Yesterday, ST published a NYT opinion piece from Joseph Stiglitz on what lessons the US can learn from Singapore. Kirsten Han then wrote up a rebuttal.
Honestly, I found the opinion rather misleading; the title ("Singapore's lessons for an unequal US") suggests that Singapore's model of governance holds "lessons" for the US.
Stiglitz clearly hasn't kept up with the discontent amongst Singaporeans, especially with the growing income disparity. For ST to give such wide latitude to a US-based writer (eminent though he may be) seems rather misplaced.
21 March 2013
08 March 2013
Singapore: playground of the uber-rich
WSJ article
A very disconcerting read.
It's fine if the whole country rises as a whole, and the uber-rich have their playpen at the top of the table, but when the country has the 2nd largest income disparity in the world, then it only becomes a wedge that keeps societal divisions deep and hurtful.
A very disconcerting read.
It's fine if the whole country rises as a whole, and the uber-rich have their playpen at the top of the table, but when the country has the 2nd largest income disparity in the world, then it only becomes a wedge that keeps societal divisions deep and hurtful.
Man U and Lakers - update
Firstly, United crashed out of the Champions League after losing 2-1 at Old Trafford to Real Madrid. Terrible red card decision on Nani, and it completely destroyed what was a wonderful game of football. The fact that this overshadowed Ferguson's decision to leave Rooney out of the starting eleven spoke volumes as to how important that decision was.
Now, the rumours are Rooney is on the way out, and Ronaldo is on his way back to OT. Silly speculation, and despite the increasing smokescreens, I don't think Rooney or Ronaldo are going anywhere this summer.
Secondly, the Lakers lost a tight game against OKC (despite the eventual 122-105 scoreline, it was only a 5 point game with 6 mins to go), and won at New Orleans the following night after going down 25 in the 2nd quarter. Lakers closed out with a 20-0 run to win by 6, 108-102. Defensive pressure resulted in a 33-9 4th quarter scoreline.
One wonders why they just can't play like this night in and night out, but the fact remains that the Lakers now have 20 games left, and only 1.5 games behind Utah, 2 games behind Houston and 4 games behind GSW. 10 of those games are against teams who will make the playoffs, but the schedule looks pretty ok to me. If the Lakers win 7 of 10 the rest of the way, they will finish with 45 wins, and that should make the 7 or 8 seed.
Fingers crossed.
Now, the rumours are Rooney is on the way out, and Ronaldo is on his way back to OT. Silly speculation, and despite the increasing smokescreens, I don't think Rooney or Ronaldo are going anywhere this summer.
Secondly, the Lakers lost a tight game against OKC (despite the eventual 122-105 scoreline, it was only a 5 point game with 6 mins to go), and won at New Orleans the following night after going down 25 in the 2nd quarter. Lakers closed out with a 20-0 run to win by 6, 108-102. Defensive pressure resulted in a 33-9 4th quarter scoreline.
One wonders why they just can't play like this night in and night out, but the fact remains that the Lakers now have 20 games left, and only 1.5 games behind Utah, 2 games behind Houston and 4 games behind GSW. 10 of those games are against teams who will make the playoffs, but the schedule looks pretty ok to me. If the Lakers win 7 of 10 the rest of the way, they will finish with 45 wins, and that should make the 7 or 8 seed.
Fingers crossed.
25 February 2013
Dr Jerry Buss, RIP
Tribute from Bill Simmons - Grantland
GQ profile from 2010
It's amazing how loved and respected Dr Buss was. For a guy who lived life totally his own way (think old school), you could imagine he'd be tabloid fodder 24/7, especially in a place like Los Angeles. This was a 70 year old guy who had 6 kids with two women, dated 20 year old blondes (two at a time), and partied all night long.
Yet, as he was dying of cancer (he was diagnosed well over 18 months ago), no a single reporter blew open his story. That's the single most amazing part of this man's story.
And it's very telling what kind of person he was, by looking at how much respect and affection he got from a city like LA.
RIP, Dr Buss, you made the Lakers what they are today, and I've loved every minute of being a fan the last 27 years.
/ac
GQ profile from 2010
It's amazing how loved and respected Dr Buss was. For a guy who lived life totally his own way (think old school), you could imagine he'd be tabloid fodder 24/7, especially in a place like Los Angeles. This was a 70 year old guy who had 6 kids with two women, dated 20 year old blondes (two at a time), and partied all night long.
Yet, as he was dying of cancer (he was diagnosed well over 18 months ago), no a single reporter blew open his story. That's the single most amazing part of this man's story.
And it's very telling what kind of person he was, by looking at how much respect and affection he got from a city like LA.
RIP, Dr Buss, you made the Lakers what they are today, and I've loved every minute of being a fan the last 27 years.
/ac
A strange death in SG
FT.com article
Astonishing report on the death of a young American researcher in Singapore. A bit heavy on the drama but sure to ignite lots and lots of online questions now.
Astonishing report on the death of a young American researcher in Singapore. A bit heavy on the drama but sure to ignite lots and lots of online questions now.
15 February 2013
Jerry Seinfeld - still doing stand-up
NYT article on Seinfeld
I read this article a long while back, but whilst driving to work today, this came up, amidst lots of other thoughts about current events.
Since his eponymous TV show went off air about 15 years ago, Seinfeld's work has been largely limited to selected projects which haven't really caught the public imagination (think Bee Movie). He's loaded enough that he doesn't have to worry about what he does, but he's been doing stand-up for the last 20 years or so, almost 2 shows every week.
That's amazing dedication to his art form. People dismiss comedy as fluff, or something easy to do, but it's not, as the article clearly show. Seinfeld's approach doesn't differ much from any other method actor, or any professional sportman. Hours and hours go into preparation.
What I also appreciate is that he's chosen to "work clean" in his words. Not that I do not appreciate bawdy language (which often gives immeasurable context), but not using vulgarities actually takes away a lot of options for the comedian, particularly stand-up comics, who are working live, and the easiest way to connect with an audience is usually to speak plainly (ie colourfully).
"There was another big difference between the two, Seinfeld noted: “Working clean.” Almost from the beginning, Seinfeld has forsworn graphic language in his bits, dismissing it as a crutch. “Guys that can use any word they want — if I had that weapon, I’ll give you a new hour in a week,” he said."
/ac
I read this article a long while back, but whilst driving to work today, this came up, amidst lots of other thoughts about current events.
Since his eponymous TV show went off air about 15 years ago, Seinfeld's work has been largely limited to selected projects which haven't really caught the public imagination (think Bee Movie). He's loaded enough that he doesn't have to worry about what he does, but he's been doing stand-up for the last 20 years or so, almost 2 shows every week.
That's amazing dedication to his art form. People dismiss comedy as fluff, or something easy to do, but it's not, as the article clearly show. Seinfeld's approach doesn't differ much from any other method actor, or any professional sportman. Hours and hours go into preparation.
