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June 29, 2006
FIFA World Cup 2006 : The themesong and my secret wish
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I am not sure if anyone has seen this FIFA World Cup official themesong by German composer, Herbert Gronemeyer. Such a catchy song that really fits the feel of the tournament. But the best had to be the clips of the past winners. I still think Maradona's goal against England (where he earlier scored a goal via his hand, known as Hand Of God goal) was the best ever. You must watch it. Unfortunately the clip is the german version. I assume that's German by the way. ASTRO has been showing a combo of German (I assume) and English, but the video is the same. You can download the official song via Limewire. Just type Celebrate The Day by Herbert Gronemeyer. It's the English version. I am not even bothered with that Toni Braxton version. I think this is even better than the Ricky Martin Cup of Life song. An amazing collection of clips, best of all having children reenact the golden moments. If you're not watching the World Cup and you have access to it, what are you waiting for? Switch on your 42 inches plasma TV and get into the heat of the moment!
Must intro a bit. If you're unfamiliar with who they are, that short guy with curly hair wearing what looks like a prison costume but in baby blue and white is Diego Maradona from Argentina and the African looking guy doing the booty shaking dance is Cameroon's Roger Milla, who I think was the oldest player back then where he returned to football at the age of 42 I think. He was very memorable. You will see manu familiar faces in this clip and just so you know, the French team is largely the same, and they won way back in I think 1998.
Anyway, my secret wish...this Saturday a big game is gonna come. Portugal Vs England. I support England and they have such great luck. I am also supporting Portugal, the team with the worst luck. Anyway I kinda hope for Portugal to win because they have better players, they play better and England has been mediocre. They had to depend on a sick Captain's free kick to get into quarterfinals. Shameful. I still support them but I won't cry if Portugal wins. And I think Portugal has a chance to win despite losing a few big names.
What do you think?
By the way, shock of all shocks. France actually got through. Weird! And they meet Brazil next. Brazil didn't play that well against Ghana who adopted a strategy they themselves did not quite understand. But even at their worst, Brazil had moments of brilliance, like dribbling, passing of the ball. So I think Brazil will get through.
Australia can cry about Italy's penalty (hey, football does involve a certain amount of acting) and Ghana about biased refereeing which I agree. True. The referee seems to favour the Brazilians more in a way. They can try again 4 years later all things being equal.
Anyway this World Cup I discover two great quotes, one of which I have forgotten. The other is about Figo (Portugal) and his head butting the Dutch player incident where his coach said "Figo is not Jesus Christ". I just find that so funny. Anyway glad to know Figo can play if not Portugal is gone. I wonder, if Portugal wins the World Cup, will Nando Chicken give away free chickens? I quite like Lemon & Herb.
June 26, 2006
FIFA World Cup 2006 : Portugal 1 - the Dutch 0 : The dirtiest game thus far
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Did anyone watch this game?
I was going to sleep but I am on leave today. Then I checked the World Cup updates and I found out Portugal 1 and the Dutch 0. Well I like Luis Figo and it was half time. I rushed down to watch (about 4.05am Malaysian time) and what a game! I mean this should be during the England-Ecuador timeslot!
It was by far the dirtiest game. Almost everyone was yellow carded, 4 were sent off, each team reduced to 9 men each!!
Anyway I watched the commentaries by local football expert, Shebby Singh who commented that the following which I totally disagree:-
1. Luis Figo head butting the Dutch player. Should have been red-carded, instead he was just yellow carded. This I kinda agree but then the Dutch might have insulted Figo's mother. Anyway the FIFA will look at this and Figo may face possible suspension for the next game. I hope not because he is a brilliant player and for most of the game he was pretty cool until that head butting. We all know the Dutch will not hesitate to play dirty and they're so good the referees usually missed the dirty parts. Not this game.
2. Luis Figo kinda pretended to be very injured when the Dutch player "accidentally" elbowed him in the face when Figo was running with the ball and the Dutch was doing some defending. This I totally disagree. The sending off of that Dutch player was a good call. I remember seeing Figo after he walked back into the pitch, his left side of his face where he was elbowed was very very red. It meant there was a major contact and believe me that elbowing was not accidental. Not with the Dutch. Not that the Portugese were lembik also. I also remember the game before this where Luis Figo's face was scratched by the soles of the opponent's boots. He had a scar on his face, looking rather raw but he continued playing. This is not a man who pretends to be injured. He was injured and the yellow cum red card was spot on.
3. Some players squabbling and one Portugese player was sent off. The Dutch player was on the ground and one Portugese player kinda pinched him. Another Dutch player pushed the Portugese player who went flying onto the floor. That was a bad diving acting. I totally disagree. Sometimes you lose your balance and he was pushed and so he lost his balance and he fell hard. Maybe he was pinching on the fallen Dutch player, or maybe not. But that player who pushed this Portugese player who went flying onto the floor should have been booked too. That was losing cool and that wasn't right.
4. The Portugese player was told to stop the game and he did, picked up the ball and another Dutch tried to take the ball, stupid Portugese player refused AND the Dutch then kinda spin or spun or whatever the Portugese player around who fell to the Pitch. Another lose of control and both should have been booked.
5. Oh this game was ugly. But the Dutch would win hands down FIFA SO NOT FAIR PLAY TEAM. There is this unspoken rule in football that when a player is injured, whoever is kicking the ball would kick the ball out. If this is opponent team injured, the other team will kick the ball out. That means opponent will have the right of the ball. There is no official rule which says you can't then run away with the ball instead of kicking it out, because your opponent due to injury kicked it out first. But never have I seen that very opponent running away with the ball, trying to score with the other team totally unprepared and thinking that because of this unspoken rule, this opponent will kick the ball out and give them the right of the ball. The Dutch did just that. Dirty fellows. Anyway the Portugese was so angry one stupid player deliberately fouled one Dutch and guess what? Yep, yellow cum red carded.
