the cheers, and to keep their spirits up. Did the chicken dance twice, blech. The two boys kept doing stuff bored little boys do. Run around, don’t want to play by the rules, don’t listen to instructions, commenting that the games are lame. Actually, truthfully speaking, I too thought some of the games were boring, but what to do. So bytes was awarded ever so often. Apoc was in first place and ended in the last place. Sadness eh :p

The night game was so much worse. Because of the blindfold element. I thought it was going to be fun, but the kids did not like to be blindfolded. So hey complained and complained and complained. Only llyod and yi siang did not. The rest, 6 out of 8, majority, complained. Majority…. As happy as I am that somehow, we managed to survive 3 rounds, I am disappointed on how these kids ain’t adventurous. Can’t take hardship. (When I did the blindfold thing in sec one, it was so much worse, but so fun la. All the guys were blindfolded and led through a series of obstacles in the school and field. Stupid people played tricks and tickled us, and poured toothpaste water over our body saying it was mud. We were half naked ‘cuz the tshirt was used as blindfold) Ooo, special mention to Jo, who joined the group and led us to various places. And when the leaders and mentors were blindfolded, she volunteered to take over my place cause I was needed to coordinate the group. Im kinda touched, so thnx thnx!An interesting game was the spiderweb one. Despite the many reminders, the group broke the web nonetheless. Hahahahahahaha, poor things. ( specifically the game masters)

It finally ended at 11, where we had a quick supper and went on to do some the family talk. The care staff assigned to our group was Mrs. Pek. It was during the talk when I realised that most did not miss their siblings for one reason or another. And hated their family, some loved them a lot. One cried, and I had no idea why. Two had brothers that bully them. I laughed la, realising that I was one of those kind of irritating brother myself, haha. At least I know I don’t bully my sis considering we take turns being the aggressor. But it is all in the name of fun. Yeah. Finally got to turn in, after a strepsil that saved my throat for the next day. Bathed, only to realise my towel disappeared. So it was very cold. Haha

Thursday. My body is aching from sleeping on the ground. Hip bone kept rubbing the floor when I turn my body. And I slept a few hours only. Kept checking on the kids. After the fifth check, it was around 3.30, and I really slept, till 6.30. Then it was pt. Very stupid, cause the rate at which we are doing it was like cooling down exercise, not warming up. Nonetheless, I sprained my arm a bit when I did the jumping jacks. Stopped when it started to drizzle. Breakfast next, and the food was naturally bad. Bee hoon that tasted more like rice flour in water. And milo that was a tad too sweet. (I know, I am picky) Went on to some games in the hall.

Then there was the war games where various groups are assigned into pairs of a guy and girl and are suppose to snatch rugby balls. Naturally, with the cootie syndrome in our team, it was very difficult to get things started. And the explanation of the rules of the games was very bad, so the way I assigned the pairs was very bad. Taufik shouldn’t have asked mentors to choose the tails first, and assign the protector stuff later. He should ask for pairs straight away. And the defender part? He made them sound like a separate entity all together, when they are not…. Whatever, the game was bad for our team, doubt anyone enjoyed it, especially with all the “I don’t want”, “I am sleepy” and bo chap attitudes. Gotta comment on rs who perservered. I gave up.

During our game, the 2 boys pulled shi yun when she tried to get the rugby ball. I have yet to apologise on their behalf, sigh. I just witnessed the epic battles later on. Naturally, the couples were together, and some of them were rather sweet, the way the guys really protected their gf. Then a group of sec 4 was really powerful, since they were all guys. Easily won the second game! Poor Jiamin, got scratched in the face by a mentor. Rs did the comforting. I was a bit bo chap by then. Sigh.

There was talentime, where our group combined with another to put up a performance It was damn difficult to coordinate them cuz the other group was very quiet, my group is… We managed something in the end, though nothing spectacular. When they finally performed, as expected, they didn’t do it very nicely. And they forgot the cheer too. Haha, all the mentors stood in the back stage laughing like crazy, I know I did J All the volunteers did the RI batch song, We are the young. Sang with zi kai, wondering if I was out of tune. Probably, after all the cheering :p I should have just kept quiet and save my voice abit. Haha. Anw, its such a nice song, and the girls got it really quickly. Cool. Vinc can’t be bothered though, haiya! We then played a virus game with Eddie. Some ti, to, ta, diu game. Very comical, especially when the 3 girls joined the game not knowing what to do. Got *saboed* by ed!

There was an auction, where we bidded stuff with the points we got. Apparently, the 1000/ 2000 points difference did not matter because the prices were mostly worth more than 10000. The group won a trip to the underwater world, which I cannot go cuz I am going Malaysia!! Same day! The other groups performed and some were quite impressive, I must say. Then there was an eddie chikucha dance. Very stupid, very cute, especially when the planning comm had to perform! HAha.

It finally ended, with a bang, though I could not do anymore cheers.
Still, I must say, I did learn lots of stuff in the camp. One was that my patience level was really high. Really really. Another is that I don’t open up to strangers easily… Sigh… So I know a lot of people, but good friends, not yet. Still, it was an enjoyable camp.

Check out the other site for thoughts. And don't ask why no photos of me. I didn't take alot and im not photogenic haha

Blank

2006-06-06T22:26:00.000+08:00

Argh... Wanted to blog but I find it best not to say anything about it. Something about exams, pressure and privacy. Sometimes I'm irritated, sometimes I'm stressed, sometimes I'm down, sometimes I'm disappointed in myself. But it seems that these come and go one by one so that life sucks all the time. I guess I should be thankful that they all don't come at once, but I hate it that I get no relief. Well, I guess I shouldn't complain since there are people in far worse situations out there and I'm just being selfish. Sometimes I can't wait to grow up and leave this place. Then again, maybe not. Life's a bitch, and there's nothing you can do about it.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"... but I always will.

Archangel

Hols

2006-06-06T21:11:00.000+08:00

Ahhhh..havent blogged for a long time. Mostly due to the fact that nothing exciting had happened then. But NOW, events come tumbling down, a roller coaster ride of events and emotions. First, the boring stuff. MUGGING. Desperately little of it has been done, gotta buck up real soooon. At least that's what i always tell myself. What i always end up doing is a completely different matter. Oh well, the idea is there. But its real hard trying to focus at home, with distractions here, there and everywhere. Gotta go school and MUG real real real soon. Preferably by the time the CTs start. Any day before that is a bonus. XD

But enough of these boring stuff =)

Staying at home is, well, peaceful i guess. In some ways it's enjoyable. I'm not anti-social, but there are times when you need some peace and quiet yes no? Not to mention the extra sleep i'm getting. Excessive might be a better word, but i'm never one to worry over unimportant adjectives like that. Need to pay off the enormous sleep debt i have accumluated over the school term anyway. Just paying some well-deserved interest that's all. You wouldnt short-change your own body would you?

Fenced today. I stand by the opinion that my lacklustre performance is the result of a lack of practice. So far no one has claimed otherwise. May it remain that way =) On a side note, Siyuan, one of my fencing friends, is going to the US tmr for further studies. Not sure if he's coming back. Haiz, is this what it is going to be like after JC? Everyone leaving for their own destinations, paths diverging, perhaps never to meet again? Quite painful to think about...perhaps it is better not to...haiz...From primary to secondary to JC, never have i felt this way. Perhaps it's because most of your friends will follow you through those 12 years; it's only after JC that most of them will go on to different places. GOSH. TWELVE years. Sounds like a long time right? Strangely enough, not if you look back at the end of it...

On a lighter note though, as my close friends know, the last few days have been, well, interesting. No need to say anything though, you all know liao =)

Took off my lower braces XD

sj

Great Expectations

2006-05-31T15:04:00.001+08:00

"I don't hate him. I loved him until I figured out it hurts a lot less to just not care. You don't expect him to turn up to your football match? No disappointments. You don't expect a call on your birthday, don't expect to see him for months? No disappointments. You want us to go make up? Sink a few beers together, nice family hug? I've given him enough hugs. He's given me enough disappointments." - House M.D. Season 1 Episode 13

The above is the scene in the episode where Chase is talking to House about his father. Expectations... No I'm not talking about my father in this context, just thought it was an appropriate quote, because I find the above very true.

Well I was reading some things online last night... Reading someone's blog and I don't know if the latest post was in any way related to me... But I don't expect anything. That's why I suddenly remembered this episode of House and realised that yes, it hurts much less when you have no expectations. Especially when these expectations mean a lot to you.

Like when I didn't expect Liverpool to beat Benfica in the Champions League quarter finals this season and I wasn't disappointed because they did not win in the end. Like when I did not expect the concert to be a huge success and I wasn't disappointed.

Even little things like expecting your friend to reply your smses or emails, or expecting your friends to help you or make small sacrifices for you... Maybe you may be asking too much, but if you don't expect anything, you're rarely disappointed.

It makes you numb, it makes you cold, in a sense. It alienates you from everyone else. But like I said before, the more detached you are from everything the less it hurts when your potential expectations are not fulfilled.

I used to expect a lot from everyone, you know... "Great Expectations"... Until I was disappointed over and over again. Despite all this, I still maintain the hope that someone out there will prove me wrong... But I don't expect that.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Power Legs

2006-05-30T23:49:00.000+08:00

Today was a super busy day for me... Haha... Had to rush all over the place then because of screw ups here and there (right Shuo Jie???) I could not get to do all I wanted... Bleah.

Went to school at 8 for the first chem lecture today cos I wanted to watch X3 with the guys later... So I had to wake up at 7... Means I only got 2 hours of sleep the night before cos I was adding songs to iTunes and my iPod... Also burning cd till super late. Haha... Needless to say I went to school with a splitting headache. But the lecture was short and sweet thankfully... Sat behind with the other guys who came to this lecture instead of the other slot... Cos my class was supposed to take the 11-1 lecture.

We finished the lecture a little past 9... Then wasted time all the way till 1145 where the other guys grabbed lunch on the way to the movie... Which was at 1225... Wanted to watch at the new Cathay Cineplex. So we told Shuo Jie to meet at Cathay, near ps...

When we reached Cathay, we couldn't find Shuo Jie, so we called him. He told us he was at the ticket booth at level 5. So we went there... And we still couldn't find him. So we called him again. And searched the whole 5th level for him. Still couldn't find him. Then on the phone, Tuba suddenly screamed and told us Shuo Jie was at Cineleisure! Haha... Alvin immediately said, "Tell him he's stupid" in a joking manner... And we were all stunned... Haha...

So in the end they agreed to meet him at ps and catch the 1330 show... Which meant I could not watch cos I had to get back to school to cover the Kiwi Cup at 1520... So I took MRT back to Bishan and had lunch by myself... Before sitting in at chorale tour prac, getting the cam from Beow as well...

The Kiwi Cup was just a one-off match between RI and Saint Andrews Sec, and RJC and SAJC...The event was quite unofficial also... Haha... Thought it was going to be some grand thing but... Haha. Well I wasn't really supposed to take the C div match but I used it to warm up so I could take better pics of the A div match... You know... Anticipation comes with practice. Haha.

RI beat Saint Andrews Sec quite convincingly, 13-5 I think... But the RJ game was much more exciting. Very close SAJC's number 9 is very good but RJ managed to overcome the team that beat them in the A div tournament final... By a close margin. Haha... Not sure of the exact score though...

Wow but watching the players play with such intensity... It's almost inspiring. I wish I had a CCA like that... But somehow musical groups don't get "crunch" moments... Haha... The way the RJ guys celebrated when they scored a try or the look in their eyes when they rush in for a tackle... Intense concentration and the will to win... Like I said, it's almost inspiring.

Oh I met a guy who was in the class I was PSL of when I was sec 4! Haha... How he's grown... Voice is super low now and he's quite tall too... Hahaha. I met Clement too! Got out of NS for a while cos he just finished a course... We had quite a nice chat during half time of the RJC/SAJC match...

Oh well... I stood for the whole duration of both matches... Hence the title "Power Legs" hahaha... Plus the sun was scorching! I'm lucky I didn't get sunburnt... Oh well. Haha... Hmmm gonna go off now... Go sleep then watch England vs Hungary in a friendly! Haha...

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

The Iceman

2006-05-28T23:24:00.000+08:00

Wow haven't blogged for a long time already... First two days of holiday and I've been slacking my ass off... Watched like a House marathon and slept many many hours... Haha... Tried to do my DRV tutorial though...

The Premier League season is over!!! Won't be posting many match reviews from now on... Unless I do a coverage of the World Cup and my team... Spain! or Australia. Haha. That all depends on whether my father gets the SCV channels for the World Cup or not... Sigh...

Liverpool have sold Fernando Morientes back to Spain! After what some might say was two seasons of torture, Morientes has returned to his home country, joining Valencia for around 3 million pounds. When he came to Liverpool his record preceded him, but he failed to deliver at Merseyside, scoring only 12 goals in 61 games. However, Morientes never gave up and tried his best, he just could not adapt to the English game and being away from his family. I wish all the best to Fernando Morientes! I'm sure all the Liverpudlians do too.

