Followers

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Diego Maradona

Posted on November 21, 2008Filed Under Weekend Question

The Postman’s Question of the Weekend: Do you think Maradona can also “do a Capello” with an Argentina team that has often promised so much more, but failed in the end?

For someone who is revel as ‘God’ in his own country, and one who had such enormous aura, Diego Maradona will not miss the chance to build on his legend by taking on the Argentina job. Maybe he wanted to ensure that he is the greatest footballer, greater than Pele who is never a coach for his country.The players would feel that they are playing for ‘God’ everytime he is around and this can generate a very positive effect and boost as the Argentine team was on a decline. Maradona’s past misdeeds are all forgotten until the day he implodes again, which he is very capable of. The honeymoon period has only begun and Argentina seemed to found its saviour. However, Maradona can undo everything, given his unpredictable behaviours and flaw in character if things do not play out accordingly on the field. Maradona is Maradona… leopard doesn’t change their spots.

Rewarding Athletes

Posted on November 18, 2008Filed Under Question of the Week

The Postman’s Question of the Week: Should Singapore’s world champions be rewarded financially in the same way as winners in major Games (like Olympics, Asian, Commonwealth, SEA Games), and why?

YES! A world champion should be similarly and equally financially rewarded like an winning Olympian or an Asian Champion. They put in the same effort, time and sacrifices in order to reach the pinnacle of their sport and in a small country like ours, they are not many such gems whom we can boast and be proud of.At this moment the existing tiers in the rewards system are clear : Olympics, Asian and SE Asian. If we are going to reward the champions who do not fall into such categories, then it is time for the NSAs to scrutinise and list down the world championship events which their athletes will be taking part and co-relate them with the existing structure. This would reduce the argument on the extent of the rewards.Another way is to classify the tournaments according to World or Regional championships.

Published in New paper on Friday 21 Nov 2008

Manager Hypocrites

Posted on November 14, 2008Filed Under Weekend Question

The Postman’s Question of the Week: Do you think Alex Ferguon and Joe Kinnear are hypocritical, by dishing out criticism without being able to take it, and why?

Sir Alex Ferguson, Joe Kinnear. Moyes etc are British bull-dog managers who blast off what their piece from their heart. They held nothing back and usually they did it without the rose tinted glasses. No doubt, they will be punished by the FA, trample by the media who love a good story from these colourful characters. Behind these facades, the managers have very good reasons for being such a character. Usually it is for the ‘protection’ of the players and team as the bullets are deflected towards the manager. When it comes to the ‘ref’, they are just oralising loudly that he is ‘kayu’/weak/moron. Until and unless there is a line of communication between the manager and the referee, such ‘injustices’ on the field would continue to be heard on the touchline and you cannot accuse them of being hypocritical. How far should the ref continues to test and stretch the threshold of another human being who are simply passionate about their work which can be destroyed just by a stroke of decision/indecision on the field, esp when it is absolutely hideous?

Fitting Torres, Gerrard, Keane Nov 11

The Postman’s Question of the Week: How would you fit Gerrard, Torres and Keane in the Liverpool side, if you are Rafa Benitez ?

When there is no injury problem and Fernando Torres is fit, fitting Keane in the Liverpool team is like fitting a square peg into a round hole. He is a surplus and should be used as an impact substitute even though the Reds had paid a king ransom for his services. Alberto Reina, since he came in, fits nicely into the left side. Also, Dirk Kuyt industrious workrate must not be sacrifice at all. In the midfield, Gerrard revelled in his central supporting role and with Mascherano as the defensive enforcer, there is only one place left. This should go to Xabi Alonso as he is the second brain. Alternatively this place can go to Benayoun. Robbie Keane is essentially a clever foil for a bustling striker and at this moment, Rafa Benitez doesn’t employ such a tactic of a pair of tandem strikers.Thus he should be used as an impact sub for Kuyt to support Torres in the later stage of the game or when the team is clueless..

Arsenal vs Man Utd Nov 4

Posted on November 4, 2008Filed Under Question of the Week

The Postman’s Question of the Week: Who will win this Saturday’s big match and why?



