STOLEN!!

Been busy for the past few days which explain for the absence of any entries... Teaching at my current school is alright.. I still prefer the previous school though.. More heart-warming students as well as approachable and friendly colleagues... But as they say, "Beggar can't afford to choose." I'm just glad that I'm given this job...

Today has been quite an unlucky day for me... It all started before I left school.. Went to my pigeon-hole to check for students' submissions.. To my horror, there is nothing there!!! No, it's not that the students didn't hand in their work.. Think some other teachers might have taken those assignments by mistake or worse, some students might be pulling a prank... Though the sec 2 English coordinator teacher assures me that it will re-appear, it does little to ease my worries...

Friday prayers... Nothing could go wrong right?? After all, I did meet up and catch up on the students from the previous school which I had taught.. The conversations I had with them solidify further my preference in teaching them to these new batch of students I am teaching right now... Didn't think of anything when I placed my wallet in my bag which was put at the back of the praying hall...

Cringing for a smoke after a day at a 'no-smoking community', I searched for my cigarettes in my bag the moment I had park my motorbike... It's not there... How could that be?? I didn't smoke at all the whole day and I'm sure I had brought the pack before leaving home in the morning... Somethig is ain't right.. I checked my wallet and my fears were being confirmed... Somebody has stolen my money and cigarettes while I was in the mosque earlier on... WTF!!!! Luckily, he didn't take any of my important cards... Even though it's only $8, I felt terrible coz firstly, it happened in a mosque (see, there's no such thing as a 'good' or 'bad' place) and secondly, I just have this gut feeling that it was taken by one of my ex-students.. I do not want to point fingers or jump into any conclusion but as I retrospectively try to remember the sequence of events, it all seem so obvious... Sighz...

I'm not pissed or even angry.. I'm just disappointed... If it's really one of my ex-students, I will 'halal' both the money and cigarettes which he took from me and hopefully, he will feel remorseful of his action.. If it's any other people, then may you rot in hell fucker!!!!

Unfaithful

Its been a long time since I had a music video/song related entry.... But this song is just too good not to talk about... It's 'Unfaithful' by Rihanna... The MTV started off in quite a dramatic way... Very drama mama.. Hehehe...

My friend, Lester, was the first one who introduced me to this song.. When I first heard it, I didn't really like it.. It sounded very 'ah-lianish'... Something which Maia Lee would sing... However, when my younger cousins started to play it continuously, I began to like it.. It seems to have a hypnotizing effect... I guess it's that kind of song which grows on you... About the artist, well I have never heard of her before this song hits the charts.. Will she be just another one hit wonder?? We'll wait and see if she's able to churn out more hits or not in the future...

Talking about unfaithful, this is my last day at work in Singapore Polytechnic...YIIPPEEEEE!!!! Leaving the job which seems to be the catalyst in triggering off a series of good fortunes for me... (Research assistant position at NUS, relief teaching position at Bukit Panjang Govt High, MOE Teaching Award, etc, etc....) Great colleagues but boring job.. Sorry guys I have to leave you all but the job is simply too dry for me... Will be taking a day break tomorrow before I start work again on Monday... Bring it on!!!

I'm Loving It

What a weekend it has been.. It really beat the crap out of me.. But, I don't mind going through all that as in the end, my brother's wedding went about smoothly... I think the fact that I belted out 6 songs during the event made it even more successful.... Lol... Besides that, I had an awesome time catching up with relatives and cousins whom I hardly met, unless during Hari Raya, as well as some of my closest pals... One thing I realized about the Malay community is that almost everyone else is linked or related somehow or rather to one another... It's just like friendster except that this is in 'real' space and not cyber space....

It's Tuesday and back to work... After today, two more days.. WOOHOOO!!!! Spend the whole day yesterday resting, meeting with the heads of the school which I'm going to teach in and spending the rest of the time with the family....

The feeling is simply wonderful having dinner at Simpang Bedok yesterday night with my family, my closest auntie and uncle as well as my brother and his new family... Though the whole thing didn't end without my parents having to complain about the quality of the food and the hefty price they have to pay for that kind of food... As always... Hehehe.. Nevertheless, it's still wonderful.. Family time, just loving it!!!

Sleep-less...

Red eyes, ulcers in the mouth and a tired mind... They are all symptoms... Symptoms of a person who has caught the world cup fever...

Haven't been getting much sleep ever since the world cup start... I think on the average, I've only clocked about 2 to 3 hours of sleep everyday... But it's worth the sacrifice... I can always catch up on the sleep at work where I've learned the art and technique of sleeping with my eyes wide open... Hahahaa...