I hope Mark Gonzales will get his work permit/Spanish citizenship soon and come play for Liverpool next season... He sounds like a fantastic player.

With no football... I've been watching F1 racing! Haha... Not as if I've not been watching... o_0 Kimi Raikkonen is damn unlucky... His engine overheated and he crashed out of the race... He was looking to push Alonso to the limits too! Could have gotten first place if his engine did not overheat. The McLaren is not doing well this season... Very sad case. I hope the Iceman will come back soon though! Go Kimi! Haha...

Oh well... Back to watching House :P or doing work... I wonder which???

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

If only

2006-05-23T20:08:00.000+08:00

http://macadish.blogspot.com/2006/05/if-only.htmlHouse? Sounds cool! Tell me more soon. To chicken, sorry on behalf of ___. Hope you don't mind, k! Good luck!

Slack

2006-05-23T17:04:00.000+08:00

Argh I just finished doing our report on the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918... I did MOST of the report la! Peks sent me stuff which looked like it came from a Vicks Vaporub advertisement or something... I didn't use any of it at all in the compiliation then had to do extra research can. Luckily Wei Hong's stuff was quite usable. Peks go do research on the virus! Argh.

How come group work I always end up doing the most work? Irritating... Waargh.

Tomorrow's GP common test 2! I have NO idea how to prepare... Just gonna read some model compositions tonight and refresh my memory on how to do an AQ properly... Haha. Like they say, you can't prepare for GP.

Today was a holiday! Thank goodness. I wasted my whole morning away sleeping and slacking, then part of my afternoon I spent watching my House episodes and the rest I did the project.

House is a really fantastic show. Fabulous. I hope that if or when I become a doctor when I grow up, I can be as brilliant as him. True, he's a fictional character, but he's still brilliant. I was so inspired by House, I went online to search for and download songs off the soundtrack... Haha... Some of them are really good... Did you know the opening theme of House in Britain (and Singapore) is self-composed off the real opening theme in America, which is "Teardrop" by Massive Attack? It's a good song... Rather refreshing to hear a different type of sound.

I discovered that reading transcripts of House episodes are very fun. Haha... The second season of House has not come to Singapore yet (damn!) so I found this website where you can read House transcripts... and transcripts to many other shows...

http://www.twiztv.com

To end off, a quote I thought was very good by John Henry Giles, from House episode 09: DNR

"The reason normal people got wives and kids and hobbies, whatever. That's because they don't got that one thing that hits them that hard and that true. I got music, you got this. The thing you think about all the time, the thing that keeps you south of normal. Yeah, makes us great, makes us the best. All we miss out on is everything else. No woman waiting at home after work with the drink and the kiss, that ain't gonna happen for us."

Makes you feel a bit better if you're a jack of all trades... or a three like me (cos two becomes the strongest card in... how do you spell that game? taiti???). Haha.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

House

2006-05-20T20:18:00.000+08:00

Wow today was a first Saturday off for me in a long long time... Haha. Still, I went back to school. :P

Went back at 0730 to play soccer. Was originally supposed to take bus at 0630 so woke up at 0605... and promptly fell asleep again. By the time I woke up it was 0635 already. So I had to rush all over the place like a maniac cos I could not be late as I was bringing the ball. Luckily my father agreed to send me to school.

Then the next thing: My stupid ball pump spoilt! Ok, so it had not been working so well but at least it could still pump my soccer ball. Today, nothing. So my father and I rushed to like 3 petrol stations to see if they had ball pumps. We even tried to use a tyre pump to pump it but it was too big. Hahaha... Many thanks to my dad though for all the help he gave me this morning. He's cool! Haha. In the end we pumped it with the spoilt pump (going through a lot of effort and difficulty) in the school carpark. What a weird morning.

We played soccer without goals, but the basketball poles. If you hit the pole, you score a goal. Needless to say it was extremely hard to score. I came close twice before I actually did score our team's only goal. Then Shuo Jie scored an own goal and made a mistake for another so we lost 4-1. Haha... See la chicken! Next time I play defense. Hahaha...

Then four of us (Gengrui, Shuo Jie, Tubahead and I) went to see the tour group of chorale prac for about 15 minutes... Only got to see them warm up though before we left at 10 to catch The Da Vinci Code at 1030...

Da Vinci Code was not as great as I would have expected. Rather disappointing actually... But the movie was so-so nonetheless. They cut a lot from the book and added some crap ending of their own though. Jean Reno and Ian McKellen are very good actors.

Afterwards I went to take a passport sized photograph for my replacement ez-link card, then we had lunch at Cafe Cartel. Haha. Went bankrupt today man.

Well at least I got my new ez-link card... Was getting sick of having to pay 55 cents for every bus ride and buy a stupid ticket to take MRT... I look like a moron in my photo though. Of all the days to get a cut on my cheek... Haha. Oh well. It only can be used until the end of this year anyway.

Aiyah. I'm so bored. Got so much work to do... Looks like I'll need to pull another late night. Brain sharer took all my brain matter for doing work... I'm too un-motivated to accomplish any of my work. Haha...

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

But...

2006-05-19T17:36:00.000+08:00

Once again, i did not get silver for napfa. AAAAEE. All the As are super good, but too bad i got E. It is really a big pity. Big pity, sniff... 2 chin ups, 13.40 run. Which is very very bad... what to do, must train in june hols liao...

Whee, talked to mr.tan about scholarship and overseas uni today. Apparently, one option he told us which i had never ever considered before was to go overseas uni for one year first, do super well and get the scholarship from that uni. Look at this way, if china scholars anre being gods and demi gods here in NUS, we might as well go overseas and be the gods and demi gods there. He even said how he survived first year chem uni with knowledge from J2. If overseas standards are like that, then i have nothing much to say. Is it true that caucasians are really getting complacent and no longer as superior as they think of themselves to be? (Generalisation) Another good example would be how a nobel laurette with a reasonable amount of botany knowledge isn't able to see the problem with Perry's project. Or many other scientist in the world for that matter. Ah, whatever, i am seriously considering this education option, since it is a bondless one and also allowing me to pursue what i like best. Physics. Risky yes, but if i get it.... HOHO Heres something cool, Mr tan did not know he got the psc scholarship until July, when everyone else was preparing to go to their respective uni already. When he realised he got it, it was like, he had no sats, no UK class thing, no uni to go to! Damn interesting story!

My mood today good. Considering how things are progressing. Ok, summary. She will celebrate his bdae today. If everything goes well, i will have mixed feelings. If not, i will have mixed feelings too. It really depends if i am selfish or selfless... But anyway, this is making me feel rather uneasy. Only a few days ago, i almost said this *If only you were not attached...* Almost... I need to contain myself... Anyway, suppose everything went smoothly today, it probably means that things are good and its time i gave up. If i don't, i will just remain as a third party, and will bound to screw up one day. But... But...

But...

Damaged Heel

2006-05-18T23:26:00.000+08:00

Had NAPFA retest today... Had to take cos I missed D for 2.4 by like 25 seconds the previous round due to stitch attack... Haha. I was damn stressed the whole day la, cos have to take all the crappy 5 stations first before the stupid 2.4 run... Later waste all my effort in the 5 stations again.

Was damn happy things turned out better than expected... I improved by one grade in every other station (except those which I already got A for already) and that means I got my silver! YES! No extra two months of crap BMT!

Wah but I hurt my heel doing standing broad jump... The second jump I didn't land properly... Landed heavily on my left heel. Still hurts... I think I aggravated it during the 2.4 run as well... Painful la.

The 2.4 run was damn funny. By that time I already had AABBC for my 5 stations and I needed to make at least 12:40 for a D and a silver. I ran quite fast for the first lap and overtook nearly everyone... Then the PE teacher read 1:40 after I ran past him and I was like shit too fast! So I slowed down and did like 2 minutes or 2 minutes 10 seconds for the subsequent laps. After lap 4 I was like shit too slow! By that time Rong En and Liang Ze already overtook me. Then lap 5 I caught up with Rong En, he was walking I think he had stitch trouble... So I patted him on the back like he did to me in lap 4 and said, "Go!" and we both started running. By lap 6 I had the attack of the DOUBLE stitch. Damn crap la... So close yet so far I was thinking... So I started to walk then run then walk then run start-stop... 200 metres from the finish line Rong En suddenly shouted directly behind me "GO!"... Damn loud la. But that got both of us sprinting. In the end I did around 12:20... Not bad la shaved 40 plus seconds off my previous timing. Many thanks to Rong En who helped me tremendously through the last lap!!! Haha. And Liang Ze who gave me the thumbs up as he ran past in the 4th lap. Yay!

Wow but the 2.4 run is seriously a test of mental endurance... The physical part is ok. Unless I get a stitch. But everything was in good shape for the most part. It was the mental strength where I was lacking... The last lap when I sprinted the last 200 metres, every step was like hell and the fire and shooting through my legs... That wasn't what weakened me, it was the double stitch that threatened to do me in... Every breath I took there was pain shooting through my stomach... Damn painful. But it was all worth it in the end... Going through that for the final few seconds of the run is definitely much much better than having to take the NAPFA test again after the June holidays because of another missed D for 2.4.

Now I think I continue training and maybe can push for gold after the June holidays. Haha. Ambitious...

After the retest I went to the MRT station to get my stupid EZ-link card checked out. On Monday when I boarded 156 and tapped the card the thing would not respond la. I tapped damn furiously until Kai said I was lousy. Then he started tapping my card which did not get a response in the end. So I said he was lousy. Haha. The whole time the bus uncle was staring at us la. Damn funny! In the end I had to pay 55 cents in coins... My card is defective cannot work... Got a temporary card today at Bishan MRT now have to go to Jurong East Interchange to get a new Student EZ-link card. Must go and take passport photograph in school uniform some more... Aiyah I'll do it tomorrow on the way home. Oh shit I forgot to tap my card when I got off the bus just now hope they only charge student prices... Otherwise I only have 60 cents left in the temporary card. Crap.

Have to go do Food Biotech tutorial but damn lazy... Maybe I'll just read tonight and chiong the questions before Bio tutorial tomorrow morning. Or maybe I'll get a cup of coffee and stay up doing the tutorial tonight... Haha... Oh well, what the hell. See how la.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Of movies, cysts and soccer..

2006-05-18T22:13:00.000+08:00

dont worry jon..i know how it feels..about leaving in the mornings i mean..we'll support you all the way =)

Movies movies, summer blockbusters are aplenty - the Da Vinci code, Poseidon, X3 etc.. =) so which is it to be? Or if $$ is no object, perhaps all? =P Muahahahaha...All of them sound good anyway..

By the way, dont be surprised if you see me walking about in sch with a plaster on my ear. Had some nasty cyst on my ear lobe and got it removed ( the procedure is too gross to be discussed here..for more info see me privately =) Not to mention painful too =S )

Played soccer with my class today..was hilarious i must say. But was fun nonetheless..i love playing when there is no competitiveness of any sort, when the sole motive of playing is to have fun..No competition=No Rough Play..

Bball finals tmr..u 2 going down to support?

sj

Barcelona - Champions League Winners 2006

2006-05-18T21:36:00.000+08:00

I don't normally do reviews of other teams besides Liverpool, but the Champions League Final 2006 is a special occassion.

Following the dramatic comeback from Liverpool in the 2005 final, where they drew 3-3 with AC Milan and went on to win the cup on penalties, everyone was expecting this to be a fantastic final, especially with two teams that had the flair and passion for fast-paced attacking and counter-attacking football: Arsenal and Barcelona.

Arsenal had defied all the odds to reach their first ever Champions League Final. They were the underdogs to Barcelona, who had rightly taken their place in this grand event after establishing themselves as worthy champions of Spain, retaining the La Liga title for a second time this season.

The main focus leading up to this event was the clash of the two greats: Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho, arguably the two most influential players in the beautiful game today. Who would step up and lead their team to glory?

The match started off very tentatively, as do all finals. However Arsenal were the quicker team off the starting blocks, and with Thierry Henry leading the Gunners, they laid siege to Victor Valdes' goal. Thierry Henry came close twice in the early stages, first with a wonderful turn past his defender, only to see his shot pushed away by Victor Valdes for a corner. From the corner, Henry took control again and fired a curling shot from outside the box but Valdes was equal to it once more.

Barcelona took a much longer time to settle into the game and by the time they did, Arsenal were red-hot and Henry always looked a threat with the fast running Eboue, Fabregas and Ljungberg to support him. Barcelona finally had their first shot of the game after 9 minutes, but Giuly shot from a tight angle when he really shouldn't have and saw his shot saved easily by Lehmann. Barca had a free kick just outside the box later but Ronaldinho shot it just wide of the post.