Arsene Wenger’s policy of sticking with his young, self groomed Gunners seemed to have backfire in recent week. They were told that they ‘lacked spine’ and even Cesc Fabregas has cast doubts on the chances of Arsenal winning the EPL. They are only lacking spine but also jelly soft and when they meet teams like Stoke City, they folded under hard tackles. as a result, they suffered many injuries. The lack of depth in the squad is now exposed. Arsene Wenger may field his team B which did well in the Carling Cup. With a team which is still wet behind their ears, it is hard to predict what they can do. There is also the European factor to consider. If they do well against Fenerbahce, it will give them the lift on Saturday or else…. However, meeting a battle hardened team with a strong spine like Man Utd now is not a game which they they wish for. With such vulnerability and uncertainty, the Gunners will turned out to be Goners this round.

Arsenal vs Man Utd Nov 4

Posted on November 4, 2008Filed Under Question of the Week

The Postman’s Question of the Week: Who will win this Saturday’s big match and why?

Arsene Wenger’s policy of sticking with his young, self groomed Gunners seemed to have backfire in recent week. They were told that they ‘lacked spine’ and even Cesc Fabregas has cast doubts on the chances of Arsenal winning the EPL. They are only lacking spine but also jelly soft and when they meet teams like Stoke City, they folded under hard tackles. as a result, they suffered many injuries. The lack of depth in the squad is now exposed. Arsene Wenger may field his team B which did well in the Carling Cup. With a team which is still wet behind their ears, it is hard to predict what they can do. There is also the European factor to consider. If they do well against Fenerbahce, it will give them the lift on Saturday or else…. However, meeting a battle hardened team with a strong spine like Man Utd now is not a game which they they wish for. With such vulnerability and uncertainty, the Gunners will turned out to be Goners this round.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Who is a better manager - Scolari or Benitez, and why?

The Postman’s Question of the Weekend: Who is a better manager - Scolari or Benitez, and why?

24 October 2008

When Sir Alex announced his wish to retire some time ago, I thought Big Phil would be the ideal candidate to fill in those big shoes. Eevn now, I believed that Scolari can do that.In taking over Chelsea, he was stepping on an army of killer ants. Any false move, they would swamp and devour the victim. The King ant, Mr Roman Abramovich demanded entertaining and winning football and mercilessly got rid of two managers, no matters what they have achieved. So taking on the post is like putting one’s head on the ant’s nest and be ready for the demise. So far, Big Phil had kept the owner quietly happy.
Next, the players who pinned for their former manager and had held onto their big egos. Managing this bunch and making them play as a team again without wholesale changes is a magnificient feat.
On the Red side, Rafa Benitez took years to get it right simply because he tried to show his tactical acumen with his rotation policy. Only recently he corrected himself by admitting that he should not have done that. When it comes down to making quick effective tactical cahnges in the midst of the game, Rafa was found wanting in many occasions. He had splashed millions on duds while Big Phil has been spending wisely so far.
So : Big Phil wins on points, so far.

Who is a better manager - Scolari or Benitez, and why?

The Postman’s Question of the Weekend: Who is a better manager - Scolari or Benitez, and why?

24 october 2008

Mirror mirror on the wall
Who is better of them all
Scolari or Benitez
Let’s put them to the test
Whip them all to winning play
Going up all the way
Rafa takes years Felipe takes months
To keep the ego players on the mum
Changing tactics on the quick
Is Felipe’s nice little trick
Rotation is always in Rafa’s mind
Making team to step on mines
Felipe got instant respect
Rafa got to win a peck
While Felipe is in control
Rafa, at times, seemed to be in a hole
Rafa has European credentials
Have yet to achieve full potentials
Only Felipe got the World Cup dream
Gunning for the Champions dream
It is not hard to choose
Felipe is the leading goose
Rafa is not so far
Just to reach par.

Chelsea / Liverpool

The Postman’s Question of the Weekend: Which of the two clubs – Chelsea or Liverpool – will lose a game in the Premiership first, and why?

