Posts
(TT)vaches de chier
Andriy Shevchenko (@WIG, RED)
For Martins, Johnson, Kuyt, Berbatov, Defoe. Mourinho says he'll come good over X'mas.
Ummm, this X'mas perhaps?
Why didn't I get Johnson?
Robin van Persie (BLA, @WAT)
Needs a goal.
Gets two.
Scores a magnificent winner.
Michael Ballack (@WIG, RED)
Cheap pick.
Nothing doing.
Bleah.
Josip Skoko (CHE, @MAN)
Cheap pick.
Did well.
Came on to little effect.
Cristiano Ronaldo (@AST, WIG)
Should score.
Absolutely dominating.
Scores another brace, this time as a sub.
Steven Gerrard (WAT, @BLA)
For Rooney, Saha, Drogba, Bellamy, Anelka, Robben, Lampard. Top pick.
Bellamy, Anelka and Robben were cheaper and better. Hope he proves me wrong on Boxing Day.
Why didn't I go cheap?!
Gilberto Silva (BLA, @WAT)
For Davis, Nolan, Beattie, Meite, Ben Haim, Radzinski, Helguson, Dickov, Rosicky, Lee, Ferdinand, Vaz Te, Anichebe. The least of all evils.
Captain's goal.
Captain's brace!
Johan Djourou (BLA, @WAT)
For Senderos. Clean sheets.
OK lah.
Poor.
Paul Konchesky (@WIG, RED)
For Scharner, Cole, Boulahrouz. Clean sheets.
Got sent off for nothing.
Poor.
Gabriel Heinze (@AST, WIG)
For Vidic. Clean sheets.
Didn't play.
Denied five points by Silvestre's ill-advised lunge.
Henrique Hilario (@WIG, RED)
For van der Sar, Cudicini, Kirkland. Has a chance of CS.
Not bad.
Very bad.
Total points: 151.0
Predicted points: 125.2
--------------
The Group of Death III
Well done all!
Week 19 has just passed.
Aaron (1678 pts) strengthens 1st place with 151 pts, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo, Robin van Persie and Gilberto Silva.
The gap is now 98 pts as Ben (1580 pts) slips in 2nd place with 104 pts and is 51.5 pts ahead of Hsu, no thanks to Kevin Davies, Henrique Hilario and Kevin Nolan.
Hsu (1528.5 pts) remains in 3rd place with 112.5 pts, thanks to van Persie, Francesc Fabregas, Ashley Young and Emmanuel Adebayor.
Theophane (1340.5 pts) goes up to 7th place with the highest score of 174.5 pts, thanks to Didier Drogba, Gliberto and Andrew Johnson.
Syafiq (1327.5 pts) rises to 8th place with the 3rd-highest score of 171.5 pts, thanks to Ronaldo, Kieron Dyer and Fabregas.
Amos (704 pts) rises to 19th place with the 2nd-highest score of 172.5 pts, thanks to van Persie, Fabregas, Patrice Evra and Dirk Kuyt.
Jasmine (1497 pts) gains in 4th place with 145.5 pts, thanks to van Persie, Obafemi Martins, Fabregas and Kuyt.
At the other end, Teckseng (1164.5 pts) falls to 14th place with the lowest score of 44.5 pts, no thanks to the negative Michael Ballack, Thierry Henry, Damien Duff, Aaron Lennon, together with Andriy Shevchenko, Chris Kirkland and Louis Saha.
See you next week!
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Monday, December 25, 2006
Love Actually
One of the best rom-coms out there. With a stellar cast and an engaging story, it was worth every minute.
Everywhere you look, love is causing chaos. From the bachelor Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who, on his first day at 10 Downing Street, falls in love with the girl who brings him his tea, to a ...( read more )hopeless sandwich delivery guy who doesn't think he has a chance with the girls in the U.K., so he heads for Wisconsin. From aging rock stars, to a stony headmistress, to a monolingual Portuguese housemaid--love arrives in many forms, shapes and sizes. Here, ten separate--but intertwining--stories of love all lead up to a big climax on Christmas Eve, proving that love is the driving force in all of these people's lives.
New Year party
I'm looking forward to the first Young Adults ALG party in recent history on 29 Dec. I'm looking to a fun time of fellowship, makan and games. Come dressed colourfully and let me know if you wanna come. It's just $10 for the food, though you have tio bring a gift worth $10 for exchanging. Hope to see you there!
Blessed Christmas
Blessed Christmas to one and all. I may not meet you this Christmas, nor give you a gift, but rest assured you're in my thoughts. God bless you all.
Exam results
I thank God for excellent results for Semester 1. Managed to get a GPA of 4.83/5 with A* A* A A- A-, the former two in grammar and mathematics. I'll try to keep it up next semester, now that GESL is more or less outta the way.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
EPL Week 18
(TT)vaches de chier
Obafemi Martins (WAT)
For Drogba. In good form.
Excellent job.
Jermaine Defoe (@MAC)
For Shevchenko, Berbatov. In good form.
Poor.
Robin van Persie (POR)
Needs a goal.
Not too shabby.
Michael Ballack (@EVE)
Cheap pick.
Delivers.
Josip Skoko (SHE)
Cheap pick.
Good return.
Cristiano Ronaldo (@WHU)
For Lampard, Gerrard, Barton. Should score.
Well done.
Arjen Robben (@EVE)
For Fabregas, Lennon, McCulloch. Gut feel.
Stupid gut.
Gabriel Heinze (@WHU)
For Carvalho. Stands in for Evra.
Unlucky to get booked.
Paul Scharner (SHE)
Must shoot more often.
AWOL.
Nemanja Vidic (@WHU)
For Babayaro. Might score.
Unlucky to get booked.
Chris Kirkland (SHE)
Has a chance of CS.
Dang.
Total points: 76.0
Predicted points: 64.0
------------
The Group of Death III
Well done all!
Week 18 has just passed.