What I also appreciate is that he's chosen to "work clean" in his words. Not that I do not appreciate bawdy language (which often gives immeasurable context), but not using vulgarities actually takes away a lot of options for the comedian, particularly stand-up comics, who are working live, and the easiest way to connect with an audience is usually to speak plainly (ie colourfully).
"There was another big difference between the two, Seinfeld noted: “Working clean.” Almost from the beginning, Seinfeld has forsworn graphic language in his bits, dismissing it as a crutch. “Guys that can use any word they want — if I had that weapon, I’ll give you a new hour in a week,” he said."
/ac
08 February 2013
A couple of thoughts
A couple of links from a favourite website of mine - Photoblog by NBC News.
First, an article about how a couple of German youths who trawl through trash from supermarkets to salvage still edible food which have been disposed. They are not starving students who cannot afford to buy food, but rather are angry at the continuing wastage of food produced in the First World countries on a daily basis.
Second, this article shows the darker side of the Hong Kong property boom, leading to poor old men and families living in nothing more than cages. Imagine living in a cage no bigger than your single mattress, and eating from disposable cutlery daily. Or imagine 3 people living in a 50 square foot room (that's about half the size of your average office in Singapore CBD).
Sobering thoughts indeed, as we prepare to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year of the Snake.
Thank god for small blessings in your life. Enjoy the CNY holidays ahead.
/ac
First, an article about how a couple of German youths who trawl through trash from supermarkets to salvage still edible food which have been disposed. They are not starving students who cannot afford to buy food, but rather are angry at the continuing wastage of food produced in the First World countries on a daily basis.
Second, this article shows the darker side of the Hong Kong property boom, leading to poor old men and families living in nothing more than cages. Imagine living in a cage no bigger than your single mattress, and eating from disposable cutlery daily. Or imagine 3 people living in a 50 square foot room (that's about half the size of your average office in Singapore CBD).
Sobering thoughts indeed, as we prepare to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year of the Snake.
Thank god for small blessings in your life. Enjoy the CNY holidays ahead.
/ac
05 February 2013
Singapore, No 1 in population density
Wikipedia says so.
Wonder why this hasn't been published in ST yet...
If you look at the list of top 10 countries by population density, you will see Bahrain is 3rd on the list. Bahrain is about the same size as Singapore, but the population is roughly a fifth of Singapore's density.
Interestingly, their demographics show that there are about 54% foreigners living in Bahrain. From the ethnic groups mentioned in the article, it suggests that they are mainly construction workers (290,000 Indians, 125,000 Bangladeshis, 45,000 Pakistanis), and domestic helpers (45,000 Filipinos, 8,000 Indonesians). It would also be certain that most of these foreigners are engaged in the local service or retail industries.
Would it be fair to suggest that down the road, that's what Singapore is looking at? A sizable, albeit transient, foreign population, engaged to serve Singaporeans, or our richer neighbours?
I would also suggest that density is the bigger problem here. At about 5 times the number of people, there just isn't enough room for everyone to be comfortable here, compared to somewhere like Bahrain for example.
That's why the issue of cheap labour needs to be dealt with, and not kicked down the road for our children's generation to solve (or suffer from).
I can't pretend I know enough to come up with solutions to this, but isn't that what the elite chappies in government service are supposed to do?
/ac
Update: Here's a Wikipedia list of the largest municipalities in the world, ranked by size, density, etc. Even if you disagree with the view that Singapore has the densest population, it's not that far away. I will also concede that there are quite a few cities, eg New York City, Moscow, Jakarta, Seoul, even Tehran, which have higher densities. However, those cities have something Singapore doesn't have - a huge hinterland.
Wonder why this hasn't been published in ST yet...
If you look at the list of top 10 countries by population density, you will see Bahrain is 3rd on the list. Bahrain is about the same size as Singapore, but the population is roughly a fifth of Singapore's density.
Interestingly, their demographics show that there are about 54% foreigners living in Bahrain. From the ethnic groups mentioned in the article, it suggests that they are mainly construction workers (290,000 Indians, 125,000 Bangladeshis, 45,000 Pakistanis), and domestic helpers (45,000 Filipinos, 8,000 Indonesians). It would also be certain that most of these foreigners are engaged in the local service or retail industries.
Would it be fair to suggest that down the road, that's what Singapore is looking at? A sizable, albeit transient, foreign population, engaged to serve Singaporeans, or our richer neighbours?
I would also suggest that density is the bigger problem here. At about 5 times the number of people, there just isn't enough room for everyone to be comfortable here, compared to somewhere like Bahrain for example.
That's why the issue of cheap labour needs to be dealt with, and not kicked down the road for our children's generation to solve (or suffer from).
I can't pretend I know enough to come up with solutions to this, but isn't that what the elite chappies in government service are supposed to do?
/ac
Update: Here's a Wikipedia list of the largest municipalities in the world, ranked by size, density, etc. Even if you disagree with the view that Singapore has the densest population, it's not that far away. I will also concede that there are quite a few cities, eg New York City, Moscow, Jakarta, Seoul, even Tehran, which have higher densities. However, those cities have something Singapore doesn't have - a huge hinterland.
evasi0n is here!
Finally.
An iOS 6 and iPhone 5 jailbreak which is untethered.
Now to wait for it to stabilise before taking the plunge.
biteSMS, it's been too long...
An iOS 6 and iPhone 5 jailbreak which is untethered.
Now to wait for it to stabilise before taking the plunge.
biteSMS, it's been too long...
04 February 2013
Both United and Lakers win!
Manchester United win 1-0 at Fulham, and Lakers escape with a single point win at Detroit.
United have a 9 point lead at the top, after City drew at home, whilst the playoffs magic number for the Lakers remain 3.5 games.
Good sports weekend, hoping this continues to the end of the season.
United have a 9 point lead at the top, after City drew at home, whilst the playoffs magic number for the Lakers remain 3.5 games.
Good sports weekend, hoping this continues to the end of the season.
Weekend reads - 2/3 February 2013
Guns in America
- First, I saw a picture of Obama firing a skeet rifle, then I read this sobering article on owning a gun. Two perspectives on a really divisive issue.
Why is it hard to make friends once you're over 30? - NYT
- Not something we all don't already know, but still, worth your ten minutes.
Daring to ask the PED question - Grantland
- Nice work from Bill Simmons. Also, good research from Henry Abbott on NBA drug-testing here.
- First, I saw a picture of Obama firing a skeet rifle, then I read this sobering article on owning a gun. Two perspectives on a really divisive issue.
Why is it hard to make friends once you're over 30? - NYT
- Not something we all don't already know, but still, worth your ten minutes.
Daring to ask the PED question - Grantland
- Nice work from Bill Simmons. Also, good research from Henry Abbott on NBA drug-testing here.
01 February 2013
Will Apple make a 5" iPhone?
Larger iPhone mock-up from Marco Arment
This would go against everything that Apple has said so far about the optimum size for a smartphone. Even Steve Jobs said this back in 2010.