I tell you, this is one game where both sides after all while aimed for the legs/arms/heads/ anywhere except for the ball.
And yet it was really well played game that showcases skills. Just 9 men and yet the Portugese attacked and attacked. Just 9 men, and yet the Dutch kept attacking and attacking. Ok, Dutch plays dirty. That we know. The Portugese are no shy guys too. Shebby Singh, whom I value his opinion was wrong to say they all acted like school boys. Tension was high. Even Portugal's coach was hopping mad but good sense in him to stop the other reserves from running amok into the pitch. The Dutch acted the same but of course their coach was more cool since it was not injustice to them.
And then Shebby commented that the referee would be refereeing his last World Cup because he wanted attention to himself. He allowed the game to go beserk. He allowed way too many yellow cards when rough play is expected and some should have been red card. He tried to manipulate the game.
I am sorry Shebby, I disagree. The referee was indeed much too soft, many deserved a red card and he didn't give straight red cards because let's face it...there won't be any players left. Moreover most players were already yellow carded so what's the point of a red card anyway? And he did tried to contain the players from fly kicking one another, but he is one man alone with many many players and even the coaches very very angry. Anger not because he sent them off but because of how the players treated one another. I think he did his best to control the situation and it couldn't be contained much because everyone was beyond angry. The stoppage time for the 2nd half was 6 minutes but he allowed for another minute of play, because there was so incidents before that. Of course the Portugese were angry. Put it this way; I think the referee was mostly fair. A yellow must be given for an aim to the leg. I have seen a yellow card/red card given for a lesser offence. I personally feel he should have yellow carded the players who punched/pushed the other player.
Anyway wanna read a joke? One player called Deco I think got sent off, he was in tears. Minutes later another Dutch was sent off. Emotions were running high. And then camera zoomed at the stairs by the side and there they were, this Portugese player and the Dutch player sitting side by side talking passionately. They are club mates. This shows it's only football, whatever happens on the pitch stays on the pitch.
That being said, some players offered hands to the other who then rudely shoved it away. Talk about temper.
I already knew the Dutch will play dirty. I saw how the Portugese play, mild mannered but good football. Both play good football. But I sided with the Portugese because I didn't like the Dutch's tactics which are unchanged since decades ago. Whilst this game showed the ugly side of football, it also showed the skills in terms of defending and try and try again attitude with both sides reduced to just 9 men.
Anyway Shebby was right about one thing.
Portugal will meet England later I think next week? Anyway they will meet, my heart is with England. If Luis Figo got suspended, I could safely predict England is going to the next round. With almost all players booked and some key ones injured, Portugal may be flying home next week. The way England plays, I doubt there will be any bust ups since they're very much into fair play. And England plays very boringly whilst Portugal showed immense skills.
Put it this way; I won't be surprised Portugal is going home next week and yet I won't be surprised too if they win over England because the way England played tonight, I'm sorry Beckham, Luis Figo is more handsome than you, he can play better than you and England can't rely on free kicks on win the World Cup!
I wonder what the Dutch would say now? Perhaps If only Ruud played?
The next dirty game; Australia vs Italy later today I think. Italy is boring but they are no sissies. Australia is like Dutch only less skills. I think this World Cup is not who is going to win the cup but which team will be booked the most.
When Australia I think accused the referee for siding with the Brazilians because Australia had more fouls, my sister commented that that's pure b.s. Brazilians play dirty? Maybe but more fouls? No way. They're samba kings, they samba all the way to the goal post. Except of course can they just put in the ball into the goal post. I have seen how Australia plays and believe me, this match with Italy will be very interesting.
Anyway congrats to Portugal. But I worry for them about the next game with most of their players out/injured/yellow carded.
10 reasons why Funn should stop creating a Quote Of All Quotes page and just write reviews
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World Cup is ending soon, believe it or not. Then my life would be very quiet. Even now I feel kinda bored. I wanna write a review but feels way too lazy to even search for the cast list of Lost In The Chamber Of Love. I want to watch Strike At Heart and thus far managed to not watch a single episode. I am kinda watching Misleading Track because of Deric Wan and more because of the very masculine looking (in that series anyway- can't believe he was once dodged by gay rumours!) Bowie Lam but other than that missed here and there and now everywhere. I am simply not committed enough to watch a TVB series and not committed enough to write a review about anything! No drive, no interest, no urge to comment. Not even Shirley Yeung could make me sit down and just trash her performance in My Family. I do not know what series is next when the two end but I don't know, hopefully a good one that I can write episodic thoughts on because I am really bored. I want to write episodic thoughts but nothing compelling is coming my way.
But 2 things are keeping me busy, apart from surfing the net for gossips (wahhh! Brangelina's baby, SHIHLOH is so like her mom! The bee stung lips! Maybe her lips was stung or maybe ter-clamped when coming out of mommy! Nicole Kidman has remarrid and Tom Cruise is still not remarried yet! Christian Bale's baby is so cute but till now her name is still unknown!), new websites (found a few good ones) and downloading Twilight Zone series, I am going to do a (probably) complete episodic guides/reviews on The Twilight Zone (original series) where the writing is at its best, and only thus far some episodes of The X-Files and Lost can claim to come close to the throne, and also a page on quotes by famous people, I am naming it Quote Of All Quotes.
Is anyone excited yet? I know..you must be thinking "Funn, another page on quotes?! Write more reviews lar!". I want to but NO MOTIVATION. I need a reason to write a review nowadays, like my inability to shut up when I read how good certain actor/actress is in a particular series I just watched. Ok, that's one reason. Can anypone compile a
"10 reasons why Funn should stop creating a Quote Of All Quotes page and just write reviews".