October 17 2008

In the beginning of the season, Sir Alex Ferguson described Chelsea as an experienced team. He could mean to say that this Chelsea team had reached its peak in performance and results in the EPL ie reached the plateau, no way to improve anymore. It could also meant that they will be a team who knows what to do in different circumstances given the length of time the players have been together, an old ginger-force to reckonI believed it is the latter.Liverpool depends too much on Gerrard and Torres to carry them through. From the past few games which they played, they have to squeeze their last drop of effort in the last quarter to triumph. It may be seen as preserverance, never say die effort, blah blah blah. However, it hid a worrying weakness in their defensive play.Chelsea is a more balanced side with players fitting in easily according to various tactical formations which Scolari devised. Their defence has the solid and steady look. Their midfield is more fluid.From this perspective, I would say that Liverpool will blink first. They cannot be this lucky all the time!

England vs Belarus

The Postman’s Question of the Weekend: Now that you’ve seen England beat Kazakhstan, play football analyst and tell us what England can do better in their next game against the more tricky Belarus, or if they can be shocked.

Oct 12 2008

In Grp 6, England and Croatia are considered the favourites with Ukraine, the dark horse. England, in beating Croatia 4-1 at Zagreb could have done the hardest part of the work in qualifying. Now, the momentum continued, though they really laboured to a 5-1 win over Kazakhstan who is ranked in the same band as Singapore!The Three Lions should be wary of Balarus as they are treading on unknown ground in Minsk. The Gerrard-Lampard midfield did impress at times but not great. They should continue to have the liberty to drive forward. However, it is the wing play which could unravel the tightest of massed defence. Shuan Wright-Philips and Theo Walcott should retain their places as they have the speed and confidence now to support the scoring Wayne Rooney.At this monet, England lacked a player-maker who can turn the game with some moments of brilliance. They just have to preservere with the Gerrard-Lampard combi.However, it should be an all-attacking suicidal formation. Gareth Barry should be retained as a holding midfield in front of the back four which should improve on the return of JT for Upson. Belarus, playing at home, may not be playing a defensive game.Let the momentum continues….for the 3 Lions

F1 Improvement

Do you think the various activities in the lead-up to Sunday’s race have helped to create a buzz among Singaporeans? What can we improve on for next year’s race?

Sept 26 2008

In the heartlands, there is hardly a murmur about F1. It is generally considered as a sport for the rich and powerful, just like polo. The organiser rightly targeted on the visitors and interested people, the group which followed the F1 races yearly, for their commercial and business reasons. The price of ticket, though fair, put off many Singaporeans who have yet to want to pay a premium for a premium show like F1. Many would want to go back to the days when they could squat along the tracks like Upper Thomson and watch speed demons zip. They may not want to see that F1 is a multi-million industry now and thus is a different ball game.Do we really want to create a buzz in all Singaporeans? I think we need not at this moment. We need to build up the momentum in a couple of years, starting with the schools. Why can’t the organisers allocate places for our tiertiary or upper secondary students to attend thwe practice sessions on Friday? I believe that those are not the highlights of F1. The Saturday qualifying and Sunday’s races are the highlights. So let’s start with the young ones and the fever will spread eventually.

Tottenham Coldspur

The Postman’s Question of the Weekend: How long do you think Spurs will take to get out of their current bad form, and will they?

Sept 19 2006

When you start on a new rojak recipe, expect unexpected outcome. This is what happened to the tottering Hotspurs.There are so many new players from different places and you expect them to play to a common system? Wait lah! Just like it takes time for the rojak sauce to seep into the ingredients. Juande Ramos is not a rookie. He was tried and tested before he landed in the EPL. This rojak mixer will get it right by mid season, the next transfer window. His special ingredient in the forward line is still missing as Spurs is now coping with the loss of Keane and Berbatov, the two ingedients that spiced up Spurs last season

Should Juande Ramos be sacked for Spurs’ poor showing

The Postman’s Question of the Week: Should Juande Ramos be sacked for Spurs’ poor showing, and why?