Aaron (1537 pts) strengthens 1st place with 76 pts, thanks to Obafemi Martins, Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Ballack.
The gap is now 69.5 pts as Ben (1467.5 pts) holds 2nd place with 74 pts and is 51.5 pts ahead of Hsu, thanks to Martins, Frank Lampard and Emmanuel Adebayor.
Hsu (1416 pts) remains in 3rd place with 70.5 pts, thanks to Martins, Ryan Giggs and Ashley Young.
Andrew (1299.5 pts) gains in 5th place with the 3rd-highest score of 83.5 pts, thanks to Martins, Ronaldo and Lampard.
Edgar (1203.5 pts) consolidates 7th place with the highest score of 87.5 pts, thanks to Steven Gerrard, Matthew Taylor and Louis Saha.
Ryan (704 pts) chases from bottom in last place with the 2nd-highest score of 84 pts, thanks to Craig Bellamy, Gerrard, Gary Speed and Giggs.
Jasmine (1284.5 pts) maintains 4th place with 71.5 pts, thanks to Martins, Giggs and Ballack.
At the other end, Syafiq (1157 pts) falls to 9th place with the lowest score of 41.5 pts, no thanks to the negative Tim Howard, Ricardo Carvalho, Steve Sidwell, Nemanja Vidic and Seol Ki-Hyeon.
See you next week!
Obafemi Martins (WAT)
For Drogba. In good form.
Excellent job.
Jermaine Defoe (@MAC)
For Shevchenko, Berbatov. In good form.
Poor.
Robin van Persie (POR)
Needs a goal.
Not too shabby.
Michael Ballack (@EVE)
Cheap pick.
Delivers.
Josip Skoko (SHE)
Cheap pick.
Good return.
Cristiano Ronaldo (@WHU)
For Lampard, Gerrard, Barton. Should score.
Well done.
Arjen Robben (@EVE)
For Fabregas, Lennon, McCulloch. Gut feel.
Stupid gut.
Gabriel Heinze (@WHU)
For Carvalho. Stands in for Evra.
Unlucky to get booked.
Paul Scharner (SHE)
Must shoot more often.
AWOL.
Nemanja Vidic (@WHU)
For Babayaro. Might score.
Unlucky to get booked.
Chris Kirkland (SHE)
Has a chance of CS.
Dang.
Total points: 76.0
Predicted points: 64.0
------------
The Group of Death III
Well done all!
Week 18 has just passed.
Aaron (1537 pts) strengthens 1st place with 76 pts, thanks to Obafemi Martins, Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Ballack.
The gap is now 69.5 pts as Ben (1467.5 pts) holds 2nd place with 74 pts and is 51.5 pts ahead of Hsu, thanks to Martins, Frank Lampard and Emmanuel Adebayor.
Hsu (1416 pts) remains in 3rd place with 70.5 pts, thanks to Martins, Ryan Giggs and Ashley Young.
Andrew (1299.5 pts) gains in 5th place with the 3rd-highest score of 83.5 pts, thanks to Martins, Ronaldo and Lampard.
Edgar (1203.5 pts) consolidates 7th place with the highest score of 87.5 pts, thanks to Steven Gerrard, Matthew Taylor and Louis Saha.
Ryan (704 pts) chases from bottom in last place with the 2nd-highest score of 84 pts, thanks to Craig Bellamy, Gerrard, Gary Speed and Giggs.
Jasmine (1284.5 pts) maintains 4th place with 71.5 pts, thanks to Martins, Giggs and Ballack.
At the other end, Syafiq (1157 pts) falls to 9th place with the lowest score of 41.5 pts, no thanks to the negative Tim Howard, Ricardo Carvalho, Steve Sidwell, Nemanja Vidic and Seol Ki-Hyeon.
See you next week!
Saturday, December 16, 2006
12 Day of Christmas
This is totally hilarious! Boymongoose's rendition of an Indian 12 Days of Christmas in their latest album Christmas in Asia Minor, which includes classics like Hark the Herald Angel Singh and The Worst Motel.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Buangkok Green Christmas Carols
1. Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?
2. Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings Disoriented Are
3. Dementia --- I Think I'll be Home for Christmas
4. Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me
5. Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and.....
6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me
7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire
8. Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why
9. Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy oooh look at the froggy - can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?
10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder --Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Taken from Germaine
2. Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings Disoriented Are
3. Dementia --- I Think I'll be Home for Christmas
4. Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me
5. Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and.....
6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me
7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire
8. Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why
9. Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy oooh look at the froggy - can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?
10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder --Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Taken from Germaine
4 Things that I...
4 names pple call you:
Aaron
Dear
Kor
Chin Wei
4 things that scare you:
Loneliness
Stepping on snails
Horror movies
Jasmine doing something potentially injury-causing
4 things you are wearing right now:
T-shirt
Berms
Boxers
Steroid cream?
4 things you want in a relationship (other than real love):
Trust
Give & take
God
Understanding
4 truths:
The grass is always greener on the other side.
There will always be people that you don't like.
It's not always about you.
God & I love each other.
4 physical things that appeal to you (in the opposite sex):
Smile
Eyes
Hair
Confidence
4 of your favorite hobbies:
Football
Playing drums
Board games
Hanging out
4 things you want really badly:
To be healed of eczema
To be successful in my career
To see my immediate and future family love God and one another
To love God in the way He loves me
4 places you want to go on vacation:
Hawaii
New Zealand
Australia
UK
4 things you want to do before you die:
Still got time, I'll tell you many years later.
4 stuff u hadn't try out and really wanna try it out:
Drive
Golf
Lead guitar
Go back in time
4 things you are thinking about now:
I'm late
I need to clip my nails
Someone's messaging me
Why am I answering these questions?
4 stores you shop at:
Mama shop
Adidas
POA
Online
4 people who should do this quiz:
Jasmine
Angela
Matthew
Ps Koo!