Let me name a few.
By the way, England won 1 - nil over Ecuador thanks to a few blind/crippled/legless Ecuador players and David Beckham's free kick. Posh Spice was there with son, was that the Bridge? Should be because Loverboy is too young to be there.
1. World Cup will be over soon. You must be dead bored after that, more so World Cup won't be around for another 4 years, so you're bound to sit down and watch a series and write a review soon.
2. Shirley Yeung.
3. There are performances worse than Shirley Yeung and they're ________, _________, ________ and a whole lot more.
4. Funn, I don't want a Quote Of All Quotes!! I don't want it! I want reviews! I want episodic thoughts! I want! I want! I want! I want!
5. Funn, if you don't write a review soon, I am leaving you! I hate you! I don't like you anymore! You are wasting my time! You're just pointless, driveless, nothingless, no-less, no more! That's it! I'M LEAVING! GONE!
See! I can't even give you 10 reasons why myself should stop whatever and just write reviews!
June 24, 2006
Updates
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Added a new review by Bridget Au entitled The Guy Was Cool. A Korean movie by the way and a very catchy title but I must say this..Was? Was? So now he is uncool? Any new reviews? I am now very very free so do post them all to me, NOW!
FIFA World Cup 2006 : The fate of France & oh, Zidane!
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Today, at 3am Malaysian time we shall all bid farewell, adios, goodbye to France. Even if against Togo, the idea that they must not only win, but score maybe at least 2 ot 3 goals is like Michael Owen running back to the pitch a-ok right here right now. France is finished. Maybe a miracle will happen but nothing short of miracle will see them through.
It is sad indeed Zidane, a great playmaker, an inspirational leader and basically akin to the Korean entertainment scene, the Rain of the footballing world, who singlehandedly put France through the World Cup many moons ago and lifted the cup, now has been condemned to the words of "He should've remained retired". He was, but he was also patriotic, and felt he owed the good people of France and his coach and his team and himself to do something to help the ailing team, something like Luis Figo did, something Pavel Nedved did and certainly something Diego Maradone did many many years ago. We should have simply said thank you and be done with. He gave it his all, he retired and he came back out to an uphill task. He shouldn't be remembered for playing poorly, he should have been remembered for trying even in the face of having achieved it all, bracing ridicule to help his country. A standing ovation should be given to him and a big big thank you note sent to him. Instead of saying he's too old, he's no longer fit, etc.
Same goes for Michael Owen in fact. His words touched me, when he said he felt guilty for failing to live up to the hopes of many fans, for disappointing his club, Newcastle since he is now so injured, he may be out for maybe a year or so.
France still has Thierry Henry (who is not Terry Henry by the way), so called King of Arsenal BUT hey, he has yet to show his true worth in the world cup. In fact he is so muted in there, I don't even notice him.
So bye bye France, thanks for all the great footballing moments Zidane and how I wished the end could have been more glorious for you.
What a sad chapted in France's footballing history.
Could they perform a miracle? Maybe. If Togo is reduced to maybe 5 men, if ever.
I predict here; Argentina will win the World Cup, unless the Brazilians start to really samba and samba all the way to the goal post and dump Ronaldo. I mean let's face it, he's so not very in the game right now, maybe later, but not right now. The last team I want to see winning is either South Korea (bad memory from the last world cup) and Australia because they're coached by that same man who gave me bad memories.
UPDATES
Just in. What da ya know? France got a miracle and they limped into the last 16 because South Korea crashed out! Interesting.
June 21, 2006
Awful ... should I?
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Sehseh referred me to that awful news. So now I am tempted to do this. Shall I refer to TVB as THE BULLY from now on? Or maybe THAT CHINESE TV COMPANY, or THAT TV COMPANY, THAT ONE FROM HK, or THAT HK ONE or better still, THAT ONE LAR ... And in place of all posters and screencaps I shall put the posters of ATV series or China Mainland series. Or better still, naked pictures of some porn stars.. What do you think?
A special day indeed
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Thanks to a friend, I realised yesterday was 20.06.2006.
Got what so special abt it?
Anyway, yesterday My Family ended. Thank god. I didn't quite follow it but I must say the old man must have found a cure for his Parkinson disease because he wasn't shaking in the end. I don't think I can stand another second of Shirley Yeung and the rest of the young male cast in that series. The only redeeming factor was the old man himself. Someone must tell Shirley to stop acting cute because I find that act too suffering to watch.
Lost In The Chamber Of Love ended a few days ago. I want to write a review for that one.
In its place is Misleading Track. I must say, very misleading indeed. Thus far thanks to the trailer I knew who is Deric Wan. I guessed Bowie's daughter isn't his daughter. Let me predict...
1. Bowie's wife will either leave him for her old lover OR Bowie will leave her because of that lie OR she will die. Either way she must go to make way for Louisa. Best reason will be because daughter also not Bowie's.
2. Deric Wan is a serial wife killer. Deric definitely the bad one in here because the trailer says it all.
3. Deric Wan must have a very good reason to kill 1 wife, frame another and I suppose will kill a third?
4. Bowie will fall for Louisa? Or maybe it will be a platonic relationship of the kind that makes us go ..."Why ah? You blind ah? She ok what! Go for her lar!". I must say though; Louisa is less annoying than Ashley Judd who specialises in this kind of role; wife framed for murdering her husband who is very much alive and will later go to kill her and she must defend herself by finding the truth and killing him first.
Really, I am not bothered.
Later today ASTRO will show Strike At Heart. Neither lead actor entices me but for Charmaine, I shall watch. The trailer was awful. For a moment I thought it was a comedy and then I saw the intro opening track and so many people being stabbed or stabbing other people.