On hindsight, Jobs was clearly wrong, as Samsung sells bucketloads of the Galaxy Notes, and everyone is scrambling over each other to release bigger smartphones. Check out this CES roundup from Engadget to see what I mean.
Going with a bigger screen would also make Apple look like it's catching up with the competition, rather than setting the bar in the first place, so I'd be skeptical that this would happen.
But, frankly, I'd buy a 5" iPhone in a heartbeat. ;-)
This would go against everything that Apple has said so far about the optimum size for a smartphone. Even Steve Jobs said this back in 2010.
On hindsight, Jobs was clearly wrong, as Samsung sells bucketloads of the Galaxy Notes, and everyone is scrambling over each other to release bigger smartphones. Check out this CES roundup from Engadget to see what I mean.
Going with a bigger screen would also make Apple look like it's catching up with the competition, rather than setting the bar in the first place, so I'd be skeptical that this would happen.
But, frankly, I'd buy a 5" iPhone in a heartbeat. ;-)
31 January 2013
LFTD
Google's Larry Page - Wired
Who wants a Dick Tracy watch - TechCrunch
- MG Siegler wants one. This would give me a reason to wear a watch again...
Who wants a Dick Tracy watch - TechCrunch
- MG Siegler wants one. This would give me a reason to wear a watch again...
Lakers 86-92 Suns
Boxscore from ESPN
Up by 10 points after 3rd quarter, and 13 early in the 4th.
Then lost by 6, after Suns go on crazy run to end game.
KNN.
Up by 10 points after 3rd quarter, and 13 early in the 4th.
Then lost by 6, after Suns go on crazy run to end game.
KNN.
Blackberry BB10
David Pogue's take here and Joshua Topolsky's review of the Z10 here.
BB10 looks good, and I am looking forward to trying the new OS out.
I think I might prefer the Q10 though.
No news on Singapore release date yet.
Update: Scathing look by Brian Lam, though.
BB10 looks good, and I am looking forward to trying the new OS out.
I think I might prefer the Q10 though.
No news on Singapore release date yet.
Update: Scathing look by Brian Lam, though.
30 January 2013
Imagine being cut off from civilization for 40 years
Story from Smithsonian.com
What an amazing story.
When one of the isolated family encounters a TV for the first time, this happens - "Agafia watched poking her head from behind a door. She tried to pray away her transgression immediately—whispering, crossing herself…."
What an amazing story.
When one of the isolated family encounters a TV for the first time, this happens - "Agafia watched poking her head from behind a door. She tried to pray away her transgression immediately—whispering, crossing herself…."
Man United vs Southampton - tonight
Preview from The Busby Babe
City screwed up away to QPR, and the lead is still 4 points with a game in hand.
Hopefully, United take advantage tonight.
City screwed up away to QPR, and the lead is still 4 points with a game in hand.
Hopefully, United take advantage tonight.
Lakers 111-106 Hornets
Boxscore from ESPN
3 in a row. Baby steps now are turning into little strides.
7 game road trip coming up, with trips to Brooklyn, Boston and Miami as well. I'd settle right now for a .500 record when they return to the Staples Center.
3 in a row. Baby steps now are turning into little strides.
7 game road trip coming up, with trips to Brooklyn, Boston and Miami as well. I'd settle right now for a .500 record when they return to the Staples Center.
Allen Iverson turns down D-League opportunity
ESPN report
Iverson's no longer the player he thinks he is.
But I suspect he can do a better job backing up Kobe / Nash, compared to Duhon / Morris right now. He can still create and shoot the occasional 3, and I like his shooting better than Duhon for sure. Plus, when he's on the court, Kobe would play point, so likelihood of TOs from him also lessened.
Perhaps Mitch Kupchak might want to take a stab at a workout or even a 10-day contract to see how it goes?
Iverson's no longer the player he thinks he is.
But I suspect he can do a better job backing up Kobe / Nash, compared to Duhon / Morris right now. He can still create and shoot the occasional 3, and I like his shooting better than Duhon for sure. Plus, when he's on the court, Kobe would play point, so likelihood of TOs from him also lessened.
Perhaps Mitch Kupchak might want to take a stab at a workout or even a 10-day contract to see how it goes?
Cisco officer found dead in Supreme Court
CNA report
First thing that came to my mind - if she didn't have a gun, she very likely wouldn't be dead right now.
First thing that came to my mind - if she didn't have a gun, she very likely wouldn't be dead right now.
Apple granted trademark on store design
Report on The Verge
What? How can you trade mark a retail store design?
If there are stores out there copying the retail store designs from Apple (like the recent fake Chinese stores), there are other legal avenues available, eg passing-off, etc.
Not convinced this is a good move.
What? How can you trade mark a retail store design?
If there are stores out there copying the retail store designs from Apple (like the recent fake Chinese stores), there are other legal avenues available, eg passing-off, etc.
Not convinced this is a good move.
29 January 2013
Eddy Choong dies at 82
The Star report
Never got to watch him play, but legendary stories abound. Only Malaysian to win the single and doubles title at the same All-England in 1953. Say what you want about different eras and all, but it's still a unique achievement.
Never got to watch him play, but legendary stories abound. Only Malaysian to win the single and doubles title at the same All-England in 1953. Say what you want about different eras and all, but it's still a unique achievement.
Galatasaray are the new Anzhi?
Drogba joins Gala - BBC
Wow. First, Sneijder, now Drogba.
Sure, the money has to be good, but now, it looks like Gala might have a decent team too. Drogba is far from finished IMHO.
Wow. First, Sneijder, now Drogba.
Sure, the money has to be good, but now, it looks like Gala might have a decent team too. Drogba is far from finished IMHO.
28 January 2013
Thots on the PE BE
WP wins Punggol East by-election - CNA
Certainly a watershed moment that has gotten everyone talking about a general election more than 3 years away.
WP is talking a good talk, saying all the strategically nice, calming, non-threatening words which have served them well so far.
The PAP, predictably, sounded a little surprised and deflated, but also a little bit petulant. Can't imagine what Michael Palmer is feeling right now ...
I recall PM Lee saying at the last GE (in a pseudo-threat manner) that if there were too many opposition MPs, he might have to think about fixing them, etc etc, instead of properly governing the country.
That's bollocks, in my view. You either sign up for the long term and do your best, or you lose the elections. The next bunch of people coming in, are not coming in to destroy the country anyway. If they do a bad job, then they get kicked out in 5 years, and you come back in. That's why it's called a democracy. You campaign on good policies, and Singaporeans are intelligent and educated enough to decide whether your policies are crap or not.
The fact that the PAP still lost (and by a huge margin, too), despite pulling out all stops, campaigning in a gentlemanly fashion (I do give the campaign strategists credit for this), announcing big friendly policies, and having almost the entire PAP top brass stumping for their candidate, is quite a wake-up call.