Aaron
Dear
Kor
Chin Wei
4 things that scare you:
Loneliness
Stepping on snails
Horror movies
Jasmine doing something potentially injury-causing
4 things you are wearing right now:
T-shirt
Berms
Boxers
Steroid cream?
4 things you want in a relationship (other than real love):
Trust
Give & take
God
Understanding
4 truths:
The grass is always greener on the other side.
There will always be people that you don't like.
It's not always about you.
God & I love each other.
4 physical things that appeal to you (in the opposite sex):
Smile
Eyes
Hair
Confidence
4 of your favorite hobbies:
Football
Playing drums
Board games
Hanging out
4 things you want really badly:
To be healed of eczema
To be successful in my career
To see my immediate and future family love God and one another
To love God in the way He loves me
4 places you want to go on vacation:
Hawaii
New Zealand
Australia
UK
4 things you want to do before you die:
Still got time, I'll tell you many years later.
4 stuff u hadn't try out and really wanna try it out:
Drive
Golf
Lead guitar
Go back in time
4 things you are thinking about now:
I'm late
I need to clip my nails
Someone's messaging me
Why am I answering these questions?
4 stores you shop at:
Mama shop
Adidas
POA
Online
4 people who should do this quiz:
Jasmine
Angela
Matthew
Ps Koo!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
EPL Week 17
(TT)vaches de chier
Didier Drogba (NUF, ARS)
For Berbatov. Chelsea's dominant striker.
Diver.
Scores the winner.
Andriy Shevchenko (NUF, ARS)
For Doyle. Chelsea's subservient striker.
Poof.
Supplies the winner.
Robin van Persie (@CHE, @WIG)
For McCarthy. Takes a mean free-kick.
Flop.
NIL impact.
Michael Ballack (NUF, ARS)
For Bentley. Schizo-player extraordinaire.
Phooey.
Damn.
Josip Skoko (@MID, ARS)
For A Reid, Hleb. Wigan's utility man.
Fluff.
Much better.
Frank Lampard (NUF, ARS)
For Lennon. Put money, take money.
Only decent performance.
Unlucky.
Lee McCulloch (@MID, ARS)
For Fabregas. Will feed Camara and Heskey.
Bleah.
Pbbbbbbthh!
Ricardo Carvalho (NUF, ARS)
For Shorey, A Cole, Terry. I hate this guy's guts.
At least I didn't get Ca$hley.
Sucks.
Paul Scharner (@MID, ARS)
Must shoot more often.
Won the penalty. No points for that though.
Suspended.
Celestine Babayaro (@CHE, @BLA)
For Assou-Ekotto, Ooijer. Speedy fullback.
Dang.
Minus four!!??
Chris Kirkland (@MID, ARS)
For Niemi. Surely he won't screw me up again?
Injured?!
Played.
Total points:80.0
Predicted points: 135.4
------------
The Group of Death III
Well done all!
Week 17 has just passed.
Aaron (1461 pts) slips in 1st place with 80 pts, no thanks to Celestine Babayaro, Michael Ballack, Lee McCulloch and Chris Kirkland.
The gap is now 67.5 pts as Ben (1393.5 pts) gains in 2nd place with 104.5 pts and is 48 pts ahead of Hsu, thanks to Frank Lampard, Michael Essien, Didier Drogba, Andriy Shevchenko and John Terry.
Hsu (1345.5 pts) remains in 3rd place with 93 pts, thanks to Arjen Robben, Lampard, Drogba and Shevchenko .
Theophane (1099.5 pts) gets 9th place with the highest score of 114 pts, thanks to Jens Lehmann, Drogba, Emmanuel Adebayor, Emmanuel Eboue, Gael Clichy and Francesc Fabregas.
Wallid (1091 pts) gets 10th place with the 2nd-highest score of 111 pts, thanks to Wayne Rooney, Robben and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Theophane (1022.5 pts) gets 14th place with the 3rd-highest score of 108 pts, thanks to Rooney, Ronaldo, Nwankwo Kanu, Fabregas and Terry.
Jasmine (1284.5 pts) maintains 4th place despite 70.5 pts, no thanks to Tomas Rosicky, Carlo Cudicini, Ballack, Nolberto Solano and McCulloch.
At the other end, Irwan (978.5 pts) falls to 16th place with the lowest score of 56.5 pts, no thanks to Gabriel Agbonlahor, Gareth Barry and Steve Sidwell.
See you next week!
Didier Drogba (NUF, ARS)
For Berbatov. Chelsea's dominant striker.
Diver.
Scores the winner.
Andriy Shevchenko (NUF, ARS)
For Doyle. Chelsea's subservient striker.
Poof.
Supplies the winner.
Robin van Persie (@CHE, @WIG)
For McCarthy. Takes a mean free-kick.
Flop.
NIL impact.
Michael Ballack (NUF, ARS)
For Bentley. Schizo-player extraordinaire.
Phooey.
Damn.
Josip Skoko (@MID, ARS)
For A Reid, Hleb. Wigan's utility man.
Fluff.
Much better.
Frank Lampard (NUF, ARS)
For Lennon. Put money, take money.
Only decent performance.
Unlucky.
Lee McCulloch (@MID, ARS)
For Fabregas. Will feed Camara and Heskey.
Bleah.
Pbbbbbbthh!
Ricardo Carvalho (NUF, ARS)
For Shorey, A Cole, Terry. I hate this guy's guts.
At least I didn't get Ca$hley.
Sucks.
Paul Scharner (@MID, ARS)
Must shoot more often.
Won the penalty. No points for that though.
Suspended.
Celestine Babayaro (@CHE, @BLA)
For Assou-Ekotto, Ooijer. Speedy fullback.
Dang.
Minus four!!??
Chris Kirkland (@MID, ARS)
For Niemi. Surely he won't screw me up again?
Injured?!
Played.
Total points:80.0
Predicted points: 135.4
------------
The Group of Death III
Well done all!