Anyone watching CH 19's I think Prince Turn Into Frog? The lead actor, boyish looking but quite handsome. All the actors in that series are awful actors save for that girl who saved the prince. Anyway didn't watch for some time and suddenly Prince married another! Poor girl. I wonder is there a review somewhere for me to read?
Anyway, that's it. My life is pretty much ruled by World Cup thus far. And my toe hurts so much thanks to I think a blister. My keyboard is going haywire.
My life sucks.
June 17, 2006
FIFA World Cup 2006 : Argentina, Netherlands & the underdogs
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Final score : Argentina 6, Serbia & Montenegro 0
And it wasn't because S&M played badly, oh no, they do have poor finishing but really, the Argentinians were much too good. Their way of play reminds me so much of C.Republic, slowly and steady, short passes and GOALLLLLL! So many good goal moments that kinda surprised me and was very enjoyable. I can't describe the feeling. A very young player, Messi got into the pitch towards the end and he scored one amazing goal. I then found out he is the new Maradona and this was Maradona himself (who was there by the way) who said so. I can see why.
Anyway after the 4th goal was scored my who family were sighing "enough lar! enough lar!". It's true; enough is enough even if we are fans of Argentina. Let the Serbs go home with their heads held high. They played well but pure bad finishing finished them off. I kinda joked at half time that the second half will also be 3 goals making it 6 goals in total. Poor S&M.
I now fear for England because England is nowhere in Argentina's league. I do think if Brazil keeps samba-ing and not start playing football (I mean winning only 1 to Crotia?), Argentina could and should be the new World Cup winners because they were really good. In fact I think Argentina will win after seeing them play. They have like loads of good players who work together as a team. I still support England but I am now resign to the fact that England will probably die if they meet Argentina.
The next game were the Dutch meeting Ivory Coast. Won't bother with the score. Suffice to say the Dutch won BUT Ivory Coast gave an amazing fight but again poor finishing and the referee blind. Probably blinded by the Dutch's orange colour. The FIFA were talking about closing the stadiums so that TV can see better without shadows cast on the pitch? They shuld have just banned Holland from wearing that god awful colour that hurt my eyes everytime I look at them. Make them play naked if FIFA had to do that. Anyway there were at least 2 instances the players should have been at least yellow-carded AND Ivory Coast given a penalty because the Dutch are rough players. Frankly the Australians will meet their match in the Dutch but one advantage the Dutch has? They always pull these tricks when the referee is not looking. Holding onto opponents, and such. Dirty tricks but hey it works! Ivory Coast to their credit played fairly and at times unfairly punished. They could have won but well Ruud was there to save the day for the Dutch.
Anyway is it Ruud Van Nistelrooy or Ruud Van Nistelroij or something like that? I remember his name ends with a Y but the TV listed his name ending with IJ?
Good luck to the US when meeting Italy. Bound to lose but well, play well! And please fans, don't leave the stadiums before the game ends. Support your team!
June 16, 2006
FIFA World Cup 2006 : England Vs Trinidad & Tobago
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Final score : England 2 Trinidad & Tobago 0.
It could have been England 8 and Trinidad & Tobago 1.
Why? I was complaining bitterly about Crouch's lousy performance and he was the one in the 83rd minute to broke the dead lock with an easy goal. If he can't get that in, please someone CROUCH him! Horrible player. Too tall, no strength, out of place and pace. How come strikers are so tall and so noticeable these days?
Then Steven Gerrard after many tried finally got one solid beautiful goal in in the 91st minute, 2 minutes before end time.
I tell you, I almost had a heart attack watching this game. I am not under any illusion that England will lift the world cup but I expected them to you know kick T&T's butts. The problem with T&T is not really about pace. They're quite good with counter attacks, they run fast, pass very good balls, strong in midfield, very strong in defence (the last 2 goals were probably because very few defenders were there since T&T was busy trying to break England's defence which was towards the end wobbly with the Goalkeeper constantly out of the box and defenders, as in lone defender Terry there) but T&T didn't have someone who can finish it, like put the goal in. That is why Czech Republic was so good; they had someone who can deliver, and someone who can finish it off.
England was desperate when Rooney came in, and his name was chanted by the many fans way before he walked into the field fit and ready. He got a few good chances but his presence there definitely lifted and boosted England's confidence and with a few addition of names I am not familiar with like I think Lennon who can outpace some defenders and deliver some good shots to the strikers, the game suddenly look lifted and faster rather than boring boring boring for the first half! I hope to see young ones in the next game. Owen to his credit did deliver some good shots, but couldn't net one in. That guy LAmpard had like at least 6 chances and he squandered all of them and I don't know why. Nerves? Heat? Or simply like Thierry Henry who can deliver the goods for his club but seems to be muted in the international games where and when it matters?
Anyway I can see why Rooney is hailed as a young star. He can definitely run and pass some really great passes.
But to me the 2nd man of the match was Beckham. You may hate his children, wife and what nots, today this man was examplary. Of course he missed some good shots, overdelivered the shots is how I will term them but where it matters, he delivered some shots with such precision, to have missed it was a sin and of course Owen, Lampard and Crouch missed some of the crucial ones. But where it matters, he gave such precised passes Crouch simply couldn't miss.
So yeah, the game came alive in the 83rd minute or so.
The man of the match was a defender called Terry. T&T should have scored one goal. The goalkeeper was out of the box, the striker of T&T was just inches away from the goal line, English Defenders were distracted and when the ball almost certainly passed that line, Terry was at the right place at the right time using his leg at the right exact moment to scoop the ball out just milimetres from passing the goal line. THAT was to me the best and most frightening moment.
I tell you. Never support any team in the world cup or you may have a heart attack watching them screw up a good game.