Oct 21 2008

When one is rock bottom, it is easy to find the target and squash it, hoping to solve the problem. It takes a brave chairman to stick to the idea on why Juande Ramos was chosen to be the coach of Spurs in the first place and not to seek desperate measures. Man Utd stuck to Sir Alex and they were fully rewarded for it thousand folds.I believed that David Levy will not have the patience to endure further humiliation manifested from his own doings and decisions. There were so many decisions which was not Ramos’s as his hands were tied. The most important one was in the purchase and sale of players. The Chairman’s decision to make Man Utd paid above the premium for Berbatov and thus dragged the episode for such a while, made it impossible for the purchase of a reliable forward, This is the weakest point in Spur’s play. No bite, no goal, no wins and then no confidence. It is an epidemic spread which could be arrested if Ramos is allowed to do his job. Stay with him, Spurs.

What is the best strike combination for England

The Postman’s Question of the Week: What is the best strike combination for England, and why?
Oct 14 2008

Wayne Rooney is an ‘untouchable’As a striker in the England stable.He is hungry, he is meanWith a lion’s trim.As he prowls around like an 3-Lion oxNever like to stay as a penalty area foxWho then to play with him?Who then to feed him?Owen, Heskey, Crouch, Defoe or WalcottWhat a puzzling thought.Owen is not fitCrouch is of a different fit.Defoe plays a similar gameWalcott is left to the wing.Heskey looks most likelyHe is strong tank mainly.He can shield, he can hold,Just like the centre forward of old.A bull and an oxA perfect combination for the job.

Fernando Torres is currently the best striker?

The Postman’s Question of the Week: Do you think Fernando Torres is currently the best striker in the world, best on technique and form, and why?

Oct 7 2008

Of course Rafa Benitez would proclaim that he has the best apples in his orchard as it was that far that he could see. The mantle of being the Best Striker in the world is very heavy to carry and Torres, at this moment is the prince-in-waiting. Comparing him with Messi, who I think is KING at this moment, one would see the difference. Leo not only score, he creates goals for his teammates as well. Technically, he has much closer ball control than Torres. In dribbling skills and in making a fool of your defending opponents, Leo beats Torres feet down. Whenever he has the ball, one gets the sensation that Leo will do something with it, something exciting and unpredictable unlike Torres who is one dimensional.Mind you, I am only comparing Torres with one player….in line there are Ronaldo, Kaka, Ibrahimovic, etc. Thus how can Rafa claimed that Torres is the BEST, the King? At most, he is second in line to the throne!

Other than the Big Four clubs

The Postman’s Question of the Week: Other than the Big Four clubs, which club has impressed you so far this season?

Sept 30 2008

It got to be Hull City. The Premier league newbie Tigers seemed to have adapted to the pace of the Premier league after suffering a reversal of a 5-0 thrashing by Wigan in their 3rd match. With two away wins against Newcastle and the mighty mighty Arsenal at Emirates, it showed that the aggressive Tigers are not toothless. Even Arsene Wenger admitted that his Gunners were truly beaten last week. So far they have scored in every game except that against Wigan. From now onwards, it is wise for all Premier clubs not to underestimate Phil Brown’s unheralded and gung-ho team, starting with the ‘top 5′ (sic) team of Tottenham Hotspurs next week.

Other than the Big Four clubs

The Postman’s Question of the Week: Other than the Big Four clubs, which club has impressed you so far this season?

Sept 30 2008

It got to be Hull City. The Premier league newbie Tigers seemed to have adapted to the pace of the Premier league after suffering a reversal of a 5-0 thrashing by Wigan in their 3rd match. With two away wins against Newcastle and the mighty mighty Arsenal at Emirates, it showed that the aggressive Tigers are not toothless. Even Arsene Wenger admitted that his Gunners were truly beaten last week. So far they have scored in every game except that against Wigan. From now onwards, it is wise for all Premier clubs not to underestimate Phil Brown’s unheralded and gung-ho team, starting with the ‘top 5′ (sic) team of Tottenham Hotspurs next week.