Week 17 has just passed.
Aaron (1461 pts) slips in 1st place with 80 pts, no thanks to Celestine Babayaro, Michael Ballack, Lee McCulloch and Chris Kirkland.
The gap is now 67.5 pts as Ben (1393.5 pts) gains in 2nd place with 104.5 pts and is 48 pts ahead of Hsu, thanks to Frank Lampard, Michael Essien, Didier Drogba, Andriy Shevchenko and John Terry.
Hsu (1345.5 pts) remains in 3rd place with 93 pts, thanks to Arjen Robben, Lampard, Drogba and Shevchenko .
Theophane (1099.5 pts) gets 9th place with the highest score of 114 pts, thanks to Jens Lehmann, Drogba, Emmanuel Adebayor, Emmanuel Eboue, Gael Clichy and Francesc Fabregas.
Wallid (1091 pts) gets 10th place with the 2nd-highest score of 111 pts, thanks to Wayne Rooney, Robben and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Theophane (1022.5 pts) gets 14th place with the 3rd-highest score of 108 pts, thanks to Rooney, Ronaldo, Nwankwo Kanu, Fabregas and Terry.
Jasmine (1284.5 pts) maintains 4th place despite 70.5 pts, no thanks to Tomas Rosicky, Carlo Cudicini, Ballack, Nolberto Solano and McCulloch.
At the other end, Irwan (978.5 pts) falls to 16th place with the lowest score of 56.5 pts, no thanks to Gabriel Agbonlahor, Gareth Barry and Steve Sidwell.
See you next week!
Flags of our Fathers
A poignant if slow-moving autopsy of what really happened in Iwo Jima when that flag was raised. What a farce!
Friday, December 08, 2006
EPL Week 16
(TT)vaches de chier
Dimitar Berbatov (@ARS, MID)
For Saha, Defoe, Bent, Keane, Camara. Belatedly starts scoring.
Phooey. Should've stuck with Saha and Angel.
Scores.
Kevin Doyle (BOL, @NUF)
For Angel. A literary revelation.
Scores as expected.
Couldn't sparkle.
Benni McCarthy (FUL, @CHA)
For Hulse. Good matchups.
Scores too.
Missed a sitter.
David Bentley (FUL, @CHA)
For Pedersen. In good form.
Can do better.
Very disappointing.
Andy Reid (@SHE, BLA)
For Barry. On form.
Goal.
Fizzled out.
Aaron Lennon (@ARS, MID)
For Gerrard. Can run riot.
What happened?
Slightly better.
Lee McCulloch (LIV, @WHU)
For Ronaldo, Malbranque. Will feed Camara and Heskey.
Unlucky.
Vast improvement, but still a damp squib.
Nicky Shorey (BOL, @NUF)
For Cahill. Good crosser.
Did well.
Well done.
Paul Scharner (LIV, @WHU)
Must shoot more often.
Good performance.
Comes good.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto (@ARS, MID)
For Chimbonda, Young, Baines. Speedy fullback.
Spurs suck.
Didn't play.
Chris Kirkland (LIV, @WHU)
For Reina, Friedel, Carson. Cheaper option.
If I'd gotten Friedel I'd have 23 more points.
Breaks even.
Total points: 114.0
Predicted points: 148.2
-------------
The Group of Death III
Well done all!
Week 16 has just passed.
Aaron (1381 pts) maintains 1st place with 114 pts, thanks to Andy Reid, Benni McCarthy and Kevin Doyle.
The gap is now 92 pts as Ben (1289 pts) strengthens 2nd place with the 3rd-highest score of 118 pts and is 36.5 pts ahead of Hsu, thanks to McCarthy, Brad Friedel and Kevin Doyle.
Hsu (1252.5 pts) remains 3rd place with the highest score of 124.5 pts, thanks to Reid, McCarthy and Friedel.
Jasmine (1214 pts) maintains 4th place with the 2nd-highest score of 121 pts, thanks to Reid, McCarthy and Doyle.
At the other end, Jeremy (985.5 pts) falls to 10th place with the lowest score of 18 pts, no thanks to Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Thierry Henry, Andriy Shevchenko, Michael Ballack, Wayne Rooney and Abdoulaye Meite.
See you next week!
Dimitar Berbatov (@ARS, MID)
For Saha, Defoe, Bent, Keane, Camara. Belatedly starts scoring.
Phooey. Should've stuck with Saha and Angel.
Scores.
Kevin Doyle (BOL, @NUF)
For Angel. A literary revelation.
Scores as expected.
Couldn't sparkle.
Benni McCarthy (FUL, @CHA)
For Hulse. Good matchups.
Scores too.
Missed a sitter.
David Bentley (FUL, @CHA)
For Pedersen. In good form.
Can do better.
Very disappointing.
Andy Reid (@SHE, BLA)
For Barry. On form.
Goal.
Fizzled out.
Aaron Lennon (@ARS, MID)
For Gerrard. Can run riot.
What happened?
Slightly better.
Lee McCulloch (LIV, @WHU)
For Ronaldo, Malbranque. Will feed Camara and Heskey.
Unlucky.
Vast improvement, but still a damp squib.
Nicky Shorey (BOL, @NUF)
For Cahill. Good crosser.
Did well.
Well done.
Paul Scharner (LIV, @WHU)
Must shoot more often.
Good performance.
Comes good.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto (@ARS, MID)
For Chimbonda, Young, Baines. Speedy fullback.
Spurs suck.
Didn't play.
Chris Kirkland (LIV, @WHU)
For Reina, Friedel, Carson. Cheaper option.
If I'd gotten Friedel I'd have 23 more points.
Breaks even.
Total points: 114.0
Predicted points: 148.2
-------------
The Group of Death III
Well done all!
Week 16 has just passed.
Aaron (1381 pts) maintains 1st place with 114 pts, thanks to Andy Reid, Benni McCarthy and Kevin Doyle.