To their credit T&T really had a good fighting spirit and plenty of yellow card moments. The Japanese referee was quite annoying with the constant stopping but he was better than that I think that referee with too much hair gel which said NOTICE ME during the England Vs Paraguay match. That was horrible.
Ok, England can now lose the rest of the 2 group matches and still qualify. Phew! I turn my attention to Czech Republic now, and Spain, hoping they get into the next round.
By the way, poor Dwight Yorke. I think it was Gerrard who accidentally hit the ball on target at his ermmm family jewels? Anyway is this guy the one who fathered a child with that busty model Jordan?
So, how was your England Vs T&T match for you? Were you rooting for T&T? Did you expect 2 goals? I expected 1 only at best, a draw was my best bet. I am sure many betters were thrown into disarray with some results, Brazil for one, disappointing 1 - 0 against Croatia. Even the Croatians were wondering what happened? What good fortune has befallen them?
If you're not into football (or soccer in some countries) and if you have access to FIFA World Cup matches, my tip to you is to enjoy the game without knowing anything about it, walk into a decently crowded pub or mamak stall or whereever with a Plasma TV in a restaurant, don't take sides (or just take the side where most of the patrons are supporting to avoid being beaten to a pulp if you just so happen to scream happily when enemy scores) and just go with the flow. You will be sucked into the excitement of it all and before you know it, like the majority in the world where their own country is not playing in the World Cup, you too will be saying "I want Brazil to win" even if you don't know your Ronaldo to your Ronaldinho or Robinho or the difference between Cafu and Kaka or who the heck is Socrates or even Pele.
Enjoy the games.
PHEW!
June 15, 2006
FIFA World Cup 2006 : The 101 of the game of football
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Sometimes I am even confused about offside rules. Can't spot one and worse still, what constitutes a red card tackle when it looks perfectly harmless. I think FOX Sports did an amazing job explaining the game, in a very basic manner because I can't see diving in the list of fouls committed or maybe I may have missed it. Anyway, do have a read; very enjoyable read. >> READ THE ARTICLERemember to scroll to the bottom of the article for more articles about the game.
FIFA World Cup 2006 : 8 reasons why it is awesome from the American viewpoint
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One of which I disagree but it is still a great read, from an American viewpoint. Definitely recommended for those who doesn't care/doesn't know/doesn't want to care/doesn't want to know about anything about FIFA World Cup 2006. By the way, I notice most footballers married very young and looking at their wives, they must be hot blooded heterosexual alpha male. I wonder is there any famous and openly gay footballer? Not that I heard of. >> READ THE ARTICLEBy the way, the French team should have let Zidane retire when he won the World Cup wayyyyy back then because poor him..anyway we have ultra gila referees in World Cup .. yellow cards and red cards for everything and anything and in one game, red card flashed first and then the yelow card second. Must be a very excited referee.
10 reasons for Jake & 2006 hottest bachelors
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What is there not to love about Jake Gyllenhaal, droopy eyes and every monotone voice but thanks to a certain cowboy movie with a twist, he is now a bona fide star who was almost Spiderman and Batman, if you believe the rumours.
Let People Magazine tell you why you should love Jake, and they even give to us all 10 rather good reasons. By the way I do think he likes skinny women and Kirsten Dunst broke up with him because she found him boring, but that was (again) before that cowbody movie (seriously, sheep herding movie with a twist) because now, NOW everybody thinks he's hot. Personally, I think he's boyishly cute and very down to earth and so good for him.
By the way Taylor Hicks just got voted by People Magazine as 2006 Hottest Bachelor and from those pictures, I like to agree. I can't believe he's 6'1" but then Ryan Seacrest is listed as 5'10"?? And why isn't Keanu Reeves on the list?
June 13, 2006
EXTREMELLY FUNNY : FOOTBALL TEAM TACTICS & some comments on the USA Vs Czech Republic & Australia Vs Japan games
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You need Powerpoint to view the file and believe me very funny although not that accurate in light if Australia's achievements which I feel was a deserved win because Japan was so lacklustre. No not lack lustre. their heart is not in the game. They played like little children, they played so badly and although Australia got in 3 goals to Japan's single goal (I won't dispute that goal, I thought it was fair), Japan can take heart in the fact that I think Australia is either gonna meet Brazil or Croatia, neither a good welcomed meet. It depends really on how Japan fare with I think Croatia because if Croatia is beaten badly and let's just say, Japan wins, probably Australia can get past Croatia on goal difference. Who knows eh? But I didn't like Australia's style, playing like bullies and I didn't like Japan either, no spirit although they did play fair and no diving. Anyway Japan was easy to beat. Maybe Japan should learn from Trinidad & Tabago. The more exciting game, in fact the most exciting thus far was the 3 nil win over USA by Czech Republic. I actually pitied the American team who had zero support. Their fans should learn from Trinidad & Tabago; so few people, and although it was 0-0 with Sweden, the way they cheered you would have thought T&T won 5 nil over Sweden! I can't believe my ears when the commentator kinda sarcastically commented that the American fans, mostly army guys stationed there in Germany were actually leaving the stadium 8 minutes before the end of the game! I mean come on, for better or for worse, stick with your team, with your cheering US team may actually score. Not that they could. The only 2 or 3 times they got a chance to get near the goal post, the ball went everywhere but the net. And the Czechs outclassed, outpaced, outran and basically outplayed the US. Can't deny I wasn't surprised. I think maybe it is time the US team should seriously consider maybe hiring a foreign coach of maybe better credentials, get some of their players to play for European or South American clubs, learn and gain the experience of defeat in the hands of the mighty because one day they could win over the mighty. Maybe they should lighten up too. I