Tuesday night was KALLANG ROAR with Terence. Late night movie after so long man.



... and our long wait for the first decent local movie continues.

I didn't find anything particularly bad about the whole movie which was to showcase the history of local football, but I just didn't see a need for it. It's like, no one in the right frame of mind would do a movie about the history of Tottenham Hotspurs or Everton. Even if the movie turns out to be so brilliant with a stellar cast, the whole purpose of filming it is enough to put people off. And considering how bad our local football is becoming over the years, this is just a futile attempt to achieve anything at all.

kelong-o-meter: 2/5

And to make things worse, received the most devastating piece of news on Wednesday that James Milner has handed in a transfer request.

I was pretty shocked and it was quite a bad night because I worked till quite late and I had to come home to such news, on the same day that he became man of the match against Coventry.

And I know it seems pretty immature but it escalated into the still of the night where I actually dreamt I was in St James park, face to face with Milner and Keegan, with the both parties agreeing that the move was settled then.

Think it's quite sad that contracts mean nothing in the world of football now. Money keeps talking non stop and it can't shut its mouth.

Guess I'm gonna have to burn this and buy the purple jersey instead.




She's not me!
She doesn't have my name!
She'll never have what I have
It won't be the same

The working world has really opened my eyes into many changes that have developed over the years, and one of them has to be the way companies communicate with clients. Back then, working at the airport, it was pretty standard phone calls and occassional emails, nothing more than that. Now it has strangely evolved into a different world, so much that even the ban on political films have been lifted in Singapore.

One of the ways people communicate at work now is by MSN. I strongly oppose to that, and that's why I don't have my MSN address on Facebook. Maybe it's just me, but MSN has always been a tool of informal and relaxed form of communication with friends after a long day at work and on weekends. There's really nothing serious in our conversations, and I can't forsee myself communicating with clients this way, and a huge factor comes with my largely childish MSN nick that I change often to suit whatever mood I'm in or whatever movie that I can associate with.

Another way is through text messaging, which is pretty unfortunate since I don't have control over this aspect. My mobile number is tagged to my signature after each email and of course while I expect clients to call my office line instead, some of them have resorted to the more Singaporean style and I don't really enjoy this very much because quite obviously, it isn't free and SMS-lingo shouldn't be incorporated into communication at work.

The last option is not really direct communication, but I guess Facebook has evolved into such an integral tool for everyone that even court cases have been settled by what is on someone's Facebook page. While I try to ensure that my profile and applications do not go overboard, I guess I don't see a need to make my profile a private one. What you see is what you get!

And finally the Olympics is over! I have been indulging myself in the volleyball matches the last few days and I have to admit I do miss playing. Hopefully I can find time to go back SHSS soon. The feeling of leaping up and spiking the ball, the thrill of blocking an opponent's spike, the adrenaline rush you get after each dig and save, and the camaraderie you form with the other 5 players which is so crucial in winning matches.

Although I can't understand why the Olympic teams must celebrate AFTER WINNING EVERY POINT. It seems so stressful to me. Just get on with the game!



Madonna opens 'Sticky and Sweet' world tour in Britain

Madonna kicked off her "Sticky And Sweet" world tour in Britain Saturday with a two-hour extravaganza of hits and high fashion which showed why she is still the queen of pop despite recently turning 50.

The US star played hits including "Like A Prayer", "Into The Groove" and "Hung Up" at the giant Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales on the first night of the 49-date tour.

The show, promoting her latest album "Hard Candy" which has hit number one in 27 countries, was watched by her British film director husband Guy Ritchie and three children and split into four sections.

To screams from fans, Madonna took the stage in a one-piece black sequinned outfit by French fashion house Givenchy for the first part, known as "pimp", a homage to gangster chic from the 1920s to now.

She then revisited New York in the early 1980s -- where she arrived aged 20 with just 35 dollars in her pocket before hitting the big time -- for the "old school" section of the show featuring songs including "Music" and a dance-off on stage.

Next came "gypsy", inspired by Romanian folk music and dance, and the finale, "rave", influenced by far eastern culture.

The show featured eight costume changes, 16 dancers, a 12-piece band and a million pounds (1.3 million euros, 1.9 million dollars) worth of Swarovski crystals.

The tour continues in Nice, southern France on August 26 before heading to the rest of Europe, the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil. It wraps up in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on December 18.

Madonna's last tour, 2006's "Confessions", was reportedly the top earning show ever by a female artist, grossing nearly 200 million dollars.

The star, who spends much of her time in Britain, celebrated her 50th birthday in low-key style on August 16.

Her eight-year marriage to Ritchie has come under heavy press scrutiny in recent months amid rumours they are about to split, denied by the singer's representatives.

Reading this, I can totally understand why Jules cried after watching Death Cab for Cutie!

Work has been good, other than the fact that I've inherited the Singaporean syndrome and brought some of my work home to do. Haha. Bo pian, only for a while, and it's better than freezing in the office.