Looking ahead, I predict the PAP will have to shift gears. Can't imagine that they would resort to tactics of old, so perhaps they will resort to even more populism. That would be a mistake, because there are real problems to be solved, and those solutions, if any, will definitely take time.
Hopefully and realistically, this should make the PAP (at least those in government) realise that their answers to the big issues so far have been far from satisfactory to the common man. And hopefully, this will lead to more well-considered policies, or even tweaks which make it easier to foresee a future for all of us living here.
Then again, I predicted a comfortable PAP victory, so what do I know?
/ac
Certainly a watershed moment that has gotten everyone talking about a general election more than 3 years away.
WP is talking a good talk, saying all the strategically nice, calming, non-threatening words which have served them well so far.
The PAP, predictably, sounded a little surprised and deflated, but also a little bit petulant. Can't imagine what Michael Palmer is feeling right now ...
I recall PM Lee saying at the last GE (in a pseudo-threat manner) that if there were too many opposition MPs, he might have to think about fixing them, etc etc, instead of properly governing the country.
That's bollocks, in my view. You either sign up for the long term and do your best, or you lose the elections. The next bunch of people coming in, are not coming in to destroy the country anyway. If they do a bad job, then they get kicked out in 5 years, and you come back in. That's why it's called a democracy. You campaign on good policies, and Singaporeans are intelligent and educated enough to decide whether your policies are crap or not.
The fact that the PAP still lost (and by a huge margin, too), despite pulling out all stops, campaigning in a gentlemanly fashion (I do give the campaign strategists credit for this), announcing big friendly policies, and having almost the entire PAP top brass stumping for their candidate, is quite a wake-up call.
Looking ahead, I predict the PAP will have to shift gears. Can't imagine that they would resort to tactics of old, so perhaps they will resort to even more populism. That would be a mistake, because there are real problems to be solved, and those solutions, if any, will definitely take time.
Hopefully and realistically, this should make the PAP (at least those in government) realise that their answers to the big issues so far have been far from satisfactory to the common man. And hopefully, this will lead to more well-considered policies, or even tweaks which make it easier to foresee a future for all of us living here.
Then again, I predicted a comfortable PAP victory, so what do I know?
/ac
LFTD
LA Lakers 105-96 OKC - ESPN Boxscore
- Baby steps. Not getting my hopes up yet, until they reach .500. Howard didn't dominate, terrible, horrendous FT%, but still won.
Rondo tears ACL, out for season - ESPN
- Bad bad news for Boston.
When Cantona kick that racist - 18 years later - RoM
- Nice read on an infamous night.
Historic loss for the PAP - publichouse.sg
- Written by a former NMP. The correct question should be: "Would it be better to be right than popular?". The election outcome also makes me wonder if, without the GRCs, what the PAP's hold on Parliament be like?
- Baby steps. Not getting my hopes up yet, until they reach .500. Howard didn't dominate, terrible, horrendous FT%, but still won.
Rondo tears ACL, out for season - ESPN
- Bad bad news for Boston.
When Cantona kick that racist - 18 years later - RoM
- Nice read on an infamous night.
Historic loss for the PAP - publichouse.sg
- Written by a former NMP. The correct question should be: "Would it be better to be right than popular?". The election outcome also makes me wonder if, without the GRCs, what the PAP's hold on Parliament be like?
25 January 2013
NBA All-Stars 2013
List of All-Stars - NBA.com
ESPN has a table in this article which shows how many times each player has been selected on the All-Star team.
Excepting the popularity of some of these players, it's amazing to consider these -
1. This is Kobe's 15th selection. That's 15 years he's been playing at an All-Star level.
2. This is LeBron's 9th selection. Assuming he takes care of himself, he should be playing at an All-Star level for the next 5 to 6 years at least. And if he stays in Miami with Wade and Bosh, the NBA title is his to lose for the next half decade.
3. Tim Duncan is averaging 18 points, 10 rebounds, and almost 3 blocks a game. At age 36.
4. Kyrie Irving is 20 years old. The list of players who were All-Stars before age 21 is a short and distinguished one - Magic, Isaiah, Kobe, Shaq, LeBron, Kevin. That's it. The fact that ALL of these players are known by a single name tells you everything.
5. This is Tyson Chandler's 1st selection? He's been great for the last 3, 4 years, minimum. For contrast, this is David Lee's 2nd selection. Who'd you pick first in a playground do-or-die match?
6. Dwight Howard doesn't deserve to be an All-Star this year. No way.
/ac
ESPN has a table in this article which shows how many times each player has been selected on the All-Star team.
Excepting the popularity of some of these players, it's amazing to consider these -
1. This is Kobe's 15th selection. That's 15 years he's been playing at an All-Star level.
2. This is LeBron's 9th selection. Assuming he takes care of himself, he should be playing at an All-Star level for the next 5 to 6 years at least. And if he stays in Miami with Wade and Bosh, the NBA title is his to lose for the next half decade.
3. Tim Duncan is averaging 18 points, 10 rebounds, and almost 3 blocks a game. At age 36.
4. Kyrie Irving is 20 years old. The list of players who were All-Stars before age 21 is a short and distinguished one - Magic, Isaiah, Kobe, Shaq, LeBron, Kevin. That's it. The fact that ALL of these players are known by a single name tells you everything.
5. This is Tyson Chandler's 1st selection? He's been great for the last 3, 4 years, minimum. For contrast, this is David Lee's 2nd selection. Who'd you pick first in a playground do-or-die match?
6. Dwight Howard doesn't deserve to be an All-Star this year. No way.
/ac
How to think about our steroid supermen
Jeremy
Rozansky -
“Performance-enhancing drugs do not merely inflate the
outcomes for batters, pitchers, and cyclists, allowing us to nullify the
offense by paring back the outlandish records of the last decade. Instead, they
fundamentally change the character of the act we witness when we cheer on our
sports stars. Perhaps Barry Bonds’s clever chemists helped him hit twenty more
home runs in 2001 than he otherwise would. Home runs and other statistics, like
wins and losses, are not the activity we value, they are only valued as the
outcome of superior human performance — athletics done well. But Bonds’s
steroid-aided blasts into the sky and the yellow jackets that Armstrong won
with even the smallest lift from erythropoietin were instances of something
other than human athletic excellence. In choosing to use performance-enhancing
drugs these men chose to participate not in sport but in a spectacle that bears
only a mocking resemblance to true athletic achievement. As such, we cannot
induct them into our temples of great sportsmen, nor can we consider them the
best sportsmen in a corrupted era. Armstrong, Bonds, Clemens, and the rest all
chose to be supermen rather than sportsmen. They cannot be both.”
Thought-provoking
essay on how we should look at our drugged-up athletes.
The
interesting bit to me is this – what happens when drugs become safe enough to
be mainstream, and nothing more than just a coffee (caffeine-boost) in the
morning?