know they never expected a win but surely they could enjoy the experience. I think probably the football team in the US is the only team who actually is humble enough to admit they will get plummeled BUT imagine this; their world ranking is no. 4!! I was like laughing because look at the way they play; not very good but at least better than the Japanese. In fact loads better. They had form, they had style but unfortunately not much experience and maybe lacking some bit of natural flair towards finishing a pass and netting in a goal. The czechs were amazing; they never hesitated and they passed the ball with such precision. They tested and tried and then made a run for it in many counter attacks and managed to score at least what I feel may be amongst World Cup's legendary goals, and there was 2! Amazing game. Anyway how can the US team feel uplifted or the people care enough to cheer or to stay until the end when the coach himself was sitting and doing nothing, looking either bored or simply no expression and the instructions were given by someone looking like the assistant coach? Where is the spirit? Sometimes I pity the Americans. I do. Anyway against Italy, I don't think they have a chance. Italians are famous for iron clad defence, as funnily illustrated by that powerpoint file. But it is true. Not sure about Ghana though. Anyway, are you watching The World Cup? I read in America all games are being shown over there! So is Malaysia and believe me in many parts of the world they would have wished they're as lucky as you and I. I read in a local newspaper some time ago about 2 decades ago or so, maybe 1982 game, can't remember, Malaysians actually donated RM1-00 each to buy more of the games and at last corporate sponsorship was the one that started the ritual of bringing in all games live! Anyway, if you're an American, and you are watching World Cup and you're enjoying it for whatever reasons (the guys in the Italian team looks great by the way), do drop me a note here using Post A Comment. I would love to hear from the people who calls football soccer. Maybe it is time for the Americans to just call football FOOTBALL. In Malaysia in one article there could be one second football next second soccer and then football again. I don't understand the confusion since we don't watch American Football. So why conform? >> DOWNLOAD FOOTBALL TEAM TACTICSNote : IE users, right click and choose Save Target As. Firefox users, left click and save into your computer
URL : http://www.point2e.com/downloads/footballteamtactics.pps
Do tell me what you think about this download.
For more info on the FIFA World Cup and the groupings and stuff, check out the official website.
June 11, 2006
World Cup 2006 : 1st 2 Group B matches
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Wow! Wow! Wow!
And I am not talking about England Vs Paraguay which was blah! blah! blah! Anyway England won, with Paraguay's captain kicking in own goal! BUT David Beckham's performance was inspiring although I totally thought Crouch was so not there. Anyway the Mexican referee I think kinda dislike Crouch for his height. But England won.
It was the next match, Sweden Vs Trinidad & Tabago that had me cheering. I supported neither side BUT I like underdogs and Trinidad was the underdog of the underdogs. Everybody predicted that they'll be the whipping boy for Sweden and guess what? Down to 10 men (right decision by the referee!!) and still Sweden couldn't get one past the excellent substitute goalkeeper and the defenders. Granted, there were 9 defenders there. Anyway eventhough just 10 men, when they had an opportunity Trinidad tried to score but mostly failed. The amazing thing was attack after attack and still they held on. Their fams have been singing and dancing for like over an hour, and they were just a small group compared to the awfully quiet Swedish group. Eventhough it was a draw as in 0-0, still it was such a fast paced and mostly uninterrupted game compared to the sluggish first match between England and Paraguay. Wanna know why? Tell you a secret...
This second match had a Singaporean referee!! Yeah!! Local guy who let the game go on and the flow mostly uninterrupted, did not even know he was there but he made the right call about the yellow cards and red card. Great referreing.
What is even more amazing? Towards the end, there was a small window where something happened and both sides' players were stopped for a while and suddenly some Trinidad players were hugging, smiling and chatting with equally smilling, chatting Swedish players like as if the game ended! They knew each other since some played in the English premiere league football I guess.
What an amazing game. Imagine that ... whipping boys turned into brave heroes... 0-0 it may have been, BUT it was a very hard earned 0-0.
What's with the injured goalkeepers? I think 3 teams already had this problem!!
I am sleeping now, not interested in Argentina. Now I am very worried for England. Trinidad & Tabago has spirit, spunk and enthusiasm. England a bit too cautious, too tired. Both have great defenders and super efficient goalkeepers so we may have a very stagnant game later on.
What do you think? Did you watch these 2 games?
June 10, 2006
The World Cup begins!! Your opnion matters!!
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Once every 4 years I suffer from the football fever and this year definitely getting it. The opening ceremony was bland except for the parade of past winners, with Pele as the star but I did not see Maradona!!
Anyway just saw the 1st half of the opening game, Germany Vs Costa Rica. One name stuck; Wanchoppe or Wanchope. Very unique name and definitely the only striker with a chop in the team, hence "One Chop". Last score was Germany 2 and Costa Rica 1. AM going to sleep now, Germany will net a few more goals, np doubt. Anyway a pity Kahn was not in the team, saw him sitting there but he should have been in the game.
So, do you have a favourite anything? I will confess; I want England to win not because I like the players but because of sentimental reason. Why not tell me more about your preference?
1. Who do you want to win?
2. Who will win?
3. Who do you want to win but then because you already have a no. 1 to win so you hope this team will do well, and be your back up team to the team you want to win?
4. Who will never ever ever ever win?
5. Your most favourite player in the World Cup (any World Cup)?
6. Who you want to see carried off the field?
Me first.
1. England
2. Brazil (overflowing with great talents)
3. Spain
4. USA first, South Korea whom I hate second for screwing up the beautiful game the last time
5. I am from the Diego Maradona generation
6. The referees.
Your turn!
