Stupid Genius

- Making mistakes is our rights, learning from them is our responsibilty.

- "I have no choice" is another way of saying "I've have chosen the easier option"

- Genius is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration - Thomas A Edison

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Location: Singapore

Email: tym1976@yahoo.com

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Sunday, July 30, 2006

Botak

I went to Suntec city for my hair cut, in support of the Children Cancer Foundation. There were a lot of people. They had at least 200 walk in shavees. Before that, they have about 600+ registered shavees. So it's at least 800 shavees total.

Before
This is me with the hair, before the shave.

Going...
There goes my hair. The lady shaving me is from Kimage. All the shavers are from Kimage. I wondered if CCF paid for this. The rent in Suntec and all the shavers may not come cheap.

Going...
Half gone, half more to go.

Gone
No more hair. That's it. Hair gone. Next is to get more people to donate to CCF.

In case you are wondering, why CCF is doing this, I shall attempt to explain. First and foremost, it's a donation drive. Each shavee is given a donation card and we are supposed to go get people to donate to their cause. When people ask us why we are bald, we will whip out the donation card as the answer. :P

Second, cancer patient undergoing therapy will lose their hair. It should be more traumatic for kids. Thus having the children seeing so many of us with the same hairstyle as them should reassure them somewhat. This is also to create awareness among us to what the cancer patients are going through.

So now you know, you know what to do? :P
Pledge Money

Sweet Emilee

I forgot to do something that is needed last night. So I went back to office yesterday evening to do it. A bit sad to go back to office on a Saturday night, but it turned out well. This is because not only did I finish what I wanted to do, I get to meet Fallen Singapore Idol, Emilee Kang.

Emilee

Emilee Kang, the idol whom everyone says sounds like a getai singer. Not because she really sounds like one, but because 1 of the judges said it. I did not watch the 1st episode, I don't know who say it, but she told me the judge did not say she sounds like 1 back then. He (or is it a she?) say that she looks like a getai singer because of her dress, which is actually from Europe. Since Singapore fashion is that much slower from Europe, she probably wears it 1 year too early. I thought she sounds pretty decent.

I watched the following episode. When Dick Lee say that he still can't shake the impression of her as a getai singer, she rebutted that she do not think that she sounds like 1. That was when I thought that the Singapore Idols are so disrespectful of the judges. Having followed a number of the Chinese singing competition, the contestants always seem so respectful of the judges. Every comment the judges said were met with thank yous. Looking back, now I thought it's an understandable reaction. If I wear 1 of the newer release of Europe's fashion and was criticized for looking like a getai singer, I would react likewise I think. Anyway, Ken Lim later say that she sounds like a lounge singer because she thinks like 1, and she reply with a "I'll take note of it". Not so disrespectful after all.

I was watching last night's repeat telecast of Singapore Idol. Jasmine Tye, another contestant, was dressed in the Japanese fashion. Even I, who am not really into fashion, recognize it. Dick Lee the judge says that she looks like she came from a funeral parlor. I guess she wears it 1 year too early as well. I am not sure if wearing Jap theme to sing a jazz song is appropriate, but it's definitely not funeral parlor kind of wear.

Back to Emilee. I think she is an interesting and fun person to have around. Too bad that this is probably the one and only time I get to see her in person. She would make a good friend I think. I did not even take a picture with her. What a waste.



Her fan club site.

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Michael 2nd last performance of the year

I went to Muchuan again. I have not go in a long time.I am supposed to meet Cloud for dinner, but he's held up by work, so I ate alone and went to straight to Muchuan to wait for him.

When I reached, I found that Weiyang had got himself a new guitar. It's an electric guitar. He spent a fortune on it. Michael say it cost a manager's 1 month salary. He's quite thrilled with it and keep talking about it. I also found out that it was to be Michael's 2nd last performance of the year. His last performance will be on the 11th August, after which, he'll take a break until next year. I am not aware of his reason for doing so, but it seems like he's got something on. Weiyang and Ah Seng will still be performing. They have another guy replace Michael until the new year.

Friday, July 28, 2006

1st practical bike lesson

I signed up for a motorbike course recently. So far, I've been pretty tied up and not being able to attend much lessons. I've attended only 1 theory lessons so far. I need to attend 4 theory lessons before I can take the theory evaluation test. I need to take the evaluation test before I can take the final test. I also need to clear a minimum of 5 practical bike lessons as well. After I cleared the 5 practical lessons and the final test, then I am able to apply for a provisional driving license so that I can hit the roads.