And on the same note, I'm not trying to flame, but I wonder how our local unis handle their CCAs and unions and other stuff? I sent emails to NTU and NUS clubs but none have replied. But another colleague sent quick notes to TP and NP and we are more than glad to be working harmoniously very quickly.

What's up man? I feel like a fool.


Since the whole world is so into the Olympics, from Phelps' diet to some crazy guy slowing down 20m before the 100m and still breaking a world record, I'll share some stuff about the Olympics as well.

I read some stuff a couple years back and it was rather interesting. Did you know, that among the 3 medal winners, the happiest of the lot is not the Gold medalist and the saddest of the lot is not the Bronze medalist?

BRONZE MEDALIST - HAPPY AS A LARK

The Bronze medalist is actually the happiest of the lot. Why is this so? Purely because the athlete has won a medal, plain and simple. Take it from Singapore, who has never won a medal since, well I don't know when, Titanic times maybe. The athlete, coming in 3rd, has effectively put his or her country in the Olympic standings, and that is something worthy to cheer about. He or she stands proudly on the podium, receives the medal, and envisions that 4 years later, he or she will be a on a higher podium and that inspires.

SILVER MEDALIST - SO CLOSE, YET SO FAR

The Silver medalist is the saddest and most disappointed of the lot. Quite obviously, you can see why - he or she has just missed out on being the best in the world. Being second best is not good, considering it's human nature to always be the best. For some games, it's heartbreak after toiling through the quarters and semis, winning so many wars and only to lose in the final battle. Expectations are high for the athlete, who is pressured to get the Gold medal. Sometimes he or she does just that, but more often than not, we see this category of athletes disappear into oblivion.

GOLD MEDALIST - WHAT'S NEXT FOR ME?

The Gold medalist is clearly on top of the world for being the best on Planet Earth, but his joy is questioned - where do I go from here? Do I have the strength and stamina to emulate my win 4 years later? Will my world record be in tact by then? Expectations are clearly high - how many Gold medalists win twice in quick succession?

Hope that was good food for thought!

Moving on to our paddlers!



Well, regardless of how I feel, I have to give credit where due, and congrats for bringing back a medal for us.

With so much controversy over their citizenship and their blood in the media nowadays, I don't think that was the big picture for me. For me, I support foreign talent. As with any other country, there's hardly any who doesn't. Man Utd themselves won the League and Champions League with a whole collection of foreigners all over the world, and I don't have an issue with that.

My grouse arise from the coach's statements after the match, saying that 'it was impossible to win China.'

That pretty sums up why we have gone so many decades without a medal, doesn't it? You can train your entire life, open a sports school, and yet when you face your highest mountain, you simply take pride in the fact that you are not good enough and you console yourself by maintaining that a silver medal is as good as gold.

Wow! I love this Singapore spirit! -_-




This case is even more hilarious!

I'm sorry, but I'm definitely not buying the fact that he's injured!

This is from China, the same nation that embarrassed themselves from the lip-syncing fiasco in the opening ceremony!

How in the world, can someone get injured during the heats, and his injury is so serious that most people speculated about a 'career-ending' injury? He hardly even tripped over anything! And those crocodile tears from the coach? A good coach knows that injuries and inevitable. You don't wail like a baby because your player is injured! It's part of the game, in case you don't already realise!


Seems like the whole Olympics, I'm back to watching soccer! Pity they don't have Fomula One though!

My letter about NETS surcharge for taxis made in to the forum yesterday:



Such a puny article for such a key issue. I'm helping Singaporeans save money ok! 30 cents is a lot nowadays!

Anyway Comfortdelgro and Singapore Pools (who was attacked for the very same reason) responded in today's Sunday Times.



And both companies gave those type of politically-correct arguments like rising costs and all that crap; even Singapore Pools come and defend themselves saying betting is not encouraged and the NETS surcharge serves as a little reminder to the punters.

What I can say is... QBS!

It's either a surcharge fixed ACROSS all companies, big or small, or no surcharge at all. There! So simple! How in the cow's world does it make sense that provision shops cannot charge a NETS surcharge but big companies like Comfort DelGro and Singapore Pools can?

If that's not like a bullying tactic by the big boys, I don't know what is.

And I think NETS themselves deserve a slap on the face. They come out with an article saying it's illegal for companies to apply this surcharge, yet they get overpowered by the big boys.

ANYWAY. Blame it on me, for having so much free time recently to come up with this, but hey! We are Singaporeans, and we complain!

Although right now of course I am not as free, since I need to read up on all these stuff for work!



But thanks to Straits Times for publishing that, AND, a very beautiful article about Newcastle fans in Singapore!



A pity they didn't take my handsome face.

TERENCE'S 22ND





I love this birthday cake from choc-a-bloc! There's a whole soccer team and my favourite player, MILNER 16 !





Well hope you like this Transformers Toy from me!

Well there you have it, haven't said it in a long time, but TGIF! This 4 letters signify the end of the working week, something which was virtually non-existent the last 8 weeks after 2 years of slogging. I have to admit it was really hard getting my ass back into the 8-5 routine, and of course that also signifies a mambo break till October.

But, definitely can't say no to this!