Why
shouldn’t humans be allowed to use pharmaceutical advancements in order to
improve their physical abilities? Should sporting improvements be limited only
to what exercise and training that each individual can do?
It
cannot be disputed that certain races have genetic advantages over others when
it comes to physical abilities, ergo “white
men can’t jump”. This includes the ability to recover faster from physical
activities, more strength or quickness, and higher natural ceilings for
improvement through physical exercise alone.
I’m
of course discounting certain sports which require more skill than huff-and-puff,
e.g. cue sports, darts, etc. To excel in these sports would clearly require
lots of practice and training and the effect of PEDs in such activities would
be insignificant.
However,
for most sports out there, given such natural limitations placed on some of us,
why shouldn’t the proverbial “white man”
be allowed to improve by using technology which is available and safe?
Why
should someone with genetically inferior physical traits be forced to accept
his lot in life, and refrain from taking PEDs so that he can improve himself?
Isn’t
that the whole point of humanity, to live and to continually strive to push our
frontiers and to seek out limits we haven’t seen before?
/ac
24 January 2013
LFTD
Lakers lose again, this time to Memphis - ESPN
- Difference this time is they were properly blown away, and didn't even get close at the end. Pride-less. Team meeting didn't help either.
Eden Hazard red card for kicking ball-boy - BBC
- Video here. How stupid is that?
Kevin Durant is having one of the greatest offensive seasons EVER - Grantland
- KD is fast becoming one of my favourite players.
Michu signs contract extension at Swansea - BBC
- Smart move by Swansea. Probably got rid of any sell-on kickers and min. sum termination clauses too...
- Difference this time is they were properly blown away, and didn't even get close at the end. Pride-less. Team meeting didn't help either.
Eden Hazard red card for kicking ball-boy - BBC
- Video here. How stupid is that?
Kevin Durant is having one of the greatest offensive seasons EVER - Grantland
- KD is fast becoming one of my favourite players.
Michu signs contract extension at Swansea - BBC
- Smart move by Swansea. Probably got rid of any sell-on kickers and min. sum termination clauses too...
23 January 2013
Is Pau Gasol the problem?
Matt Moore on CBS Sports
Follow up to my post yesterday on Howard, here's a different take on what continues to ail the Lakers.
Follow up to my post yesterday on Howard, here's a different take on what continues to ail the Lakers.
Man United transfer spend in the SAF era
Did United buy success? - RoM
Detailed analysis from Republik of Mancunia on United's transfer spending since Fergie took over.
It's very interesting that although United actually made a profit of 40,000 pounds from 1992-1998 on player transfers, that was the period that United won 4 EPL titles and 2 FA Cups.
Detailed analysis from Republik of Mancunia on United's transfer spending since Fergie took over.
It's very interesting that although United actually made a profit of 40,000 pounds from 1992-1998 on player transfers, that was the period that United won 4 EPL titles and 2 FA Cups.
22 January 2013
God's laws
God's Will and State Law: A dangerous mix
This commentary by Lim Yu-Beng in Today newspaper got me thinking.
He makes a couple of points.
One - a state should not impose religious beliefs as law. Sure, but that doesn't recognize the fact that some states are religious by nature, or by their formation, such that their state laws are nothing more than an expression of their religious beliefs.
Even in the most secular countries, religious tenets form part of everyday life and politics. For example, can you imagine a practising Muslim ever being the US President? Or a Christian being voted the Prime Minister of Malaysia? Yes, yes, I know what you're thinking - Malaysia's not secular, but that's another story for another day.
Two - Section 377A is bad law and should be repealed. But he says this from the perspective of of equal protection under the Constitution, i.e. gays ought to receive the same treatment under the law, so Section 377A ought to be repealed because it is an expression of one particular segment of society, i.e. those whose religious beliefs preclude homosexuality as natural behaviour.
He also says this, in concluding his article -
"It is, I hope, the beginnings of mutual forbearance, tolerance and coexistence. That is all the repeal of Section 377A hopes to be. Legal coexistence. Legal existence."
That is plainly untrue and/or delusional, even if the gay community does not yet realise it. The day will come when legal co-existence will no longer be sufficient or satisfactory, and anti-discrimination (specifically anti-gay) laws will be sought.
There is, and will be, a significant portion of Singapore society that will not accept homosexuality as part of the natural order, and therefore, will always view homosexuality as a sin. That will then necessitate laws against such views, or laws supporting gay rights, in order that society accepts and treats gays equally.
That is what Lawrence Khong is talking about when he says he is against the "homosexual agenda". We see that today in the form of lobbies for laws to legalize gay marriage etc. in US and Europe. These lobbies have given rise to aggressive and militant behaviour, which some believe is necessary to achieve their ends.
And I think we can all expect that in future, perhaps the near future, such similar lobbies for equal rights and treatment will show up in Singapore, and in similarly vocal, aggressive and militant tones.
I personally feel that any modern society or community of human beings must demonstrate certain indisputable characteristics - tolerance, mutual respect, decency and restraint.
These aren't difficult concepts, but they are often difficult to put into practice.
It's all fine and good to talk about tolerance or mutual respect, but how many people you know joke or make derogatory remarks about gays (and for that matter, other races, religious beliefs, cultural practices, etc). I know I do, often enough that I am embarrassed sometimes for not being a good example to my kids.
I think all we need to do is show a little more tolerance and respect, and most importantly, to be sincere when doing so. That would go a long way towards achieving peace - so that we can all concentrate on being prosperous lah.
/ac
This commentary by Lim Yu-Beng in Today newspaper got me thinking.
He makes a couple of points.
One - a state should not impose religious beliefs as law. Sure, but that doesn't recognize the fact that some states are religious by nature, or by their formation, such that their state laws are nothing more than an expression of their religious beliefs.
Even in the most secular countries, religious tenets form part of everyday life and politics. For example, can you imagine a practising Muslim ever being the US President? Or a Christian being voted the Prime Minister of Malaysia? Yes, yes, I know what you're thinking - Malaysia's not secular, but that's another story for another day.
Two - Section 377A is bad law and should be repealed. But he says this from the perspective of of equal protection under the Constitution, i.e. gays ought to receive the same treatment under the law, so Section 377A ought to be repealed because it is an expression of one particular segment of society, i.e. those whose religious beliefs preclude homosexuality as natural behaviour.
He also says this, in concluding his article -
"It is, I hope, the beginnings of mutual forbearance, tolerance and coexistence. That is all the repeal of Section 377A hopes to be. Legal coexistence. Legal existence."
That is plainly untrue and/or delusional, even if the gay community does not yet realise it. The day will come when legal co-existence will no longer be sufficient or satisfactory, and anti-discrimination (specifically anti-gay) laws will be sought.
There is, and will be, a significant portion of Singapore society that will not accept homosexuality as part of the natural order, and therefore, will always view homosexuality as a sin. That will then necessitate laws against such views, or laws supporting gay rights, in order that society accepts and treats gays equally.