Yesterday is my 1st practical lesson. It was quite fun. The bike is heavier than I thought. The 1st part of the lesson is to get familiar with the bike. We were thought how to handle the bike. Then how to move slowly a short distance. I was quite bad on that. There were 5 of us. After awhile, 3 of us were deemed stable enough to be allowed to drive the bike around the mini circuit. I am not 1 of the 3. I have to practice a couple more times on moving the bike forward a short distance before being allowed to join them. While on the circuit, I had trouble controlling the bike. The throttle and the clutch and the brake is giving me all kinds of problem and my ride on the circuit is full of jerks. Luckily, after a few rounds and some tips from the instructor, I started to get the hang of it and my ride becomes smoother. I still have problem stopping though. At least, I managed to pass this 1st lesson.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Samwin's birthday

Time flies. There's 5 candles on Samwin's birthday cake for the 4th time now. This year, it falls on the 1st day of the 7th month, which is today. Since it is not a very nice day to celebrate, and it is also a weekday, we had a birthday dinner with on last Saturday. 8 of us went to Marina Bay for dinner. It was really crowded and we have problem getting a table. In the end we found 1 at Chong Pang. I thought Dragon Village is better though.

After dinner, 4 of us went to Lucky Chinatown Kbox for a KTV session until 2:30am.

Then I took off this afternoon to go present shopping for him. We went to the Suntec Carrefore looking for a mini-hifi. After looking around, we found 1 model that's quite good, but it's out of stock. As we have a badminton session later, and it's almost time, Samwin had to go home to get his racket and stuff. Since I already had my badminton stuff with me, I went to the Plaza Singapura Suntec and see if they still have the model. Luckily, they really have it.

I carried the stupid big box all the way to Delta Sports Hall via MRT. It really is an ordeal. By the time I reached the sports hall, my biceps are aching. And for my efforts, I got a free taxi ride home.

Happy Birthday Samwin.

Monday, July 24, 2006

Superman Returns

Superman Returns


May contain spoiler

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Hair for Hope

The Children Cancer Foundation (CCF) is organising their fund raising again. Please support. I'll be pledging my hair. :)

Pledge money

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Robbie Fowler is number 9 again!

Robbie Fowler


Robbie Fowler's jersey number for the new season is number 9! My old jersey is now valid again! :)

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Rigid Singaporean

Recently, the the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Donald Tsang came to Singapore for a visit. Supposedly, he wanted to try the Bak Kut Teh at Balestier Road for supper. They called up the shop in the morning to make arrangements, and the staff told them that they are not opened at night and refused to accomodate them. So they changed to the 1 at Outram Park instead. The Outram Park Bak Kut Teh did not open at night too, but they are willing to open the shop just to serve him.

After that, he said that this shows that Singaporean are too rigid in following rules and do not know how to cut corners. While I agree with his comments about Singaporean being too rigid, his use of the Bak Kut Teh as example is ridiculous. No doubt, he is the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and it demands some respect from commoners like us, but if the stall owner don't want to do business with him, it's his choice isn't it? If he's really so hard up for that stall's Bak Kut Teh, he should have go in the morning, during their operating hours. This isn't being rigid, this is called "Don't want to do your business". And the Outram Park has already bend their rules to serve him, what more does he wants?

Anyway, the next day, the boss of the stall came out and say that he is not aware of it. His staff answered the call and made her own decision. He has since reprimanded her. He say that, even if they are to reject the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, they should say it in a more polite manner. She was being too rude in her manner.

And even more puzzling is that Hong Kong later issues a statement that the reason they went the Outram Park Bak Kut Teh is because it's nearer to his hotel and that he has eaten there before. Oh well, those politicians sure are troublesome.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Help Children with Cancer

Link

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Battered pair of legs

After my skating session with Whye Es yesterday, the bottom of my feet is feeling very sore. So sore that I have trouble walking. And when I wake up this morning, my inner thigh muscles are aching as well, due to the prolonged skating I had. My fitness is just so bad.

I went to Serangoon to play soccer with the usual gang. I played real badly. Screwed up a lot of simple touches. On 1 occasion, I was playing the last man, and the midfielder passed the ball back to me he's under pressure. I screwed up the clearance and it falls to the opponent feet just in front of the goal post. I made a desperate launch to block his shot. Luckily, he screwed up his shot as well, and I managed to clear it. But I knocked my calf muscle quite badly when I tried to stop his shot. It was quite bad. I knew immediately that I couldn't play anymore and limped out of the field.