Man United’s poor start to the season

The Postman’s Question of the Week: What do you think is the main reason behind Man United’s poor start to the season, and what do you think should be done to solve it?

Sept 16 2008
The story of last season :RISE and RISE of Man Utd in 2008Executive Director : FergusonProducer : Carlos QuirozMain actor : C RonaldoSupporting Cast : Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, Edwin Van Dar Sar, N Vidic and Rio FerdinandBit cast : Giggs, Scholes, Anderson, EvraCalefare : Owen Hargreaves, Nani, Carrick
Slump of Man Utd 2009, so farSo far, the main actor is missing from the cast. So far, the Red Devils depended on a bit players to score ie Fletecher and TevezSo far, D Berbatov, the newly acquired co-actor had not read the full scriptSo far, the main actor is still on MCSo far, the calefare remained calefare. No one rose to the occasion to be the main actorSo far, the director is mourning the loss of the producer.
The above summed up why the Red Devils are on a slump, so far.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Update on Pang Sua Canal

Sunrise at Pang Sua Canal, Yew Tee





The wooded area around was dug up in May 2008. The digging continued and it was noticed that two big depression was formed. They could finally be filled with water to form two big ponds.


The morning tranquilty of the footpath along Pang Sua Canal leading to Kranji Dam Reservior. The surrounding mist cools the surrounding, a surreal feeling when you walk along the path, alone.

Pang Sua Canal, Yew Tee Estate in 2007


Path leading to Kranji Reservior : Kranji Camp on left, Sungei Kadut Industrial Estate on right

Kranji Camp on right

At the end of the path, we can see the Kranji Reservior, the BBC Station on the other side

BBC Station on the other side

Path on Kranji Camp side leading to Kranji Reservior

Nice path leading to Kranji Reservior

View of the mouth of the canal into Kranji Reservior

Right shows the other end of a path parallel to the Sungei Kadut factories

Another view of Kranji Reservior with the BBC Microwave Station in the backgrround

Fishing in the waters of the canal, mostly Tioman or Snake heads thrive in the canal

Sloped banks at the side of path leading back to estate

Glorious sunset Kranji Reservior

Peaceful greens around the reservior

Direction of path shows it leading back to the estate, nearly 2.5 km distance

Update : Pang Sua Canal. Yew Tee 2013


Pang Sua Canal from Yew Tee estate, Sungei Kadut factories on the other side

Serene slow moving waters of Pang Sua Canal


Reflections shows the calm waters of Pang Sua Canal




Notice the speck in the sky? The sea eagles have made their abode in the large trees around the Canal. They are usually active in the early morning or late afternoons. You can watch them catching their preys in the waters if  you are patient.



Three photos showed dark skies in the background which is the Mandai area. The sea eagles built their nests on top of those large Ibiza trees.

Spectacular doomsday view of an impending thunderstorm at Pang Sua Canal




The calm waters reflected the views of the large trees lining the Canal. These are the trees where the sea eagles made their nests.
The trees also shaded the Malayan Railway track.


Friday, August 29, 2008

Liverpool's Early form 2008

The Postman’s Question of the Weekend:
Why do you think Liverpool’s performances so far has been less than impressive, despite the results?

30 August 2008

Like an army, Liverpool seemed to have a good general (Rafa Benitez), military budget ($$$ to spend on players), great captain on the field (Stevie G) and great guns in front (Torres, Keane, Babel) and yet they struggled. In the past, it could be finger pointed at Benitez’s squad tinkering policy. Now, I felt that the RED lIVERPULLIAN heart is missing in many players. one which bleeds red blood whenever they put on that red jersey. They felt vulnerable and uncertain instead of feeling that they are an all-conquering RED ARMY, that is above it all with a subtle lthreatening message - THIS IS ANFIELD. Not many clubs are afraid of them. Clubs ranked below them knew that, so they do not look for a stalemate at Anfield. Clubs ranked above them felt superior even before tha battle begun.Jose Mourinho may be the one who could shake them up and bring glory back to Liverpool!