June 06, 2006
Unbelievable transformation
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Myolie Wu shocked me with her new chubby looks. She did gained quite a lot of weight but what surprised me more is her spirit and her love for her role. Not only is she not hiding her new chubbier self, she is actually basking in the limelight. In the times where there are some actresses who claims gaining weight is so hard whilst they look stick thin and being so weight concious and most is not willing to go this far except maybe to slap some dirt on their face, especially in Hong Kong, here we have Myolie Wu as a shining example what an actress should be and should do. Perhaps she can set things right once and for all; being chubbier doesn't mean uglier, although I must admit this is chubbier than I expected and she wants to get chubbier still! What a spirit! I really don't think TVB paid her much anyway. But look at her; flaunting her rather full figure and looking so not like the Myolie we know and yet still as cute and perky. This is why Myolie Wu is destined to become TVB's no. 1 Ah Jie simply because she takes risks. Talent helps of course. Whilst I think Andy Hui is a miscast, I think I can bear his presence for the sake of Myolie who looks very much like Kim Sam Soon, in fact almost same hairstyle. I wonder is this HK's Kim Sam Soon remake? I do hope she could lose the weight once it's over but seeing her being such a positive person, no doubt, she could.
Read more HERE at Jayne Stars.
I could not believe for the life of me that the guy in the picture below is Lucas Black. A quick bio for your info:-
"Though he has proven to be a natural, allegedly Lucas Black's ambition is not to be an actor when he grows up. Born and raised in Alabama, Black became a professional actor when an open casting call landed him a bit part in Jon Avnet's The War (1994). After starring on TV's American Gothic (1995), Black definitively caught the audience's attention with his pivotal role in Billy Bob Thornton's award-winning drama Sling Blade (1996). Resisting child actor treacle, Black turned in a genuinely charming and moving performance as the young boy who befriends Thornton's mentally challenged ex-con. Despite the acclaim, however, Black opted to stay home in Alabama rather than go Hollywood. Black continued to act throughout his high school years, playing supporting roles in the racial drama Ghosts of Mississippi (1996) and the big-screen version of The X-Files (1998), and starring in the TV movie Flash (1997) and as the politically aware Peejoe in Crazy in Alabama (1999). In Thornton's second directorial effort All the Pretty Horses (2000), Black's performance as the young drifter who gets Matt Damon into trouble once again revealed his ability to hold his own against -- indeed outshine -- Hollywood's best. Black, however, has asserted that his ultimate goal is to become a professional fisherman. ~ Lucia Bozzola, All Movie Guide"
Before there was Jamie Bell, Daniel Radcliffe and before I even remember Christian Bale (since he was always under the radar and I never really see him as a child star anyway), I remember this actor very very well because he had a very strong normal kinda name with this hardened almost old looking face in Sling Blade.
I remember him in Sling Blade. He was the young boy with the heavy southern accent. I also remember him in X-Files. And he was unrewcognisable (read: looking like a total nerdy guy, way too thin teenager) in All The Pretty Horses but all along his performances, from young to the last I saw him in All The Pretty Horses were amazing. But he had one problem; too much of southern accent. But shock of my life, look at him now! Handsome man! So that ugly nerdy thin stage in All The Pretty Horses is all but gone. I am now looking forward to his movies, and I hope he really doesn't go into fishing. What's with fishing? Even that actor from Harry Potter wants to be a fisherman.
Another actor I really liked and still do is Joseph Mazzelo. I call him Mozarella cheese. He was that kid from Jurassic Park, gave a very moving performance in Shadowlands (not sure of the title but the one about CS Lewis) and also his debut I think in Law & Order as an abused kid if I am not mistaken. The last I saw him he was in a teen movie playing a gawky teenage boy. I recognised him because of his hair and shocking, he looked totally different. But who knows? Maybe like Lucas Black he may grow up to be a fine looking young man since he was a handsome boy.
One young actor I was totally shocked to see when he grew up was that young fatty boy in Stand By Me, now you all know him as Jerry O'Connell. Who would have thought a whiny fatty boy could grow up looking hot AND dating such glamarous actresses? He is a good actor, but haven't seen any great films from him yet, except for Stand By Me.
Does anyone remember River Phoenix?
June 05, 2006
A day of pictures & my most anticipated movie
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My most anticipated movie ... CARS. Vroom! Vroom! I really do wonder how Pixar is going to animate cars but then they did an amazing job with fish! The story of Cars is very similar to Doc Hollywood though (I think that's the title of that Michael J Fox movie) but the voices in Cars are so suitable. I can't wait to watch it!! Oh yeah, tomorrow, 666, devil reborn. Must Hollywood remake a classic like The Omen? Chinese however loves the day of 06.06.06 because I think it means luck, luck luck! Anyway, I have updated many many pictures today of various themes. Do have a look if you missed it somehow ... - Top 10 women drivers (can also be found in Funn Stuff- Amazing digitally altered pictures (can also be found in Funn Stuff) - Photoshoot for Raymond Lam, Kevin Cheng & Ron Ng AND a bit about Taylor Hicks (can also be found in The Everyboard) Thanks everybody for the emails! My review of Kim Sam Soon coming real soon.
Top 10 Women Drivers
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The following are thumbnails. Click on the thumbnails for the original sized pictures. You will also find the same post in Funn Stuff under the same title.
It is insulting but it is very funny. I received a top 10 list in my email and I must say...amazing drivers and I can't dispute the no. 1 choice. What do you think? By the way the commentary below came with the email in the form of a Powerpoint.
10th position goes to ...
9th position goes to ...
8th position goes to ...
7th position goes to...
 Funn - Amazing parking!
6th position goes to ...
5th position goes to ...
4th position goes to ...
Bronze medal goes to ...
Silver goes to ...
 And now ladies and gentleman, hold your breath for the "Champion of Champions"!
The winner of Gold medal is ...