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Long day

I managed to wake up in time to go meet Whye Es. This is the furthest I ever skate. I start at Parkway Parade and went all the way to Safra resort, and back. We stopped at the food center beside the lagoon. By then, my feet is feeling really sore. I don't know why it's so uncomfortable this time. It was ok the previous time. When it came time to go back to Macdonald's, I almost can't go back. I told Whye Es to go ahead and I'll make my way slowly. My right feet is feeling so sore that I can't stand with it, so I can only use it to propel me forward slowly. After awhile, it got better, and I can stand with it. This time, I realise the soreness is preventing me from landing too hard and I can't propel my self much with my right leg. I chose the shortest route back. I managed to crawl past the lagoon, where it got well enough for me to go at my top speed, which isn't much.

As I am picking up speed, a couple overtook me. I recognise them from earlier. The guy had problem skating. But now, he's skating well and can overtake me. I wanted to overtake them back and I realise I can't close down the distance. I only managed to maintain our distance amd not let it drift further. Grr.

After skating, I went home to bath, wash my soccer boots and clean my skating boots. After that it's back to the office for some work. I had to do something in the office from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. Thankfully, everything went smoothly and I am able to leave on time.

The next stop is Belle's place to celebrate Cyn's birthday. After the party, I was feeling very sleepy and I slept over at Belle's place. Save on midnight cab charges as well. :P

Friday, July 14, 2006

Pub hopping

Right after work, I meet Art Beng for dinner. We were supposed to go this pub where, his friend, Andrew, has taken a liking to 1 of the waitress. When we reach the pub, Andrew can't join us yet as he's tied up with work. That waitress, Joyce, is quite a pretty lady, and dun to have her at the table. Art Beng asked her what she thinks of Andrew, and her response isn't very favourable. Before Andrew came, she's table hopping, serving the different guests. When Andrew came, she and another waitress were serving the table in front of us the whole time. Must be a big spender.

After awhile, we went to another pub where Andrew's colleagues were at. It's not as fun nice as the 1st pub. We had a drink and playedd some games, and again Andrew , asked us to go DXO where his other friends were at. DXO is pretty boring, and I became sleepy after awhile, and I went outside to catch a nap. I only woke up when they were leaving. A waste of money, but I did not pay. :P

We went to the prata shop at Outram Park for supper. By the time I reach home, it's already 4am. And I am supposed to meet Whye Es at East Coast Park for blading at 9:30am...

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Baden Baden Pork Knuckle

I was told that Werners at Siglap sold good pork knuckles. I was told by a different person that Baden Baden's is better. I've tried Werners. It was not bad.

Yesterday, I brought my parents and my sister to Baden Baden. It was my mum's belated birthday treat, and we ordered pork knuckle of course. On trying that, I think it's really nice. Better than Werner's. Yummy.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Funny mrbrown video

Recently, Singapore top blogger, mr brown, was criticised by the press secretary of MICA.

mr brown has a weekly column with TODAY every Friday. In a recent article, he talked about some Singapore issues in a funny, sarcastic way. Apparently, someone up there is unhappy about it and sent him a rebuke in TODAY. mr brown was subsequently suspended by TODAY.

I've enjoyed reading mr brown for a long time and I like what he wrote. His TODAY articles have always been entertaining as well. Too bad, it's suspended and hopefully, it will be back soon.

In the meanwhile, watch this video. I thought it's very well done.
Video

Italy is the world champion in 2006

Italy became the 2nd all time best country in soccer on the 9th July 2006. They have won the World Cup for the 4th time, 2nd only to Brazil who has won it 5 times.

It was an exciting first half with a boring 2nd half. France scored first but Italy equalized soon after. It ended 1-1 in the first half. I thought Italy played quite badly in the 2nd half. Everybody is in defence with a nominal few in attack. And when they got the ball, they can't get the ball to the front as there's no one in the middle other than France's players.

Defender Materazzi crave out a chance for them when he managed to get Zidane to head butt him. I don't know what he said to him, but he made Zidane so angry that Zidane runs to him and head butt him on the chest. This moment of madness by Zidane earns himself a red card.

In the end, it finished 1-1 after extra time and Italy scores everyone of their penalty kicks and France had 1 missed. And Italy is crowned the champion!

Sunday, July 09, 2006

The end of World Cup 2006 is really coming...

Despite voicing my disappointment over the teams that got into the semi finals, I woke up at 3am to watch Germany lose to Italy. It was quite evenly matched and was goal less until the last minute of extra time. The game is heading into penalty kicks and with the penalty taking skills of the Germans, it looks like Germany is really getting into the final. Italy had not have much luck with penalties in recent world cups. Suddenly, Italy got themselves a goal. And because of that, and the timing of it, the Germans had to go for broke in attack. They did not succeed and worse, they conceded another goal from the resultant counter attack. The 2nd goal really took the fight out of the Germans and they just collapse onto the pitch, crying. And the game stopped without the referee blowing the final whistle.