ABU vs NBU

Calling all ABUs (Anything But Man United fans) and NBUs (Nothing But United fans)
John Molina, lead singer of Krueger, which performs at Thumper, is a Liverpool fan who, more than hoping his team will win the Premiership, does not want Manchester United to win it. Rod Monteiro, DJ of Radio 91.3, believes his Manchester United will make it three in a row.

27 August 2008

Have John Molina watched how Chelsea struggled against WIGAN in the second match?? He forgot to mention that game. The Blues are supposed to be all-conquering, playing attractive football with the expensive players they had…what happened? It is always the case that the Red devils starts slow and before you know they are ahead of all pretenders, Chelsea and Liverpool included. John would have to wait long long before Rafeal Benitez got it right at the rarte that they are playing. Even their Champions League qualification is at risk this moment at the hands of Belgium’s Standard Liege.Please don’t clutch on straws!

Monday, August 25, 2008

EPL 2nd Week

After the weekend’s games shown, tell us what you think of the teams or players who left you with a high.

25 August 2008

What is going on in White Hart Lane?? The team played without any sort of formation as the players have no clue on what is to be done ie stick the bloody ball into the net!!. If this is the way to go, forget about top 5 you Cockerels. Ramos have a lot to do.Shocker of the week : Stoke City. After being thrashed by Bolton in their debut, they stole the win against the highly rated Aston Villa who thrashed Man City in the first week. The latter woke up to thrash West Ham…what a circus!!! This showed the unpredictability of the EPL, at least in the first few weeks where the pretenders rise to the top for some fresh air.Chelsea?? Well, they will continue to grind out results like 1-0 over Wigan. Last week, they had the Pompeys for supper as the latter was still on holidays.

EPL 2nd Week

After the weekend’s games shown, tell us what you think of the teams or players who left you with a high.



25 August 2008



What is going on in White Hart Lane?? The team played without any sort of formation as the players have no clue on what is to be done ie stick the bloody ball into the net!!. If this is the way to go, forget about top 5 you Cockerels. Ramos have a lot to do.Shocker of the week : Stoke City. After being thrashed by Bolton in their debut, they stole the win against the highly rated Aston Villa who thrashed Man City in the first week. The latter woke up to thrash West Ham…what a circus!!! This showed the unpredictability of the EPL, at least in the first few weeks where the pretenders rise to the top for some fresh air.Chelsea?? Well, they will continue to grind out results like 1-0 over Wigan. Last week, they had the Pompeys for supper as the latter was still on holidays.

EPL newbie

The Postman’s Question of the Week: Which of these new EPL recruits impressed you the most, and why?
19 August 2008

It got to be DECO. Not someone who is all wet behind his ears but what a performance he gave in his first EPL game for Chelsea. He slotted seamlessly into the midfield as though he was there since Jose Mourinho’s time. He showed that he could stand up to the hurly burly play expected in EPL games. He even showed his studs to Lassana Diara. Of course, he ended the day by scoring Chelsea’s fourth goal to round off an extremely satisfying debut.

England's Captain

The Postman’s Question of the Weekend:
Do you think John Terry should remain as England’s captain, or are there other worthy skippers in the team, and why?

August 23rd 2008

It not difficult to see that it was a close call between John Terry and Rio Ferdinand for England’ s captaincy. J T is captain of Chelsea and it is only time that Rio will take over Gary Neville or Ryan Giggs at Man Utd. However, it seemed that Fabio Capello is not making wholesome sweep which he could have done. He is still relying on the same group of players who failed miserably under Steve McClaren. Much as both JT and RF or even Stevie G are much respected figures, the captaincy should have been conferred to a younger player with potential and who would be one of the regulars. I am talking about Wayne Rooney.Rooney may be temperamental but you can see that he is a team player, someone who will bring out the buzz in the team when they are down, by his all action display in the field. He is one who you would want to be with in the heat of a battle.Fabio Capello should make that momentous decision and not stick to the tried and tested to be safe.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Postman Question on 080808

The Postman’s Question of the Weekend: Do you think players should be allowed to compete in a tournament such as the Olympics, or do clubs have the right to play their stars, whose wages they pay? 8 August 2008