The gap is now 92 pts as Ben (1289 pts) strengthens 2nd place with the 3rd-highest score of 118 pts and is 36.5 pts ahead of Hsu, thanks to McCarthy, Brad Friedel and Kevin Doyle.
Hsu (1252.5 pts) remains 3rd place with the highest score of 124.5 pts, thanks to Reid, McCarthy and Friedel.
Jasmine (1214 pts) maintains 4th place with the 2nd-highest score of 121 pts, thanks to Reid, McCarthy and Doyle.
At the other end, Jeremy (985.5 pts) falls to 10th place with the lowest score of 18 pts, no thanks to Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Thierry Henry, Andriy Shevchenko, Michael Ballack, Wayne Rooney and Abdoulaye Meite.
See you next week!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Group Endeavours in Service Learning: Expanding Your Horizons
It's finally over.
I say that not with relief, regret or resolution, but rather in thankful matter-of-fact way that something that occupied and dominated my thoughts so selfishly has been lifted off my shoulders. Pardon the faulty analogy.
We will be formally reflecting on our project as part of our project assessment, but here's mine in an honest repartee, bound not by political correctness nor diplomatic non-commitalisms. I doubt there's such a word.
First, the hunky-dory stuff.
This project was a labour of love in many ways. Pragmatically, it was so because I poured in so much of myself into this despite that GESL is a pass/fail module i.e. everyone gets the same grade. Whether you're the idealistic group leader musting gut to get everyone to adhere to deadlines or a baritone slacker hanging on to coattails, if your project's a success, you pass, period.
Meaning to say, if I as group leader had put in minimal effort in conceptualising a project that required minimal effort and expenditure but yet carried it out to completion, we'd still get the pass.
But that was never enough for me. I punished myself by expecting a lot from my team members and I. For example, we picked a really difficult charitable organisation to begin with. While other groups picked children's homes or orphanages with children, we really went for the cream of the crop.
We engaged a home that took in teenage girls of every possible social malaise you could think of. Drug abuse, stealing, teenage pregnancies, gangs, beyond parental control: you name it, they had it. Looking back, I can't believe we did not realise what we were getting ourselves into. Being the wide-eyed idealistic lot of student teachers that we were, we believed we could touch lives the way MOE recruitment posters said we could. These were 11 to 16-year-olds that had been hurt in ways we could never imagine, much less empathise with. Surely they can't be that bad, we reasoned. They're girls after all. Boys are the problem cases. They'll respond to us, we said, because we have the right intentions. We were in for a wake-up call.
I would like to mention at this point that we spent the better part of four months framing and putting the project together from scratch, with little experience in organising events on this big a scale. Moreover, we were a group of nineteen diverse strangers; the only thing we had in common was that we were teachers-to-be.
And so as team leader I stumbled upon another fact of life: there's one in every herd. Having more or less been volunteered to be communications representative and then team leader, I struggled with the mantle of responsibility that had been thrust upon me. I faced subordinates older and wiser than I, but yet looked to me for direction. I had a female colleague old enough to be my mother! And here I was, fresh from NS and the leader of this motley crew.
Initially the momentum just wasn't there. Meetings were painfully drawn out and the lack of chemistry and consensus was evident. It was right there that I became acutely aware that we weren't all the same. More than a handful of our group were not prepared to put in their fair share. Their actions or lack of them lent weight to my argument as the project ramped up to D-day. A lack of initiative, responsibility, common sense were some of the milder complaints. Looking back, I would've put this people in less important areas of responsibility or done without them altogether. The frustrating thing for those of us committed and 'sold' on the project was the presence of these makeweights and the knowledge that we would all get the same grade in the end.
As deadlines grew nearer and horizons became shorter, it became incresingly essential for people to keep their end of the bargain in their areas of responsibility. But they seemed to thrive on been harried and hurried into doing things. It took a heartfelt and desperate communique from me to stir them into a semblance of activity.
That said, there were some invaluable members of the community that were integral to the success of the project. Without these people, we'd have been dead and buried. They helped identify my blind spots, stepped in the gap voluntarily and uncomplainingly, and fulfilled their duties on time and on target. These are the people, I told myself, that I'm doing this for. Not the girls, not the grade, not myself, but for my comrades who were equally sold on this project and would give their all for it even if they got nothing in return. I salute them, and it is a source of pride to me that I'll be serving alongside these people in civil service. I'd bite your hand off if you gave me the opportunity to serve with them all over again.
To put it simply, they made my job easier. Sure it was still difficult, but these guys oiled the gears. I thank God for His wisdom in telling me to put these people in the key positions of finance, administration and liaison heads. I shudder to think what would have transpired if the laissez-faire had been in their place.
It became clear to me that the teething problems we had at the beginning were essential in ensuring that our project was got on track as soon as possible, instead of later when the inertia would be difficult to counter. Sure we got off to a slow start, but we made up ground towards the end.
The mark of good planning is that when the leader is not around, the programme still runs like clockwork.
On the actual days of the event, my contribution was minimal. But I'd like to think that it was because my planning and instructions were so robust and comprehensive that I was not actually needed on the day! It was also down to the competency and enthusiasm of the activity planners and facilitators.
Shame on those hangers-on. A little anecdote: at one of the adventure centre's general stations, one group had just succeeded in achieving their target. They were encouraged by an observer to lower their target even further. Sure they were tentative, so they looked around them for encouragement. Instead they were faced with the demoralising sight of their facilitator and station master staring disinterestedly and listlessly at them. So they decided to give up.
This sickens and disgusts me. How can we claim to be teachers if our excuse for not motivating and stretching the girls are "they don't want to", "they'll be too tired" and "it's too difficult". Sure we aren't paid much, but any simpleton can then step in our shoes and give the same excuses. Another example: The girls were to collect recyclable materials from around the Home to dress up a mascot. I realised one group hadn't moved. I asked the facilitator why they had not. She replied that her group did not want to. I replied that the onus was on her to lead her group to do so. She replied that I did not understand her group and that if they did not want to go, then she would not force them.