Amazing digitally altered pictures
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Photoshoot for Raymond Lam, Kevin Cheng & Ron Ng AND a bit about Taylor Hicks
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June 02, 2006
Terrible, horrible, disgusting
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To sum up what I have to say on what is happening in Malaysia for the past month, is terrible, horrible, disguting.
First, for a tiniest moment of hope, I thought yay! Disneyland coming to JB. Next day's news, no such thing. Disney has no plans on building a themepark here, right here in Malaysia of lush tropical vast lands, rather cramped into tiny Hong Kong. That was terrible.
Then there was this opposition MP who said the worst things about women in general, specifically divorcees but I think I have posted something on that. That was horrible. Very very horrible.
But the most disgusting happened almost towards the end of May, where I was so into American Idol and Taylor Hicks, I got side tracked.
First we have raping and robbing by foreign nationals. Then we have ah longs threatening people and worse still everybody sees the loan sharks as aggressors, maybe but not all. Then we have accidents after accidents. Then we have incestous rapes, stupid judges (actually particularly one) who sympathised with underage sex/rape/whatever she may feel fit to term it. Then we have kidnap and murder. For the first half year of 2006 alone, there was so many kidnapping cases, mostly involving very young children who are still missing. One that was the biggest impact of all was the very tragic tale of a 7 year old vivacious Chinese boy named Ho Ping.
Ho Ping was kinapped and his kidnappers demanded RM500,000-00 or could've been more. Negotiations were held and the money cut down. However a few days later his body which was stuffed into a luggae bag was found in a stream, hooked by the branch of a tree. He was strangled. But before he was strangled, he was fed with high amount of drugs, what kind I can't remember but before he died he was almost dying of overdose. His kidnapper instead of taking him to the hospital, strangled him and you know the rest. That was already terrible and horrible. Then the biggest news came.
The kidnapper was none other than his 28 year old brother in law and his Chinese (from China) mistress. You see his parents were quite aged when they had this youngest son, and his siblings are all grown up. His sister, pregnant and already I think with 2 children had a useless bum as a husband who refused to work and owed a lot of money. The boy's father helped him pay a huge amount before, and when the father was asked again, the old man refused. That was when the boy disappeared. Apparently that man had the audacity to even accompany the family to lodge police report, feigning fear and worries but in the end this family was betrayed by their own people. That to me was the disgusting part.
That was really the worst news thus far. The whole of Malaysia saw the poor boy's legs jutting out from that luggage bag, and it was very graphic and I question why the press had to take that picture and print it out so big. Because the description of what the boy went through was already heartbreaking. Then the smiling picture of the boy was printed and it was worse. Then the pictures of the grieving family and the killer hiding his face his shame and the manhunt for his mistress. At least he confessed, pointed out where he did what and why. The family suspected him since he had every reason to do what he did. It was a very pitiful sight to see the old parents unable to cry, much too shocked and too much in grief.
You can't even trust your family, who can you trust?
You can check out the news here.
It is unanimous. He is currently Malaysia's most hated man.
I can't even call it a heinous crime because I too was in shock.
Anyway maybe I should end this depressing post on a happier note.
I spent my birthday with my 3 closest friends having dinner at The Ship. We had this rather interesting conversation. As usual almost all the time our conversation would lead to marriage, children and men. So I was voicing my opinion when I said "It is a wonder isn't it? The people in poor nations like Africa, starving and all that and can still have the energy to have sex and have children whilst some of the well fed ones and successful ones can't even have children however much they tried".
It was silly but I believe it as true. My accountant friend, my very best friend gave avery peculiar answer as to why working adults in comfortable living could not have children.
"Well you see, they have stress, like finishing reports on time, work related and stuff".
I was laughing of course because I said "And starving, half dead, raging civil war, those are not stress and pressure?"
Another friend of mine then observed that for example being rubber tappers (lower income group) is easier for those wanting to have children and I was curious so I asked "Why?" and she said "Well they tap tap tap in the break of dawn, rest of the day they have time to you know have sex and do it more often".
I'm sorry but I did voice to them that I was dumbfounded by their observation. Never before I heard that late for projects is more stressful than starving with civil war right behind you back OR that being rubber tapper could give the person more time to have sex.
We had a great time laughing at our silly comments but really, how many of you think like them? I remember telling them "Girls, you have got to get your priorities straight man!".
June 01, 2006
What would you have done?
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Thanks to Sehseh for forwarding this rather infuriating clip featuring who is now the famous Hong Kong Bus Uncle. It's real, very real. I mean poor young man, he just asked that old man to lower his voice whilst talking into his Handphone and next thing you know, what seems like 6 minutes of continuing nagging and escalating into a full swearing session, on the part of the uncle. You just give credit to that young man for not screaming back. Frankly the young man couldn't have had any chance of retorting to this self righteous type of hypocrite because in another separate clip even the police can't outtalk this old man.
What would you have done?
a. change seats
b. get down at the next stop
c. ignore him & not talk to him
d. punch him
I am tempted to do d. but I think probably a and c will be a good combination.
These clips show to you that there is a time where you must learn to shut up. I don't mean the young man, I meant the uncle. Just please shut up!!
Anyway here is a link to a funny spoof which I feel perhaps the young man should have retorted that way. I just found out that this clip is actually "Previously, the nastiest man in Hong Kong was an individual known as Alan Ho, whose taped conversation to the Airport Authority inquiry line was leaked to the public as an example of a caller from hell (see Global Noise) So someone has mixed the two audio tapes to have a Bus Uncle versus Alan Ho match -- these two people from hell deserve each other ... "
Now this uncle is like famous for being so bloody rude.
But I must add this link to this rap spoof-full of profanity BUT just so darn funny! I can't help but just keep laughing!
The uncle is still not identified. I guess he must be very ashamed of what he said. All those talks about the poor man's mother ...
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