That is what Lawrence Khong is talking about when he says he is against the "homosexual agenda". We see that today in the form of lobbies for laws to legalize gay marriage etc. in US and Europe. These lobbies have given rise to aggressive and militant behaviour, which some believe is necessary to achieve their ends.
And I think we can all expect that in future, perhaps the near future, such similar lobbies for equal rights and treatment will show up in Singapore, and in similarly vocal, aggressive and militant tones.
I personally feel that any modern society or community of human beings must demonstrate certain indisputable characteristics - tolerance, mutual respect, decency and restraint.
These aren't difficult concepts, but they are often difficult to put into practice.
It's all fine and good to talk about tolerance or mutual respect, but how many people you know joke or make derogatory remarks about gays (and for that matter, other races, religious beliefs, cultural practices, etc). I know I do, often enough that I am embarrassed sometimes for not being a good example to my kids.
I think all we need to do is show a little more tolerance and respect, and most importantly, to be sincere when doing so. That would go a long way towards achieving peace - so that we can all concentrate on being prosperous lah.
/ac
Is Dwight Howard the problem?
Howard's perplexing season - Dave McMenamin
As I've said before, the Lakers need a fully invested Dwight Howard to do well. Whenever he plays badly, or rather, without sufficient effort, bad things happen.
Like a loss to the Chicago Bulls without their to best players on the floor.
Edit (23 Jan 2013): I also sense from the article that Kobe and Dwight are exactly getting along either, which puts a whole different spin on Kobe's earlier promise to help Dwight take over his mantle.
As I've said before, the Lakers need a fully invested Dwight Howard to do well. Whenever he plays badly, or rather, without sufficient effort, bad things happen.
Like a loss to the Chicago Bulls without their to best players on the floor.
Edit (23 Jan 2013): I also sense from the article that Kobe and Dwight are exactly getting along either, which puts a whole different spin on Kobe's earlier promise to help Dwight take over his mantle.
LFTD
Don't confuse champions and heroes - Livemint
- Old article from a very good sportwriter, Rohit Brijnath.
Who's Bible is bigger? - Photoblog
-Didn't know Obama has access to Lincoln's bible.
Sophie in North Korea - Google sites
- Wow. More looks inside the Hermit Kingdom.
Ex-employee: Lance made my life very unpleasant - ESPN
- Hate to still write about Lance, but this shows how far-reaching his "dickiness" went.
Pau Gasol: between a rock and a hard place - Silver Screen & Roll
-The definitive case against Pau's performance this season.
- Old article from a very good sportwriter, Rohit Brijnath.
Who's Bible is bigger? - Photoblog
-Didn't know Obama has access to Lincoln's bible.
Sophie in North Korea - Google sites
- Wow. More looks inside the Hermit Kingdom.
Ex-employee: Lance made my life very unpleasant - ESPN
- Hate to still write about Lance, but this shows how far-reaching his "dickiness" went.
Pau Gasol: between a rock and a hard place - Silver Screen & Roll
-The definitive case against Pau's performance this season.
18 January 2013
LFTD
Moonrise Kingdom online script
- Wonderfully done.
Honest athlete - El Pais
- A much welcome story to kick off the weekend...
It's all about the lies - ESPN
- Rick Reilly is pissed off at Lance
Semi-complete transcript of the Lance interview - ESPN
- It must have been crushing for him to say all those words...
Rocky calls out Wawa and Anwar - rockysbru
- Wonderfully done.
Honest athlete - El Pais
- A much welcome story to kick off the weekend...
It's all about the lies - ESPN
- Rick Reilly is pissed off at Lance
Semi-complete transcript of the Lance interview - ESPN
- It must have been crushing for him to say all those words...
Rocky calls out Wawa and Anwar - rockysbru
17 January 2013
Links of the day
How Apple sets its prices - Macworld
The genius of Samsung - Slate
- Who says the scatter-gun approach cannot work well too?
Dwight Howard defense comparo - Silver Screen and Roll
- Very detailed analysis, as usual
2013 - What should we be worried about - Edge.org
- Fascinating opinions from academics
The genius of Samsung - Slate
- Who says the scatter-gun approach cannot work well too?
Dwight Howard defense comparo - Silver Screen and Roll
- Very detailed analysis, as usual
2013 - What should we be worried about - Edge.org
- Fascinating opinions from academics
Pep Guardiola joins Bayern Munich
Story on BBC
Good move for Guardiola and Bayern. Guardiola would want a project to develop, where money and patience would be available, and Bayern has a rich history and is one of the biggest clubs in the world. He would be expected to win from the get go, but the club will also give him time if he needs it.
Funny thing is, there could have been only two or three clubs around right now who would have been able to match Guardiola's terms - Man United, Bayern, and perhaps Milan. The rest, eg Chelsea, City, would have been too unpalatable to him, I believe.
But Ferguson is still going strong, and Milan doesn't have money to spend any more, so for now, Bayern is looking very set for the next few years.
Here's the background story to the hiring from Guardian as well.
Looking ahead, it's interesting that he signed only a 3 year contract, and hopefully, Ferguson will retire at the same time Guardiola becomes available again. If not, United might very well end up with Jose...
/ac
Good move for Guardiola and Bayern. Guardiola would want a project to develop, where money and patience would be available, and Bayern has a rich history and is one of the biggest clubs in the world. He would be expected to win from the get go, but the club will also give him time if he needs it.
Funny thing is, there could have been only two or three clubs around right now who would have been able to match Guardiola's terms - Man United, Bayern, and perhaps Milan. The rest, eg Chelsea, City, would have been too unpalatable to him, I believe.
But Ferguson is still going strong, and Milan doesn't have money to spend any more, so for now, Bayern is looking very set for the next few years.
Here's the background story to the hiring from Guardian as well.
Looking ahead, it's interesting that he signed only a 3 year contract, and hopefully, Ferguson will retire at the same time Guardiola becomes available again. If not, United might very well end up with Jose...
/ac
Notre Dame footballer involved in hoax?
Story from Deadspin.com
Seriously bullshit story if I've ever heard one. Cannot believe no one (esp the serious news channels) ever checked out whether the girlfriend existed or not, and simply reported the stories as fact.
I have to think that the guy was probably in on the hoax, if not, all the comments he and his father made to the press wouldn't have made any sense at all, since he claimed their relationship went back to 2009 when it started only in late 2011.
There's sure to be more to come on this one...
/ac
Seriously bullshit story if I've ever heard one. Cannot believe no one (esp the serious news channels) ever checked out whether the girlfriend existed or not, and simply reported the stories as fact.
I have to think that the guy was probably in on the hoax, if not, all the comments he and his father made to the press wouldn't have made any sense at all, since he claimed their relationship went back to 2009 when it started only in late 2011.
There's sure to be more to come on this one...
/ac
16 January 2013
Lakers 104-88 Bucks (H)
Boxscore
Yay, the Lakers have a winning streak again!