I have never heard of such balderdash. I'd like to see her teaching in her school where her principal asks her why her students have not been handing in homework and she replies that they did not want to and she would not force them. How can you claim to be a teacher and have this sickening, malingerent attitude of tidak-apa-ness? If this is the sort of teacher teaching my future children, I'm afraid I can't really look forward to my retirement. If the teacher won't take the trouble to teach my children, why would my children take the trouble to take care of me?
I find such attitudes and behaviour abhorrent and thoroughly disturbing. I really hope these people just quit, break their bond, and find a job where they wreck just their future and not my children's.
And just to rub it all in, because of my efforts, they're getting the same grade I do.
Scum of the earth aside, the girls of the Home were a totally different kettle of fish.
Mind you, some of these girls had stinking attitudes too. They yawned audibly when things moved slowly, had tardy time-keeping habits, cursed freely and creatively, whined and complained non-stop, refused to clean up, listened to music when we were talking, etc. Wait a minute, you must be thinking. You mnust be even more pissed at their atitude then! The truth is, I'm not.
My disappointment with my non-contributing colleagues far outweighs any resentment I have of the girls anti-social behaviour. The reason is simple: these girls have been through so much more than I could ever imagine. If they emerge from those experiences bitter, disengaged, disinterested, untrusting, angry juvenile delinquents, I don't blame them.
The youngest, an eleven-year-old, was just two when she was abandoned by her single mother. She has never known her mother nor father. How is she to trust you or reciprocate when you show her care and concern? Some of these girls have been hurt by someone they trust, like a parent or boyfriend. How can they learn to trust and love again? We shake our heads and their youthful folly, their numerous piercings and lesbian tendencies. But look at their lot in life. How can we begin to even compare our lives? To claim we understand? To say we love them no matter what they've done?
My experience with them showed me this: their hearts are truer then ours. They have been hurt so badly that all you see now is a protective and hostile facade they have put up to prevent their vulnerable heart from being pierced again. Occasionally they let you in. You see it in their smiles, their laughter, their puerile posturing, and you think, I WAS ONCE LIKE THAT. These girls were never given the opportunity to experience the parent's love that I did, nor the protective environment that comes with it. They were instead thrown naked on a cold, hard stage of society's judgment, the unrelenting spotlight exposing their sins and weaknesses for all to see.
I realised some of these girls were once like my sister, or cousin or niece. What happened? What have we done?
Could the apathy we showed them, even if only fleetingly, caused them to give up on society the way society gave up on them? I hate the feeling that our project, borne of good intention, could have driven these girls even further away with our thoughtless and selfish actions.
My heart bleeds when I say this, but I really wish I could put myself in their shoes, and convince them to keep on fighting and get their life back on track. And yet I see colleagues' attitudes undermining and derailing the very objectives we had set out to achieve in the first place. It still sickens me.
Only Someone can truly help these girls where Man has hurt them. I thank God they're at least they're in a Christian home. Through the servants' hearts and agape love shown, I hope they too can experience God's love.
To borrow a line from Jack Black in the School of Rock, I know I've touched them, and they have definitely touched me.
Note: Touched (adj.) - Emotionally affected; moved.
I say that not with relief, regret or resolution, but rather in thankful matter-of-fact way that something that occupied and dominated my thoughts so selfishly has been lifted off my shoulders. Pardon the faulty analogy.
We will be formally reflecting on our project as part of our project assessment, but here's mine in an honest repartee, bound not by political correctness nor diplomatic non-commitalisms. I doubt there's such a word.
First, the hunky-dory stuff.
This project was a labour of love in many ways. Pragmatically, it was so because I poured in so much of myself into this despite that GESL is a pass/fail module i.e. everyone gets the same grade. Whether you're the idealistic group leader musting gut to get everyone to adhere to deadlines or a baritone slacker hanging on to coattails, if your project's a success, you pass, period.
Meaning to say, if I as group leader had put in minimal effort in conceptualising a project that required minimal effort and expenditure but yet carried it out to completion, we'd still get the pass.
But that was never enough for me. I punished myself by expecting a lot from my team members and I. For example, we picked a really difficult charitable organisation to begin with. While other groups picked children's homes or orphanages with children, we really went for the cream of the crop.
We engaged a home that took in teenage girls of every possible social malaise you could think of. Drug abuse, stealing, teenage pregnancies, gangs, beyond parental control: you name it, they had it. Looking back, I can't believe we did not realise what we were getting ourselves into. Being the wide-eyed idealistic lot of student teachers that we were, we believed we could touch lives the way MOE recruitment posters said we could. These were 11 to 16-year-olds that had been hurt in ways we could never imagine, much less empathise with. Surely they can't be that bad, we reasoned. They're girls after all. Boys are the problem cases. They'll respond to us, we said, because we have the right intentions. We were in for a wake-up call.
I would like to mention at this point that we spent the better part of four months framing and putting the project together from scratch, with little experience in organising events on this big a scale. Moreover, we were a group of nineteen diverse strangers; the only thing we had in common was that we were teachers-to-be.
And so as team leader I stumbled upon another fact of life: there's one in every herd. Having more or less been volunteered to be communications representative and then team leader, I struggled with the mantle of responsibility that had been thrust upon me. I faced subordinates older and wiser than I, but yet looked to me for direction. I had a female colleague old enough to be my mother! And here I was, fresh from NS and the leader of this motley crew.
Initially the momentum just wasn't there. Meetings were painfully drawn out and the lack of chemistry and consensus was evident. It was right there that I became acutely aware that we weren't all the same. More than a handful of our group were not prepared to put in their fair share. Their actions or lack of them lent weight to my argument as the project ramped up to D-day. A lack of initiative, responsibility, common sense were some of the milder complaints. Looking back, I would've put this people in less important areas of responsibility or done without them altogether. The frustrating thing for those of us committed and 'sold' on the project was the presence of these makeweights and the knowledge that we would all get the same grade in the end.