Then came the first real incident of the night. After just 17 minutes, a ball was played for Eto'o down the middle. Lehmann rushed off his line quickly to get the ball away, but ended up tackling the player badly outside the box. Giuly stuck the ball into the back of the net, but the referee had already blown his whistle. Moments later, he drew the red card out of his pocket. Lehmann had been sent off!

Wenger had to take an outfield player off for another goalkeeper, and poor Robert Pires, who will be leaving Arsenal in the summer, was sacrificed. Ronaldinho made a mess of the resulting free kick and Barcelona did not get the goal they wanted so badly. Arsenal were a man down, the odds were stacked against them. They had to play Henry as a lone striker and rely counter-attacking if they wanted to win.

After 35 minutes, Eboue is played through and he goes down on the right-edge of the area after a soft challenge from Carlos Puyol. Definitely a dive, but Arsenal have the free kick. Thierry Henry steps up and chips it into the box, Sol Campbell is left unmarked, and he heads the ball into the back of the net. 1-0 to Arsenal!

They hung on to the lead until half time despite Barcelona's best efforts to get back into the game. Eto'o had a shot that was deflected onto the post by Almunia and that was the closest they got to an equaliser. Ronaldinho looked off-form and playing Samuel Eto'o on the left was not doing Barcelona any good. Frank Rijkaard had some serious work on his hands.

After half-time however, Frank Rijkaard put on Andres Iniesta for Edmilson, hoping to inject some creativity to his flat midfield. Why he did not start with Iniesta is beyond me. I have no idea why he did not start with Belletti as well, choosing Oleguer instead.

Barcelona looked much livelier after Iniesta was substituted on, with the creative youngster pulling the strings in midfield, taking over from the clearly off-colour Ronaldinho. They attacked and attacked, coming close many times but failing to find an equaliser. At the other side of the pitch, Thierry Henry looked lost and lonely playing as a lone striker, and he was continually being shut out by the brilliant Carlos Puyol. From what started as a promising performance from the French maestro, he looked desolate and miserable.

After Ronaldinho fluffed another free-kick, hitting it into the wall, Arsenal looked destined for the win. They began to slow down play whenever they could, wasting time so that Barcelona had no chance to get back into the game. Barcelona were getting desperate now, and Rijkaard played his second card, subbing on the prolific Swedish striker Henrik Larsson for the Dutch midfielder Mark Van Bommel. Moments later, Ronaldinho confirms that he really is off-form in this match of all matches as he tries to sidefoot a shot to the Arsenal goal, but gets it horribly wrong, scuffing it and mishitting wide and out. Woeful!

Meanwhile Henry is creating magic on his own up front, with a mazy dribble he made Carlos Puyol and Marquez look like fools but one-on-one with Valdes, he overhits the ball and it is smothered easily by the keeper. Henry then had a marvelous chance to make it 2-0 to Arsenal as he broke and went one-on-one again, but Valdes blocked the shot brilliantly.

Finally, the substitution I was waiting for. Belletti had finally come on for the ineffective Oleguer. Minutes later, Barcelona had the breakthrough. A sweeping move from midfield sees Iniesta playing a brilliant throughball for Samuel Eto'o, and with a deft touch from Larsson, the ball went through to the Cameroonian. He made no mistake, sliding it past Almunia for the equaliser. He may have been offside, but hey, Arsenal's first goal came from a dive.

Just 4 minutes later, Larsson played a beautiful pass for the onrushing Belletti, who hit the shot between Almunia's legs to score his first ever goal for Barcelona, and to make the score 2-1 to Barcelona in the Champions League Final 2006. They had done it.

Barcelona hung on for a deserved victory. Ronaldinho may have been disappointing, but the brilliance of Larsson with two assists, and the sheer intensity of the Barcelona attack overwhelmed the Arsenal defence. They could not handle the pressure and crumbled. A well-taken victory for the Spanish giants.

Final Score: Barcelona 2-1 Arsenal

Archangel's Man of the Match: Henrik Larsson

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Sandals(c)

2006-05-17T18:05:00.000+08:00

Ok, my classmates and friends has reached another level of incorrigible. I dunno, it seems like after agricultural bio tech on monday, everybody got more knowledgable* We walked towards J8 for lunch today and boom, one guy talks about shower head as dil...... Then people started talking abt what his sis does in the bathroom. Oh dear, that convo topic seemed like a hot one and continued half way through the meal.

They moved on to talk about Edw... How physics teacher went out on friday because Edw gel his hair... Its like, one sick convo after another. Thank god i am very bo chap, so other than adding a little foot notes here and there which people tend to ignore, i was just staring and wondering how sick they can get. Haha, 5-6 yers ago, i would probably have been the one making such jokes. Thank god i changed... *yeah*

And great, hypocrism. I suan the person, he overreacts, somebody made fun of his sis, he just managed a gesture... Maybe i am too sensitive. Whatever.

The only thing that finally distracted us from all the sick stuff was Bridge. And Bluff. Bridge was very interesting, considering i almost had a 8 cards from hearts. And still loss 3 no trump. Just because i lost control to my partner. (I played 9 of spades, he played 10, because that is the smallest he have... If only i played my queen) Ah, no trump is so risky.

Poor poor yix. I really dunno if he meant to let the whole world know, but it doesn't matter anymore, cause the whole world do. Cause the wrong people knew about it. Shall call these people the *W* people. Wrong people Who Will Warn the Whole World. But the interesting things is, people is making a big fuss over it when BGR is so common in school. It doesn't even have the drama element which people yearn for. Is it because nobody was expecting it? Or is yix the ideal icon to make fun of? Either way, poor thing. Nevermind, time will heal all wounds, especially the wounds inflicted by external forces (W people). Hahaha

You two, i am super sorry if i leave the table in the morning sometimes. Don't mind me! Lets go out for a movie or 2 next week! Then can treat hy to the lunch as promised! Tada!

Batch sweater is pretty cool. Whee, but i doubt i will bring it to school becuz it is just too too big. Nice nonetheless :p

NAPFA! Woot!

Wth>You

2006-05-16T22:07:00.000+08:00

Wth>You by Linkin Park

Come on!

I woke up in a dream today

To the cold of the static

And put my cold feet on the floor

Forgot all about yesterday

Remembering, I'm pretending to be where I'm not anymore

A little taste of hypocrisy

And I'm left in the wake of the mistake

Slow to react

Even though you're so close to me

You're still so distant, and I can't bring you back

It's true, the way I feel

Was promised by your face

The sound of your voice

Painted on my memories

Even if you're not with me

I'm with you

(You, now I see, keeping everything inside)

With you

(You, now I see, even when I close my eyes)

With you

(You, now I see, keeping everything inside)

With you

(You, now I see, even when I close my eyes)

I hit you and you hit me back

And we fall to the floor

The rest of the day stands still

Fine line between this and that

But when things go wrong, I pretend the past isn't real

Now I'm trapped in this memory

And I'm left in the wake of the mistake

Slow to react

Even though you're close to me

You're still so distant, and I can't bring you back

It's true, the way I feel

Was promised by your face

The sound of your voice

Painted on my memories

Even if you're not with me

I'm with you

(You, now I see, keeping everything inside)

With you

(You, now I see, even when I close my eyes)

With you

(You, now I see, keeping everything inside)

With you

(You, now I see, even when I close my eyes)

(No)

I won't let you control my fate

While I'm holding the weight of the world on my conscience

(No)

I won't just sit here and wait

While you weighing your options, you're making a fool of me

(No)

You didn't dare, try to say that you don't care

And solemnly swear not to follow me there

(No)

It ain't like me to beg on my knees

Oh please, oh baby please, that's not how I'm doing things

(No)

No I'm not upset, no I'm not angry

I know love is love, love and sometimes it pains me

(No)

With or without you, I'll always be with you

You'll never forget me, I'm keeping you with me

(No)

I won't let you take me to the end of my rope

While you burn it and torture my soul

(No)

I'm not your puppet

And no, no, no, I won't let you go

No, no matter how far we've come

I can't wait to see tomorrow

No matter how far we've come, I

I can't wait to see tomorrow

With you

(You, now I see, keeping everything inside)

With you

(You, now I see, even when I close my eyes)

With you

(You, now I see, keeping everything inside)

With you

(You, now I see, even when I close my eyes)

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

2006 FA Cup Winners

2006-05-14T20:13:00.000+08:00

Last season, Liverpool lived their dream in Istanbul. This year, they did it in the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff. After a thrilling (and heart-stopping) 3-3 draw with West Ham United, Liverpool won the "greatest competition in English football" for the 7th time after a penalty shootout, where Jose Reina wrote his name into Liverpool folklore when he went from zero to hero.

With Xabi Alonso passing a late fitness test on his ankle ligaments, Liverpool looked to field their strongest line-up against the Hammers. Never mind that West Ham got the "lucky" hotel, where the recent cup winners have stayed, Liverpool were looking to win the trophy as a highlight to their successful season so far.

Both teams started the match very tentatively, with nerves settling much later into the game. Early in the match, passes were going awry, and players were taking longer than usual to get used to the feel of the pitch. West Ham were the quicker team off the starting blocks though, and a mistake from Xabi Alonso, Jamie Carragher and possibly Jose Reina combined cost Liverpool the first goal.

Alonso looked to square the ball to the left flank, however his pass fell short. His pass was intercepted by Benayoun who got it to Dean Ashton. Ashton then played a beautiful throughball to the right flank for Lionel Scaloni, who drilled a cross into the Liverpool box. Jamie Carragher came back to meet it for what looked like a routine clearance, but a late call, possibly, from Jose Reina, made Carragher hesitate, and the ball bounced off his left leg into the bottom corner of the net as he tried to get out of the way. West Ham were 1-0 up through a freak goal, and Carra was devastated.

Liverpool looked to stamp their authority on the match, but their defence looked exposed when up against West Ham's quick and powerful counter-attacking. West Ham were soon 2-0 up when Matthew Etherington dribbled from the left flank, tricked Sami Hyypia and tried a shot despite Finnan and Gerrard's efforts to stop him from getting his shot in. The ball went under Gerrard's tackle towards Reina for what looked like a routine stop, but the Liverpool goalkeeper fumbled the ball into the path of Ashton, who could hardly believe his luck as he slotted the ball under Reina into the back of the net. Another gift from Liverpool, and the Cup looked well and truly lost.

Liverpool needed to respond, and it was Steven Gerrard who was the who orchestrated the comeback. Liverpool had the ball in the net through Peter Crouch's neat finish after a wonderful ball by Gerrard, but it was wrongly ruled offside.

That was not going to faze Gerrard though, and he produced a similar ball later for Djibril Cisse just a minute later, who, without breaking his stride, produced a beautiful volley that saw the ball go into the bottom corner of the net. 2-1 to West Ham and the Reds were back in it.

After half time, Liverpool worked hard for the equaliser, but were hampered by an injury to Harry Kewell, arguably one of Liverpool's maestros in attack. Kewell now has had a torrid hat-trick of finals, each of which he has come off injured. The League Cup final in 2004, the Champions League final in 2005 and the FA Cup Final in 2006. Morientes came on as Liverpool searched for the vital second goal.

West Ham nearly went 3-1 up, as a superb cross by Etherington saw Harewood try a shot that was blocked by Reina. Benayoun was there for the follow up, but Reina blocked his attempt as well. A superb double save from Reina to keep the Reds in the game.

Liverpool responded after that and a lob whipped in by Xabi Alonso saw Crouch head the ball back into space for Steven Gerrard, who steamed in and struck a spectacular volley that rocketed into the top corner of the net. No chance for Shaka Hislop, and Liverpool were back in it. 2-2! Gerrard has now scored in four major finals, the UEFA Cup final in 2001, the League Cup final in 2002, the Champions League final in 2005 and the FA Cup final in 2006.

The Reds then pushed for the winner, but another freak goal from West Ham saw them go 3-2 up in the 64th minute. Paul Konchesky looked to cross the ball from the left flank, but by some freak of nature and unbeliveable luck, the ball lobbed over Reina and looped into the top corner of the Liverpool goal. Reina's fault? He should gotten back to his line quicker, even though he was expecting a cross. Can you believe it? Poor technique from Konchesky, and he STILL scores. At this time you could not blame Liverpool fans for wondering whether Lady Luck was a West Ham supporter. Liverpool had scored two beauties, but West Ham were still ahead through three freak goals.

Liverpool looked well and truly beaten and although they tried to push for yet another equaliser, West Ham decided to park a bus in front of their goal and Liverpool could not find their way through. Cue Steven Gerrard, Captain Fantastic of Liverpool.

When all looked lost, just minutes away from a West Ham victory, a half-clearance from West Ham bobbled into space, Gerrard steamrollered in once more and this time, from 35 yards, stuck an unbelievable, magical shot that swerved past Shaka Hislop into the bottom corner. In the 91st minute, a moment of magic from Gerrard pulled Liverpool from the brink.