The good -
Dwight Howard has been a monster since he came back from his lay-off. 31 pts, 16 rebs, 14-18 FG. His FT% still sucks, but he only had 2 TOs.
Kobe shot 12-19, and had a couple of great assists into Howard. He also played All-Star defense on Jennings and hounded the opposing PG into a 4-14 shooting night. He sure answered his critics with his defense tonight.
Nash had 11 assists and managed the offense very well, despite a sub-par shooting night for him.
The bad -
The bench is still too thin. Both Morris and Duhon were crap, Morris esp needs to play with more control. I thought Meeks ought to have gotten more minutes with Morris shooting so horribly.
DRB% was also bad, and Lakers allowed the Bucks to pick up 21 ORBs. That should never happen on a team with Dwight Howard, despite Hill & Gasol out.
Still, beating the Bucks (who had a winning road record, btw) still qualifies as another step taken towards turning the corner.
Next up, the defending champs, Miami Heat. Tough, tough match up. A little glimmer of hope - the Heat have lost 3 of 4 and have a 8-9 road record. Still, I don't see anyone on the Lakers capable of slowing LeBron down.
/ac
Yay, the Lakers have a winning streak again!
The good -
Dwight Howard has been a monster since he came back from his lay-off. 31 pts, 16 rebs, 14-18 FG. His FT% still sucks, but he only had 2 TOs.
Kobe shot 12-19, and had a couple of great assists into Howard. He also played All-Star defense on Jennings and hounded the opposing PG into a 4-14 shooting night. He sure answered his critics with his defense tonight.
Nash had 11 assists and managed the offense very well, despite a sub-par shooting night for him.
The bad -
The bench is still too thin. Both Morris and Duhon were crap, Morris esp needs to play with more control. I thought Meeks ought to have gotten more minutes with Morris shooting so horribly.
DRB% was also bad, and Lakers allowed the Bucks to pick up 21 ORBs. That should never happen on a team with Dwight Howard, despite Hill & Gasol out.
Still, beating the Bucks (who had a winning road record, btw) still qualifies as another step taken towards turning the corner.
Next up, the defending champs, Miami Heat. Tough, tough match up. A little glimmer of hope - the Heat have lost 3 of 4 and have a 8-9 road record. Still, I don't see anyone on the Lakers capable of slowing LeBron down.
/ac
Punggol by-election pictures
All taken from Twitter (CNA feed).
Caveat - these are just pictures which I found either interesting or funny. Nothing else.
The PAP posse always looks very impressive / intimidating, depending on your POV.
Lee Li Lian - presumptive favourite for the opposition voters.
Kenneth J - he got RP branded umbrella.
Ooi - claims he lost his nomination papers. Har?
Zeng - my favourite pictures. This chap is a real kooky media whore, man...
Caveat - these are just pictures which I found either interesting or funny. Nothing else.
Lee Li Lian - presumptive favourite for the opposition voters.
Kenneth J - he got RP branded umbrella.
Links of the day
- Manchester United have a record 55 points after 22 games.
- He sounds very confident. A tad too much, perhaps?
- Number 1 is Rio, and the reason is cos everyone will be there in 2014. LOL.
15 January 2013
Swipe to type on smartphones
Testing the new Samsung swipe keyboard called continuous typing. Not bad but could be better. Think Swype is probably better right now. Android 4.2 gesture typing is also better.
Samsung's continuous typing isn't too bad. But Swype is slightly more accurate. What I like though is that both Samsung and Android gesture typing allows you to see the words form in real-time which Swype doesn't.
But the differences between these keyboards are very slight.
Swiping to type is much much MUCH better than thumb typing eg iOS. I simply cannot imagine thumb typing anymore for heavy duty writing on my smartphone.
This is one major reason why geeks prefer Android to iOS. The ability to customize your base OS experience.
/ac
Samsung's continuous typing isn't too bad. But Swype is slightly more accurate. What I like though is that both Samsung and Android gesture typing allows you to see the words form in real-time which Swype doesn't.
But the differences between these keyboards are very slight.
Swiping to type is much much MUCH better than thumb typing eg iOS. I simply cannot imagine thumb typing anymore for heavy duty writing on my smartphone.
This is one major reason why geeks prefer Android to iOS. The ability to customize your base OS experience.
/ac
Links of the day
Steve Nash interview - ESPN
- Interesting tidbit in there about Kobe taking the helicopter to & from some games/practices to save his knees.
The Top 10 Sports Apologies (That Never Happened) - Grantland
- Funny.
Kid does an alternative take on the Gangnam - FB
- Quite talented kid.
SDP pulls out of the by-election after all - Twitter
- Sense prevails, finally.
Fewer COEs in coming six months - Today
- Oh, boy.
- Interesting tidbit in there about Kobe taking the helicopter to & from some games/practices to save his knees.
The Top 10 Sports Apologies (That Never Happened) - Grantland
- Funny.
Kid does an alternative take on the Gangnam - FB
- Quite talented kid.
SDP pulls out of the by-election after all - Twitter
- Sense prevails, finally.
Fewer COEs in coming six months - Today
- Oh, boy.
EPL ticket prices - "complaints" shot down
First, the fan trying to complain about the exorbitant ticket prices gets shot down, and then the linesman telling the City players to thank their fans gets pulled from the next game.
Terrible example to set, in my view. Better for the league to have just kept quiet and not seem like they're trying to stamp out legitimate complaints about ticket prices.
/ac
Terrible example to set, in my view. Better for the league to have just kept quiet and not seem like they're trying to stamp out legitimate complaints about ticket prices.
/ac
Lance Armstrong confesses to drug use on Oprah
Report from CNN
Disgraceful end to what was once a miraculous career. If you've ever read his autobiography, you'll know this is one driven, committed, pain-in-the-ass, SOB. I'm not surprised he took to drugs, nor that he has given his whole life to trying to cover that up too.
But going on Oprah to confess just makes it so much worse. It's a completely stage-managed event, and lacks the gravitas and solemnity necessary to allow him to fully redeem his sins. It would have been far better to call a press conference, read out a statement and walk away.
PR folks will probably disagree with me on many levels, but I think that would be the only way he could have walked away with any shred of dignity left.
I also wonder how much he was paid to do this on Oprah.
/ac
Disgraceful end to what was once a miraculous career. If you've ever read his autobiography, you'll know this is one driven, committed, pain-in-the-ass, SOB. I'm not surprised he took to drugs, nor that he has given his whole life to trying to cover that up too.
But going on Oprah to confess just makes it so much worse. It's a completely stage-managed event, and lacks the gravitas and solemnity necessary to allow him to fully redeem his sins. It would have been far better to call a press conference, read out a statement and walk away.
PR folks will probably disagree with me on many levels, but I think that would be the only way he could have walked away with any shred of dignity left.
I also wonder how much he was paid to do this on Oprah.