As deadlines grew nearer and horizons became shorter, it became incresingly essential for people to keep their end of the bargain in their areas of responsibility. But they seemed to thrive on been harried and hurried into doing things. It took a heartfelt and desperate communique from me to stir them into a semblance of activity.
That said, there were some invaluable members of the community that were integral to the success of the project. Without these people, we'd have been dead and buried. They helped identify my blind spots, stepped in the gap voluntarily and uncomplainingly, and fulfilled their duties on time and on target. These are the people, I told myself, that I'm doing this for. Not the girls, not the grade, not myself, but for my comrades who were equally sold on this project and would give their all for it even if they got nothing in return. I salute them, and it is a source of pride to me that I'll be serving alongside these people in civil service. I'd bite your hand off if you gave me the opportunity to serve with them all over again.
To put it simply, they made my job easier. Sure it was still difficult, but these guys oiled the gears. I thank God for His wisdom in telling me to put these people in the key positions of finance, administration and liaison heads. I shudder to think what would have transpired if the laissez-faire had been in their place.
It became clear to me that the teething problems we had at the beginning were essential in ensuring that our project was got on track as soon as possible, instead of later when the inertia would be difficult to counter. Sure we got off to a slow start, but we made up ground towards the end.
The mark of good planning is that when the leader is not around, the programme still runs like clockwork.
On the actual days of the event, my contribution was minimal. But I'd like to think that it was because my planning and instructions were so robust and comprehensive that I was not actually needed on the day! It was also down to the competency and enthusiasm of the activity planners and facilitators.
Shame on those hangers-on. A little anecdote: at one of the adventure centre's general stations, one group had just succeeded in achieving their target. They were encouraged by an observer to lower their target even further. Sure they were tentative, so they looked around them for encouragement. Instead they were faced with the demoralising sight of their facilitator and station master staring disinterestedly and listlessly at them. So they decided to give up.
This sickens and disgusts me. How can we claim to be teachers if our excuse for not motivating and stretching the girls are "they don't want to", "they'll be too tired" and "it's too difficult". Sure we aren't paid much, but any simpleton can then step in our shoes and give the same excuses. Another example: The girls were to collect recyclable materials from around the Home to dress up a mascot. I realised one group hadn't moved. I asked the facilitator why they had not. She replied that her group did not want to. I replied that the onus was on her to lead her group to do so. She replied that I did not understand her group and that if they did not want to go, then she would not force them.
I have never heard of such balderdash. I'd like to see her teaching in her school where her principal asks her why her students have not been handing in homework and she replies that they did not want to and she would not force them. How can you claim to be a teacher and have this sickening, malingerent attitude of tidak-apa-ness? If this is the sort of teacher teaching my future children, I'm afraid I can't really look forward to my retirement. If the teacher won't take the trouble to teach my children, why would my children take the trouble to take care of me?
I find such attitudes and behaviour abhorrent and thoroughly disturbing. I really hope these people just quit, break their bond, and find a job where they wreck just their future and not my children's.
And just to rub it all in, because of my efforts, they're getting the same grade I do.
Scum of the earth aside, the girls of the Home were a totally different kettle of fish.
Mind you, some of these girls had stinking attitudes too. They yawned audibly when things moved slowly, had tardy time-keeping habits, cursed freely and creatively, whined and complained non-stop, refused to clean up, listened to music when we were talking, etc. Wait a minute, you must be thinking. You mnust be even more pissed at their atitude then! The truth is, I'm not.
My disappointment with my non-contributing colleagues far outweighs any resentment I have of the girls anti-social behaviour. The reason is simple: these girls have been through so much more than I could ever imagine. If they emerge from those experiences bitter, disengaged, disinterested, untrusting, angry juvenile delinquents, I don't blame them.
The youngest, an eleven-year-old, was just two when she was abandoned by her single mother. She has never known her mother nor father. How is she to trust you or reciprocate when you show her care and concern? Some of these girls have been hurt by someone they trust, like a parent or boyfriend. How can they learn to trust and love again? We shake our heads and their youthful folly, their numerous piercings and lesbian tendencies. But look at their lot in life. How can we begin to even compare our lives? To claim we understand? To say we love them no matter what they've done?
My experience with them showed me this: their hearts are truer then ours. They have been hurt so badly that all you see now is a protective and hostile facade they have put up to prevent their vulnerable heart from being pierced again. Occasionally they let you in. You see it in their smiles, their laughter, their puerile posturing, and you think, I WAS ONCE LIKE THAT. These girls were never given the opportunity to experience the parent's love that I did, nor the protective environment that comes with it. They were instead thrown naked on a cold, hard stage of society's judgment, the unrelenting spotlight exposing their sins and weaknesses for all to see.
I realised some of these girls were once like my sister, or cousin or niece. What happened? What have we done?
Could the apathy we showed them, even if only fleetingly, caused them to give up on society the way society gave up on them? I hate the feeling that our project, borne of good intention, could have driven these girls even further away with our thoughtless and selfish actions.
My heart bleeds when I say this, but I really wish I could put myself in their shoes, and convince them to keep on fighting and get their life back on track. And yet I see colleagues' attitudes undermining and derailing the very objectives we had set out to achieve in the first place. It still sickens me.
Only Someone can truly help these girls where Man has hurt them. I thank God they're at least they're in a Christian home. Through the servants' hearts and agape love shown, I hope they too can experience God's love.
To borrow a line from Jack Black in the School of Rock, I know I've touched them, and they have definitely touched me.
Note: Touched (adj.) - Emotionally affected; moved.