West Ham could not believe it. Liverpool were coming back at them again and again despite their best efforts to win it. Remember, Liverpool had not led in the match at any point in time. West Ham nearly won it however, as Nigel Reo-Coker's header looked to loop into the top corner of the net, only for Reina to jump backward and tip the header onto the post. The ball bounced out and Hyypia mis-kicked it to Marlon Harewood, who, hampered by an injury to his ankle, mis-kicked as well and shot wide with his left foot.

The match went to extra time and the players were tired, exhausted, with many of them cramping up or getting injuries. There was to be no goal in extra time, and the match would go to penalties.

Dietmar Hamann was the first to step up. He made no mistake, shooting it into the top corner. 1-0 to Liverpool.

Bobby Zamora took the first penalty for West Ham, but saw it saved by Reina. 1-0 to Liverpool.

Sami Hyypia was the next to step up for Liverpool. He saw his penalty saved by Shaka Hislop. 1-0 to Liverpool.

Teddy Sheringham made no mistake of his penalty as he struck it into the top corner. 1-1.

Steven Gerrard blasted his penalty into the top corner as well, no chance for Shaka Hislop. 2-1 to Liverpool.

Paul Konchesky did not have as much luck with his penalty as he did with his freak goal. Reina saved his weak attempt down the middle. 2-1 to Liverpool.

Riise also shot his penalty down the middle, but sheer power saw it beat Shaka Hislop. 3-1 to Liverpool. If Reina saved the next penalty Liverpool would win the Cup.

And save it he did, diving low to his right to punch Anton Ferdinand's penalty away. Liverpool had done it! They had won 3-1 on penalties. It was a thoroughly deserved victory as the Reds would not lie down against West Ham's onslaught and unbelievable luck. Rafael Benitez has now brought 2 trophies to Liverpool in 3 seasons, will the Premier League title be next? He will definitely try.

Liverpool team ratings:

Jose Reina - 8
Put in a poor performance in the first half, and was partly or totally to blame for all of West Ham's goals. He redeemed himself with the fine double save from Harewood and Benayoun however, and the fantastic save from Nigel Reo-Coker. Did the "Dudek" in the penalty shootout to win the Cup for Liverpool.

Steve Finnan - 7
An average performance from Steve Finnan. Once again, quiet down the right flank, he did his job relatively well.

John Arne Riise - 6
Was poor in defence as West Ham exposed his lack of pace at the back. Riise seems to run much faster when he is attacking rather than defending.

Jamie Carragher - 6
His mistake put West Ham in front, and looked unsettled in defence until much later. Was not a solid as he should have been.

Sami Hyypia - 7
The composed Finnish defender put in a credible performance. Was too slow to prevent Etherington's shot for the second goal though. Produced a wonderful turn, which beat two West Ham defenders, and shot at the other end at a point in the match.

Steven Gerrard - 10
Captain Fantastic pulled the Reds from the brink in this match with two beautiful goals and one assist. A brilliant performance from the man-of-the-match.

Harry Kewell - 6
Was largely anonymous in attack in the first half and had an injury in the second that saw him taken off after just 48 minutes of the game.

Xabi Alonso - 6
Never looked fully fit in the game. Struggled to keep up with West Ham's midfield. His mistake with the square ball gifted West Ham the first goal.

Mohamed Sissoko - 9
Was a powerful runner in midfield as he chased and harried all of West Ham's midfielders. He was the fittest player on the pitch as he lasted the whole match without giving up.

Djibril Cisse - 9
The fastest man on the field, he was always a threat to West Ham's goal with his long shots and great crosses. Produced a wonderful volley to pull a goal back for Liverpool at 2-0 down. Cisse looked every inch the player we bought from Auxerre in this game.

Peter Crouch - 8
Produced a wonderful knockdown for Gerrard's first wonder goal. Peter Crouch was largely quiet though, although he had a goal wrongly ruled offside.

Substitutes:

Fernando Morientes - 7
Came on and changed the dimension of Liverpool's attack. He had many miscued headers and shots though, and really should have threatened Shaka Hislop more.

Jan Kromkamp - 8
Came on and played on the right hand side, allowing Gerrard to play a more central role. Was a powerful runner on the right flank, and a great threat as he had bags of energy while the others were tired in extra time.

Dietmar Hamann - 9
Played in defensive midfield and gave Gerrard license to roam behind Fernando Morientes. The German ace protected his defence well and was involved in many of Liverpool's attacks. His penalty was well taken in the shootout as well.

Final Score: Liverpool 3-3 West Ham (Liverpool win 3-1 on penalties)

Archangel's Man of the Match: Steven Gerrard

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Football

2006-05-13T02:01:00.000+08:00

Went back to RI to play football at the astroturf today... And I really got winded up by two of them...

When you play football, you look to enjoy yourself, right? I mean, is it really necessary to comment on every single thing that happens in a match? Seriously, I think some people really need to learn to keep their mouths shut, or at least think about what they want to say before saying it. Brainless.

Then comes the naivety. Do you really think I can be beaten so easily? I'm sorry, my right foot is not my dominant foot so I can't shoot really well with it, but don't go patting yourself on the back thinking you put me off by yelling when I was about to shoot. Brainless! I tell you, some people seriously give themselves undeserved credit, and he's definitely one of them. You think you're really good? Come and take me on one-on-one then, instead of passing the ball to others like a coward when I come up against you in defence. I take you on all the time, and I don't see you stopping me. You're too slow. The only thing you've got is your hard shots. And you think you're so pro with them, you go around shooting like a maniac, shooting so hard even when you're just centimetres from the goal. Retarded.

Then came the comment from the second one. "I very happy now because I just turned you inside out." Was that really necessary? Come on, you're in the soccer team, I'm not. You should be happy I didn't go for the slide when you "turned me inside out" because I could and would have gotten the ball. Contrary to what most people think, you're not the roughest person on the pitch. I am. In your face, cos I scored through your legs later.

Well after that refreshing release of angst, I feel much better. Some people really need to learn some humility. You may be good, but don't look down on me. I showed you all today, I'm better than any one of you.

I was probably the fastest person on the pitch... You can ask Girider. Haha... But I hated playing front man in that game because I had to chase all the balls. Very tiring. But I scored four times... Twice the keeper fumbled the ball and let it slip under his arms... Then when the "inside out" man took over I scored through his legs and again later after a long dribble.

I got many cuts and astro-burns though... I think it's cos I was sprinting too much and too hard... Fell a lot... I need to work on my balance when running... Either that or try not to run so fast... But it's part of my game leh. Aiyah heck. I'll just get fouled and destroy all the skin on my legs and feet. Haha.

The game showed I'm not as good as I think though... Don't know if it's cos I was too tired (I slept very little the previous night) or because of the wet conditions... I only started getting into the game much later. I must work on my ball control... Kept on losing it when I tried to bring it under control. I need to work on shooting with my right foot too... Otherwise SOME people will think they can put me off just by shouting. Irritating ass.

Of course, I need to work on my fitness too... It's getting better... But nowhere near the level I would like. Sigh... It's a long, hard journey...

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Africaaaaaa

2006-05-12T17:54:00.000+08:00

http://macadish.blogspot.com/2006/05/gush-of-water.html

Chorale concert was one heck of a performance! I couldn't appreciate the whole ensemble when they sung because it basically sounded the same. But i could tell they are not too bad. The items which i liked better came after intermission. There was performance by PUNCH, by the alumni and the whole ensemble again. Hmm, how did tigger ever appeared in chorale? Or homos? Beats me :p There was this sickly pro guy who was singing soprano. Soprano.... First thought that comes to mind? He is gay (Haha, i know thts not true) I was counting on can't take m eyes off you, but well, it was not sung... Liked the second encore piece, cause it really did seem to require lots of volume and pitch control on the part of the singers. Maybe cause i am half indonesian too.... :p

Wah, went with tuba, and well, almost reached there late. I wanted to buy flowers, but the place i went to don't sell single stalk. So i ended up going to raffles place instead. Lilies at $6 a stalk. Freakin rip off... But oh well, i was definitely too broke to get flowers for other people like beow. However, i saw this very nice musical box going on sale. $20 for one a big one. Damn worth it la! So, i bought it of course :)

After the concert, N the desperado appeared and was pestering everyone for the name of this girl he likes in choir. Jenny* we told him. Can't believe how desperate he is. He did not give up even when we told him she was attached. Its not like N and jenny* are friends. N, haiyo.

Talked in starbucks for a bit. My mood was hasn't been that great recently and i dunno why. Guess it has sthg to do with learning the death of a friend's mum, and also bgr... Sigh, and hy. You didn't look all too well after the concert. Didn't wanna ask you about it, but well, whatever it is, do cheer up!

As for me, my feelings are greadually intensifying. Not good, cause the uneasiness i feel when she is not around is becoming significant. It is not so bad yet, but its like a time bomb. Oh man oh man...... ><

Anyway, HAPPY VESAK DAY TO ALL!

False Hopes

2006-05-12T00:15:00.000+08:00

Do you ever get the feeling that you're gearing up for something, or you expect or hope for something to happen, but in the end you get shot down...

False hopes, false dawns... Somehow every aspect of my life seems to be manifested by them... They've happened to me so many times, yet I cannot tell if one is coming...

Sometimes I feel like a fool... Why do I hope for so much when I know it won't go my way? It's just like Murphy's Law, "anything that can go wrong, will go wrong". My life follows that rule strictly... So strictly, that I'm supposed to be numb to it already... But I'm not.

Is it wrong to hope? Is it wrong to try so hard to get what you want? I don't know anymore. I always put in my best for everything I do, but somehow I hardly get the results I want. Am I aiming too high? Or am I just not trying hard enough? Or am I trying too hard? False hopes...

I don't know what to do anymore. Life's a bitch.

In The End by Linkin Park

It starts with

One thing, I don't know why

It doesn't even matter how hard you try

Keep that in mind, I designed this rhyme

To explain in due time

All I know

Time is a valuable thing

Watch it fly by as the pendulum swings

Watch it count down to the end of the day

The clock ticks life away

It's so unreal

Didn't look out below

Watch the time go right out the window

Trying to hold on, but didn't even know

That I wasted it all just to

Watch you go

I kept everything inside and even though I tried, it all fell apart

What it meant to me will eventually be a memory of the time when I

Tried so hard

And got so far

But in the end

It doesn't even matter

I had to fall

To lose it all

But in the end

It doesn't even matter

One thing, I don't know why

It doesn't even matter how hard you try

Keep that in mind, I designed this rhyme

To remind myself how I

Tried so hard

In spite of the way you were mocking me

Acting like I was part of your property

Remembering all the times you fought with me

I'm surprised it

Got so far

Things aren't the way they were before

You wouldn't even recognize me anymore

Not that you knew me back then

But it all comes back to me

In the end

You kept everything inside and even though I tried, it all fell apart

What it meant to me will eventually be a memory of the time when I

Tried so hard

And got so far

But in the end

It doesn't even matter

I had to fall

To lose it all

But in the end

It doesn't even matter

I've put my trust, in you

Pushed as far as I can go

For all this

There's only one thing you should know

I've put my trust, in you

Pushed as far as I can go

For all this

There's only one thing you should know

I tried so hard

And got so far

But in the end

It doesn't even matter

I had to fall

To lose it all

But in the end

It doesn't even matter

"You'll Never Walk Alone" ... but it seems like I always will.

Archangel

Sick

2006-05-09T17:49:00.000+08:00

argghhh..today of all days! today was the designated photo-taking day for my class, and i missed it =( looks like i wont be making a comeback on next year's yearbook..Haiz, wonder why i'm so upset over a photo without myself in it..guess its the meomories the photo would embody in the future..Oh well..shant think too much abt it..Slpt for ages today, think i'm making up for lost time - plenty of it..must slp more in future. The flu medication really makes you DAMN slpy i must say, and now for some unknown reason i have a terrible headache. ARGHHHH

sj

Why Does It Always Rain On Me?

2006-05-07T18:21:00.000+08:00

Why Does It Always Rain On Me? by Travis

I can't sleep tonight

Everybody saying everything's all right

Still I can't close my eyes

I'm seeing a tunnel at the end of all these lights

Sunny days

Where have you gone?

I get the strangest feeling you belong

Why does it always rain on me?

Is it because I lied when I was seventeen?

Why does it always rain on me?

Even when the sun is shining

I can't avoid the lightning

I can't stand myself

I'm being held up by an invisible man

Still life on the shelf when

I got my mind on something else

Sunny days

Oh, where have you gone?

I get the strangest feeling you belong

Why does it always rain on me?

Is it because I lied when I was seventeen?

Why does it always rain on me?

Even when the sun is shining

I can't avoid the lightning

Oh, where did the blue skies go?