My first post-ORD stint takes me to the Marina Bay Street Circuit as a sales administrator for the Singapore Grand Prix. The first ever Formula One race to be held at night and the third street circuit of the season after Monaco and Valencia!



That's my office wall with a printed copy of the F1 results for this season. Yes, I have to start drilling every single thing about F1 into my head, which means no BPL, no Olympics and total focus on F1! So Owen, Martins, Smith, Milner, Taylor, and our new guys Spiderman, Guthrie, Bassong and Colocinni - thanks for coming on board but please step aside for now. Say hello to the world of Ferrari, McClaren, BMW, Toro Rosso, Williams, Honda, and of course the daredevils Hamilton, Raikkonen, Massa, Barichello, Piquet and co.

This is just awesome - the entire race circuit on a 3D structure with lights and all the Singapore landmarks. I love this place in my office. It sets my adrenaline pumping just looking at this amazing structure.








And check out the lights!






Working with the Singapore Grand Prix team is really a mix of highly stressed situations and also excitement that we're about to make history. I'm glad to be working in a team where everyone has experience working at Sepang or Shanghai GP and it's really a great learning so much from them especially since my whole life was nothing but 22 men chasing after 1 ball (and for a period of time, 12 men teleporting a ball back and forth) but hey!!

Expensive sports cars? Check. Hot babes? Check. Hot guys? Check. Superstars? Check. Food and booze? Check. Networking and getting contacts? Check.

26-28 September 2008!

I'll see you!

I'm quite surprised when I read Tao Li's comments after finishing 5th in her race. Yes she said 5th in the world isn't so bad, but the excuse she gave for not winning a medal was 'she was tired'.

Erm, like how can anyone be tired? She only swam 2 heats, and that's pretty normal for everyone? I'm sorry but maybe the correct thing was just to be cliche and say she has done her best? What sort of excuse is that? I was tired. Sigh, with such mindsets, we will never win an Olympics medal even after Madagascar has won one.

Well my Dad gave my more 'funds' today because he struck jackpot after buying 0-0 for Man Utd vs Portsmouth. Obviously that's not too bad, since it's quite an impossible scoreline, to be honest. Heard he's buying exact score this Sunday too, Man Utd 4-1 Newcastle. Oh, better find ways to fund myself next week. Doubt that's even gonna be close to winning anything.

Dim Sum lunch with Dele, Mels and Jon.

I never expected Crystal Jade to taste so good!





Mel's mum said my hair was so messy, it looks like I was wearing a wig. Mel says I look like the cabin crew from Jetstar Asia, which was quite apt since I, erm, applied for that job. Yes. Haha.

But I think Dele looks more like the one wearing a wig! Dunno she never cut hair for how many years sia. Since we graduated from TP?



Rupenzel, rupenzel, let down your hair.

Is it Rupenzel? I can't remember.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL ON ICE !



I bought the $29.50 tickets and ended up at the $59.90 seat. Haha. Since the entire section was empty, we just plonked ourselves there lah. So worth it.

And what a great show it was!



This is the coolest game on Wii - a karaoke machine that rolls out all the HSM songs! So they let all the kids sing for free but BLEAH. They don't even know the words to the songs and they call themselves HSM fans? Hur hur. I could have sang every song WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT THE LYRICS! Haha. Yes then the whole world would be at the karaoke stand instead of watching the show at the ice rink. And I will have 1 billion hits on Youtube the next day.







A good way to cheat the parents' money - a photo at the HSM booth for $20. Hahaha. These organisers really know how to suck people's money.



Tons and tons of photos from the show!





































































































Can you believe they sang every single song from the 2 musicals?? That's what I call making your money well worth it! (Beside the fact that I got a free upgrade!)

Mr Slurpee and Mr Big Gulp





You know, I should try to find part time jobs like Mr Slurpee and Mr Big Gulp. So easy. Just stand there and look retarded. Nobody can tell if you're sulking and if you think the kid who just waved at you looks like a deformed ostrich.

And you know how much is the pay? 10 FREAKING DOLLARS PER HOUR. Just to stand there and be retarded. How cool is that.

Can't wait for HSM 3! Go Vanessa! Go Zac!

And to save the best news for last..

I FOUND A JOB!

Like finally!

But there's good and bad of course.

The good? To put it simply, it's a dream job. Once the offer was on the table, I just couldn't say no. It's what I ever wanted in a job; I can imagine the passion and excitement and it's just too good to be true.

The bad? Well, here's where the wet blanket comes in. It's only a temp one for 2 months till mid October. After that, depending on the situation, I may have to job hunt again, although I'm quite confident that won't happen.

Anyway, it's something I really enjoy, so in times like this you can't say no. And I was given an offer just 6 hours after my interview today. That's what I like about these companies. They want somebody, they talk to you, they take you. SO SIMPLE. Not like all the interviews I went. Ask me to go for second and third interviews, then say they will talk to their boss, pass through ten thousand channels, and finally, a no-go.

No-go never mind. Don't even bother to get back to me!

So anyway, no mambo for 2 months liao !