Quotable Quotes IV
If you can't be a good example, then at least be a horrible warning. - Catherine Aird
Thirty-five is when you get your head together and your body starts falling apart. - Caryn Leschen
Behind every successful man is a surprised woman. - Maryon Pearson
I never married because there was no need. I have three pets at home who answer the same purpose as a husband. I have a dog that growls every morning, a parrot that swears all afternoon, and a cat that comes home late every night. - Marie Corelli
Thirty-five is when you get your head together and your body starts falling apart. - Caryn Leschen
Behind every successful man is a surprised woman. - Maryon Pearson
I never married because there was no need. I have three pets at home who answer the same purpose as a husband. I have a dog that growls every morning, a parrot that swears all afternoon, and a cat that comes home late every night. - Marie Corelli
Friday, December 01, 2006
Driving
I had my first private manual driving lesson the other day and I must admit I didn't know how fun yet difficult it would be. The thrill of driving even at 40kn/h is unspeakable. However, the accelerator remains so sensitive that just a tad too hard and the engine speed just zooms up. Si chia twice some more.
EPL Week 15
(TT)vaches de chier
Louis Saha (CHE, EVE)
Has a chance to make amends.
Could've had more than just one.
Injured.
Juan Pablo Angel (MID, MAC)
For Henry. Cheap option. Henry injured.
Disappointing.
Very disappointing.
Rob Hulse (@WHU, @WAT)
For Shevchenko, Agbonlahor. Quietly impressive.
Impressively quiet.
Useless.
Michael Ballack (@MAN, @BOL)
Too cheap to sell.
Too good for nothing.
Comes good eventually.
Gareth Barry (MID, MAC)
For Fabregas, Petrov, Garcia. Villa penalty-taker.
And scores with a penalty.
Decent performance.
Steven Gerrard (MAC, POR)
For Sean Davis. Restored to central midfield.
Stuffs a goal down Benitez's throat.
Unlucky.
Cristiano Ronaldo (CHE, EVE)
For Sidwell. Must impose himself.
Unlucky.
Stunning in attack.
Gary Cahill (MID, MAC)
For Thatcher, Riise, Bouma, Trabelsi, Mellberg. Started in Villa's last two clean sheets.
Villa could've gotten a shut-out.
Not good enough.
Paul Scharner (@TOT)
Due a goal.
Almost fogged out.
Philippe Senderos (@BOL, @FUL)
For Shorey. Replaces Gallas.
Needs time.
... to get sent off.
Juan Manuel Reina (MAC, POR)
For Cudicini. Two clean sheets.
Good start.
Low on points though
Total points: 118.5
Predicted points: 131.8
-----------
The Group of Death III
Well done all!
Week 15 has just passed.
Aaron (1265 pts) maintains 1st place with 118.5 pts, thanks to Gareth Barry, Steven Gerrard and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The gap is now 94 pts as Ben (1171 pts) strengthens 2nd place with the 2nd-highest score of 133 pts and is 43 pts ahead of Hsu, thanks to Barry, Gerrard and Jon Arne Riise.
Hsu (1128 pts) remains 3rd place with the 3rd-highest score of 129.5 pts, thanks to Gerrard, Riise and Jose Manuel Reina.
Jasmine (1093 pts) gets 4th place with the highest score of 135 pts, thanks to Ronaldo, Riise and Reina.
At the other end, Irwan (855 pts) remains entrenched in 14st place with the lowest score of 45 pts, no thanks to Kolo Toure, Damien Duff, Paul Scholes, David Bentley and Khalid Boulahrouz.
See you next week!
Louis Saha (CHE, EVE)
Has a chance to make amends.
Could've had more than just one.
Injured.
Juan Pablo Angel (MID, MAC)
For Henry. Cheap option. Henry injured.
Disappointing.
Very disappointing.
Rob Hulse (@WHU, @WAT)
For Shevchenko, Agbonlahor. Quietly impressive.
Impressively quiet.
Useless.
Michael Ballack (@MAN, @BOL)
Too cheap to sell.
Too good for nothing.
Comes good eventually.
Gareth Barry (MID, MAC)
For Fabregas, Petrov, Garcia. Villa penalty-taker.
And scores with a penalty.
Decent performance.
Steven Gerrard (MAC, POR)
For Sean Davis. Restored to central midfield.
Stuffs a goal down Benitez's throat.
Unlucky.
Cristiano Ronaldo (CHE, EVE)
For Sidwell. Must impose himself.
Unlucky.
Stunning in attack.
Gary Cahill (MID, MAC)
For Thatcher, Riise, Bouma, Trabelsi, Mellberg. Started in Villa's last two clean sheets.
Villa could've gotten a shut-out.
Not good enough.
Paul Scharner (@TOT)
Due a goal.
Almost fogged out.
Philippe Senderos (@BOL, @FUL)
For Shorey. Replaces Gallas.
Needs time.
... to get sent off.
Juan Manuel Reina (MAC, POR)
For Cudicini. Two clean sheets.
Good start.
Low on points though
Total points: 118.5
Predicted points: 131.8
-----------
The Group of Death III
Well done all!
Week 15 has just passed.
Aaron (1265 pts) maintains 1st place with 118.5 pts, thanks to Gareth Barry, Steven Gerrard and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The gap is now 94 pts as Ben (1171 pts) strengthens 2nd place with the 2nd-highest score of 133 pts and is 43 pts ahead of Hsu, thanks to Barry, Gerrard and Jon Arne Riise.
Hsu (1128 pts) remains 3rd place with the 3rd-highest score of 129.5 pts, thanks to Gerrard, Riise and Jose Manuel Reina.
Jasmine (1093 pts) gets 4th place with the highest score of 135 pts, thanks to Ronaldo, Riise and Reina.
At the other end, Irwan (855 pts) remains entrenched in 14st place with the lowest score of 45 pts, no thanks to Kolo Toure, Damien Duff, Paul Scholes, David Bentley and Khalid Boulahrouz.
See you next week!
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