And why is it raining so?

It's so cold

I can't sleep tonight

Everybody's saying everything's all right

Still I can't close my eyes

I'm seeing a tunnel at the end of all these lights

Sunny days

Oh, where have you gone?

I get the strangest feeling you belong

Why does it always rain on me?

Is it because I lied when I was seventeen?

Why does it always rain on me?

Even when the sun is shining

I can't avoid the lightning

Oh, where did the blue skies go?

And why is it raining so?

It's so cold

Why does it always rain on me?

Is it because I lied when I was seventeen?

Why does it always rain on me?

Even when the sun is shining

I can't avoid the lightning

Why does it always rain on me?

Why does it always rain on...

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Aspirin for the night

2006-05-05T23:36:00.000+08:00

I can tell you this, some supreme being is definitely toying with my feelings... It always when i thought the feeling stronger than normal that something happens that warns me of otherwise. Like when i thought there was a chance, and suddenly, she admits she has second thoughts about her ex. This is complicated, and i must handle it well. Else i lose everything i worked for the last couple month. It is rather sad because the relationship will be more than a triangle suppose i try to be part of it. I won't be la, but still... Sigh, i dunno how to write it all down. 2 months, 3 pain, more to come?
Gdi.......

Grape juice

2006-05-03T17:54:00.000+08:00

http://macadish.blogspot.com/2006/05/vine-wine.html

Why!!!!! :p

Ant bite

2006-05-02T18:08:00.000+08:00

(Concerns the people who know what is happening. To others, have fun)

Ok, just to give myself a pat. As taken aback as i am, i am in no way extremely upset. Hmm, i hope i am not deceiving myself, because i really don't know. Well, i should be glad that i am able to take things in my stride easily. This is really nothing compared to the immense feeling of hope and disappointment on the day of the concert. Yet, one can't help getting the feeling of loss. But to look at things from her point of view, I am really just a good friend since i have not revealed any intentions. To be a friend,this is what i always wanted anyway right? To be close friends first, regardless of whether the relation is a line, a triangle, a square... So basically, as a good friend, i doubt i will ever refuse such a request. Anybody who ask me, as long as he/she is a very good friend, i will be obliged to help. Thats me and i am proud of it. But it is ineveitable that i feel weird about it. What to do, sigh....

Weird aside, i think the part about being close friends is quite successful. Very succesful indeed. Yeah! :)

Kinda tired, dunno what more to say. But for no apparent reason, the previous one suddenly resurfaced. I can't be bothered liao. Damn stupid la...

Will update soon!

The Show Must Go On

2006-05-01T19:59:00.000+08:00

The Show Must Go On by Queen

Empty spaces, what are we living for

Abandoned places, I guess we know the score

On and on, does anybody know what we are looking for?

Another hero, another mindless crime

Behind the curtain, in the pantomime

Hold the line, does anybody want to take it anymore?

The show must go on

Inside my heart is breaking

My makeup may be flaking

But my smile still stays on

Whatever happens, I'll leave it all to chance
Another heartache, another failed romance

On and on, does anybody know what we are living for?

I guess I'm learning, I must be warmer now

I'll soon be turning, round the corner now

Outside the dawn is breaking

But inside in the dark I'm aching to be free

The show must go on

Inside my heart is breaking

My makeup may be flaking

But my smile still stays on

My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies

Fairytales of yesterday will grow but never die

I can fly, my friends

The show must go on

I'll face it with a grin

I'm never giving in

On with the show

I'll top the bill, I'll overkill

I have to find the will to carry on

On with the -

On with the show

The show must go on

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Liverpool 3-1 Aston Villa

2006-04-30T11:16:00.000+08:00

With Manchester United losing 3-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and allowing them to get their second consecutive Premiership title, Liverpool still had the chance to fight for second place, but first they had to beat an Aston Villa side who needed at least one point to be absolutely safe from relegation, if other results around England didn't go their way.

Rafa called back a significant number of first team players after resting most of them earlier this week against West Ham United, probably to ensure that they would not lose their match-fitness. A win for Liverpool would put them level on points with Manchester United for second place, although the Red Devils would have a game in hand.

Today's game marked the return of Milan Baros to Anfield for the first time. Would he score against his former club?

Liverpool dominated the game from the kick-off and it took just 4 minutes for them to go ahead. A fabulous through-ball from Xabi Alonso found Fernando Morientes at the edge of the box and he took one touch to control it, another to take it past Olof Mellberg and the last to finish it beautifully into the bottom corner past Thomas Sorenson.

This is the type of class we have been expecting from Morientes and should he continue to reproduce this type of form, he'll definitely be a favourite at Liverpool for years to come.

Liverpool looked good attacking down the right where Cisse was always a threat with his speed and crossing. Aston Villa soon warmed to their game though, and Alonso and Gerrard could not utilise the pace of Cisse too often. Liverpool could not find the second goal, and they decided to sit back and defend. A mistake, as they let Aston Villa back into the game, and Milner had the opportunity to cross into the Liverpool box which only had two Liverpool defenders but three Aston Villa men. Luckily for Liverpool Gareth Barry could only head Milner's great cross into the ground and see it bounce over the bar.

Milan Baros' return was cut short when he was subsituted at half-time for Juan Pablo Angel as Aston Villa looked to try a different dimension of attack. The substitution nearly paid off straightaway as Angel charged down Reina's clearance, bouncing the ball goalwards before seeing it cleared. Reina looked shaky and nervous at times, perhaps the mid-week rest wasn't too good for him.

Liverpool responded to that minor scare and nearly doubled their lead when Cisse's persistence and pace took him to the byline where he fashioned a great cross for Crouch, who could only hit it wide 6 yards from the goal. Morientes then came close as his deflected volley was pushed away by Sorenson.

Aston Villa never gave up though, and Gareth Barry put them level in the 58th minute as everybody missed Hughes' cross except him, and he had a simple finish to make it 1-1.

Liverpool were woken up roughly after that goal, and under the leadership of Steven Gerrard, took the lead again just two minutes after the restart. Alonso took a low corner from the right which saw Gerrard, making a great diagonal run, half-volley it at the near post. Sorenson had no chance as his shot was too hot to handle.

Liverpool took the game to Aston Villa and just five minutes after his first goal, Gerrard hit an absolute cracker into the top corner of the net from 25 yards out. 3-1 to Liverpool and we were rocking.

Aston Villa looked lost after those few minutes and Liverpool tried to push for Gerrard's hat-trick. However it wasn't to be as Aston Villa finally galvanised themselves and nearly pulled it back to 3-2, but Reina made a great save to deny them.

Liverpool have pulled Manchester United back to level points, but it still remains to be seen if Ferguson's men will drop points in their last two matches. Our fingers are crossed.

Liverpool team ratings:

Jose Reina - 7
Looked a little clumsy at times, was not very reassuring. Made a great save towards the end though and that saved his rating.

Jan Kromkamp - 8
Was great in defence and attack, more potent an attacker than Riise was down the left flank. Looks to be a reliable replacement for Finnan.

Djimi Traore - 7
An average performance for Traore, did not do much supporting Riise down the left, but did well defensively.

Jamie Carragher - 9
Was very solid in defence, denied Aston Villa many chances at goal with his superb defensive abilities and tackling.

Sami Hyypia - 7
Paled in comparison to Carragher. Hyypia looked great in the first half, but faltered and made a few mistakes in the second half.

Djibril Cisse - 8
Was always a threat down the right and also down the left occasionally. His crossing is good and there was a moment when he outran two Villa defenders from way behind them to get to the ball. His is getting more persistent and can only be good for Liverpool.

John Arne Riise - 7
Did not look very effective in the left of midfield, relied on his left foot a little too often. Doesn't perform as well as he normally does when he's on the left of defence.

Steven Gerrard - 10
A fantastic two goals from the captain as he produced a man-of-the-match performance.

Xabi Alonso - 8
Protected his defence superbly and produced many threatening long balls from the centre of the park to the flanks.

Peter Crouch - 7
Did not make much impact on the game. Crouch needs to work on his heading and his shooting strength more.

Fernando Morientes - 8
Produced a performance that was worthy of his days at Real Madrid. Excellent finish to give Liverpool the lead.

Substitutes:

Robbie Fowler - 7
The man who scored 14 goals in 15 games against Aston Villa came close but put his effort just wide.

Mohamed Sissoko - 7
Came on and protected the defence well alongside Alonso.

Stephen Warnock - 7
Looked a greater threat down the left compared to Riise. Full of running and energy.

Final score: Liverpool 3-1 Aston Villa

Archangel's Man Of The Match: Steven Gerrard

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

straeh modgnik

2006-04-29T22:35:00.000+08:00

Hoho, im just before the final boss of kingdom hearts. Organization 13 (nobodies) have proven to be a far greater challenge than heartless. In fact, the minion berserker are so scary, i will run from them 90% of the time if they come as a crowd (3). Their claymores are impenetratable, the reaction command appears once in a blue moon, they have huge hp, the reaction isn't helpful in a crowded* situation, THERE IS NO ESCAPE FROM THE MERCILESS POUNDING OF THE DAMN CLAYMORE IF YOU HAPPEN TO GET HIT BY IT EVEN IF IT IS JUST ONCE.... *shudders* The other difficult ones include dermyx for his irritating water puppets, xaldin for his ultra long lances and cool moves, and well, many more.

Haha, now i know where the world 'space paranoid' came from--- the disney production called Tron. 1980's. Kept losing in one of the mini quest. It was to get across on a solar sail. Heartless will keep appearing and after the total weight acting on it reach a limit, the player loses. Because the BIG, FAT, PURPLE GIANTS WITH ULTRA FAT HP AND MASS LIKE TO APPEAR, i had one hell of a time trying to kill them before they sink the sail. The one way i figured out was to spam goofy's limit and drive into master form to spam lightning. Haha, interestingly, on the successful attempt, I DROVE INTO ANTI SORA FORM, which usually garuntee a loss. Thank god only one giant remained on the sail, so it wasn't weighing down the sail too much, and i had loads of fun just spamming the x button to see the cool moves of antisora.

The story isn't the best around, but not bad, i must say. Haha, the love affair between kairi and sora is so predictable, but kinda touching. Just a really close hug. But the most touching moment (for me at least) so far is the part where Sora realise that Ansem (heartless) is actually Riku. Riku had sacrificed himself to the forces of drakness so that he can use the power to save sora and the world. He took on the form of Ansem and all this while, the only feeling sora had towards Ansem was hatred. I feel for you kid. I do, considering my right eye got slightly wet at that scene of reunion. But well, its just slightly :p

Well, considering i could advance so quickly on proud mode, I MUST BE PRO!! HAha, ego speaking! Fun Fun Fun

Science Made Stupid

2006-04-27T22:59:00.000+08:00

Visit this site, and I can guarantee you you'll laugh like crazy.

http://www.besse.at/sms/smsintro.html

Haha... Thanks Liangze for the link!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

D--O--A--E

2006-04-26T00:00:00.001+08:00

Written on the m.r.t. Bored, nthg to do, so i might as well write sthg now.

Morning, was thermometer check. And i forgot to bring.. Goodness.. Oh well :p

I thought, and was confident of conquering the pull up barrier. I am already seeing bulging muscles which was never visible. Is it to say its not enough? Im so frustrated... Im already strong enough, compared to many others. Why does ns need arm strength? To lift themselves up right? I can jump soo damn high... Crap, those are just excuses afterall. Must really work out liao, gdi...

Maths lesson and gp was a chance for chem s! Which is also why i am most confident for chem s today! I could do almost all! It was about grasping the concept of the mechanisms, which i did!! But too bad, its electrochem next. Well, i still regret not taking maths s... Sigh

Confucius says, write about me and my works, or suffer my wrath. Or miss lim's wrath. Gdi again. I don't feel like doing it, but i have to. It is interesting and povokes many thoughts, but i have so little time. Especially since i have cip today.

Anw, it is ending soon! Which means tuesday can be used to mug!! By the time i finished, i had burst a few blood vessels. How to convince my mentee to help himself? Can i not be a mentor? And i feel really lousy cuz even though the things i thought him was true, the words were too advanced for primary school, so he was marked wrong... Man... And i had best in science in primary school....

Photog meeting after chem s was boring... Sz said lots of really stupid stuff and i burst more vessels, but i survived. Talked abt handover and party and stuff. Whats cool? I no longer feel like an actor during such meetings. I suppose thts cause i know a few people slightly better. And im so thankful :)

Like i mentioned, i was bo liao. And so i msged someone* for no apparent reason. Got daoed..... Pfft, i must choose who to msg such stuff to wisely next time. Feeling so foolish. In fact, whatever i did... nvm

It all ends with me watching dicovery channel on how a building collapsed. Kinda made me realise that a small mistake is enough to escalate into big ones. And how human lifes are so precious. To the person who foolishly gave up his life just cuz he is not blessed there, im so so sorry.... Realised, there are a couple of eye candies in judo. Why did i quit judo for band in sec1 again? Short sightedness...