The club vs conutry issue is not new. That is why Fifa had drew up a calendar which sanctioned international competitions in which the clubs must release the players. Olmypics is not one of them.The clubs have every right to claim ‘possession’ of the players as they pay the dough. They have to answer to the stakeholders ie the owners and the fans. However, they should have a much wider view and understanding of the player, the very person which they valued so highly, that he placed playing for his country is a greatest honour which money cannot buy especially in competitions like the Olympics which has no monetary value. The club must realise that such players could translate this value to the club personally ie being loyal and remember your roots. The clubs should see it as a win-win situation in that way rather than focussing on who needs the player more, club or country.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Postman’s Question of the Week 5 August

The Postman’s Question of the Week: Do you think Team Singapore will be able to bring back an Olympic medal, and if so, what colour would the medal be and why?

Of all the Singapore’s NSA, Singapore Sailing has the most comprehensive developmental plans for their sailors. Their short and long term goals were clear. The infrastructure is there, the coaches are qualified and motivating. Moreover, the present crop of sailors have been through numerous trainings and competitions around the world. There seemed to be an endless stream of new sailing talents and there is little need for foreign talents. Now, at Qingdao, China, is their time to reap the rewards.Forget about the lady paddlers. China and S Korea will sweep it all.Badminton, Shooting, Atheltics? Not this time. Swimming?The swimmers seemed to be only interested in bettering their personal best.With some wind luck, our sailors could be the first athletes to bring back an Olympic gold.

Published in New Paper on 8 Aug 2008

Friday, August 1, 2008

ASIANS are simply not good enough for the English game.

Posted on August 1, 2008Filed Under Weekend Question
ASIANS are simply not good enough for the English game.
So says Peter Kenyon, chief executive of England’s Chelsea Football Club.
And looking at the number of Asian stars who are flourishing in the Premiership, it seems like the Blues supremo’s declaration may hold some truth after all, however controversial it may seem.
The Postman’s Weekend Question:
Do Asian players have what it takes to succeed in the rough and tumble of the English Premiership?

Very few Asians made it to the European leagues and there won’t be many in the future. The odd successes like Park Ji Sung, Nakamura, Nakata were the only gems from Asia. Why?First, the physique. Asians playing Asians, no problem. Asians against Europeans or South American, BIG problem. Skills alone would not get you out of the crunch situations.Second, the mentality. In Europe or S America, footballers are born to eat, sleep and play football from a very young age. In Asia, there is still the niggling doubt that football will provide food on the table.Third, infrastructure. In the football academies of Englsnd, Holland, Spain, the boys are taught proper skills and attitude from young. The clubs prided themselves for nurturing their own players. In Asia, only Japan or S Korea have such established infrastructures.With all these factors stacked against Asians, no wonder few of our players make it to the European leagues.

Published in New paper on 3 Aug/4 Aug

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Do Man Utd need to sign another striker?

Posted on July 29, 2008Filed Under Question of the Week

The Postman’s Question of the Week: Do Manchester United need to sign another striker, and why?

Sir Alex Ferguson will surely continue to stick to his 4-5-1 formation next season. So far there aren’t any in the Utd team who can claim sole possession of the target man position. It had been rotated during matches between Rooney, Tevez, Ronaldo and sometimes Saha. Sir Alex would have noted this flaw as it was C Ronaldo, a winger, who carried Utd through in majority of the games. He is not the 20-goal guarantee striker that Utd desired. That is why Sir Alex was so keen on Berbatov, someone with the ability to shield the ball, to hold up play and to finish off the great crosses from the able and productive wingers like Giggs, Ronaldo, Nani or from wing backs like Patrice Evra and Gary Neville. This is the hallmark of every Man Utd team ie winger touchline run, crosses and an emphatic finish from the centre forward, the one missing link in the Utd team at this present moment. The ones who excelled during pre season like Frazier Campbell, Chris Eagle, etc are still raw. Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez are more suited to be the ‘hole man’. That is why Utd needs an experienced centre forward to partner them. They cannot afford to wait.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Alexandra Road flats

Once again, in the 70s, we wee asked to move out of Bukit Ho Swee as they would be demolishing the one-room flats there. We were asked to look around for rental flats nearby and I chanced upon one at Alexandra Road, just across the Delta Sports Complex : 82 Alexandra Road

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Birkhall Road School memories


My Birkhall Road School's classroom taken in 1964 when we were in Primary 5. I was seated third from end of the row nearest to door.