I did not manage to wake up for the other semi final where France beat Portugal 1-0. Christiano Ronaldo of Portugal was booed everytime he got the ball. This player had so much skill, and he resorts to unsporting behaviour like dives and taunts to gain an advantage over his opponents. Serves him right. Before the game I was worried about Portugal's dirty tactics might disrupt the flair-based French team. They did managed to contain Zidane and Henry, but they concede a legitimate penalty. The resultant goal is the only goal of the match. It must have felt bad for them.

And this morning, I was watching the quarter placing between Germany and Portugal. I was still angry with the dirty tactics of Portugal, and I betted on Germany to win. Ronaldo is still up to his diving tricks today. There's 1 blatant 1 right in front of the referee. He's lucky the referee did not give him a card, but it was repeated a lot of times on tv. The 1st half finish goalless, with both teams quite evenly matched. I was quite worried in the opening minutes when Portugal had a bright start. But when the Germans got into the game, things become even. In the 2nd half, Germany managed to get 2 goals. Then Ronaldo improved. It's back to the basics for him and no more fancy and dirty tricks. A Ronaldo looking to beat his opponent is so much better than a Ronaldo looking to win the game with all means. Germany managed to get a 3rd goal later and credits to the Portugal team, they never gave up, and they were rewarded with a good goal. It is a waste for German keeper Oliver Kahn. He was such a good keeper playing his first and last game in this world cup. It would be good for him to keep a clean sheet, but he had no chance with that goal.

Now, it's just the final. Italy vs France at 2am on Monday(10/7) morning. Both team's main jersey are blue. I wonder who gets to wear their tradditional colours. My money is on Italy this time. Let's see if they disappoint. This is my greatest bet. The result of this game will determine if I lose by a little or I win by a lot. I'll keep my fingers crossed...

Sunday, July 02, 2006

2 bad nights and the end of the World Cup

The results for the 4 games shown the 2 days have all gone bad for me. Home team Germany beat Argentina in the penalty shoot out after the game ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time. The Germans are really good with penalties. They had not lost in a penalty shoot out since don't know when. They scored all 4 of the penalties they took and their keeper managed to save 2 of the Argentinians. And out goes my favourite team of the tournament.

Then Italy beat Ukraine 3-0. No surprises there. Italy is the favourite. And they always get better as the tournament wore on. But for some unknown reason, I've not watched much of Italy's and the German's games for this world cup. Don't really feel attuned to them.

Then Portugal beat Enaland. In the penalty shoot out again, after the game ended 0-0 in extra time. England has not won a penalty shootout since don't know when. If I remember rightly, they lost to Portugal in their last penalty shootout. It's really a irony when England play badly, they got thru. When they played well, they were kicked out. The turning ppoint of the game was when Rooney was sent off. He was trying to hold on to the ball from 3 portugese players. There were a lot of bodies and Rooney got his legs between Carvalho's. I don't see anything wrong with that, but Carvalho started writhing on the ground grabbing his groin. Ronaldo came over to the referee to ask that he sent his Manchester United team mate off. Rooney, in a moment of pissedness, pushed his friend away and was awared a red card. From a referee that sent David Beckham off in a World Cup game 8 years ago for a similar offence. Dispite having 1 man less, England didn't really backed off. In fact they looked even more dangerous when Peter Crouch came on. He held the ball well and brought his team mates into play. Owen Hargreaves, who was booed by the England fans in a warm up game, played so well that they sing his praises this time. In the end, it was all to naught in the penalty shootout. England keeper, Paul Robinson, didn't make a single save though the Portugese players missed 2 shots. Lampard, the player with the most number of attempts at goal and yet have no goals to show for it, is the first taker. I imagine he must be really low on confidence when he took the kick. And he missed. Hargreaves then score his and Liverpool team mates Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher misses theirs. I thought Jamie Carragher is a really good player, but he had a very bad World Cup. He did not perform well in the games and he misses a penalty. Must be feeling very bad now.

And finally, Brazil lost 0-1 to France. I did not watch the game but I was hoping for Brazil to win. I guess it's not to be. My favourite teams have all been kicked out. The semi finals now don't hold much draw to me. And at an unearthly time of 3am, it look even less appealing.

Jul 5 03:00amGermany vs Italy@ Dortmund
Jul 6 03:00amPortugal vs France@ Munich