Final phrase, to the girl im fond of

"If only..."

I Do My Own Reviews

2006-04-24T18:22:00.000+08:00

Just to clear a dispute... Some of you are sorely mistaken that I copy and paste my match reviews from somewhere else. Let me assure you that I write every match review from scratch after watching the broadcast of the match, the ratings I give are purely my own, and the Man of The Match is awarded by me. There is no plagarism or copying involved whatsoever. Thank you.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Predictable

2006-04-24T01:16:00.000+08:00

Predictable by Good Charlotte

Something isn't right

I can feel it again, feel it again

This isn't the first time

That you left me waiting

Sad excuses, and false hopes high

I saw this coming, still I don't know why

I let you in

I knew it all along

You're so predictable

I knew something would go wrong

So you don't have to call

Or say anything at all

So predictable

So take your empty words

Your broken promises

And all the time you stole

Cos I am done with this

I could give it away, give it away

I'm doing everything I should've

And now I'm making a change, I'm living the day

I giving back what you gave me

I don't need anything

I knew it all along
You're so predictable
I knew something would go wrong
So you don't have to call
Or say anything at all
So predictable

Everywhere I go, everyone I meet every time I try to fall in love, they all wanna know why I'm so broken; why am I so cold, why I'm so hard inside, why am I scared, what am I afraid of? I don't even know! This story never had an end; I've been waiting, I've been searching, I've been hoping, I've been dreaming you would come back. But I know the ending of this story, you're never coming back! Never!

I knew it all along
You're so predictable
I knew something would go wrong
So you don't have to call
Or say anything at all
So predictable

Everywhere I go for the rest of my life, everyone I love, everyone I care about! They're all gonna wanna know what's wrong with me, and I know what it is, I'm ending this right now!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

We're Off To Cardiff For The FA Cup Final In May!!!

2006-04-23T02:32:00.000+08:00

Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool

Starting as the underdogs in this match, Liverpool took a 2-0 lead before holding on to their one-goal advantage to win this vital match 2-1 and book their place in the FA Cup Final in the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff. Goals from John Arne Riise and Luis Garcia silenced the Chelsea crowd and left Jose Mourinho stunned as Liverpool took the game to Chelsea and dominated the soon-to-be-crowned Premier League Champions for over 60 minutes.

Liverpool, fielding a full-strength side, started the match very brightly against Chelsea, with Kewell flashing a cross across the face of Chelsea's goal just after 5 minutes. Chelsea, fielding an interesting choice of midfield (leaving their prominent wingers Damien Duff, Joe Cole and Arjen Robben on the bench), rarely threatened Liverpool as Liverpool looked to control the early stages of the match.

Kewell and Riise were owning the left-hand side of Liverpool's midfield, with Kewell's brilliant play and Riise's bulldozing runs leaving Paulo Ferreira and Njitap Geremi for dead. Liverpool's first real chance came from the left-hand side, incidentally, as Alonso curled a shot that Cudicini could only parry.

Drogba then had a fabulous chance to put Chelsea ahead when he was put through one-on-one, although he looked offside. He put his shot quite wide of the post. Liverpool then responded with their first goal in the 21st minute.

A dangerous challenge by John Terry on Luis Garcia led to a free-kick on the edge of the Chelsea box. Riise took a touch to Gerrard, who rolled it back to Riise, who then curled a shot through the wall into the back of the net. It was a rather lucky goal acutally as the ball slipped through a gap that formed between Lampard and Ferreira in the Chelsea wall. Cudicini saw it and immediately complained to the two of them for their cowardice in defending the free-kick. Full credit to Riise though, his shot was well placed.

Liverpool nearly doubled their lead in the 25th minute as Kewell, from the right-hand side, dribbled past two players before shooting just wide of the near post. John Terry nearly gave a goal away in the 36th minute when he headed tamely back to Cudicini, giving Crouch a glorious chance, but he collided into the desperate Cudicini as he chased the ball.

As the first half came to a close, Liverpool showed their defensive prowess as they restricted Chelsea to shots from outside the area. Chelsea needed more creativity if they were to get past Liverpool's defence, and Mourinho injected that creativity into his team, replacing Asier Del Horno with Arjen Robben for the second half.

Chelsea pushed for an equaliser and from Robben's corner Terry thought he had got it with a header at the far post in the 50th minute. However he had climbed all over Riise to get to the ball and it was a definite foul. Liverpool were not daunted by this though, and struck again in the 53rd minute was Luis Garcia was put through by a poor defensive header. He took the ball in his stride, let it bounce, looked up and placed a half volley beautifully into the far corner. Cudicini didn't even make an effort to save it, so good was the shot.

Mourinho put in two more wingers as Damien Duff and Joe Cole came on for Geremi and Hernan Crespo. Chelsea started to dominate the match after that as Liverpool looked comfortable to sit back and defend. It was a mistake, however, as a poor headed clearance from Riise looped through the air to Drogba, who headed it beyond Reina into the back of the net. 2-1 and Chelsea had hope.

Chelsea dominated the match from then on, and Liverpool looked tired as Gerrard and Sissoko picked up minor injuries. However, Liverpool still managed to hang on for the win as Joe Cole shot over the bar with his glorious chance to make it 2-2 in the 90th minute.

Liverpool have beaten Manchester United and Chelsea en route to the Final and are definitely strong favourites to lift the cup this season. Now it remains to be seen who they will face in Cardiff. Let's go Reds!

Liverpool team ratings:

Jose Reina - 8
Was not really troubled in the first half. But when he was called upon (a lot in the second half), he did the job well. The Chelsea goal was not of his fault, Drogba got lucky.

Steve Finnan - 8
Assured performance at right-back. As usual, did his job very well.

John Arne Riise - 8
Excellent attacking on the left-hand side, great defending at the back. Scored the first goal as well. However, made a wrong decision when he decided to head the ball clear instead of controlling it, leading to the Chelsea goal.

Jamie Carragher - 8
Very solid performance from Carragher. Hardly gave Chelsea room to manouveur in the Liverpool box and was even there to challenge Drogba for the header for Chelsea's goal.

Sami Hyypia - 8
Solid performance from Hyypia as well as he was a towering presence dealing with corners, free-kicks and crosses. Made a few vital blocks as well.

Steven Gerrard - 7
Made all the early running in the first half as he dominated Frank Lampard, but was hampered in the second half by a minor injury to his knee.

Harry Kewell - 9
As I said before, Liverpool don't look as good as an attacking side without Kewell in the team. Magnificent play on both flanks and was involved in almost every Liverpool dangerous attack. Deserved a goal to cap off a great performance.

Mohamed Sissoko - 7
Chased every ball down, was a great physical presence in midfield. Some of his touches were poor though, but he's still young. Great potential.

Xabi Alonso - 8
Protected his defence superbly and is really settling into his holding role. His passing was superb as usual.

Luis Garcia - 8
Excellent finish for the goal. You need to see it to believe it.

Peter Crouch - 7
Did well in holding up the ball for Liverpool in attack, but did not threaten Carlo Cudicini much.

Substitutes:

Djibril Cisse - 6
Was put on to chase balls the Chelsea defense would pass around, but he didn't do his job very well. Went offside a few times as well when Liverpool needed to keep possession.

Djimi Traore - 6
Was a defensive option and he did his job quite okay.

Fernando Morientes - 7
Was tremendous for Liverpool when they needed to keep the ball as Chelsea pushed for the equaliser. Great possession by Morientes as he frustrated Chelsea with his persistence up front and then his possession-keeping late in the game.

Final Score: Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool

Archangel's Man Of The Match: Harry Kewell

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Radius, circumference, distance

2006-04-22T21:18:00.000+08:00

Nthg much has happened so far. The most interesting stuff? Kingdom hearts and prize for SSEF bronze ($150). SSef was fun in a way. Met all the vj friends i made during the fair. Very fun pple, thought i ps one of them who was in Kh was cool considering i read alot about the speculations for KH3 which will probably come out 4-5 years later and emphasise on the destructive capabilities of a key blade. Thus my MSN nick.
"The Keyblade is said to hold phenominal power. One legend says it's weilder saved the world while another says that he wrought chaos upon it. I must know what this keyblade is. A key which opens doors..."

On a slightly sad note, i haven't been talking to anyone the past 2 days. No one msg me, i msg no one, save for hy. Go hy!! What im stressing is that i ain't talking to her either. Which kinda sux abit, especially when we used to talk very often. This probably means we are probably just friends. I mean, even when i saw her pop online moments ago, we didn't talk. Ahhh. When i decided to talk, she disappeared! Talk about luck.

At least, i don't feel any sense of loss when i do not see her or hear from her yet. Which means im not madly in love yet. Which is a very very good sign. As much as i can say that i really like her, it has not reach a point of love. And well, i will just have to keep it as that.

Just Close Your Eyes

2006-04-22T10:21:00.000+08:00

Just Close Your Eyes - Waterproof Blonde

Decieved by my eyes, in all I was told I should see

Opinions not mine, the person they taught me to be

One night in the dark, a vision of someone I knew

And in the darkness I saw, a voice say I'm you

Inside me a light was turned on

Then I was alive

If you close your eyes your life

A naked truth revealed

Dreams you never lived and scars never healed

In the darkness light will take you to the other side

And find me waiting there you'll see if you just close your eyes

Hearts uninspired, trapped inside somebody's dream

Too close to the fire, yet cold and so numb with the pain

When the fever has broken, and the river has run to the sea

Washed to the ocean, and saved by a voice inside me

Inside me a light was turned on

Then I was alive

If you close your eyes your life

A naked truth revealed

Dreams you never lived and scars never healed

In the darkness light will take you to the other side

And find me waiting there you'll see if you just close your eyes

Never thought I would be here, so high, in the air

This is my unanswered prayer

Defined by another so much wasted time

Out of the darkness each breath that I take will be mine

If you close your eyes your life

A naked truth revealed

Dreams you never lived and scars never healed

In the darkness light will take you to the other side

And find me waiting there you'll see if you just close your eyes

If you just close your eyes

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Practicality of Love - None

2006-04-21T19:01:00.000+08:00

Sometimes i think that jc is simply not the time for such things -what with a levels, ns and what not..it simply isnt practical..more likely than not the relationship will not last. Yet who is to say that love is practical? You give your all and risk getting nothing in return..is that practical? You spend sleepless nights wandering and wondering..all for the sake of a single person who probably doesnt even know how you feel..is that practical? there is no practicality in love..no more than there is in all the good things in life - talking crap with friends, watching movies that are forgotten with time, eating prata with friends in the middle of the night, playing sports that you are no good at all for good plain fun; and the list is endless. love is more about giving than receiving, and anyone will tell you that such a notion is simply impractical. love is impractical, so don't bother your head over it. Sometimes, let the heart, and not the head decide.

So i say, why not? you live but once, and you'll regret the things you did not do much more than the things you did. Not that you go all out to look for love, but if you are lucky enough to be found by love, why not hang on to it?

"The course of true love never did run smooth."
- A Midsummer Night's Dream

Etriprob

2006-04-20T22:21:00.000+08:00

Oh dear, etrio, troubled by the same thing. All with the same encounters. What can i say, we are the trio after all. It is just amazing what our hormones can do to us so subtley. It is always a decision of following the heart or following the mind. Striking a balance, that is the most important thing, i must say.

Take a stand, stand by it, and never look back, and have no regrets. That way, you can never go wrong. Never, let me stress that again, never. Well, if you wonder why i was curious about it for a while, i think i guessed it, and well, its true. The line between a friend and someone more is so thin, so small...

Sigh, the power of love is so great, it is becoming a caffeine, keeping me awake on nights when i should be too shagged to even open my eyes. Instead of being dead tired in the morning, my mind is very clear. Thts the power. Yet it is not because im receiving it. Rather, it is placed just out of reach. To yearn for it so so so much, only to realise the impossible, is so painful. And that pain is now haunting me.

Haunt me, you will. Succumb, i will not. I am trying and trying to be a just a friend. And i must say, after guitar where my feelings were taken to the extreme, i could deal with whatever that is thrown at me much more easily. After being overwhelmed by the immense feeling of love, loss and pain, a resistance has developed. The ability to resist love. I don't know how long it will last, but if it is not going to be mutual, then i hope the wall never breaks. At least, the pain will not strike twice.

On a more happy note, I MADE IT TO THE DSO AND DSTA SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM! which means a chance to win $1000. Well, wish me the best of luck.

Sunburnt

2006-04-20T19:16:00.000+08:00

If only I had stayed back in school till 6 today... Sigh. Ah well... Guess you can't always get what you wish for. Haha.