Primary 6 Birkhall Road School's uniform, blue vertical strips on white, blue shorts

Birkhall Road School's Report Book. Notice our Principal's Mdm Lucy Low's nice cursive handwriting?
This was, sadly, the only picture taken with my Pr 5 and 6 form teacher, Mr Tan in 1968, three years after I left Birkhall Primary. We went to Pulau Belakang Mati (now called Sentosa) for a day at the beach... Roger Chui Tuck Khuen, Tan Aik Huang were the former classmates I remembered from the picture.
I remembered Mr Tan as a teacher who insisted on correctness. During our handwriting period, he would go around the class and used a wooden rule to knock on our knuckles if he found us slacking. He used to live at Mei Ling Street but after all these years, I just wonder where he is now.

Tanglin Integrated Secondary Technical School 2

Report Book from TISTS circa 1966 -1969


Tech 4A(1969) with our Principal, Mr Chee K P and form teacher, our dear Ms Kumar

Tech 4A (1969) with Ms Kumar who was our form teacher for two years
The boys from Tech 4A

It seemed like only yesterday when I took out these pictures taken nearly 40 years ago. We met only once, in 2002 when Teo Keng Poon organised a gathering at his place.

This Postcard was produced and used for CCE lessons in schools 2016. It showed the first flag raising ceremony at the school field of Tanglin Technical  in 1963

 Main teaching blocks of Tanglin Technical, hall was on the left side of the photo.

Old first photographs of Tanglin Technical, as viewed from Tanglin Halt circa 1963. The canteen was on the right of the photo.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

X-factors in Sportsmen

-factors:
Sex appeal : All these sportsmen exults their sex appeal in their own way. Nadal, C Ronaldo, Hamilton (t0 some extent) have die-tohave great body and physical presence. It made the females fantasise and the males admire.
Looks : Nadal has the smoudering Latin chiselled feature like mystical Thor, C Ronaldo has the boyish handsome charm and Lewis got the exotic feature.
Personality : Nadal got a charming personality, C Ronaldo a wicked, cheeky look about him and Lewis charmed most of the ladies around him.
Contorversy : Each of them has some controversies around them at one time or another and thus could not be out of limelight for long. C Ronaldo’s list is long. Lewis Hamilton’s ditching his long time girlfriend for the glamour ladies. Only Nadal has few controversies around them.
All these factor, including their exposure on TV made them well known as well as special, ie X-factor.

22 July 2008

Monday, July 21, 2008

Tanglin Integrated Secondary Technical School - 1966 - 1969

TISTS taken in 1968


The Badge reflected Technical Education
From Birkhall Primary, I went to Tanglin Integrated Secondary Technical School. It was not my first choice which was Queenstown Technical School, one of the more popular school in the 60s when Technical education was top.
I was in the second batch of Tanglin pupils. Already, the pioneer group was making headlines by winning the National Badminton title.

During those days we have the Chinese stream pupils as well. There were no problem mixing with them.

After secondary one, I was surprised that many of my friends were posted to Queenstown Technical to continue their studies. Till this day, I did not know why I remained in TISTS.

In Sec 3 I was streamed to do Woodwork which I didn't fancy as Metalwork was more 'glamorous'. However I dug on. In Tech 4A, I did Woodwork and Building Drawing as two subjects besides pure sciences and additional mathematics. I began to enjoy the Building Drawing lessons as it required us to draw very fine details. Some of my friends did Metalwork and Mechanical Drawing. I could still remember the drawing room which was located on the top left corner of the building. (see above)

It must be noted that we didn' t get to wear long pants during our upper secondary days. Some kind of policy, I guess.
Tech 4A (1969) in short pants