/ac
14 January 2013
Links of the day
Pastor charged with having sex with minor - ST
WP unveils it's candidate for Punggol East by-election - ST
- Interesting choice, given WP's other options. Will their loyalty back-fire on them?
Kobe being called out for his defense - Silver Screen and Roll
Live action remake of Toy Story - YouTube
- This is quite amazing.
Funniest Windows error message you'll ever see - TNW
- On a smartphone, no less.
Lee Chong Wei vs Du Pengyu, Korean Open 2013 - YouTube
- Malaysia world number 1 opens his season with a win.
WP unveils it's candidate for Punggol East by-election - ST
- Interesting choice, given WP's other options. Will their loyalty back-fire on them?
Kobe being called out for his defense - Silver Screen and Roll
Live action remake of Toy Story - YouTube
- This is quite amazing.
Funniest Windows error message you'll ever see - TNW
- On a smartphone, no less.
Lee Chong Wei vs Du Pengyu, Korean Open 2013 - YouTube
- Malaysia world number 1 opens his season with a win.
Lakers v Cavs (H)
Recap / Boxscore - ESPN
Finally, a balanced game with effort from start to end. Bench contributed and 6 players finish with more than 10 points.
The Cavs were really bad - cannot shoot or defend - but perhaps this is the kick-start the team needs in their quest to qualify for the playoffs.
One thing though - the team seems to be living and dying off the 3 point shot. And the turnovers need to be cut out.
/ac
Finally, a balanced game with effort from start to end. Bench contributed and 6 players finish with more than 10 points.
The Cavs were really bad - cannot shoot or defend - but perhaps this is the kick-start the team needs in their quest to qualify for the playoffs.
One thing though - the team seems to be living and dying off the 3 point shot. And the turnovers need to be cut out.
/ac
Man U v Liverpool (H)
Match report - BBC
Watched the game with 3 Liverpool fans, and managed to escape with no injuries.
On top for almost an hour, ie totally in control, then one defensive lapse - Cleverly/Carrick/Evra/Rafael all culpable - changed the game totally. Sturridge missed over the top, and United managed to hang on for the 3 points.
Still 7 points clear at the top, after Arsenal (or rather, Koscielny) self-destructed against Man City.
The good -
RvP goal was excellent, great movement and passing, and Evra showed his usual tenacity to get the second (I know it went off Vidic, but I still think it's Evra's goal) from a wonderful RvP freekick.
Carrick was his usual reliable and calm self, Rio and Vidic again looked imperious (save for the stupid lapse), and Cleverly and Kagawa looked very useful as well.
The bad -
Wingers are still crap. Young appears out with injury and Valencia is way off form. Why Nani is not playing is beyond me. Surely he can't be worse than Valencia right now, if he's fit?
De Gea had only one real save to make, but he presented Sturridge with an open goal. He needs to practice slapping the ball AWAY from the box, instead of back into danger zone.
/ac
Watched the game with 3 Liverpool fans, and managed to escape with no injuries.
On top for almost an hour, ie totally in control, then one defensive lapse - Cleverly/Carrick/Evra/Rafael all culpable - changed the game totally. Sturridge missed over the top, and United managed to hang on for the 3 points.
Still 7 points clear at the top, after Arsenal (or rather, Koscielny) self-destructed against Man City.
The good -
RvP goal was excellent, great movement and passing, and Evra showed his usual tenacity to get the second (I know it went off Vidic, but I still think it's Evra's goal) from a wonderful RvP freekick.
Carrick was his usual reliable and calm self, Rio and Vidic again looked imperious (save for the stupid lapse), and Cleverly and Kagawa looked very useful as well.
The bad -
Wingers are still crap. Young appears out with injury and Valencia is way off form. Why Nani is not playing is beyond me. Surely he can't be worse than Valencia right now, if he's fit?
De Gea had only one real save to make, but he presented Sturridge with an open goal. He needs to practice slapping the ball AWAY from the box, instead of back into danger zone.
/ac
12 January 2013
Links of the day
Robin van Persie interview from 2009 - Guardian
- Done by Amy Lawrence when he was still at Arsenal. Interesting insight into his mind and motivations.
Hilarious spoof of phone call between Fergie and Wenger - Dirty Tackle
125 years of National Geographic - Boston.com
- I love this website. Beautiful pictures.
- Done by Amy Lawrence when he was still at Arsenal. Interesting insight into his mind and motivations.
Hilarious spoof of phone call between Fergie and Wenger - Dirty Tackle
125 years of National Geographic - Boston.com
- I love this website. Beautiful pictures.
Posted with Blogsy11 January 2013
Links of the day
Another PAP man to preserve status quo - Lucky Tan
- Rather simplistic view, no? If he's the best guy for the post, why not?
Willow Glass from Corning - CNet
- The future draws ever closer.
The Cursed Season - Silver Screen & Roll
- I don't agree that the Lakers were cursed. They simply didn't played hard enough when it matters.
- Rather simplistic view, no? If he's the best guy for the post, why not?
Willow Glass from Corning - CNet
- The future draws ever closer.
The Cursed Season - Silver Screen & Roll
- I don't agree that the Lakers were cursed. They simply didn't played hard enough when it matters.
10 January 2013
Chelsea buying Fellaini?
Chelsea set to buy Fellaini within next 72 hours.
It used to be that United would buy the best players. Nowadays we are linked with other teams' cast-offs whilst they go and buy the best and brightest talent.
/ac
It used to be that United would buy the best players. Nowadays we are linked with other teams' cast-offs whilst they go and buy the best and brightest talent.
/ac
Angry gun advocate on Piers Morgan's show
Angry gun advocate loses it on CNN live
Wow.
This guy is the poster boy for everything that's wrong about the "my-view-is-right-and-no-one-else's-matters" culture is that so prevalent in the US, and which is slowly creeping into other societies' civil discourse. It's civil discourse, people, which mean you try to be polite, not shout all the time, for goodness's sake.
And this complete nincompoop has over a million listeners on his radio show? I repeat, wow.
/ac
Wow.
This guy is the poster boy for everything that's wrong about the "my-view-is-right-and-no-one-else's-matters" culture is that so prevalent in the US, and which is slowly creeping into other societies' civil discourse. It's civil discourse, people, which mean you try to be polite, not shout all the time, for goodness's sake.
And this complete nincompoop has over a million listeners on his radio show? I repeat, wow.
/ac
09 January 2013
COE up to $92,000
Small car COE up to $92,000.
The amazing thing is big car COE is "only" at $96,000.
WTH, man.
Update (10/1/2013): mrbrown explains why COE prices will never come down.
The amazing thing is big car COE is "only" at $96,000.
WTH, man.
Update (10/1/2013): mrbrown explains why COE prices will never come down.
Links for the day
The cost of selling Galaxies - Asymco
- It appears Samsung outspends Apple by 10-1 on
marketing, sales and promotion expenses.
- Only the 5th NBA player all-time to reach 10k
assists. Amazing.
- What possible excuse could he give for lying all
these years?
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