I'm sunburnt! Haha... Result of swimming 50 laps for 1.5 hours... I'm radiating heat all over... Hahaha... Ouch. Good news is that I think my wrist's getting better... Can begin doing my chin-ups again. I think I've dropped again from 8 to 6... Bleah.

Yes I've managed to find most of the WWE Superstar Entry music I wanted! Wow the songs rock man... Though I've not heard most of the bands before... Haha... Nice songs, but probably only if you're into rock as much as I am...

Tomorrow's physics SPA Skill A... So sian... Have to go mug later... Haha.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Not Again

2006-04-19T21:17:00.000+08:00

It's happening again.

Everything, happening, all over again. I swore I would not get myself trapped again. But I can feel it calling to me...

It's happening again.

These past few days, since you told me about your internal conflict and the tragedy which befell you after, the tough decision you had to make, to sacrifice a part of you; To this day I am still not sure why you chose me to pour your confessions to.

It's happening again.

I've been deluding myself since then, not sure of where I'm going, where I'm heading towards... I've tried not to be foolhardy, I've told myself not to try so hard. I swore I would not get myself trapped again. But I can feel it calling to me...

It's a terrible feeling. I do not know where to go now. I can only wait and see what happens.

I can only pray that what I hope for will happen, but I know it may and will not.

It's happening again. Should I let it take it's course? Or pull out and save myself from further damage?

I do not know. I do not know.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Taking a small step back

2006-04-19T00:36:00.000+08:00

http://macadish.blogspot.com/2006/04/taking-small-step-back.html

The stikfas model is damn fun. Like it!!

why won't the past just die?

2006-04-18T21:28:00.001+08:00

it has been such a long time since it ended..yet why are we still so strained when we happen to meet each other? why wont the ghost of the past just die and let things return to what they were? i guess that's too much to ask.. yet how i wish it could be so. there was a time when i really cared for her; when we were more than friends..that time is past i guess. if only this awkwardness would pass too..

love makes fools of us all.

arghh the search for love, so elusive and yet so alluring, with such potential to hurt or heal..it seems hard to believe it now..but i was happy then. guess it couldn't have lasted, no matter what..but the fool is always hopeful, and filled with foolish hopes.

love makes fools of us all.

Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind;
and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.
-"A Midsummer Night's Dream"

a lovely quote isn't it?

sj

Parallels

2006-04-18T21:10:00.000+08:00

I just realised today what uncanny parallels there are between Liverpool's Champions League campaign last season and Arsenal's this season... Here are a few I've noticed...

1) At this time last season, Liverpool's derby rivals, Everton, were in the fourth position of the Premier League and Liverpool were just behind in fifth position. This season, Arsenal's derby rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, are in the fourth position of the Premier League and Arsenal are just behind in fifth position.

2) Both teams beat Juventus in the quarter-finals of the competition to reach the semi-finals. Both of them drew with Juventus at their home stadium, Stadio delle Alpi, 0-0!

3) There was speculation last season that Steven Gerrard would leave Liverpool if they did not achieve success in Europe. There is speculation this season that Thierry Henry will leave Arsenal if they do not achieve success in Europe. Both are team captains of their respective clubs. Both of them are/were linked to Real Madrid.

Freaky? Maybe. The most freaky thing will be if Arsenal make it to the final and face AC Milan... Milan score 3 goals before half time and... well you know how the story goes from there... Haha. Who wants to bet on Arsenal winning the Champions League this season? The omens are in their favour.

Well... I'm going to rest a bit (just got back and had dinner) before running... Sigh. Painful painful legs.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Larky

2006-04-18T00:28:00.000+08:00

Ok. I completed reading NMR. AND UNDERSTOOD ALMOST EVERYTHING. This is the coolest thing that has happened to me this month. Really. I am so happy, im bloggin instead of sleeping. It am giving up on the rest of organic chem for now. So boring, all memorization work, especially the reactions and conditions. Yawnz....

Anyway, guess what. my cousin from overseas initiated convo and we started talking about games. Lotr, wc3, dota, KH2, vrooom..... Apparently, he bought KH2 and have it mailed to sg to his bro. Which means, if i burn, I CAN PLAY KH2! That is my little heart jumping 2 days in a row. But talking to him is kinda weird (He knows not what is mug). I have to reduce my singlish to virtually zero, lest he complains to my aunt, and aunt to my mum. And well, you know.....
Still, im a happy lark once again.

*This is the life.
Its a beautiful life.*

Kairi! Mmmmm

Sacrifice

2006-04-16T23:53:00.000+08:00

Incredible. Talked to this friend for so long... Shes so cool. Can talk about anything, everything. Though i think, after talking abit about the heavy topics, i lost my drive to go back to talking stupid lingoish. Still, i think i made a really cool friend. Not everyone will talk about their life with a person they know for lets say, 1, 2 months and chatted with like 4, 5 times. It is still too early to say if she will be a close friend (yeah, i mean close, nthg to do with bgr), considering i don't know how i will fare when talking to her one on one. Cause I can talk the whole day, non-stop with really close friends. Well, the only bad thing that happened, I sacrificed the time i planned for my chem to talk to her.... Gosh... Need to mug...

Well, i think it is an accomplishment, considering i definitely need more female friends. Well, i guess its a worthy sacrifice of part of my personality which i lost along the way. My social circle, i command you to widen. Complain, you will not, for im in total control. Muahahah

Still, i need friends whom i can just sit with, and don't talk at all. Its like silent communication. I have one friend whom I could do that in the past. Think i have changed quite a lot, cuz i am no longer the silent guy like lst time. Sacrifice...

Don't read this cause it is some msg of hate. Should be in another post, but in case i forget*Wah, i am starting to dislike someone in class. I will definitely not show it, but i don't think i will want to have anything to do with him after this year. Who does he think he is. Gives that stupid look like he is serious when he knows best that he is not. Think that whatever others say is a suan or sthg. So what if somebody has a poorer command of english? Does it mean you have the right to poke that guy abt it? All the time? Laugh at it, and get over it. Don't act like im insulting your intelligence, as much as i think you have little of it now... *

And the special girl? Well, maybe, i'll just stay at the circumference that define friends. And wait. Maybe, like what a friend say, the feeling will die. Which is good. In a way. I hope.

Yawnz

Im a happy lark. Lalalal :)

"you will always be inside my heart
you will always have your own place
I hope that I have a place in your heart too
now and forever, you are still the one
it's still a sad song
until I can sing a new song"

Happy Birthday Rafael Benitez!!!

2006-04-16T23:41:00.000+08:00

Liverpool 1-0 Blackburn Rovers

Last Sunday it was Robbie Fowler's 31st birthday. Today it's Rafa Benitez's 46th. Robbie Fowler, who gave himself a birthday gift last week with a goal, decided to give Rafa one as well today! And we all say: Give Fowler a contract!!! I say he's done enough since coming here on his six-month contract to deserve a longer deal.

The match was mainly about Blackburn's attack against Liverpool's defence as both sides decided to play pinball instead of football. Neither could string proper passes together in the first half as the midfield was packed as players fought tooth and nail for every ball. As a result, both teams had few moments in attack and little incident in defense in the first half as each struggled to get control of the game.

Cisse had everything that could happen to him in this match... except a goal and cards. The first controversial incident came in the 11th minute when Cisse attempted to dribble past Robbie Savage at the throw-in line on the right. Savage slid in for the ball, didn't get it, but didn't touch Cisse either. Yet Cisse went falling down like a sack of potatoes. Result: Yellow card for Savage. I do not condone diving, even if it's by your own players. There's more to come from Cisse, Mr Controversial for this match.

The next incident of note came in the 23rd minute, when the ball was played to Fernando Morientes in the box, where he executed a deft flick over the head of Ryan Nelson before doing a smart turn to get the ball. Nelson had other ideas, though. With both arms wrapped around Morientes' torso, he attempted to perform a front suplex (or belly-to-belly suplex) that Kurt Angle would be proud of (from a footballer). Result: No penalty! Myopic linesman and blind referee results in poor decision-making... The linesman, later in the game, ruled Liverpool offside twice when they clearly were not.

Even Liverpool's solitary goal was a controversial one. From a throw in from Riise, Fowler chested the ball, seemingly to Mr Controversial. Cisse, who was offside, looked like he wanted to play the ball as he raised his leg. Fortunately, he had the presence of mind to not touch the ball and hence not interfere with play, raising his hands to claim that he was not interfering. The ball then fell to Morientes, who was NOT offside, and he took one touch into the box, before cutting it back to Fowler who made no mistake as he slotted it past the keeper.

Was it a goal or wasn't it? The very fact that Cisse raised his leg to try to play the ball showed that he was in fact interfering with play, but the very fact that he chose not to touch the ball and claim he was not interfering shows that he was not. What a 50-50 decision by Cisse. For me, I think it was a good decision and good play from him to not touch the ball at all, but it would have been better if he had not raised his leg.

Naturally several Blackburn players surrounded the referee and complained that the goal should not have stood, but he would have none of it and pointed to the centre circle. 1-0.

Cisse was involved again at the stroke of half time as he had a wonderful opportunity one-on-one with the keeper. Alonso played a magnificent ball over the top for him and he raced clear of the despairing defenders who were claiming offside. He glanced up to pick his spot and took a shot... and saw it saved by Brad Friedel. Brilliant save, although Cisse should have done better. The ball was punched upwards by Friedel and it landed on the crossbar before going out.

Blackburn took control of the game in the second half as Liverpool looked content to sit back and soak up the pressure. This was where Carragher and Hyypia looked their best as they cut out Blackburn's lobs, crosses and attempted shots. Blackburn huffed and puffed, mostly on the counterattack, but could not break the defensive fortress of Carragher and Hyypia, and when they did manage to land a shot or a cross, Reina was there to gather. Excellent defensive display from the centre-backs and most notably, the goalkeeper.

Liverpool nearly got another goal as substitute Kewell's cross found Morientes who flashed a header just wide. Cisse got another marvellous chance as he was put through one-on-one again, but he chose to try and shoot through Friedel's legs and failed. All was not lost though as the ball bounced free and Cisse pounced on it again, knocking his shot towards goal... and see it hit the post and go out. Poor finishing.

Liverpool held out for the win though and the three points confirmed a top-four finish for them and Champions League football next season... Unless Arsenal win the Champions League of course, but that's a different story altogether. Reina set a new record, conceding only 29 goals in his first 50 appearances for Liverpool, beating Ray Clemence's previous record of 32.

Liverpool team ratings:

Jose Reina - 9
A very assured performance from Reina. Was commanding when he came for crosses and free kicks, grabbing and punching the ball well. Had little to do originally but when called upon, was very reliable.

Steve Finnan - 7
Another comfortable performance from Finnan. Didn't make headlines, but he did his job well.

Stephen Warnock - 6
Looked a little unsure at times and tried to play long passes which were not very good and either missed their target or were cut out. Was taken off the pitch due to injury to his thigh muscle.

Jamie Carragher - 8
Was captain for the day as Steven Gerrard was rested. Looked a rock in defence and never made a mistake.

Sami Hyypia - 9
The towering centre-half was there for virtually every cross and lob, excellent heading and defending.

Djibril Cisse - 6
Had a better game for Liverpool today but spurned three great opportunities. A player of his calibre should be putting those away easily. Dived as well which was not becoming of a Liverpool player. Was quite smart however when it came to the controversial goal... I bet most strikers would have touched the ball instead.

John Arne Riise - 7
Didn't cause much trouble in attack when he was employed on the left of midfield. His throw led to the goal though. Was much better in defence when Warnock was taken off for Kewell.

Xabi Alonso - 7
Played a different game as it was one of containment. Didn't shine as much as he did against Everton.

Mohamed Sissoko - 8
Looked a brilliant player as he chased every loose ball and tackled players very well. Needs to work a bit on his anticipation though, he misses or miskicks airballs sometimes.

Robbie Fowler - 8
Was a class act up front as his experience showed when he played the ball with great vision for his teammates. Virtually created the goal on his own when he chested the ball to Morientes.

Fernando Morientes - 6
Does not look the player he once was. There was a chance when he flashed his header wide, when the old Morientes would have thumped it into the back of the net. Needs to do some serious re-assessment of his striking abilities.

Substitutes:

Luis Garcia - 7
Was an attacking option for Liverpool and played well first on the right, then just behind Cisse. Nearly got a goal as well, and hit a volley over the bar.

Harry Kewell - 7
Liverpool look much better in attack with Kewell on board, and his crosses from the left were deadly.

Jan Kromkamp - 6
Didn't have much time and opportunity to impress, came on as a defensive right midfielder.

Final Score: Blackburn Rovers 0-1 Liverpool

Archangel's Man of the Match: Sami Hyypia

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

You'll Never Walk Alone

2006-04-15T20:50:00.000+08:00

To all those people who have been hurt, faced setbacks, or have been put through immense pain and suffering, here's a message to let you know, you're not alone.