This weekend, the body will ached even more... Not only there's more soccer actions, my elder brother is getting married... Everytime I see my mum, she will continue to update the list of things that I'm being tasked to do... So kancheong man she.. Oh well, first time expecting an in-law.. What to do?? Hehe..

Well I just hope that I don't collapsed during my brother's wedding.. Lol... For now, let me catch up on my sleep (while at work).... Adios peeps!!

QUIT!!! It's not easy to be me....

It's over!! In 1 week and 2 days time, my stint at Singapore Poly is over.. Hooray!!! I finally told my boss that I am going to stop working... My last day will be on next Thursday...

Up next, Bukit Panjang Government High School.. Yeah, it's confirmed.. I'm going to relief teach there when the school re-opens.. Finally, I'll be doing something which I enjoy... Higher salary and shorter working hours, what more can I ask for...

Anyway, yesterday I went out to have dinner with Jib and Raz.. They laughed at me when they saw me coz' I was dressed in office attire... Actually guys, you are right... I do look like Clark Kent when I dressed up like that.. Lol... What more, with my chiseled facial features, I think I do look like....................... Look!! It's a bird.. No!!! It's a plane... No!!! It's S------N... Kekeke....

Bad finishers

A case of bad finishing had proven to be costly for the Asian and African teams which had played so far.. I believed if these teams could improve on their finishing touches, they would be on par with their South American and European counterparts... Here's are today's predictions:

Match 12: South Korea vs Togo (9:00p.m.)

Blanketed with heaps of problems, Togo looks doomed for a miserable outing in Germany.. The Koreans on the other hand are pressurized to reproduce their brilliant performance four years ago.. However with the unforgiving heat, they might find it rather difficult.. Still, I think the Koreans are good enough for Togo..

Prediction: South Korea 1 - Togo 0

Match 13: France vs Switzerland (12a.m.)

If there's a team which I totally hate, it has got to be France.. These two teams were in the same qualifying group and thus they would be very familiar with each other.. Even though my head says that France will win this, my heart refused to acknowledge that... Remember Senegal 4 years ago? Well, it could happen again...

Prediction: France 1 - Switzerland 1

Match 14: Brazil vs Croatia (3a.m.)

Alright I will not say much... A foregone conclusion...

Prediction: Brazil 3 - Croatia 0

Fadz the host??

Just got back from my boss' office.. When he called me into his office, I thought I'm in trouble.. Well, I was in trouble ok... But not for loathing around.. He asked me to be the host for a documentary video that the polytechnic is going to produce and market... Yikes!!! How now?? I'm going to quit this job by the end of next week... Shit!! Is it a ploy to stop me from quiting?? But how does he knows that I'm planning to quit when I have yet to voice it out to him or any of my colleagues?? Oh well, looks like I need to dig myself out of this shit hole...

Other than that, lunch today was rather fruitful... Had lunch with Tim Bunnell and he had provided me with numerous ideas on what to do for my honours thesis.. Good advices from him as well... Unfortunately, he can't be my supervisor... Looks like I got to really start thinking and really do some background research already... After talking to him, I think Batam is really a good place for me to do my HT... Ok people, stop sniggering and doubt about my intentions of doing my research at Batam... I'm so innocent!!! (Wink, wink!! Hehe...)

So close...

The score reads: Mexico 3 - Iran 1... Darn!!! I almost guessed correctly.. But sadly that's not the case... So as it stands, after 8 matches, I have still yet to make any correct predictions... I believed I will get it correct at least once today...

Match 09: Australia vs Japan (9:00p.m.)

Interesting match this is.. Both teams will play more with each other after this world cup as Australia has now officially joined the Asian Football Association.. In this match, I think it will be rather even... Both needs to grind out a result here before meeting Brazil and Croatia next... I guessed Japan might just have that slight advantage of having played in the last world cup...

Prediction: Australia 1 - Japan 2

Match 10: USA vs Czech Republic (12:00a.m.)

From the FIFA ranking, this looks like a mouth-watering encounter.. USA which is fifth in the FIFA ranking takes on the Czech Republic which is third.. However, don't be deceived by FIFA rankings.. Singapore had once shared the same ranking as Wales... But are we as good as Wales?? NAH!!! Petr Cech should be able to ensure that the Americans will not get into the scoring sheet.. Its Czech all the way...

Prediction: USA 0 - Czech Republic 2

Match 11: Italy vs Ghana (3:00a.m.)

The Azzurri looks favourite to wrap up this game.. However, with so many problems occuring back at home before the world cup, would they be able to concentrate fully on their football?? I have yet to make any correct predictions so it doesn't hurt to be more adventurous and predict a rather radical scoreline.. The Italians will suffer a minor hiccup...

Prediction: Italy 1 - Ghana 1

Congratulations bro

Would like to dedicate this entry to my bestest friend, Najib, on his engagement to his girlfriend of 6 years, Razinah, today...

The two of you better remember that this day won't come if it's not for me.. Hahahaha... If i didn't pester Jib to join me for lunch that fateful day in 2001 with Razinah, then my irritating colleague, they might never know that each other exists.. But then again, if they are really fated to be together, they will somehow meetlah some way or another...

So, let me not steal the limelight.. This day belong to theirs to cherish and remember.. Congratualtions to both of you once again... Up next, NASI MINYAK!!!!!

(The music video is dedicated to both of you!!)

A night of many firsts

Yesterday, we witnessed a night of many firsts in this year's world cup...

1st Own Goal: Courtesy of Paraguay's Carlos Gamarra as a gift to England.. (But that could not happen without that beautifully taken free-kick by Beckham..)

1st Red Card: Dished out by our very own, Shamsul Maidin to Trinidad's Avery John.. (There should be a second one to Saviola for play-acting and diving.. Then, he will be the first player to be fined for simulation!!!)

1st Upset: Ten men and minnows Trinidad & Tobago holding Sweden to a goalless draw....

Unfortunately, I didn't make my first correct scoeline prediction.. I tell you, this world cup is proving so hard to predict.. Guess Singapore Pools should have hired me... They would win tons of money if bettors hear my advice and bet according to my predictions.. Lol....

But one should never give up so easily.. So let me try again with today's 3 matches...

Match 06: Netherlands vs Serbia & Montenegro (9:00p.m.)

Yesterday, I had highlighted that Ivory Coast is one team to watch out for.. Today, I present to you yet another team which might just hurt bookies' wallets... Serbia qualified for the world cup as group champion ahead of Spain and Bosnia.. Therefore, they are a team opponents should not underestimate.. However, the Netherlands should be good enough to win this tie.. Though Van Basten was assaulted with lots of criticisms for his choice of players, these bunch of young Dutch players prove to be quite a contender for the trophy...

Prediction: Netherlands 2 - Serbia & Montenegro 1

Match 07: Mexico vs Iran

Nothing much to talk about this match.. The middle east teams always failed to dazzle us in the big stage and this world cup is no exception.. In the meanwhile, Mexico's goalie, though grief-stricken, will not be affected that much by the passing away of his father.. In fact, I think that will inspire him further to play well and dedicate the win to his late dad...

Predictions: Mexico 3 - Iran 0

Match 08: Angola vs Portugal

Little known Angola takes on Portugal.. No doubt in this.. Portugal won't choke like Sweden.. (Though I do hope something ominous will happen to Christiano Ronaldo.. Heehehe..)

Predictions: Angola 0 - Portugal 3

Amazing start

Who would expect Germany to play a more exciting form of soccer and winning 4-2?? Unbelievable... Oh well, I know I got all the predictions wrong... But hey, there are 62 other matches to go.. Hahaha...

Today there'll be three games!!! Unfortunately, I'll have to miss my beloved England playing tonight coz I got to attend Johnny's wedding.. You owe me big time pal.. Haha... Alright without any further delay, here's today's previews and predictions..

Match 03: England vs Paraguay (9:00p.m.)

With or without Rooney, England is going to nick this.. However, they need to be wary because Paraguay is capable of causing an upset.. As long as they don't let their guards down after taking the lead, they'll sail through this match before taking on whipping boys Trinindad & Tobago next.. My prediction will of course be an England win but I think Rio Ferdinand will be England's weakest link and probably be responsible for them to concede a goal...

Prediction: England 3 - Paraguay 1

Match 04: Sweden vs Trinidad & Tobago (12:00a.m.)

A match which many Singaporeans would stay up to watch.. No, no, not because it's going to be an exciting match but because a Singaporean is going to feature in this match in the form of the referee.. Oh yes, our very own Samsul Maidin will be officiating this game.. Other than that, there's nothing exciting about this match.. So, if you aren't patriotic, it's better to catch up on your sleep while awaiting for the 3:00a.m. match.. Sweden looks all favourite to win this...

Prediction: Sweden 2 - Trinidad & Tobago 0

Match 05: Argentina vs Ivory Coast (3:00a.m.)

What a match!! You should wake up to watch this and you have no reason not to since it's a Sunday the next day.. Every world cup, there'll be teams which achieved the unthinkable.. In USA '94, it's Sweden and Bulgaria; in France '98, it's Croatia and in Japan/Korea 2002, it's South Korea and Turkey.. this time round, I have identified three teams which have the potential to achieve a similar feat.. One of them is Ivory coast.. There's just too much hype on Argentina... I believe this would be the first minor upset of the tournament.. The scoreline will be pretty much similar to the one when I played x-box with Najib, me taking Ivory Coast and he controlling Argentina..

Prediction: Argentina 1 - Ivory Coast 1

Round 1.. Fight...

It's here!!! The world cup starting tonight.. This will mark the start of 1 month of sleepless nights... Haha.. And also beginning today, I will give my previews and predictions on the scoreline of the games played daily... To those who are not soccer crazy, well, I don't care.. Hahaha.. So here goes..

Match 01: Germany vs Costa Rica (11:50p.m.)

Opening match where the host nation will play total outsider, Costa Rica.. Going by the record books, the host nation will always win their opening game and move on to the second round.. So, I don't see Germany having any problems here though there are without influential player Ballack today.. For Costa Rica, a good time for them to show some individual skills and gain more experience.. But don't expect a landslide of goals.. Germans play boring soccer and they will scrap through with a single goal margin win..

Prediction: Germany 1 - Costa Rica 0

Match 02: Poland vs Ecuador (3:00a.m.)

If a re-shuffling of groups are to be made, these two teams definitely won't stand a chance to proceed to the next round.. But now, looks like they have a chance to boost their FIFA ranking.. Poland is a relatively unknown European side.. A good line-up of goalkeepers but based on the boo-boos they made during the friendlies, Poland better hope that their strikers have been practising on their shootings.. Ecuador on the other hand isn't that good either.. Though they qualified from the South America group, behind Brazil and Argentina, most of their wins were in low altitude Quito... But I'm still favouring them to qualify as runners-up of this group, though others would disagree and go with Poland instead.. This match will be exciting and I'm expecting a high-scoring draw, not because of good offensive football but because of leaky defences...

Prediction: Poland 2 - Ecuador 2

Soccermercialization

Ever heard of the term 'soccermercialization'? Check it up in all the dictionaries you can lay your hands on... I can bet with you that it would be a futile attempt.. It is a term that I coined myself, by merging 'soccer' with 'commercialization', to address on the heightened pace of commercialization of the world cup..

Just take a walk down Orchard Road.. You would be greeted with an avalanche of banners, posters and billboards which are related to the world cup... You think you can seek refuge by going into the shops?? Well, you are terribily wrong.. There would at least be one merchandise which is associated with Germany 2006 in every shop...

Maybe all the hype is in town only.. Jolly gosh!! You hit the incorrect button again.. Even in the heartlands, you would not be spared by the arsenal of images, reminding you about the greatest event on earth that takes place once every four years.. Just pop your head into a mama shop or even walk into your neighbourhood 7/11 convenient stores, which are mushrooming everywhere fast, and you would at least realized that you are not living in a bubble...

All these craze, it's amazing... I mean, it's perfectly normal to celebrate and usher in this awesome event which I'm sure every ardent soccer fanatics had marked out in their calendar.. However, I think the commercializing of the world cup has gone a tad overboard... As a result, none of the memorabilia sold is that memorable as this market structure has almost reached a stage where it could be classified as a monopolistic competitive market...

I must admit that I myself do get sucked in to this craze.. So far, I had bought a sticker album, 2 wrist bands (1 England & 1 Spain) and 2 original jerseys; a red England one and the other, a white Spanish one (I don't normally buy original jerseys...) But I'll probably stop at that as my pocket is quite burnt already..

All I hope is that there would be some form of limitation to the volume of commercialization.. If not, the world cup would soon become just another event for the rich, capitalistic bourgeoisies to benefit from...

Secretary Bo

Attending meetings and writing minutes.. Totally hate doing that job man.. So when my boss came up to me this morning asking me to attend a meeting and jot down the minutes for it, I was superbly stumped.. What the hell!! That's not part of my job scope.. But who am I to ask him that.. Besides, he caught me by surprise, not allowing any chance for me to rebutt and furthermore, my brain still had yet to wake up at 9 in the morning (despite waking up extra late today and coming to office about 15 minutes late.. hehe...)

So there I was sitting down trying to figure out what the heck I'm supposed to jot down.. It's a meeting with a CHEERS assistant human resource executive.. Throughout the 2hrs long meeting, I tried to keep awake by figuring out what to note down but I can't help it and yawned several times.. Boring man...

One of the staff told me that they the reason why I was being thrown so many things to do is because I am an undergraduate and they ASSUME I should know how to do everything.. What the fuck!!! ASSUME?? Bloody shitters!!! Don't they know better than not to ASSUME things?? By assuming, they are making an 'ASS' out of 'U' and 'ME'...

Sighz... Guess that's enough complaining and bitching as for now.. Better finish typing out the minutes before they piled me up with more stuffs to do..