"You'll Never Walk Alone" by Gerry & The Pacemakers

When you walk through a storm

Hold your head up high

And don't be afraid of the dark

At the end of the storm

There's a golden sky

And the sweet silver song of a lark

Walk on, through the wind

Walk on, through the rain

Though your dreams be tossed and blown

Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart

And you'll never walk alone

You'll never walk alone

Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart

And you'll never walk alone

You'll never walk alone

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

My Legs Hurt

2006-04-15T20:34:00.000+08:00

I'm super super bored so I'm blogging for the second day in a row... Hahaha... Hey Jon, relax, no one likes to go to a party where they have no idea who everyone else is, but it's your friend from a long time ago, right? Must show him some face... hahaha... Sincerely hope you have fun tomorrow :)

I STILL dunno how to do my Mathematics S Paper homework... Haha... Maybe it's cos I haven't touched it since attempting it last night :P

Wow my fitness programme is starting to show progress... Today playing soccer I hardly got tired... Breathing and stamina-wise. My legs hurt like hell though, I guess from the daily running/swimming... Hahaha... Had so many long shots today, only one went in hahaz... Spasticated.

I went to school today to play soccer... No chorale prac for the non tourgoers... Haha... I actually wanted to stay behind to watch the tour group get tortured by our conductor but he failed to show up for some reason... :( haha sadistic old me... But I stayed behind to watch them prac though... I wish I was doing "Verbum"! It's SUCH a beautiful song... Sigh... Ah well, studies come first and no matter how much our conductor persuades me, I'm not going for the tour :P:P:P

Tuba wouldn't let me watch his station at fencing camp! So unfair... He stole ideas from our RI Choir camp of two years ago la! Then don't let me watch some more... Stupid tuba. Hahaha... I bet the fencers having a lot of fun in school now...

Yup yup... Besides the rhythmic gym having a performance tonight in school nothing much else to say... Didn't wanna watch that anyway... Not interested.

Man U drew with Sunderland 0-0!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!! That means the title is effectively Chelsea's, unless Bolton can draw with them or beat them tonight... Actually the match is on now. And according to soccernet, Chelsea are winning 1-0. SIGH...

Ah well. The only thing to look forward to Liverpool's season is a possible FA Cup. But first they must beat Cheatsea, sorry, Chelsea, in the semi-final.

Does anyone know where I can get a large database collection of WWE Superstar Entry Theme Music? Some of the music themes are really good. Haha... If got post on the chatterbox k... Thanks :P

Ok gonna go watch "Drake & Josh" soon... That show always cracks me up. Yeah!

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Never to be forgotten, for now

2006-04-15T14:23:00.000+08:00

Coming sunday, a day i will probably not forget. It is basically the day where i will celebrate the bdae of a close friend. 3 other people will be going---------- someone ok, someone i like and someone i don't like. Complicated? Not yet. At least i hope not. Half of the convo involving me will probably be staged and scripted, which is not something i will like especially on a fun occasion of someone's bdae. I mean, i can never express my displeasure, no matter how i hate him/her. I will just stay away, and when i do talk, it will be very forced on my part. But it will show very tell little about my displeasure. What to do...

This has forced me to make a comparison. To go out with you guys, it is always carefree, plain excitement, no hidden words nor feelings. Fun, no doubt, and extremely enjoyable. However, on sunday, it going to be a party where you know only the host, half of the people attending the party, and no one else. OK, its not that bad, but really, i would prefer a party where i know everyone and everyone knows me. Sadly, life don't always follow my preference. It is his party, and is is his friends that matter, not mine.

Then there is this minor problem. For the girl who is going, she will be the only one girl there. Asked her to get someone else, but she said its ok. Well, if she doesn't mind, why should I?

Okok, the bright side. I haven't seen him for quite some time liao. So im really really looking forward to it! It would be best if it was just the two of us, maybe another friend, because thats when i can talk best. Maybe after the party. So much to talk about.

Speaking of 'long time no see', K.H.B!!!! Argh, why are you so busy? How long has it been? One year? As much as i know you won't read this, please, take a break. we need to catch up!

Okok, have a goood day!!

Where love matters

2006-04-15T00:11:00.000+08:00

"l love you without knowing how... or when... or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride.
I love you because I know no other way than this.
So close... that your hand on my chest is my hand.
So close that when you close your eyes... I fall asleep."

A simple word, denoted by the L, the O, the V, the E, has caused so many complications, complexities in life. I, in no way, think thts bad. It is a feeling that gives us hope in times of distress, yet ironically, it is the cause of most of our distress too. My distress... To love something is because it has given you a pleasant feeling, regardless of whether directly or indirectly. I love chocolates, cause the warm and sweet never fail to pick me up. I love science, because the thought process interest me, and also because im comforted that what i am doing would help the lives of many other people in the future. Love, as it seems, is just a simple a feeling.

Yet, in life, there are always exceptions. And in the case of love, there is no exception. (Paradox....) To love someone, it means so much more. A love from a parent comes without condition. It is a selfless act for the best of the child, and for that, we must love them back till the end of time. The love often results in sacrifices, and it may not be a pleasant feeling, especially if the undying love is not reciprocated. And that is where complexity arise. When love no longer brings with it the pleasure we seek. When all that love brings is hatred and dissent. When there is nothing worthy of our love.

To declare such a conclusion is definitely too harsh, since love has once again proved to be more than just a simple feeling of pleasure. To love someone, it is no longer for one's own happiness, but for the happiness of that special someone. Love should never be selfish, never caged. Let it soar, because true love can only be found where the soul belongs. Our heart. To imprison love would mean to lose our soul, our heart, and ultimately, our love.

So philosophical, yesh. They are subconsciously written to relieve the strees which my heart has experienced. My heart, me stress. It pains, to finally confirm what I fear*. As thankful as i am that it lasted for such a short while, it still aches. Aching not because it is over, but because of the clash between logic and heart. Aching because she deserve so so much more. Aching because she doesn't know. Behind the facade of a guy who talks about girls, he is really troubled by one. Just one, girl...

Affairs of the heart is never easy to deal with, and the best wayt to do so, is to treat it with maturity. Do not turn back, do not regret. Take a stand and do it.

Professionalism

2006-04-14T23:10:00.000+08:00

Wah at least you have a camp... Our camp NEVER materialised cos of darn admin matters with the school and the concert's too near. I was supposed to be group leader too... Haha. Not that I can work with the rest though, but the J1s are quite fun.

I got Band 1 for Project Work! ...and I dunno how to do my Math S Paper homework!!!

I can't believe that the previous post came through... there was some stupid error and it told me it could not publish, so I thought I lost the whole thing!!! Haha...

Ok let's talk about today's subject: Professionalism. Guess where I'm coming from again? I used to think that the reason that I couldn't work with the others had something to do with me. Now I know that it's the mentality of the majority of them, rather. That has to do with professionalism, or rather, the lack of it.

Do you take pride in your work? I know I do. For me, there is no greater satisfaction than a job well done. Sadly, either that does not apply to the others, or success is not their main reason for joining.

Why did I join? I had experience in that area, and I thought this would provide me a more mature and professional experience as compared to my previous groups. We-ll... It did, albeit marginally...

It comes as a simple task, listen, note it in your mind, then perform. It's easy, but it fails to materialise. Result, ultimate screwing by the conductor. You know what I hate? And you know what I think other people in the chorale like me hate? Like Adrian and Wenze? I hate it when I get scolded or blamed for something that I have not done. I hate it when I put in the effort to remember and perform something, but other people don't, and I get screwed along with the rest for "not doing" it. It's ridiculous.

Granted, I'm not the most perfect of people, I do make mistakes. But when I do, I acknowledge it, not hide behind other people and pretend nothing's wrong. So don't go around telling other people what's wrong with their singing when there's nothing wrong at all. Go check your own singing first, not as if you're a perfect singer. Jackass.

See that's my point. Why did the other people join chorale? Do they REALLY love to sing? Or do they love someone in the chorale and are joining it for them? Or do they just want to have a good time?

That's professionalism for you. Something's got to give, and I must admit I nearly gave on Wednesday. I can't work with unprofessional people. Perhaps I'll quit even before the concert comes. Wednesday was really the last straw. We'll see.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel

Camp!

2006-04-14T11:53:00.000+08:00

yay! tomorrow's fencing camp! staying over at hongyun's hse tonight..looks like there's gonna be lot's of late night dota and stuff..the only problem is tat hongyun's hse is all the way at clementi, while the camp is at 8 on sat..it seems that we will have to wake up reeeeaaaal early just to get there on time..

now for the camp itself..wahahaha..zhu and I have absolutely no idea what we are supposed to do at all..looks like we'll just have to take things as they come..i dont even know if we are supposed to be involved in the activities, or just simply watch from the side..wooohooo..fantastic group leader arent I? =)

sj

Happy Birthday Robbie Fowler!!!

2006-04-11T22:12:00.000+08:00

Ok I know this is like two days late but since I was too sian on Sunday night and too sleepy yesterday... Here's wishing Robbie Fowler a great 31st birthday as he marked it with a well taken goal against Bolton Wanderers to give Liverpool a 1-0 win they didn't really deserve...

Ok the match was boring. By boring I mean REALLY boring. Liverpool rarely threatened Bolton's goal in the first half... Bolton were organized both in attack and defense and they really should have scored when Stelios was put through but Reina made a good save to deny his weak shot. That was Bolton's best chance of the first half as Hyypia and Carragher were rock-solid at the back with Riise and Finnan providing good support and cover for them down the flanks.

Cisse was terrible down the right flank. For someone so fast, he doesn't put in the effort to chase the long balls punted to him. I mean, I would be pissed too if I had nothing but long balls to chase all day but for God's sake the others are trying to use your speed so please use it! I was so happy when that jackass was substituted for Luis Garcia at half time.

I will now take a moment to talk about Crouch's aerial ability. For someone so tall, he doesn't make use of his height advantage. He wins most headers, but they're so weak they hardly threaten the goalkeeper. That's just about strength. Direction-wise, his heading is woeful. When he wins the "second balls" as Benitez likes to call them, he never heads it to an available player. He prefers to give possession back to the opponents, which in my opinion is rather retarded. He needs to work on aerial awareness and his neck muscle strength.

That said, Liverpool scored a goal RIGHT before half time, with Crouch linking up well with Fowler. Fowler got to a long ball and headed it to Crouch, who controlled it (for his woeful heading, his control of the ball with his chest and legs is pretty good) and passed it back to Fowler, who hit it through two Bolton players' legs into the bottom corner. It was totally against the run of play but it was a great birthday present for "God".

The second half was uneventful with neither side really threatening one another. Liverpool came really close as they made the early running in the second half, with Xabi Alonso hitting the post with a powerful shot. Other than that it was a good defensive display from Liverpool.

Liverpool Team Ratings:

Jose Reina - 7
An average performance for the goalkeeper. Did not have much to do but made a crucial save against Stelios early in the first half. Made a blunder when he came out to fist the ball once though.

Steve Finnan - 8
Ever reliable down the right flank, Finnan was superb both in overlapping and in defensive duties.

John Arne Riise - 8
Like Finnan, was a bomb in attack and a rock in defense.

Sami Hyypia - 7
Had a quiet game for Liverpool as Bolton did not threaten much.

Jamie Carragher - 7
Like Hyypia, had a quiet game for Liverpool at the back.

Djibril Cisse - 5
Was terrible down the right flank, slacked when he was supposed to chase long balls, and always delayed his crosses, attempting to beat his opponent first. Poor.

Harry Kewell - 7
Was quiet in the first half but really came to life in the second, threatened with many crosses and runs down both flanks. Took a shot at goal when he was put through but he really should have passed to Gerrard instead.

Steven Gerrard - 7
The captain did not do much in this game, did not influence the game as he should have. Was great in attack though as his surging runs provided Liverpool with the foundation for attack.

Xabi Alonso - 9
Great defensive display from the Spaniard and was probably the main reason why Bolton could not breach Liverpool's defense - because they could not get through to it. Nearly scored with a well taken shot but unluckily deflected off the post.

Peter Crouch - 6
Not a good game for the striker as once again his heading proves woeful and he hardly tested the Bolton keeper. Had a chance from a cross but he headed the ball directly into the keeper's legs.

Robbie Fowler - 9
On his birthday Robbie Fowler gave himself the best birthday present with a great finish into the bottom corner of the goal. Looked full of running and was Liverpool's main force in attack.

Substitutes:

Luis Garcia - 6
Pretty average game for Luis Garcia. Was potent in attack but lost the ball too much for my liking

Dietmar Hamann - 6
Was average as well as he came on to boost Xabi Alonso's fierce defense of the back four, and allowed Steven Gerrard to play further forward.

Djimi Traore - 6
Did not have much opportunity and time to impress, and was played out of position on the left wing.

Archangel's Man of The Match: Robbie Fowler

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel