With 2008 approaching, I finally feel inspired to get out and blog a little.
So let me start with a recap of 2007, and what better way to recap then to do some lists. Given it is 2007, I thought we go for the top 7......
So here goes:
Top 7 movies of 2k7:
7. Stardust - This is a movie I saw last night and throughly enjoyed. In the same vein of a far away world with magic and adventure. I think Robert De Niro playing a campy Captain is the reason why it is on the list.
6. Simpsons Movie - This may explain why the last few seasons on TV have been average. They were saving it for this..and we were introduced to Spiderpig!
5. Babel - An amazingly well written movie that intertwines various stories into one. It makes you think how one action can have repercussions on the other side of the world. Great cast!
4. Sunshine - Not your standard sci-fi but moreso a murder-thriller mystery set in out space. It reminded me of 2001 and Alien.
3. I am Legend - Probably contains my worst nightmare, being isolated in a large place, where there are no more people, save for some mutants that lust for blood and can only come out at night. While this may seem lame, the way Will Smith carries himself in this movie is stupefying and he should be considered for some award here.
2. Transformers - Loved the cartoon as a child and I was apprehensive about this given previous bad experiences with remakesfrom TV shows such as "Starsky and Hutch", "Scooby Doo" or "Dukes of Hazard". Not only was the CGI amazing but there was a reasonable storyline. This format should be noted by Hollywood, do not try to change the storyline of the show too much, keep it to what people remember and it will be a hit.
Can't wait for number 2!
1. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - I love the HP books and the movies are a great. Some may moan that the movies miss parts of the book, but generally they include the parts which we want to see.
Honorable mentions: Rocky Balboa, Children of Men, Spiderman 3
Can't wait in 2008: Indiana Jones 4, Harry Potter 6, Rambo 4, The Dark Knight, Juno
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Friday, November 09, 2007
Pics of our trip down south
Here are some pictures of our trip to Perth.
The Indian Ocean from the south west of Australia.
Looking out from our house in Denmark
One of the local roads along our travels
This is near the south west tip of Australia, where the Indian ocean meets the Southern ocean
The Indian Ocean from the south west of Australia.
Looking out from our house in Denmark
One of the local roads along our travels
This is near the south west tip of Australia, where the Indian ocean meets the Southern oceanFriday, October 26, 2007
PERTH
I am back in the place that I love and grew up in - Perth, Western Australia for a few days of holidays.
Perth was the first and only port of call my family made when we arrived from Malaysia in late 1981. I have spent nearly 20 years here, I went to school, university and made my life long friends here. Although I have called Melbourne my home for the over 6 years, this place will always be dear to me.
People (especially those not from Pertrh) may ask why Perth is so special and it is hard to describe as non-Perthites find it boring and little too slow. To be truthful it can be, but this place has marvelouslly friendly people, wonderful scenery, and sensational year round weather (living in Melbourne you miss the sunny and warm evenings).
To be honest, I do not think I could come back to live here. Although I weould miss the family and some of my closest friends.
Melbourne has my new friends, my new interests and exciting opportunities. It offers me a new lease on life where I can do new and interesting things.
In Perth, you tend to sit around waiting for things to happen, whereas in Melbourne there are so many things happening you really do not know where and what to do.
It may be the most isolated capital city nthe world but in my heart it will always remain "home".
Tis good to be back.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Monday's pointers
Most of my mates have been telling me about how lucky we were to win the Merseyside derby (fot the uninitiated or non-Soccer fans out there, this is the Liverpool and Everton match).
I differ, simply because we deserved to win. Everyone is on about how the referee got the last second penalty wrong. Well the linesman was too hasty in calling Dirk Kuyt offside when he scored in the 12th minute. That goal may have changed the result and he match. Still no one is taking about that.
But we got the 3 vital points, a loss or draw and I see our season disappearing once again. This weekend we take on the league leaders Arsenal and a win will close things to within 3 points.
Lastly, I think it is time for Momo to go. His passing is pathetic. Yes he is a hard worker and wins a lot of the ball, but at this level and for this team, you have to be able to retain possession as well. I tell my boys in my team that their passing must improve, otherwise they are on the bench.
Other notes:
Time to hit the hay. We lost our a side match 6-4 after leading 4-2 at half time. I feel like crap coz 2 of the goals were preventable by me!! CRAP!!
I differ, simply because we deserved to win. Everyone is on about how the referee got the last second penalty wrong. Well the linesman was too hasty in calling Dirk Kuyt offside when he scored in the 12th minute. That goal may have changed the result and he match. Still no one is taking about that.
But we got the 3 vital points, a loss or draw and I see our season disappearing once again. This weekend we take on the league leaders Arsenal and a win will close things to within 3 points.
Lastly, I think it is time for Momo to go. His passing is pathetic. Yes he is a hard worker and wins a lot of the ball, but at this level and for this team, you have to be able to retain possession as well. I tell my boys in my team that their passing must improve, otherwise they are on the bench.
Other notes:
- 2 more sleeps and then I shall hit Perth. I have not been back for nearly 2 years and last time it was not for very long. I did not get the chance to catch up with people. If I think about it, it is nearly 5 years since I really went back and caught up with people from back in the day. So looking forward to it and checking our the south-west and Little Creatures bar.
- Ben Cousins - interesting to see what happens with him. WA Police erred here and the club sacked him. Be interesting to see what happens.
- Kobe Bryant - word out of LA is the superstarwants out. Where, how and when...I look forward to updates.
Time to hit the hay. We lost our a side match 6-4 after leading 4-2 at half time. I feel like crap coz 2 of the goals were preventable by me!! CRAP!!
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Burma
Sometimes we forgot how lucky we are. How we can enjoy the ability to express our displeasure at our leaders, how we can blog about things that affect us or how we can just speak freely. All these things we do without fear of retribution.
These days, there are not too many countries in the world where democracy is a dream rather than a way of live. Sadly, Burma is one of these countries, and the people live under one of the most corrupt military dictatorships in the world. The world has generally turned a blind eye to their plight. Burma is not blessed with an abundance of resources, nor are they considered a major power with weapons such as nuclear bombs that may threaten the freedom and lifestyles of the Western world.
The last time the world really focussed onto Burma was in the lates 1980’s, when Aung San Suu Kyi was elected as the Prime Minister of Burma, however she was not placed in power as the corrupt military nullified the election (they delusionally must have thought they would win).
The recent demonstrations by monks and nuns on the streets of Burma have brought the troubles of the country to the world’s attention. There are also significant differences in the politics of world these days. Gone is Cold War and even Communism is opening up as can be witnessed by the Chinese are accepting moderate, yet conservative Western values and trying to enter a somewhat free market trade with the world.
Sadly, if Burma had an abundance of oil under their soil, I am sure that something would have been done a lot sooner.
But now all of US, as human beings, need to keep our eyes focussed on this country and strongly encourage our respective governments that it is time for the dictators of Burma are thrown off their seats.
Nearly 20 years ago, the world awoke to the plight an imprisoned man in a South African prison. I remember the world uniting to help free this man from his unjust fate. Eventually, he was set free and went on to become South Africa’s first freely elected President. His name was Nelson Mandela.
So if the world could do it to South Africa then, then the world can unite to free Burma from the its current ills.
These days, there are not too many countries in the world where democracy is a dream rather than a way of live. Sadly, Burma is one of these countries, and the people live under one of the most corrupt military dictatorships in the world. The world has generally turned a blind eye to their plight. Burma is not blessed with an abundance of resources, nor are they considered a major power with weapons such as nuclear bombs that may threaten the freedom and lifestyles of the Western world.
The last time the world really focussed onto Burma was in the lates 1980’s, when Aung San Suu Kyi was elected as the Prime Minister of Burma, however she was not placed in power as the corrupt military nullified the election (they delusionally must have thought they would win).
The recent demonstrations by monks and nuns on the streets of Burma have brought the troubles of the country to the world’s attention. There are also significant differences in the politics of world these days. Gone is Cold War and even Communism is opening up as can be witnessed by the Chinese are accepting moderate, yet conservative Western values and trying to enter a somewhat free market trade with the world.
Sadly, if Burma had an abundance of oil under their soil, I am sure that something would have been done a lot sooner.
But now all of US, as human beings, need to keep our eyes focussed on this country and strongly encourage our respective governments that it is time for the dictators of Burma are thrown off their seats.
Nearly 20 years ago, the world awoke to the plight an imprisoned man in a South African prison. I remember the world uniting to help free this man from his unjust fate. Eventually, he was set free and went on to become South Africa’s first freely elected President. His name was Nelson Mandela.
So if the world could do it to South Africa then, then the world can unite to free Burma from the its current ills.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Chris Mainwearing (1965-2007)
Chris Mainwearing was a very popular Aussie rules football player for the West Coast Eagles and sadly he passed away yesterday. The circumstances of his death were tragic and there is conjecture that drugs were involved.
He won 2 premierships with the Eaglesin 1992 and 1994, and was a regular top player for the club. He was popular amongst the club, team mates and adored by the public. He was one of those blond surfey boys who enjoyed the sun and would give his time to people.
It is sad that he has passed away, apparently him and his wife were separating and he went on a alcohol and drug fuelled bender over the weekend. This year has not been good for the Eagles and Mainy's death will be the low-light. I hope and pray the lads fromt he west coast pay attention to what happened here and get back to playing football and living a good life.
He was only 41 and this is a sad day for footy fans.
He won 2 premierships with the Eaglesin 1992 and 1994, and was a regular top player for the club. He was popular amongst the club, team mates and adored by the public. He was one of those blond surfey boys who enjoyed the sun and would give his time to people.
It is sad that he has passed away, apparently him and his wife were separating and he went on a alcohol and drug fuelled bender over the weekend. This year has not been good for the Eagles and Mainy's death will be the low-light. I hope and pray the lads fromt he west coast pay attention to what happened here and get back to playing football and living a good life.
He was only 41 and this is a sad day for footy fans.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Official Iron Man Theatrical Trailer 2008
This is the first Irom Man movie trailer and it looks awesome. can't wait for it to come out. Apparently 1 May 2008.
Effects look awesome and let us pray it has a decent storyline. Robert Downey Jnr gets my tick as Tony Stark.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Sneaky Sound System
Sneaky Sound System's are an Australian dance band that has been around for a few years, but this year they have broken into the mainstream music scene with their latest album. The band consists of lead singer Connie Mitchell, Producers Angus McDonal and Daimon Downey (who along with Connie, predominantly appear on the video clips), and band members Peter Dolso, Jono Sloan and Felix Blosom (this trio do not appear so much).
They have not been an overnight success as they started life as an independent act. However their catchy tunes caught the attention of a number of the public and they have supported superstars such Jamiroquai and Robbie Williams when they have toured Australia.
The first single of their latest album was "Pictures" a very catchy dance and funky number which climbed to 19 on the ARIA charts (Aussie Record Industry Association). This was followed by the songs "I love it" and "UFO" (my personal favorite song) which has provided the group with their biggest chart topper to date (number 11). Their album also peaked at number 9 on the chart.
However, their biggest accomplishment has been then garnering 6 ARIA nominations (the most of any artist this year) in the categories of Best Album, Best Group, Best Dance Release, Breakthrough Album, Single of the Year for "UFO" and Best Video - "Pictures"
Connie Mitchell has received world wide acclaim for her vocal skills and features on Kanye West's "Can't tell me nothing" of his latest album "Graduation".
(L to R): Angus McDonal, Connie Mitchell and Damien DowneyThursday, September 20, 2007
Mo the Ho, has left the building
The self proclaimed “delusional one” (me being the “proclaimist” – is this even a word??) had decided that he has had enough and has quit Chelsea.
This is HUGE news in the footballing world. The man who has bought and brought 2 league titles, one FA Cup and 2 worthless cups is gone. It can be easily argued that he has been the greatest coach Chelsea has ever had.
He arrived at Chelsea with a lot of hoopla in 2004, proclaiming himself as the “special one” after winning the Champions League with Porto. The owner gave him the money and resources (that is money to buy players) he needed to bring glory to the club.
For most footballing nuts, it is evident why he has left. For those not in the know, the relationship between Jose and the billionaire owner of Chelsea, Roman Abramovich has deteriorated over the past 12 months through a series of public spats between the two.
Roman has a stated aim of winning the Champions League title but this has not been fulfilled (thanks to real teams like Liverpool). Further, the tem has not had a good run during the premiership season with a loss to Aston Villa and a draw against Blackburn.
Things culminated with a draw against that powerhouse of Norwegian football – Rosenburg yesterday. Further, the match was enjoyed by a half full Stamford Bridge (clearly all those Chelsea supporters have jumped of the bandwagon and are probably on their way to Emirates Stadium).
The style of play seems to have also turned off quite a few with Chelsea succumbing to the long ball style of game instead of the quick passing, exciting styles other teams play on.
Something had to give and it was Mo the Ho!
So what now for Chelsea – speculation about a new coach will become rampant and my money is on Guus Hiddink. He is currently coach of Russia, where a large proportion of his salary is paid by Roman. Guus has coached a national team and a club side in the past (Australia and PSV Eindhoven) so could do the same here, given that Russia may not qualify for Euro 2008)
There are others who may be keen – Jurgen Klinsman was purported as a replacement for Jose’ over the past summer. Names such as Phil Scolari and Didier Deschamps are also being mentioned.
As for Jose, I am sure he will get offers and will take some time to see what he will do. I am sure the position of coaching Portugal will be of interest to him. If the England FA is half as smart as they make out to be, they should consider him for the England job.
Chelsea – well those guys have a big match against Manchester United this weekend. They will also play MU without Frank Lampard, Drogba and Carvalho and now no coach. Who knows what could happen. MU could have the easiest match against Chelsea in some time or could face a fired up team wanting to make a statement.
This is HUGE news in the footballing world. The man who has bought and brought 2 league titles, one FA Cup and 2 worthless cups is gone. It can be easily argued that he has been the greatest coach Chelsea has ever had.
He arrived at Chelsea with a lot of hoopla in 2004, proclaiming himself as the “special one” after winning the Champions League with Porto. The owner gave him the money and resources (that is money to buy players) he needed to bring glory to the club.
For most footballing nuts, it is evident why he has left. For those not in the know, the relationship between Jose and the billionaire owner of Chelsea, Roman Abramovich has deteriorated over the past 12 months through a series of public spats between the two.
Roman has a stated aim of winning the Champions League title but this has not been fulfilled (thanks to real teams like Liverpool). Further, the tem has not had a good run during the premiership season with a loss to Aston Villa and a draw against Blackburn.
Things culminated with a draw against that powerhouse of Norwegian football – Rosenburg yesterday. Further, the match was enjoyed by a half full Stamford Bridge (clearly all those Chelsea supporters have jumped of the bandwagon and are probably on their way to Emirates Stadium).
The style of play seems to have also turned off quite a few with Chelsea succumbing to the long ball style of game instead of the quick passing, exciting styles other teams play on.
Something had to give and it was Mo the Ho!
So what now for Chelsea – speculation about a new coach will become rampant and my money is on Guus Hiddink. He is currently coach of Russia, where a large proportion of his salary is paid by Roman. Guus has coached a national team and a club side in the past (Australia and PSV Eindhoven) so could do the same here, given that Russia may not qualify for Euro 2008)
There are others who may be keen – Jurgen Klinsman was purported as a replacement for Jose’ over the past summer. Names such as Phil Scolari and Didier Deschamps are also being mentioned.
As for Jose, I am sure he will get offers and will take some time to see what he will do. I am sure the position of coaching Portugal will be of interest to him. If the England FA is half as smart as they make out to be, they should consider him for the England job.
Chelsea – well those guys have a big match against Manchester United this weekend. They will also play MU without Frank Lampard, Drogba and Carvalho and now no coach. Who knows what could happen. MU could have the easiest match against Chelsea in some time or could face a fired up team wanting to make a statement.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Britney Spears making a statement
Britney Spears, the once famous pop princess (a long, long time ago) has been lampooned from her performance at some American awards show. But we should maybe step back and think about what she has really done while trying to get a hit, one more time.
While Justin Timberlake brought sexy back, Brit is showing the world that you can strut around in your underwear with a bit of a belly, looking 'dazed' and still feel good about yourself.
Her performance at this award show was really about her making a statement to the world about the obsession some (ahem...fashion industry) have about people looking like mutated stick insects.
Afterall, what is wrong with a women with a bit of a stomach? So what if she has a chest and something in the back. Heck, I like women with some junk in the truck. They look more natural that way, as god intended. i do not want to look at someone and worry that they may fall through a grate on the side of the road, or get blwon away during the next gust of wind.
So the hecklers should sit back and take note - Britney was all about brining the "belly back"
However, not all is well with me regarding this matter. One thing that did tick me off was her fan who posted a teary retort to the world telling them to leave Britney alone. Come off it mate, grow up a little. It is just Britney Spears and people do not really care so much (apart from clowns like me with blogs like this)
While Justin Timberlake brought sexy back, Brit is showing the world that you can strut around in your underwear with a bit of a belly, looking 'dazed' and still feel good about yourself.
Her performance at this award show was really about her making a statement to the world about the obsession some (ahem...fashion industry) have about people looking like mutated stick insects.
Afterall, what is wrong with a women with a bit of a stomach? So what if she has a chest and something in the back. Heck, I like women with some junk in the truck. They look more natural that way, as god intended. i do not want to look at someone and worry that they may fall through a grate on the side of the road, or get blwon away during the next gust of wind.
So the hecklers should sit back and take note - Britney was all about brining the "belly back"
However, not all is well with me regarding this matter. One thing that did tick me off was her fan who posted a teary retort to the world telling them to leave Britney alone. Come off it mate, grow up a little. It is just Britney Spears and people do not really care so much (apart from clowns like me with blogs like this)
Monday, September 10, 2007
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
It finally happened, after years and years of trying and receiving passes from my boys when standing in-front of goals, I finally put the ball in the back of the goal.
And it was not an own goal!!
I finally scored a goal.
Dev Vagel - GOAL SCORER
Let me paint you a picture of how it happened.
We won the ball on the right side and quickly moved it up the flank. I was in the middle and started running with the play. The ball was passed between two guys and then to the overlapping central midfielder. I was running to the left of him and as he got into the box, he picked me out with a pass. I controlled it with my left foot, took another touch and then shot with my left past the keeper, with two defenders coming at me and it went into the back of the net.
WHAT A FEELING!!!
And it was not an own goal!!
I finally scored a goal.
Dev Vagel - GOAL SCORER
Let me paint you a picture of how it happened.
We won the ball on the right side and quickly moved it up the flank. I was in the middle and started running with the play. The ball was passed between two guys and then to the overlapping central midfielder. I was running to the left of him and as he got into the box, he picked me out with a pass. I controlled it with my left foot, took another touch and then shot with my left past the keeper, with two defenders coming at me and it went into the back of the net.
WHAT A FEELING!!!
Monday, September 03, 2007
No need to get over excited yet
Portsmouth, Reading, Aston Villa, Wst Ham United, Wolverhampton.
Search through the first few weeks of most EPL seasons and the above teams have sat in first place after the first 3 or 4 matches of the season. Liverpool currently sit freshly atop the pile after their fourth game and the faithful are getting excited about it.
While it is very nice to be top (especially since it was 5 years since were here) it is not time for fans to get excited and proclaim we are going to take the title. If anything, most 'pool fans should be cautiously optimistic - for int he past, when we have got to excited and arrogant, karma has bitten us in a big way.
So my advice to all LFC supporters - enjoy the start but let us not get too cocky.
Enjoy the fact we put 6 past Derby and saw our new signings feature in the goals. Enjoy the fact that the only goals we have conceeded have been two penalties - although the second one was about as plausible as Madonna adopting a child because it was a good thing and not because it was the in thing to do at the time.
Apart from the dodgy penalty and the draw with Chelsea, the season has gone well. We are winning the matches we should be and are playing well.
Let us hope the winning and goal scoring continues.
Early losses by MU and Chelsea show how tight the season will be. More teams are competitive and so the boys in red need to be get maximum points.
Still, I am not all pessimistic. I want to enjoy this position for it has been a while.
Search through the first few weeks of most EPL seasons and the above teams have sat in first place after the first 3 or 4 matches of the season. Liverpool currently sit freshly atop the pile after their fourth game and the faithful are getting excited about it.
While it is very nice to be top (especially since it was 5 years since were here) it is not time for fans to get excited and proclaim we are going to take the title. If anything, most 'pool fans should be cautiously optimistic - for int he past, when we have got to excited and arrogant, karma has bitten us in a big way.
So my advice to all LFC supporters - enjoy the start but let us not get too cocky.
Enjoy the fact we put 6 past Derby and saw our new signings feature in the goals. Enjoy the fact that the only goals we have conceeded have been two penalties - although the second one was about as plausible as Madonna adopting a child because it was a good thing and not because it was the in thing to do at the time.
Apart from the dodgy penalty and the draw with Chelsea, the season has gone well. We are winning the matches we should be and are playing well.
Let us hope the winning and goal scoring continues.
Early losses by MU and Chelsea show how tight the season will be. More teams are competitive and so the boys in red need to be get maximum points.
Still, I am not all pessimistic. I want to enjoy this position for it has been a while.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Random stuff
I just wanted to note a number of random things that have been going through me head the past few days.
- LA Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant has not had the best of reputations. However, he recently joined Team USA basketball, which is trying to qualify for the 2008 Olympics, and is showing not only how good a player he is but what a great team mate he can be. He has been asking for the "tough" defensive assignments and basically trying to be a good team player. Very Un-KB like. I have never been the greatest Kobe supporter but I have to applaud this effort he is putting in. However a part of me is cynical in thinking that this is also a stunt to gain him broader appeal and acceptance. Nothing to get American's on your side that being patriotic.
- Liverpool - so far we have been going good. Apart from the Rob Styles debacle against Chelsea (and you have to agree that the penalty was about as real as the Smurfs) things have gone well. We are in Europe and are in the top half of the EPL. However, it is all early days and I am not counting chickens, eggs or that MU will NOT win it again. Things look promising but that is about that.
- Argentina coming to Australia - The Argies team visiting Australia has been released and Messi, Mascehrano, Tevez and Crespo are in the team. I am so glad I got the tickets because this is going to be a great match to see. Once in a lifetime experience and all that. Can't wait.
- Rudd and the stripe joint - The mudslinging for the next Federal electionhas begun and the Liberals with old man Johnny Howard decided to dig some dirt on Kevin Rudd. What they brought out was that he visited a New York strip club after getting very drunk in 2003. Is this how so out of touch the Libs are that they did not realise that this would not hurt him and actually make him relate more the Aussie blokes - who would love nothing more that a PM who likes a few ales, wines and some boobies. I so hope JH and his mob get booted soon!!
- Bob Sinclair's latest song "Sound of Freedom" is awesome. Love the sample. Check out the film clip HERE
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
What becomes of the broken hearted
I recently found this and was something I wrote many years ago. A few more of these things may pop up here once in a while. Hope you enjoy reading it
The emptiness of inside
like everlasting space
a perpetual hole
ceaseless with no end
unable to be determined
ever since
eliminated by an action of the soul
isolated from the world
thoughts that raise the downpour of emotions
a plethora of questions
asking the "y"
deep down
sadness persists
never leaving like a hunger unable to be appeased
rare are moments of content
always solemn
infrequently at peace
like a boat in the storm
unable, unwilling to steer
he sun in the soul has vanished
the spirit has become inhabitable
idealisms and dreams forever shattered
so what becomes of the broken hearted?
like everlasting space
a perpetual hole
ceaseless with no end
unable to be determined
ever since
eliminated by an action of the soul
isolated from the world
thoughts that raise the downpour of emotions
a plethora of questions
asking the "y"
deep down
sadness persists
never leaving like a hunger unable to be appeased
rare are moments of content
always solemn
infrequently at peace
like a boat in the storm
unable, unwilling to steer
he sun in the soul has vanished
the spirit has become inhabitable
idealisms and dreams forever shattered
so what becomes of the broken hearted?
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Types of Indians in Malaysia
Statistics have been compiled, research has been conducted, relatives have been consulted, the gossip aunties (their big hips clad in colourful and bright golden sarees) have actually, for ONCE agreed. We present to you the characteristics that classify the THREE major Indian groups (or perhaps, castes?) that exist in Malaysia.
The REGULARs, HIP-HOPPERs & MACHAs
A) REGULAR
Definition: Comprises a mere 7-10 % of the total population of Indians in Malaysia. Found in well-developed parts of the cities spread throughout the peninsular. (None have been found in Sabah & Sarawak as yet). Characteristics include:
1. Speaks English as their 1st language.
2. Do not know how to (or just dont) speak their mother tongue.
3. Prefer to identify themselves by sub-group rather than the plain Indian (ie-Malayalee, Ceylonese, Telugu, Sikh, North Indian etc)
4. Uses the internet more than the other 2 groups combined.
5. Swears off, criticises and ridicule those who watch Tamil/Hindi Movies and/or dramas. Instead, watches the OC, MTV and other American sitcoms.
6. Thinks that the REGULAR group is way larger than it actually is and constantly makes fun of the other groups, in particular the MACHA group. Why? Because it's fun!!
7. Aspires to be a doctor. Those who do medicine will eventually do so at UK/Australia, but will normally end up taking more than the required six years to complete the degree due to excessive failure.
8. Recent studies have shown that there is a growing splinter group within the REGULARs known as the IPWTTANI (Indian People Who Think They Are Not Indians). This growing sub-group is considered the elitist by some and is found to make the occasional statements like "I wish I were in the UK" and/or "This never happened when I was studying in Australia".
9. They often speak in unidentifiable accents. The women/men of this group also prefer to date white men/women from foreign countries with the excuse that local men/women "just don't understand me". Some of them will only go out and fornicate with their so-called 'cousin' who's studying in Australia/UK, who's visiting on their semester breaks. Many secretly desire to be taken away to live in a Bollywood film with a happily-ever-after ending.
10. Despise Samy Vellu
B) THE HIP-HOPPERS
Definition: The 2nd major group of Indians, the HIP-HOPPERS comprises about 20-30% of the population of Indians. Normally living in urban areas of cities, the HIP-HOPPERS, as their name suggests, can never be found where they actually come from, but rather in clubs, bars, pubs etc. Many secretly desire to be like the REGULARS but just don't make the cut. The characteristics of the HIP-HOPPERS are:
1. TRY to speak English as their 1st language.
2. Their actual 1st language is Tamil.
3. Openly desire to be blacks (waddap dawg?)
4. Hair not in original colour
5. Have unknown hand movements and slangs that are supposedly cool that supposedly go well together with their normal attire of FUBU jerseys and baggy jeans (that are more often than not bought in Petaling Street/Chow Kit)
6. Are famously known to shorten their names to suit their lifestyles (ie. Sam, for Muthusamy and Amber for Ambikadevy)
7. Large quantities (almost all) found in Jalan Telawi of Bangsar (though, to be fair, many REGULAR groups are found here too)
8. Parents want them to be doctors. Many end up studying medicine in Russia/Ukraine (CSMU) because they refuse to go to India and cannot afford UK/Australia. Those who go to India may eventually switch camps to the MACHA group.
9. Despises Samy Vellu. The HIP-HOPPERS major claim to fame is driving out all the REGULARs (Malay, Chinese & Indian) and the white expatriates from Bangsar by large quantities, so much so that they can now call Bangsar "home".
C) THE MACHAS
The last and largest group of Indians in the country comes from the MACHA group. Probably the most famous group, it is so well known that most Malaysians think ALL Indians are from the MACHA group. Comprising nearly 70% of the Indian population in Malaysia, the MACHAS can be found in urban parts of the cities, and also in estates. Their characteristics include:
1. Speak Tamil as their 1st language
2. Sees Tamil Nadu/Madras (India) as the place to be.
3. Astro at home is hardwired to Astro Vaanavil.
4. Worship Bollywood films. The men openly desire to be like Rajnikanth or their favourite Indian star.
5. A night-out will have to include a stop at any Indian shop in Brickfields. The shopping haven will have to be Jalan Masjid India.
6. Know all the Tamil songs by heart and has never heard of Hitz.FM .
7. For men, outfit is never complete without a gold chain. Women prefer to spend their life-savings on gold jewellery and gaudy sarees.
8. Half of them aspire to be doctors, the other half; their parents want them to be doctors. The bright ones become the pride of all Indians in the country when they enter UM for medicine, the less fortunate go to AIMST. Many more attain paradise and have their dreams come true when allowed to go off to India (most of the time Manipal) to do medicine. Most just drop-out of school and contribute to social-problem areas in the country.
9. Despises Samy Vellu.
Some of these truths could hold true for Aussie Indians. As a matterof fact I think i belonged to the Hip-Hop group about 8 years ago. Now I may have gone Regular.
The REGULARs, HIP-HOPPERs & MACHAs
A) REGULAR
Definition: Comprises a mere 7-10 % of the total population of Indians in Malaysia. Found in well-developed parts of the cities spread throughout the peninsular. (None have been found in Sabah & Sarawak as yet). Characteristics include:
1. Speaks English as their 1st language.
2. Do not know how to (or just dont) speak their mother tongue.
3. Prefer to identify themselves by sub-group rather than the plain Indian (ie-Malayalee, Ceylonese, Telugu, Sikh, North Indian etc)
4. Uses the internet more than the other 2 groups combined.
5. Swears off, criticises and ridicule those who watch Tamil/Hindi Movies and/or dramas. Instead, watches the OC, MTV and other American sitcoms.
6. Thinks that the REGULAR group is way larger than it actually is and constantly makes fun of the other groups, in particular the MACHA group. Why? Because it's fun!!
7. Aspires to be a doctor. Those who do medicine will eventually do so at UK/Australia, but will normally end up taking more than the required six years to complete the degree due to excessive failure.
8. Recent studies have shown that there is a growing splinter group within the REGULARs known as the IPWTTANI (Indian People Who Think They Are Not Indians). This growing sub-group is considered the elitist by some and is found to make the occasional statements like "I wish I were in the UK" and/or "This never happened when I was studying in Australia".
9. They often speak in unidentifiable accents. The women/men of this group also prefer to date white men/women from foreign countries with the excuse that local men/women "just don't understand me". Some of them will only go out and fornicate with their so-called 'cousin' who's studying in Australia/UK, who's visiting on their semester breaks. Many secretly desire to be taken away to live in a Bollywood film with a happily-ever-after ending.
10. Despise Samy Vellu
B) THE HIP-HOPPERS
Definition: The 2nd major group of Indians, the HIP-HOPPERS comprises about 20-30% of the population of Indians. Normally living in urban areas of cities, the HIP-HOPPERS, as their name suggests, can never be found where they actually come from, but rather in clubs, bars, pubs etc. Many secretly desire to be like the REGULARS but just don't make the cut. The characteristics of the HIP-HOPPERS are:
1. TRY to speak English as their 1st language.
2. Their actual 1st language is Tamil.
3. Openly desire to be blacks (waddap dawg?)
4. Hair not in original colour
5. Have unknown hand movements and slangs that are supposedly cool that supposedly go well together with their normal attire of FUBU jerseys and baggy jeans (that are more often than not bought in Petaling Street/Chow Kit)
6. Are famously known to shorten their names to suit their lifestyles (ie. Sam, for Muthusamy and Amber for Ambikadevy)
7. Large quantities (almost all) found in Jalan Telawi of Bangsar (though, to be fair, many REGULAR groups are found here too)
8. Parents want them to be doctors. Many end up studying medicine in Russia/Ukraine (CSMU) because they refuse to go to India and cannot afford UK/Australia. Those who go to India may eventually switch camps to the MACHA group.
9. Despises Samy Vellu. The HIP-HOPPERS major claim to fame is driving out all the REGULARs (Malay, Chinese & Indian) and the white expatriates from Bangsar by large quantities, so much so that they can now call Bangsar "home".
C) THE MACHAS
The last and largest group of Indians in the country comes from the MACHA group. Probably the most famous group, it is so well known that most Malaysians think ALL Indians are from the MACHA group. Comprising nearly 70% of the Indian population in Malaysia, the MACHAS can be found in urban parts of the cities, and also in estates. Their characteristics include:
1. Speak Tamil as their 1st language
2. Sees Tamil Nadu/Madras (India) as the place to be.
3. Astro at home is hardwired to Astro Vaanavil.
4. Worship Bollywood films. The men openly desire to be like Rajnikanth or their favourite Indian star.
5. A night-out will have to include a stop at any Indian shop in Brickfields. The shopping haven will have to be Jalan Masjid India.
6. Know all the Tamil songs by heart and has never heard of Hitz.FM .
7. For men, outfit is never complete without a gold chain. Women prefer to spend their life-savings on gold jewellery and gaudy sarees.
8. Half of them aspire to be doctors, the other half; their parents want them to be doctors. The bright ones become the pride of all Indians in the country when they enter UM for medicine, the less fortunate go to AIMST. Many more attain paradise and have their dreams come true when allowed to go off to India (most of the time Manipal) to do medicine. Most just drop-out of school and contribute to social-problem areas in the country.
9. Despises Samy Vellu.
Some of these truths could hold true for Aussie Indians. As a matterof fact I think i belonged to the Hip-Hop group about 8 years ago. Now I may have gone Regular.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Will this season end the 17 year drought?
The forthcoming English Premier League season kicks off in a few days and I am as excited as a weight enhanced kid falling into a vat of chocolate.
The season looks very promising for Liverpool football club who welcomes a number of new players who have arrived through high fees ad therefore bring with them hig expectations.
Will this be the season that liverpool breaks their 17 year drought to be the best team in England? To be honest I do not think it will pour year due to the neighbours up the road recently gaining the services of Carlos Tevez.
The thought of Tevez, Wayne Rooney and Cristine Ronaldo tearing down at defences will send more than shivers down the backs and shorts of EPl defences and it is hard to fanthom how teams can contain all 3 attacking aplyers at the same time. some people may suggest that their defence is suspect but will it matter is you can just outscore a team. the only negative aspecty is we will see teams playign with a lone striker up front leading to some uninspiring matches to witness.
Chelsea have had a quiet off season with only Florent Malouda as a big name signing but the club stil has big names available. The only downside the billionaire's boys club will experience are the rash of injuries they have experienced at the start of the season which may leave them witha bit of catching up to do.
With Thierry Henry leaving Arsenal many have thought that Gooner fans are in for a lean season, but they hardly had the man playing last season and still finished fourth. Arsene Wenger wil be as cagey as ever and will sure get his young team up. They may not be up there for the title but you never know what could happen with a team coached by AW and the maturation of players such as Van Persie, Fabregas and Walcott.
However, it wont be an easy season for the ususual top four. The off seson has seen team such as West Ham United, Newcastle United and Manchester City spend big on players and will be tough propositions.
Overall the gap between teams will be diomished after a lot of off season activity. There will be a greater number of teams that could potentially trip the premiership aspirations of Liverpool, Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal but this means that the competition should be a lot more competitive and not result in a two horse race by October.
As for Liverpool, my prediction (actually it is more hope) is that they will finish second and close the gap to MU. Chelsea will finish a close third with Arsenal, Newcastle and Man City fighting for the positions below.
If Fernando Torres can play to his potential and not mirror the expereince with our other Fernando (Morientes that is) and Dirk Kuyt adding more goals, it could be a fruitful season for the Anfield club and there will be more songs being sung at the Kop.
But this season will be a lot more closer that before, I can only hope.
Time to kick off.
The season looks very promising for Liverpool football club who welcomes a number of new players who have arrived through high fees ad therefore bring with them hig expectations.
Will this be the season that liverpool breaks their 17 year drought to be the best team in England? To be honest I do not think it will pour year due to the neighbours up the road recently gaining the services of Carlos Tevez.
The thought of Tevez, Wayne Rooney and Cristine Ronaldo tearing down at defences will send more than shivers down the backs and shorts of EPl defences and it is hard to fanthom how teams can contain all 3 attacking aplyers at the same time. some people may suggest that their defence is suspect but will it matter is you can just outscore a team. the only negative aspecty is we will see teams playign with a lone striker up front leading to some uninspiring matches to witness.
Chelsea have had a quiet off season with only Florent Malouda as a big name signing but the club stil has big names available. The only downside the billionaire's boys club will experience are the rash of injuries they have experienced at the start of the season which may leave them witha bit of catching up to do.
With Thierry Henry leaving Arsenal many have thought that Gooner fans are in for a lean season, but they hardly had the man playing last season and still finished fourth. Arsene Wenger wil be as cagey as ever and will sure get his young team up. They may not be up there for the title but you never know what could happen with a team coached by AW and the maturation of players such as Van Persie, Fabregas and Walcott.
However, it wont be an easy season for the ususual top four. The off seson has seen team such as West Ham United, Newcastle United and Manchester City spend big on players and will be tough propositions.
Overall the gap between teams will be diomished after a lot of off season activity. There will be a greater number of teams that could potentially trip the premiership aspirations of Liverpool, Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal but this means that the competition should be a lot more competitive and not result in a two horse race by October.
As for Liverpool, my prediction (actually it is more hope) is that they will finish second and close the gap to MU. Chelsea will finish a close third with Arsenal, Newcastle and Man City fighting for the positions below.
If Fernando Torres can play to his potential and not mirror the expereince with our other Fernando (Morientes that is) and Dirk Kuyt adding more goals, it could be a fruitful season for the Anfield club and there will be more songs being sung at the Kop.
But this season will be a lot more closer that before, I can only hope.
Time to kick off.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Confessions of a bald headed man
I have to make this confession, I find it hard but it is time the truth to came out. It is time to come out....
Some people may find it amusing, some may just roll their eyes and some may just be on the floor laughing. But here goes.......
I am a fan of Grey's Anatomy.
There, I said it.
Can't believe I said it. But there it is. Thyis will haunt me, IO know it will.
Look I am NOT a hard core fan and I wont list it as up there with other stuff i watch. But I like to watch it.
I got into the show because Mrs D was watching it a lot so I started to watch as well. Like a bad habit it drew me in, and now it is hard to stop.
In my defence, the show is really well written and most of the characters are good. A show that has good moments of humour mixed in with drama and passion.
This show is basically the OC or 90210 for adults involving doctors.
Unlike shows like ER, the medicine is not the forefront of the show. It is about who is sleeping with who more that anything. It is sad to follow the show because it is a bit like a soapie, albeit with more brain.
The only down side to this show is the lead character - Meredith Grey. She is just boring, annoying, too anoxeric and lame. Not as good as the others. She just p's me off when I watch her. She got lots of issues, is never happy and not that good to look at. I do not understand why she is the star of the show...coz the others the star.
The others are much better and so i like them. Maybe it is the writer, they do a good job and maybe the whole idea of the show is to make the others stronger.
So there....I said it. The fellas out there may start questioning which team I play for or just laugh at me.
But I got it off my chest.
I am a Grey's Anatomy watcher.
Some people may find it amusing, some may just roll their eyes and some may just be on the floor laughing. But here goes.......
I am a fan of Grey's Anatomy.
There, I said it.
Can't believe I said it. But there it is. Thyis will haunt me, IO know it will.
Look I am NOT a hard core fan and I wont list it as up there with other stuff i watch. But I like to watch it.
I got into the show because Mrs D was watching it a lot so I started to watch as well. Like a bad habit it drew me in, and now it is hard to stop.
In my defence, the show is really well written and most of the characters are good. A show that has good moments of humour mixed in with drama and passion.
This show is basically the OC or 90210 for adults involving doctors.
Unlike shows like ER, the medicine is not the forefront of the show. It is about who is sleeping with who more that anything. It is sad to follow the show because it is a bit like a soapie, albeit with more brain.
The only down side to this show is the lead character - Meredith Grey. She is just boring, annoying, too anoxeric and lame. Not as good as the others. She just p's me off when I watch her. She got lots of issues, is never happy and not that good to look at. I do not understand why she is the star of the show...coz the others the star.
The others are much better and so i like them. Maybe it is the writer, they do a good job and maybe the whole idea of the show is to make the others stronger.
So there....I said it. The fellas out there may start questioning which team I play for or just laugh at me.
But I got it off my chest.
I am a Grey's Anatomy watcher.
I have recently joined Facebook. I had a few invites to join and it was similar to all those other network websites out there. After a while, I decided to join in and it has been positive.
Facebook could be described as myspace for the more discerning webhead or person. Yeah most of the people I have as friends can vote and drink legally.
I got people from work who are on the facebook with me and some family and friends.
However the part I enjoy about this has been reconnecting with people I lost contact with. Amongst it are some old high school chums (gosh that sounds nerdy) who I have not heard from since the very, very early 90's. It has been that long.
It can be quite addictive and allows one to see how people are doing.
I even asked the friends on facebook to visit this site - yes I am in dier need of traffic to this place.
Guess the articles should be more interesting.
Facebook could be described as myspace for the more discerning webhead or person. Yeah most of the people I have as friends can vote and drink legally.
I got people from work who are on the facebook with me and some family and friends.
However the part I enjoy about this has been reconnecting with people I lost contact with. Amongst it are some old high school chums (gosh that sounds nerdy) who I have not heard from since the very, very early 90's. It has been that long.
It can be quite addictive and allows one to see how people are doing.
I even asked the friends on facebook to visit this site - yes I am in dier need of traffic to this place.
Guess the articles should be more interesting.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
If I were a Simpson character
My wonderful Metria made a Simpson character out of me.
So what do you think?? Resemblance or not??
So what do you think?? Resemblance or not??
Monday, July 23, 2007
Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows (Spoiler Alert)
I finally finished reading the final installement of the Harry Potter series at 3am Monday morning. I had to finish, for I would be at work in a few hours (only had 4 hours sleep) and would need to discuss the matter with a few of the lads.
It answered questions, it was confusing in parts and while it was sad that the series has ended, there is a high sense of satisfaction about how the journey with JK Rowling has ended.
The structure of the seventh installement differed from the other books as we did not have the chronology of a year at Hogwarts and there was no mention of him playing quidditch. The dark nature of the book that was set from the beginning with the death of characters in the first few chapters.
My only complaint of the book was the second quarter of the book was going on slowly, particularly at the stage where the three amigo's were travelling from place to place trying to determine how to destroy the horcruxes.
But it is when we enter the second half of the book that things really heat up and the books gets moving. With the knowledge about how to destroy Voldermort, they set off and finally make their way to Hogwarts where the final showdown will occur.
At this part of the novel, the students of Hogwarts rally together along with the order of the Phoenix to take on the might of Voldermort and his forces. This was the more exciting part of the book, as it should have been.
The ending was what we had hoped for. We find out that Snape was working for Dumbledore all along and that he killed Dumbledore under the headmasters instructions (he was going to die anyway). We also find out that Snape was in love with Harry's mum from an early age which explains one of the reasons of his hatred for Harry's dad (jealosy anyone).
Although it took a loong long time, Ronand Hermoine finally get it on. There was a time in the mdidle of the book where I expected it to occur but thankfully it did not as we probably had to put up with some lovey dovey business between them for a while. Although frustrating it happened at the end of the book, it was a good time.
Finally at the end, Harry and Voldermort throw it down and after pages of explanation Harry kills Voldermort. But not before Harry himself is killed by Voldermort, does to some sort of after life where he meets Dumbledore who tells him why he had to die. This is where the authors threat that she was killing two of the MAJOR characters came to fruition.
There were some deaths to note. We lost Hedwig and Mad-Eye Moody at the start then Dobby who comes to Harry's rescue and during ther final battle we lose Fred, Tonks and Lupin.
We learn about Dumbledore's history and how events of the past can effect ones future in his case. We learn that not all the Dursely's hated Harry, his cousin dudley had some love/respect for him.
Rowling also gives us an epilogue set 19 years later where we find that they do have a happy ever after. Harry and Ginny have gotten married and have 3 children James, Albus Severus and Lily. Ron and Hermoine have two children Rose and Hugo and they meet at platform 9 and three-quarters to send their kids to Hogwarts. Neville remains a close friend and is now a professor at the school. We also find out that Draco and Harry have some form of a cordial relationship as they nod at the platform and that Harry is still famous.
The last words of the book read "The scar had not pained Harry for nineteen years. All was well."
JK Rowling has ended the story on a positive note showing that good and love triumps over sacrifice and death. It is pretty exvident that there won't be any future Harry Potter books, but who knows.
Who would have thought 10 years ago that boy wizard would rule the world???
Friday, July 20, 2007
Harry Potter: The day before
Tomorow at 9.01am, Melbourne time, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, go on sale to the world. I can niot wait for it. Some may say it is funny/weird/cute/strange how a 33 year old bugger like me is getting into this book.
But I have become a huge fan. And I am curious as hell to see how this all ends up. Will Harry die? Who else will die? What secrets will it reveal.
Over the last few days the internet and news services have been buzzing about leaks, early sales and spoilers. Apparently a few bookstores in New York started selling books earlier and a few people picked it up.
The New York Times has reviewed the book (they got their hands on one of the accidently released early copies) but apparently do not give away who lives and dies. They do provide a glimpse of the happenings inthe book.
I won't read it, I will wait to read it in less than a day.
What thing that does piss me off are these clowns who want to spolit it for us. I know heaps of people are curious, but so be it.
Part of the magic of this event (and it is an event which is unlikely to occur in our lifetime again) is the vibes and feelins people will have as the line up to buy the book and the excitement theywill feel as they open the book to read this final chapter f Harry's life.
I hope people do not get it spoiled by the anti-Harry Potter people out there. Let the children and adults who have grown into the books enjoy their weekends.
I personally hope to have the book read by Sunday but it is unlikely. But I shall savour the experience.
But I have become a huge fan. And I am curious as hell to see how this all ends up. Will Harry die? Who else will die? What secrets will it reveal.
Over the last few days the internet and news services have been buzzing about leaks, early sales and spoilers. Apparently a few bookstores in New York started selling books earlier and a few people picked it up.
The New York Times has reviewed the book (they got their hands on one of the accidently released early copies) but apparently do not give away who lives and dies. They do provide a glimpse of the happenings inthe book.
I won't read it, I will wait to read it in less than a day.
What thing that does piss me off are these clowns who want to spolit it for us. I know heaps of people are curious, but so be it.
Part of the magic of this event (and it is an event which is unlikely to occur in our lifetime again) is the vibes and feelins people will have as the line up to buy the book and the excitement theywill feel as they open the book to read this final chapter f Harry's life.
I hope people do not get it spoiled by the anti-Harry Potter people out there. Let the children and adults who have grown into the books enjoy their weekends.
I personally hope to have the book read by Sunday but it is unlikely. But I shall savour the experience.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
My hump day
I feel sorry for Thailand, they deserved to go through to the quarter finals, unfortunately they were dumped out by Australia.
The 4-0 scoreline flattered them as they scored 3 goals in the last 15 minutes. But Thailand kept us on our toes in that second half and we were lucky not to concede.
But that is football.
Lets hope Malaysia do not get pumped 5 whatever against the Iranians tonight. Hope they lift, but of they could have a crowd to come and support them it would be good. I have my ideas about what they could do but it will take at least 5 to 10 years to bear fruit and you would have to kick a few of the old buggers out.
Read a very interesting article that a new X-files movie may be coming out. Apparently the scripts are with David Duchovny and Gillian Andreson now and should they agree to things production could begin later this year with a release later next year.
This could either be great or terrible. But I am sure Chris Carter (who developed the show) will be writing the script and he does a good job.
Not sure about script details but it could either be set directly after the last episode or a few years later, closer to the invasion day.
Can't wait!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows come out this weekend, only 3 more sleeps to go.
Nt sure if I will be able to read it over the weekend with things to do - my football, housework and gardening but hopefully I gwet a chance.
So can not wait. Being a huge fan, I am sure it will be sad when it ends.
Guess I will have to get on with life.....
The 4-0 scoreline flattered them as they scored 3 goals in the last 15 minutes. But Thailand kept us on our toes in that second half and we were lucky not to concede.
But that is football.
Lets hope Malaysia do not get pumped 5 whatever against the Iranians tonight. Hope they lift, but of they could have a crowd to come and support them it would be good. I have my ideas about what they could do but it will take at least 5 to 10 years to bear fruit and you would have to kick a few of the old buggers out.
* * * * * *
Read a very interesting article that a new X-files movie may be coming out. Apparently the scripts are with David Duchovny and Gillian Andreson now and should they agree to things production could begin later this year with a release later next year.
This could either be great or terrible. But I am sure Chris Carter (who developed the show) will be writing the script and he does a good job.
Not sure about script details but it could either be set directly after the last episode or a few years later, closer to the invasion day.
Can't wait!
* * * * * *
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows come out this weekend, only 3 more sleeps to go.
Nt sure if I will be able to read it over the weekend with things to do - my football, housework and gardening but hopefully I gwet a chance.
So can not wait. Being a huge fan, I am sure it will be sad when it ends.
Guess I will have to get on with life.....
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Socceroos find Iraq's weapons of mass destruction
Friday night was a depressing night for me. I went to the pub with a few mates to catch the Australia vs Iran game expecting the lads to bounce back from a disappointing opener against Oman.
Instead I came hope p'ed off at what I saw at a poor performance which I blame on the coach Graham Arnold.
The Aussie team have used excuses like the heat, humidity and the opposition's defensive approach as being restrictive to their game. I believe that is a cop out.
Some of the players have come out saying they are at fault, but really it is Arnie's. He has proven he has no game plan and no idea.
First let us talk WC 2006. Back then we were the underdogs so we came out defensive with a lone striker playing up front supported by a 5 man midfield. However, in the Asian Cup, we are a favourite and as a fav, we have to be more attacking.
What I am trying to say is that Arnie has not changed the game plan to when Hiddink was the coach and that is poor. Even before the tournament, I knew we had to play 2 strikers because of the weather and conditions. One man up front will see 2/3 players marking him when the ball goes near him. The conditions are so hot and humid that he wont have support up there quick enough to pass the ball too.
It is pathetic!
The other aspect to complain about is the tournament preparation. They should have been in the area at least 5-7 days earlier and more importantly took part in at least 2 more practice matches to build their match fitness up.
Again the coach did not do his job in this aspect.
Who knows, they may beat the Thais tomorrow, make it through and to lift the cup. But tactically and preparation wise, we have been poor so far.
All credit to Iraq and Oman, but they were given a hand by the Australian team's coaching staff.
So Liverpool broke their records to sign Fernando Torres for a reported 20m pounds. A good buy and I hope he does a lot better than the last Fernando that came along. But he is young, quick and a future star in the making.
He has not scored loads of goals in the past but he did not have a supply line as he does now. I am sure the defense at Atletico Madrid is not as strong as Liverpool's. So I am hoping he can grab a few goals and at least get us to challenge for the title this coming season.
Nonetheless, I am sure the ladies will be happy.
WE have also signed Yossi Benayoun and Babel from Ajax. I like Benyaoun and I think he is a great pick up. Everytime we played West Ham he stood out as such a creative force. I look forward to him doing soem damage down our flanks.
I do not know much of Babel but he is a young player with a bright future. I also hope he provides us with some good work down the flanks.
But as most Liverpool supporters know, new players take a while to adapt to the premiership so I do not think these guys will impact positively for us instantly. It shall take time, but the key for the club is to come out firing and not to open such a large gap to the Manure-ians and Chelscum's!!
I can dream can't I.
Two final notes, I saw Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Great movie and cover the important parts of the book. An intriguing line near the end where Luna Lovegood mentions to Harry that things we think we have lost will come back to us, but not in the way we expect.
Something says to me that this may impact the cses os Sirius Black and Dumbledore? Only a few more sleeps until the last book is upon us!
And lastly, good win by my boys yesterday. A 6-0 win but it was not as easy as that. We played against a good team and had a bit of luck run our way. Well done!! Big game next week and we need the win to consolidate top spot and apply pressure on the top team.
For results visit mcsaweb.com.au
Instead I came hope p'ed off at what I saw at a poor performance which I blame on the coach Graham Arnold.
The Aussie team have used excuses like the heat, humidity and the opposition's defensive approach as being restrictive to their game. I believe that is a cop out.
Some of the players have come out saying they are at fault, but really it is Arnie's. He has proven he has no game plan and no idea.
First let us talk WC 2006. Back then we were the underdogs so we came out defensive with a lone striker playing up front supported by a 5 man midfield. However, in the Asian Cup, we are a favourite and as a fav, we have to be more attacking.
What I am trying to say is that Arnie has not changed the game plan to when Hiddink was the coach and that is poor. Even before the tournament, I knew we had to play 2 strikers because of the weather and conditions. One man up front will see 2/3 players marking him when the ball goes near him. The conditions are so hot and humid that he wont have support up there quick enough to pass the ball too.
It is pathetic!
The other aspect to complain about is the tournament preparation. They should have been in the area at least 5-7 days earlier and more importantly took part in at least 2 more practice matches to build their match fitness up.
Again the coach did not do his job in this aspect.
Who knows, they may beat the Thais tomorrow, make it through and to lift the cup. But tactically and preparation wise, we have been poor so far.
All credit to Iraq and Oman, but they were given a hand by the Australian team's coaching staff.
* * * * * *
So Liverpool broke their records to sign Fernando Torres for a reported 20m pounds. A good buy and I hope he does a lot better than the last Fernando that came along. But he is young, quick and a future star in the making.
He has not scored loads of goals in the past but he did not have a supply line as he does now. I am sure the defense at Atletico Madrid is not as strong as Liverpool's. So I am hoping he can grab a few goals and at least get us to challenge for the title this coming season.
Nonetheless, I am sure the ladies will be happy.
WE have also signed Yossi Benayoun and Babel from Ajax. I like Benyaoun and I think he is a great pick up. Everytime we played West Ham he stood out as such a creative force. I look forward to him doing soem damage down our flanks.
I do not know much of Babel but he is a young player with a bright future. I also hope he provides us with some good work down the flanks.
But as most Liverpool supporters know, new players take a while to adapt to the premiership so I do not think these guys will impact positively for us instantly. It shall take time, but the key for the club is to come out firing and not to open such a large gap to the Manure-ians and Chelscum's!!
I can dream can't I.
* * * * * *
Two final notes, I saw Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Great movie and cover the important parts of the book. An intriguing line near the end where Luna Lovegood mentions to Harry that things we think we have lost will come back to us, but not in the way we expect.
Something says to me that this may impact the cses os Sirius Black and Dumbledore? Only a few more sleeps until the last book is upon us!
And lastly, good win by my boys yesterday. A 6-0 win but it was not as easy as that. We played against a good team and had a bit of luck run our way. Well done!! Big game next week and we need the win to consolidate top spot and apply pressure on the top team.
For results visit mcsaweb.com.au
Thursday, July 12, 2007
July is Harry Potter Month
I am so bad at blogging right now that I even forgot my password to this!!
But with the Asian Cup on and Liverpool getting as active as a 16 year old boy in a Gentlemen's bar I thought it be a good time to blog on.
But first thing, if you happen to be a 25 plus male who remembers the Transformers cartoon then do yourself a hug favour and watch the movie. Simply awesome. The effects are so lifelike, the movie is surprisingly funny and the storyline is good. The Autobots and Decepticons have been updated and are way too cool!!
More than meets the eye here!!
Also it seems that Harry Potter is the flavour of the month now. The movie just came out and I hope to see it this weekend. looks exciting and I love to see the book come to life. Obviously it wont be an accurante copy of the book, otherwise the movie would be 6 hours long!
But the big event will be next Saturday when book seven comes out (HP and the Deathly Hollows). The big question is about who lives at the end and will Harry die.
I can understand JK Rowling thinking about killing HP, like Agatha Christie killing off Poirot, because then no one else can write stories when she dies.
But will JK face the wrath of millions of children for killing what is essentially their hero. people like my cousin Sherryn are bound to go mental.
So many questions to answer:
Is Dumbledore relaly dead?
Is Snape a bad guy?
Will Ron and Hermione get it on!!!
Will Harry shag Ginny before he carks it....whoops....wrong blog to discuss that!!
In all seriousness, we won't really know until next week.
Personally, I think Snape has not killed Dumbledore. See Proff D once mentioned that he could dissapear without people knowing. So maybe he is alive and well, setting the trap for Voldermort??? And Snape goes into the devil's lair to flush out the bad guys.
Proff D also mentions he trusts Snape implicitly, that is a pretty bold statement to make about someone who is considered dodgy by about 99.99999999% of the world. So is this his ace up his relaitvely wizard like sleeves???
Overall, I believe that Harry will have his mates om his adventure and they will assist him to get to his destiny - the final battle with Voldermort! What a chapter that will be.
The child within me wishes for Harry to beat Voldermort, grab the girl and live happily ever after next to the red haired nerdy kids of Ron and Hermoine.
Yet the artistic side in me thinks that it will a fight to the death and Harry will kill Voldermort and have to sacrifice himself to save his friends!
I have spent a lot of time thinking about what happens in the final book.
But with the Asian Cup on and Liverpool getting as active as a 16 year old boy in a Gentlemen's bar I thought it be a good time to blog on.
But first thing, if you happen to be a 25 plus male who remembers the Transformers cartoon then do yourself a hug favour and watch the movie. Simply awesome. The effects are so lifelike, the movie is surprisingly funny and the storyline is good. The Autobots and Decepticons have been updated and are way too cool!!
More than meets the eye here!!
Also it seems that Harry Potter is the flavour of the month now. The movie just came out and I hope to see it this weekend. looks exciting and I love to see the book come to life. Obviously it wont be an accurante copy of the book, otherwise the movie would be 6 hours long!
But the big event will be next Saturday when book seven comes out (HP and the Deathly Hollows). The big question is about who lives at the end and will Harry die.
I can understand JK Rowling thinking about killing HP, like Agatha Christie killing off Poirot, because then no one else can write stories when she dies.
But will JK face the wrath of millions of children for killing what is essentially their hero. people like my cousin Sherryn are bound to go mental.
So many questions to answer:
Is Dumbledore relaly dead?
Is Snape a bad guy?
Will Ron and Hermione get it on!!!
Will Harry shag Ginny before he carks it....whoops....wrong blog to discuss that!!
In all seriousness, we won't really know until next week.
Personally, I think Snape has not killed Dumbledore. See Proff D once mentioned that he could dissapear without people knowing. So maybe he is alive and well, setting the trap for Voldermort??? And Snape goes into the devil's lair to flush out the bad guys.
Proff D also mentions he trusts Snape implicitly, that is a pretty bold statement to make about someone who is considered dodgy by about 99.99999999% of the world. So is this his ace up his relaitvely wizard like sleeves???
Overall, I believe that Harry will have his mates om his adventure and they will assist him to get to his destiny - the final battle with Voldermort! What a chapter that will be.
The child within me wishes for Harry to beat Voldermort, grab the girl and live happily ever after next to the red haired nerdy kids of Ron and Hermoine.
Yet the artistic side in me thinks that it will a fight to the death and Harry will kill Voldermort and have to sacrifice himself to save his friends!
I have spent a lot of time thinking about what happens in the final book.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Saddle them Spurs and let us giddy-up to the Asian cup on the back of a Liverpudlian
Lots of things ot talk about today so lets start:
1. The NBA Champs
My team won the NBA title again - The San Antonio Spurs. Actually, I do not really have a team. I like certain players and support their team. To date I ave only really supported two NBA teams -Chicago Bulls and the SAS. the former because of Michael Jordan and the latter because of Mr Tim Duncan.
Since TD joined the Spurs 10 years ago, they have won 4 titles. He has been the opne consistent and the team now contains a certain Mr Eva Longoria (Tony Parker) a point guard of French decent who is super quick and the Aregentina's Basketball Maradona - Manu Ginobili.
People say they are boring and have no charisma. but they win without the fanfare and overhyped players that are a stable of nearly all that is America. They just play good defence and play as a team. I love t watch them.
I am sure when TD leaves, I will still have a soft spot for the Spurs but will focus on the next great player. I am looking at Greg oden, a college student who should get drafted shortly by either the Portland Trailblazers or Seatle Supersonics.
2. Asian Cup
In a few days times, Australia will make its debut in the Asia Cup - just think Euro Championships but a little more East. This years tourney is being jointly held by Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.
I was hoping that Australia would get grouped with Malaysia so I could come over to watch their matches. Who wouldn't with the likes of Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell, lucash Neill, Breet Emerton, Mark Breciano, Vince Grella and Tim Cahill avaliable.
Alas, we are grouped with Thailand and i can not witness the demolition job on Malaysia. Still, we play singapore this Saturday night so that can do!
I expect Australia shoudl make the semi's at least - i am not wanting to sound arrogant but given the team we have we should be best in Asia.
3. Transfers of the Liverpool nature
Been quiet on the Liverpool front and it is downright depressing. Where once the names of Florent Malouda, Simao, David Villa, Carlos Tevez, Samuel Eto' were being bandied around as possible LFC players,things went quiet.
Now there is talk that Fernando Torres wants to join us from Atletico Mardid for something like 25m plus. Included in the deal could be either/or/and Luis Garcia or Djibril Cisse. Now that is a fairly hefty sum to pay and I hope and pray he is not a huge mistake like the other Fernando - Morientes.
I prefer we get Carlos Tevez, he has already adapted to the EPL and has shown how good he is. Torres will take half a season to acclimitise and we can't wait for that. Carlos has shown how good he is. I can dream can't I
I await an announcement on the Torres saga possible inthe next few days.
Still this only solves one issue for the club as we still need a couple of wingers. Some years ago we were hot for Simao and David Villa. I reckon Villa would be an awesome buy as he would destroy the Premiership. but his fee has gone up which inhindsight shows what a stuff up we made by not signing him a few eyars ago for 12m his club wanted.
However, in Rafa I trust and I hope the American owners will live up to the hype and open the bank to get us some quality swo we can challenge for the title.
1. The NBA Champs
My team won the NBA title again - The San Antonio Spurs. Actually, I do not really have a team. I like certain players and support their team. To date I ave only really supported two NBA teams -Chicago Bulls and the SAS. the former because of Michael Jordan and the latter because of Mr Tim Duncan.
Since TD joined the Spurs 10 years ago, they have won 4 titles. He has been the opne consistent and the team now contains a certain Mr Eva Longoria (Tony Parker) a point guard of French decent who is super quick and the Aregentina's Basketball Maradona - Manu Ginobili.
People say they are boring and have no charisma. but they win without the fanfare and overhyped players that are a stable of nearly all that is America. They just play good defence and play as a team. I love t watch them.
I am sure when TD leaves, I will still have a soft spot for the Spurs but will focus on the next great player. I am looking at Greg oden, a college student who should get drafted shortly by either the Portland Trailblazers or Seatle Supersonics.
2. Asian Cup
In a few days times, Australia will make its debut in the Asia Cup - just think Euro Championships but a little more East. This years tourney is being jointly held by Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.
I was hoping that Australia would get grouped with Malaysia so I could come over to watch their matches. Who wouldn't with the likes of Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell, lucash Neill, Breet Emerton, Mark Breciano, Vince Grella and Tim Cahill avaliable.
Alas, we are grouped with Thailand and i can not witness the demolition job on Malaysia. Still, we play singapore this Saturday night so that can do!
I expect Australia shoudl make the semi's at least - i am not wanting to sound arrogant but given the team we have we should be best in Asia.
3. Transfers of the Liverpool nature
Been quiet on the Liverpool front and it is downright depressing. Where once the names of Florent Malouda, Simao, David Villa, Carlos Tevez, Samuel Eto' were being bandied around as possible LFC players,things went quiet.
Now there is talk that Fernando Torres wants to join us from Atletico Mardid for something like 25m plus. Included in the deal could be either/or/and Luis Garcia or Djibril Cisse. Now that is a fairly hefty sum to pay and I hope and pray he is not a huge mistake like the other Fernando - Morientes.
I prefer we get Carlos Tevez, he has already adapted to the EPL and has shown how good he is. Torres will take half a season to acclimitise and we can't wait for that. Carlos has shown how good he is. I can dream can't I
I await an announcement on the Torres saga possible inthe next few days.
Still this only solves one issue for the club as we still need a couple of wingers. Some years ago we were hot for Simao and David Villa. I reckon Villa would be an awesome buy as he would destroy the Premiership. but his fee has gone up which inhindsight shows what a stuff up we made by not signing him a few eyars ago for 12m his club wanted.
However, in Rafa I trust and I hope the American owners will live up to the hype and open the bank to get us some quality swo we can challenge for the title.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
MIKA: Life in Cartoon Motion
When I first tuned into the song "Grace Kelly" on the radio, I hooked on to the melodic tune and as I heard the chorus I was amazed at the vocal range of this musician. I tried to sing the song and it is very hard to do what this man does.
Another example of in studio magic or a musician to take note off?
Well a few days ago, he popped up on a Australian TV show and performed live and it was then that I decided to acquire his album and was very extremely happy with this compilation
Mika, is a British lad of Lebanese decent has released a debut album with captures carious genres of music - jazz, soul and pop. The pace of the songs range from the love ballad (Any other world) to the toe taping.
This fella is quite a talented lad
Amongst the songs I enjoyed were "Lollipop", "Happy Ending", "Love Today" which reminds me of the why I love the Disco age, "My Interpretation" and "Billy Brown" which had an interesting twist at the end and provides a window into Mika.
This album is undeniable a pop album and worth a listen if you enjoy music which is not entirely mainstream and a vocalist who likes to show off his amazing range. He could be this generations Freddy Mercury!
On my scale where 10 equates to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and 1 is pure crap:
I give it 9.5/10
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
When being a man is not really being a man?
It seems that the lines between man and women, between gay and straight are intertwining more often these days. A news term entered the fray some few eyars ago, the word “Metrosexual”. To most this phenomenon was made famous by one Mr David Beckham - he of the famous right foot who could bend it.
Seems he also bent a few other things.
Now Dev Vagel, here, is not anti-metrosexual or anti-gay or homophobic. Matter of fact, I would find it very cool to have a gay friend. I am not worried if someone is gay and all I care about is that person is a good human being.
I am also realistic enough to know that anyone gay would not an inkling of wanting to seduce or sleep with me. But really I just take people as who they are and if they a bastard then it does not matter if you straight or not – I probably dowan fren you!
This morning on the way to work we were listening to the radio and they were discussing the habits of some metrosexuals. I think its fine for a man to look after himself. To go for a facial (I do it), to go for waxing (I don’t do it), massages (too expensive here to do), pedicure, manicure, haircuts (I definitely do not do that anymore) etc.
Anyway, this girl was discussing her boyfriend and mentioned him visiting the hair salon every Friday, getting waxed every 2 weeks (back, legs and even that area down there), going for facials, spending time on the weekend looking for curtains and furniture.
Now that is all fine because we all should live in a nice place with some colour coordination but my concern with him was he is becoming less of a man. Less of a protector and more vain.
Maybe it is because I grew in Australia where we celebrate manliness, where we like to act as a bloke that I find this kind of behaviour head shakling.
But before we all overreact and call me anti-something let me say that I do undergo a facial once in a while and have been doing so for over 10 years. I also like to coordinate furniture and clothes (although I do a bad job of this) and I tried to make myself look good.
So I understand this metrosexual thing is all about.
But I still try to retain my manhood, I try not show that I am a man and if my woman is in trouble she knows that I can take care of her. Plus I am not trying to be as pretty as or prettier than her.
When I play a sport I am not worried about my hair or how shinny my head is. I am not worried about how I look afte3r the game (I have seen a few people change out of their sports gear into jeans and nice clothes and then drown themselves with cologne).
Maybe it is a generational thing and I missed out on a few things?
Ultimately it comes down to vanity of the man. When is looking after yourself too much???
I am not talking about a man needing to go out there and start a fight or down the pub and swig a bottle of scotch or arm wrestle to prove his manliness. I just thing as men there are certain things we need to maintain.
Having a nice haircut and the softest of hands are not essential.
Seems he also bent a few other things.
Now Dev Vagel, here, is not anti-metrosexual or anti-gay or homophobic. Matter of fact, I would find it very cool to have a gay friend. I am not worried if someone is gay and all I care about is that person is a good human being.
I am also realistic enough to know that anyone gay would not an inkling of wanting to seduce or sleep with me. But really I just take people as who they are and if they a bastard then it does not matter if you straight or not – I probably dowan fren you!
This morning on the way to work we were listening to the radio and they were discussing the habits of some metrosexuals. I think its fine for a man to look after himself. To go for a facial (I do it), to go for waxing (I don’t do it), massages (too expensive here to do), pedicure, manicure, haircuts (I definitely do not do that anymore) etc.
Anyway, this girl was discussing her boyfriend and mentioned him visiting the hair salon every Friday, getting waxed every 2 weeks (back, legs and even that area down there), going for facials, spending time on the weekend looking for curtains and furniture.
Now that is all fine because we all should live in a nice place with some colour coordination but my concern with him was he is becoming less of a man. Less of a protector and more vain.
Maybe it is because I grew in Australia where we celebrate manliness, where we like to act as a bloke that I find this kind of behaviour head shakling.
But before we all overreact and call me anti-something let me say that I do undergo a facial once in a while and have been doing so for over 10 years. I also like to coordinate furniture and clothes (although I do a bad job of this) and I tried to make myself look good.
So I understand this metrosexual thing is all about.
But I still try to retain my manhood, I try not show that I am a man and if my woman is in trouble she knows that I can take care of her. Plus I am not trying to be as pretty as or prettier than her.
When I play a sport I am not worried about my hair or how shinny my head is. I am not worried about how I look afte3r the game (I have seen a few people change out of their sports gear into jeans and nice clothes and then drown themselves with cologne).
Maybe it is a generational thing and I missed out on a few things?
Ultimately it comes down to vanity of the man. When is looking after yourself too much???
I am not talking about a man needing to go out there and start a fight or down the pub and swig a bottle of scotch or arm wrestle to prove his manliness. I just thing as men there are certain things we need to maintain.
Having a nice haircut and the softest of hands are not essential.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Akopolis Now
I was sad, I was angry (particularly at the ref) and I was depressed but the boys did extremely well in making their second Champions league final in 3 years. After receiving all those sms’s and emails from well wishing and mannered Manchester United fans, I decided to take this attitude:
You win some and you lose some.
Luck plays a part in any sporting match, for any team. Look at what happened in the final of 2005 and then again in FA Cup final of 2006. Unfortunately, the luck was with Milan yesterday, they got that deflection for the goal. I can not be upset or hate the Rossonerri for beating us, they are a quality side and deserved to win. They scored and we did not.
It came as a surprise that Liverpool came out as the more attacking team. My only question for the lineup was why pick Bolo Zenden and Pennant if there is no Peter Crouch? I mean the game plan was to attack from the flanks but we needed a target man there and while I love Dirk Kuyt he is not 6 foot 7inches now!
I though Javier Mascherano was awesome and he kept Kaka in check, this guy could definitely be my new hero. This was backed by the fact that Kaka did not influence any major attack until he passed the ball for Inzaghi (when Mascherano was warming the sidelines).
As for the referring, what I hate most in a game is an inconsistent referee. If a ref is bad, then please be bad for both sides. I hate the ref who makes a call on a foul but when something similar happens just waves play on. Players, fans and coaches hate that as the players do not know how to adapt to the game. This fellow was an embarrassment for UEFA and let us hope they do not appoint such a waste for their showcase event. I mention the fact that there should have been another 45 seconds of play and that Liverpool should of scored. But that is a dream.
But now I look to the future. I think the loss will light a fire in the belly of guys like Stevvie, Carra, Risse, Javier, Rafa etc. Hopefully they put in a hard pre season so they start the next EPL season on the front foot by grabbing some wins.
Face facts, is Liverpool supporters want the EPL title – this is our holy grail now!
You win some and you lose some.
Luck plays a part in any sporting match, for any team. Look at what happened in the final of 2005 and then again in FA Cup final of 2006. Unfortunately, the luck was with Milan yesterday, they got that deflection for the goal. I can not be upset or hate the Rossonerri for beating us, they are a quality side and deserved to win. They scored and we did not.
It came as a surprise that Liverpool came out as the more attacking team. My only question for the lineup was why pick Bolo Zenden and Pennant if there is no Peter Crouch? I mean the game plan was to attack from the flanks but we needed a target man there and while I love Dirk Kuyt he is not 6 foot 7inches now!
I though Javier Mascherano was awesome and he kept Kaka in check, this guy could definitely be my new hero. This was backed by the fact that Kaka did not influence any major attack until he passed the ball for Inzaghi (when Mascherano was warming the sidelines).
As for the referring, what I hate most in a game is an inconsistent referee. If a ref is bad, then please be bad for both sides. I hate the ref who makes a call on a foul but when something similar happens just waves play on. Players, fans and coaches hate that as the players do not know how to adapt to the game. This fellow was an embarrassment for UEFA and let us hope they do not appoint such a waste for their showcase event. I mention the fact that there should have been another 45 seconds of play and that Liverpool should of scored. But that is a dream.
But now I look to the future. I think the loss will light a fire in the belly of guys like Stevvie, Carra, Risse, Javier, Rafa etc. Hopefully they put in a hard pre season so they start the next EPL season on the front foot by grabbing some wins.
Face facts, is Liverpool supporters want the EPL title – this is our holy grail now!
Friday, April 20, 2007
2007 Australian Sikh Games
It has been a while innit????
So what has been happening with you?
For me there been a few things goings and comings, here and there.
A few weeks Melbourne played host to the Sikh Games. Bascially it is a weekend of sports, drinking, rousing, womanising and all sorts of stuff. But basically the games are that, games played by the Sikhs from all over Australia and internationally like Singapore, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Personally, I was involved with coaching the Victoria Sikh Association football teams - the senior mens and under 17's. In a nut shell, the seniors, won 1 and lost 2 matches, although the match against Singapore was tinged with controversy for me as they scored an offisde goal and should have had a player sent off for hitting another player.
So what has been happening with you?
For me there been a few things goings and comings, here and there.
A few weeks Melbourne played host to the Sikh Games. Bascially it is a weekend of sports, drinking, rousing, womanising and all sorts of stuff. But basically the games are that, games played by the Sikhs from all over Australia and internationally like Singapore, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Personally, I was involved with coaching the Victoria Sikh Association football teams - the senior mens and under 17's. In a nut shell, the seniors, won 1 and lost 2 matches, although the match against Singapore was tinged with controversy for me as they scored an offisde goal and should have had a player sent off for hitting another player.
Melbourne's most wanted!! (by the authorities)
The under 17's ran around and did ok but sadly could not win either of their two matches, but they played well and were unlucky.
Anyway here are some more "action" shots from the games. (Can you see that Melbourne has a drought and was a bit dusty)
I also had my cousin and good friends down from Perth partaking in the hockey tournament. They did well but got knocked out in the semi final against Sydney. Unfortunately the organisers teally kocked up things here. the draw for the finals was amazingly confusing and pretty poorly thought too.
I could see they had thoughts of giving teams a few matches so they found the tournament worth partaking in, but it was ridiculous.
Basically, if a team was eliminated they would get not one but sometimes 3 chances to play again to make the seni finals. RIDICULOUS!!! It was so bad that Perth beat a team 3-0 then played them later that day and beat them 4-0 to make the semi finals.
So when they came to the semi finals, they had played 3 matches that day (and had an hours rest before this match) against a teamthat played once that day and had nearly 7 hours between matches.
CRAZY!!!
But enough of that. It was great fun to see the guys and share quite a few beers and chats. Also caught up with a lot of people from Perth I had not seen in a few years and the most crazy thing was seeing some of the people I knew as little kids then all grown up - man i feel old now!!
Metria was also kind enough to let me run amuck with the friends and that is why I love this girl!!
Next up: Our trip to the Sunshine Coast.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Where was the wall?
T'was a game where one team looked like the far superior team. Yet when it came to the part that mattered, we failed.
It is downright depressing to be killed at the death of the match..again. This time , by all people - John O'Shea. Yes there is only one O'Shea as Keropok says, and I am thankful because let us face it, he is pretty average and he only looks good because of the quality around him.
But therein, lies the major issue here. MU are a fairly decent team on their way to their next title.
Championship teams win these type of matches. They did it against Fulham the week before and they did it again.
We, the Liverpool, did not convert our chances. We did not the ball in the back of the net, where it counts. We did sweet F.A. where it mattered in the end. Sadly, MU did so. Kudos to the and this is why they have one hand on the trophy. Basically the championship is theirs to lose.
I just hope the fans can handle the win with some sort of "class" but I fear they will end up moreso like the last 3 letters of that word.
There was a suspect offside call on Bellamy when he scored but it may have been right (it hit Sissoko's head on the way to him so it depends on where he was at that time).
Lets hope we fair better against Barcelona on Wednesday morning.
YNWA
It is downright depressing to be killed at the death of the match..again. This time , by all people - John O'Shea. Yes there is only one O'Shea as Keropok says, and I am thankful because let us face it, he is pretty average and he only looks good because of the quality around him.
But therein, lies the major issue here. MU are a fairly decent team on their way to their next title.
Championship teams win these type of matches. They did it against Fulham the week before and they did it again.
We, the Liverpool, did not convert our chances. We did not the ball in the back of the net, where it counts. We did sweet F.A. where it mattered in the end. Sadly, MU did so. Kudos to the and this is why they have one hand on the trophy. Basically the championship is theirs to lose.
I just hope the fans can handle the win with some sort of "class" but I fear they will end up moreso like the last 3 letters of that word.
There was a suspect offside call on Bellamy when he scored but it may have been right (it hit Sissoko's head on the way to him so it depends on where he was at that time).
Lets hope we fair better against Barcelona on Wednesday morning.
YNWA
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Part 1: On the Outside
Name : Def Daddy Dev
Date of Birth : 29 January
Current Status : Alive
Eye Colour : Hazel
Hair Colour : HAHAHAHA
Righty or Lefty : right now it is hanging to the left
Zodiac Sign : Aquarius
Part 2: On the Inside
Your Heritage : Indian
Your Fear : Spiders and heights
Your Weakness: Sangeeta, Jordan and kryptonite
Your Perfect Pizza : Mexican with jalepeno peppers and anchovies
Part 3: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
Your thoughts first waking up : Should I call work and tell them I am sick today?
Your bedtime : after 11pm, though I also feel sleepy at 3pm monday to Friday.
Your most missed memory : Beaches of Perth and the AWESOMES!
Part 4: Your Pick
Pepsi or Coke : Pepsi Max
cDees or Burger King : HJ"s baby!
Single or Group Dates : Single
Adidas or Nike : Adidas
Lipton Tea or Nestea : Green tea..HAH!
Chocolate or Vanilla : Chocolate
Cappucino or Coffee : Gloria Jeans Mocha Caramalatte
Part 5: Do You...
Smoke : No
Curse : F@#$ yes!
Part 6: In the Past Month
Drank alcohol : Yes
Gone to the mall : Of course!
Been on stage : No
Eaten sushi : Yes
Dyed your hair : hahahahahaha
Part 7: Have You Ever?
Played a stripping game : I plead the fifth
Changed who you were to fit in : Yes
Part 8 : Marrriage
Age you're hoping to be married : already inthat blissful world right now..now i have to make tea for my wife
Part 9: In A Guy ....i am a guy so i make this for girls
Best Eye colour : who cares as long as she has large breats
Hair colour : as long as there is no hair on the breast
Short or long hair : Brazilian!!
Part 10: What Were You Doing?
1 minute ago : Joining everyone else to answer..this quiz...(stupid questionreally!)
1 hour ago : Must have been working
41/2 hours ago : Sleeping
1 month ago : Planning football training and the upcoming season
1 year ago : Planning my first anniversary
Part 11: Finish The Sentence
I love : doing nothing and watching sport and my wife (I laike very much)
I feel : Excited about the upcoming weekend
I hate : Fake people and cruel people
I hide : my excitement and dissapointments amongst most people. It is all about remaing calm in a storm
I miss : My family and the awesomes back in Perth.
I need : To really lose a few kilograms and get fit.
Ok I hereby tag anyone of the 4 people who read this blog to fill out this questionnaire and let me know their responses.
Name : Def Daddy Dev
Date of Birth : 29 January
Current Status : Alive
Eye Colour : Hazel
Hair Colour : HAHAHAHA
Righty or Lefty : right now it is hanging to the left
Zodiac Sign : Aquarius
Part 2: On the Inside
Your Heritage : Indian
Your Fear : Spiders and heights
Your Weakness: Sangeeta, Jordan and kryptonite
Your Perfect Pizza : Mexican with jalepeno peppers and anchovies
Part 3: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
Your thoughts first waking up : Should I call work and tell them I am sick today?
Your bedtime : after 11pm, though I also feel sleepy at 3pm monday to Friday.
Your most missed memory : Beaches of Perth and the AWESOMES!
Part 4: Your Pick
Pepsi or Coke : Pepsi Max
cDees or Burger King : HJ"s baby!
Single or Group Dates : Single
Adidas or Nike : Adidas
Lipton Tea or Nestea : Green tea..HAH!
Chocolate or Vanilla : Chocolate
Cappucino or Coffee : Gloria Jeans Mocha Caramalatte
Part 5: Do You...
Smoke : No
Curse : F@#$ yes!
Part 6: In the Past Month
Drank alcohol : Yes
Gone to the mall : Of course!
Been on stage : No
Eaten sushi : Yes
Dyed your hair : hahahahahaha
Part 7: Have You Ever?
Played a stripping game : I plead the fifth
Changed who you were to fit in : Yes
Part 8 : Marrriage
Age you're hoping to be married : already inthat blissful world right now..now i have to make tea for my wife
Part 9: In A Guy ....i am a guy so i make this for girls
Best Eye colour : who cares as long as she has large breats
Hair colour : as long as there is no hair on the breast
Short or long hair : Brazilian!!
Part 10: What Were You Doing?
1 minute ago : Joining everyone else to answer..this quiz...(stupid questionreally!)
1 hour ago : Must have been working
41/2 hours ago : Sleeping
1 month ago : Planning football training and the upcoming season
1 year ago : Planning my first anniversary
Part 11: Finish The Sentence
I love : doing nothing and watching sport and my wife (I laike very much)
I feel : Excited about the upcoming weekend
I hate : Fake people and cruel people
I hide : my excitement and dissapointments amongst most people. It is all about remaing calm in a storm
I miss : My family and the awesomes back in Perth.
I need : To really lose a few kilograms and get fit.
Ok I hereby tag anyone of the 4 people who read this blog to fill out this questionnaire and let me know their responses.
No juggernauts or scarry stories here
I just have not had the mojo to blog a lot latelty due to a variety of reasons such as busy and work and CBF-itis.
(what is CBF-itis you ask.....well it means can't be, well you guess the last word)
Anyway.....
We await the arrival of my parents from Perth and you know what that means! We gonna eat well for a week. come home from work and there gonna be some of mum's delicious curry or dad's mutton curry.
Man, it is gonna be a gastronomical delight next week.
No EPL so that is a bummer but Melbourne is abuzz with the impeding A-League grand final against Adelaide. Some history between the teams so it will be a great contest. I look forward to it.
Saturday night we shall eb attending my little darling Bhavandeep's engagement so I look forward to that, although they expect a warm night.
oh well.....walk on my friends!
(what is CBF-itis you ask.....well it means can't be, well you guess the last word)
Anyway.....
We await the arrival of my parents from Perth and you know what that means! We gonna eat well for a week. come home from work and there gonna be some of mum's delicious curry or dad's mutton curry.
Man, it is gonna be a gastronomical delight next week.
No EPL so that is a bummer but Melbourne is abuzz with the impeding A-League grand final against Adelaide. Some history between the teams so it will be a great contest. I look forward to it.
Saturday night we shall eb attending my little darling Bhavandeep's engagement so I look forward to that, although they expect a warm night.
oh well.....walk on my friends!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
No more DIC
I certainly hope that Liverpool have not shot themselves in thefoot or anywehre else by not agreeing for DIC to buy the team, pay off debts and build a new stadium. Because DIC pulled out and left us dry.
The other bidder - Gillette is now in a prime position and could invariably do things their own way. From what I have read, Gillette initially wanted to share a stadium with the blue side of Liverpool - no way!
I just hope this is not a Kock Up!
The other bidder - Gillette is now in a prime position and could invariably do things their own way. From what I have read, Gillette initially wanted to share a stadium with the blue side of Liverpool - no way!
I just hope this is not a Kock Up!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
And Nikky makes three
Now I came across this site (click on this link) a few days ago and it is quite a laugh.
The premise is an Indian wife in the USA suspects her husband of cheating, she calls a radio station to see if it is true. This site plays the whole conversation and does go for 10 to 15 minutes.
Now this is not usually something I would find funny but the commentary in this was quite funny.
Time for a "boodah" call!
The premise is an Indian wife in the USA suspects her husband of cheating, she calls a radio station to see if it is true. This site plays the whole conversation and does go for 10 to 15 minutes.
Now this is not usually something I would find funny but the commentary in this was quite funny.
Time for a "boodah" call!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
RIP Amanda Vanstone - Aussie Immigration Minister
I have gone and done a Keropok and taken a long time to update. But been lazy, had my cousin and wife visiting and was distracted by being lazy.
But finally have some time to do so. There are a few things to discuss and I will start off with the football.
But finally have some time to do so. There are a few things to discuss and I will start off with the football.
FOOTBALL
How can I not gloat about out 2 goal win over Chelsea. What made the weekend evenbetterwas for the Mancs to lose to a last miute Henry header but more on that later.
Liverpool dominated the match and outplayed their opponents all over the pitch and is that last comment I want to focus on. Because too many clowns (that is the media and no brained football fans) have been focussing on the missing Chelsea centrebacks. What about the offensive and creative talent they have at their disposal in Messers Ballack, Lampard, Shevchenko, Robben, Wringt-Phillips, Cole and Drogba which representys over 100m pounds in talent.
Surely between all of then they could have strung some good passes and maybe a few shots at goal.
Yet sadly they did not create much. Drogba was thoroughly taken out of the game by man of the match Carragher, Lampard provided futher evidence why Stevvie G should be playing central midfield for England, Ballack was missing the “o” in his name (thbk about that one and you may get what I mean), Shevshenko shows us that the EPL is too fast for his 30 year odl body and Cashely was just a little slow in picking up his ex-team mate Pennant when he scored his magnificient goal.
All Chelsea did was kick the ball long and hope something would happened.
Yet Moron the Ho wanted symphaty post match but please, stop whing mate and get on with it. I guess swapping Cole for Makele was a great chouice innit!
Overall, Liverpool showed that they are capable off but no use winning if we lose to West Ham tomorrow morning. We need to carry on and play like this for the rest of the season. And Crouch needs a neck muscle transplant.
Then we see MU clutch defeat from the hands of a draw. But that is what you get with all that time wasting.
I am glad the results panned out as they did. This now makes the top 4 more interesting however, I still believe MU will wint he title but the race for 2nd could get very, very interesting.
Lastly, did anyone see Van Persie’s celebration after he scored? I am talking about his jump and fist “pump”. How girly was that (and I apologise to all females because that is saying something here). I mean it was like a ballerina doing a jump and then this semi-mini fist pump. It looks like he does not know how to celebrate and it was embarrassing to watch. Henceforth, he shall be known as “Van Pussie”. I would be embarrassed about that celebration if I was an Arsenal fan.
DAVID BECKONS
Those crazy Americans, first they elect George Bush as a president with less than 50% of the vote, then they start a war in Iraq, then re-elect George W Bush and finally sign David Beckham to come over and play soccer with them.
But they lucked out as a Spice Girl gets thrown into the deal.
Still those clowns are willing to pay him A$125,000 per week (or 50,000 pounds or something like RM 340,000). That is a fairly big pay packet for a right cross.
I wonder if this also includes his appearance in Mission Impossible 4 - Soccer to be bigger than Baseball, Basketball and American Football (and I have to agree about this so called American football, 95% of the game involves the ball being thrown from one person to be caught by another person so "throwing the ball" would have been a much better name).
But power to the man, he conned the Americano's to make him well paid for the next 5 years. Now he can piss off the last remaining 300 million people who have never really listened to his voice.
LUCA$H "NEEDY" NEILL
As an Austrlaian, I was hoping that Lucas Neill would join Liverpool.
Then West Ham United came in to offer him more cash. Now he has joined them and said he gave up on his move to his "dream Club" becuase he did not feel the love from Rafa. So that means that he chose West Ham because:
He did not want to be in a club playing in the Champions League?
He did not want to be part of a team that would challenge for the Premiership title?
He did not want to play with one of the best managers in the game and with some of the best players in the world!
He does not want to play for a team that will be shown on worldwide television regularly, thereby increasing his exposure exponentially!
So it was nothing to do with the massive pay pack over the next 2 and a bit years. It was all about the opportunity to play with a club that is struggling to stay up inthe Premiership this season and is likely to struggle for the duration of his contract.
It was all about the potential of West Ham to the continuing improvement of Liverpool.
It was simple money over medals.
Just un-Australian.
POLITICS
I read in todays papers that John Howard has reshuffled his cabinet and removed Amanda Vanstone from her post. For those in the unknown, AV is a large women who was immigration minister and a tel it lik it is kind of person.
Comedians here used to joke about her a lot because of her forthright, boganish manner and that she would never let people in because she was scared they would eat her food. How I am going to miss Wil Anderson making fun of her.
"the fish I ate was really this big...and in one gulp too"
RIP Amanda, you were great value while you were here.
I think we should look at an eyebrow hall of fame and i have two inductees already, John Howard and Peter Gallagher - he is Sandy Cohan from "The OC". Amazingly massive!
"Ryan, Seth step away with those clippers"
"My gosh, John, they are some big eyebrows you have"
Lastly, it is Australia Day this Friday. So happy Aussie Day to one and all. Green and Gold all day!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
WTF
6 freaking goals scored..at Anfield by a visiting side. 4 days earlier they scored 3 against us!
They set the table Saturday for the main course today.
Fried Gerrardon a bed of pickled Xabi, Hyppia and a Paletta.
@#$%ing Pathetic display.
Embarassed to say the least.
And they were a bunch of kids....future looks bright for one squad!
They set the table Saturday for the main course today.
Fried Gerrardon a bed of pickled Xabi, Hyppia and a Paletta.
@#$%ing Pathetic display.
Embarassed to say the least.
And they were a bunch of kids....future looks bright for one squad!
Friday, January 05, 2007
My tribute to Rocky
As "Rocky Balboa" has come out across the world and will enter Aussie cinemas in February, I have rediscovered this classic series of movies and currently, I am in the process of reviewing its previous incarnations. Yes I am watching Rocky I to IV (still deciding about V)
Now to most people, your jaws have dropped as you try to comprehend why I like this movie.
Well the answer is pretty simplistic:
1. I am a guy
2. Guys enjoy a bit of punching and socking it up. It is in our DNA, we like watching mindless violence once in a while.
3. There are some classic moments of drama and comedy in these movies.
The first time I started watching these movies was many summers ago when I was not yet 10. I saw I and II together and as time came on I caught up with the others. I recall seeing them at home on video rather than at the cinemas.
When news came out about another installment, I knew I had to watch them again and get primed for number 6. Sure I was skeptical and thought it would be pretty boring but generally the movies had a good story line - after you get over the part an unknown gets to fight the world champion for for the world title. But this was America the land of opportunity right!
Then again, people watch Bollywood movies and believe that two people singing songs can move between the streets of New York to the Swiss Alps in a blink of an eye, while changing into 3 different outfits. (Yet these days I can actually sit through a Bollywood movie and enjoy them - see what marriage has done to me!)
Off all the Rocky titles, my favourite is Rocky 3 and my least favourite is Rocky 5. So much so that I am having a hard time deciding whether I want to watch the last installment of this franchise.
Rocky 5 just did not go down well. It was crap and the two times I saw it I fell asleep through the viewing. Yes I saw it again because I fell asleep through the first viewing and it put me in dream land again. A movie just does not do that. The franchise ended badly and that is why number 6 had to come out.
I also think Sly Stallone did not want number 5 to stain the franchise and as such titled this one “Rocky Balboa” and not “Rocky 6”.
As I mentioned earlier, in the original Rocky, you were required to believe that the then current world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed played by Carl Weathers, wanted to fight an unknown fighter which he picked up from a book because he was named “The Italian Stallion”. Of course as Apollo calls him the “Eye-talian” Stallion which was great comedy.
But if you look over this part of the story, the rest of the movie dealt with a down on his luck street thug who is going nowhere in life. He is presented with this opportunity to make some money and when he gets his chance he takes it to the champ and nearly wins it.
I believe the fact that Rocky lost the fight was a reason why this franchise was founded. There were also so many blows to the head in one round alone, that I felt a headache coming along.
Another thing was that this movie won best picture at the Academy Awards so either says the movies coming that year was crap or the movie was great.
Rocky 2 was a bit slow for about the first 70% as Rocky dealt with getting over his injuries and whether to take Apollo in a rematch. The downside of this movie was Talia Shire who played his wife Adrian. Her constant negativity and attitude over all movies was a bit of a pain. In a way, I am glad she is not in number 6.
(Let me digress about Talia Shire - she was great in the Godfather series and I actually believe that Godfather 3 should have been renamed GodMOTHER because she was calling the shots then - but apart from these two movies serials, what else has she acted in??)
Back to II, a great seen here was when he is running through Philadelphia and we see the magnificent city. it ends with him running up some steps and jumping around like a mad man. He did a similar thing in I but in II he has a harem of kids running with him. Just seeing this and hearing the music makes me want to run. I actually want to run those steps to the theme music and record that all on video - would be a good 3 minute clip
At the end Rocky just beats Apollo to become world champion. How is does it was great. After pummelling each other for 15 rounds, they both collapsed and are struggling to get up, eventually our hero does it and he is the champ! What follows is the standard hug between the combatants when Apollo presents Rocky with the belt, to which he lifts up and shouts "Yo Adrian, we did it!!" i had a tear running down my eye, I was pumped up.
This sets it all nicely for the bst of them all – number 3!
The great thing about III was that it introduced the world to Mr T as Clubber Lang (talk about a great series of character names, Apollo Creed, Clubber Land and now Mason Dixon). How good was Mr T, his sneer, his attitude his “I pity the fool” exclamation (which was then carried over to the A Team) as he was about to take on Rocky.
Great stuff.
I liked the montage at the start of the movie to “eye of the tiger” (has to be one of the best, awe inspiring songs for movie along with “You’re the best” from the Karate Kid). That montage saved about 45 minutes of the movie as it gave you the backgorund of the last 3 years of both players lives, in 3 minutes.
Then after Rocky is beaten by Lang he finds his trainer, father figure and friend, Mickey has died and now he is at the lowest point of his life. So what happens next?
Apollo comes and says he will train him. We get into another montage where Apollo builds him up top teach him to groove and fight like him. They go to some dodgy gym, back to the roots to keep it real. At the end both these guys just hug each other when Rocky beats Apollo in a foot race. This signifies how far Rocky has become and all to the tune of “Eye of the tiger”.
What happens next is pretty evident, Rocky knocks out Clubber Lang in the 3rd round and all is well in the world.
Except the threat of communism and this is what Rocky IV goes into. We meet Ivan Drago who is about a foot taller than Rocky and just massive. Apollo firstly decides to take him on and gets killed in the fight. Now who would have thought that would happen – when do movies kill of their favourite people in the 80’s, especially if Russians are involved.
This p’s of Rocky who then decides to fight Drago for revenge, in Russia on Xmas day. How American is that!
There is the montage of Rocky training in the farms and snowfields on outer Russia as be is tracked by KGB spies. Running through the snow, carrying old farm equipment and all the hard stuff. Meanwhile, Drago is in some start of the art facility punching into computer equipment and doing hard work on sophisticated gym equipment.
Stallone really wanted to show that the American’s could do it without all the fancy stuff! But the most memorable part of this movie was at the end.
As the fight starts, the whole Russian crows is booing and hissing him. As things progresses they start to support him and at the end they are cheering for ole Rocky. Russia loves rocky, even the Mikhael Gorbachev lookalike they got is clapping.
Then the funniest line of the franchise comes out. He exclaims: “At the start, I did not like you and you did not like you. But if I cane change and you can changed, then everybody can change”
Comedy and unappreciated.
And think about this, Sly Stallone showed the world that Russians and Americans could like together, a few years later the wall comes down and Perestroika takes over the USSR.
Rocky IV was the first, unacknowledged, step to ending the Cold War.
I won't discuss Rocky V like i believe that there were no matches on Boxing Day this year.
Bring on Rocky Balboa.
Now to most people, your jaws have dropped as you try to comprehend why I like this movie.
Well the answer is pretty simplistic:
1. I am a guy
2. Guys enjoy a bit of punching and socking it up. It is in our DNA, we like watching mindless violence once in a while.
3. There are some classic moments of drama and comedy in these movies.
The first time I started watching these movies was many summers ago when I was not yet 10. I saw I and II together and as time came on I caught up with the others. I recall seeing them at home on video rather than at the cinemas.
When news came out about another installment, I knew I had to watch them again and get primed for number 6. Sure I was skeptical and thought it would be pretty boring but generally the movies had a good story line - after you get over the part an unknown gets to fight the world champion for for the world title. But this was America the land of opportunity right!
Then again, people watch Bollywood movies and believe that two people singing songs can move between the streets of New York to the Swiss Alps in a blink of an eye, while changing into 3 different outfits. (Yet these days I can actually sit through a Bollywood movie and enjoy them - see what marriage has done to me!)
Off all the Rocky titles, my favourite is Rocky 3 and my least favourite is Rocky 5. So much so that I am having a hard time deciding whether I want to watch the last installment of this franchise.
Rocky 5 just did not go down well. It was crap and the two times I saw it I fell asleep through the viewing. Yes I saw it again because I fell asleep through the first viewing and it put me in dream land again. A movie just does not do that. The franchise ended badly and that is why number 6 had to come out.
I also think Sly Stallone did not want number 5 to stain the franchise and as such titled this one “Rocky Balboa” and not “Rocky 6”.
As I mentioned earlier, in the original Rocky, you were required to believe that the then current world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed played by Carl Weathers, wanted to fight an unknown fighter which he picked up from a book because he was named “The Italian Stallion”. Of course as Apollo calls him the “Eye-talian” Stallion which was great comedy.
But if you look over this part of the story, the rest of the movie dealt with a down on his luck street thug who is going nowhere in life. He is presented with this opportunity to make some money and when he gets his chance he takes it to the champ and nearly wins it.
I believe the fact that Rocky lost the fight was a reason why this franchise was founded. There were also so many blows to the head in one round alone, that I felt a headache coming along.
Another thing was that this movie won best picture at the Academy Awards so either says the movies coming that year was crap or the movie was great.
Rocky 2 was a bit slow for about the first 70% as Rocky dealt with getting over his injuries and whether to take Apollo in a rematch. The downside of this movie was Talia Shire who played his wife Adrian. Her constant negativity and attitude over all movies was a bit of a pain. In a way, I am glad she is not in number 6.
(Let me digress about Talia Shire - she was great in the Godfather series and I actually believe that Godfather 3 should have been renamed GodMOTHER because she was calling the shots then - but apart from these two movies serials, what else has she acted in??)
Back to II, a great seen here was when he is running through Philadelphia and we see the magnificent city. it ends with him running up some steps and jumping around like a mad man. He did a similar thing in I but in II he has a harem of kids running with him. Just seeing this and hearing the music makes me want to run. I actually want to run those steps to the theme music and record that all on video - would be a good 3 minute clip
At the end Rocky just beats Apollo to become world champion. How is does it was great. After pummelling each other for 15 rounds, they both collapsed and are struggling to get up, eventually our hero does it and he is the champ! What follows is the standard hug between the combatants when Apollo presents Rocky with the belt, to which he lifts up and shouts "Yo Adrian, we did it!!" i had a tear running down my eye, I was pumped up.
This sets it all nicely for the bst of them all – number 3!
The great thing about III was that it introduced the world to Mr T as Clubber Lang (talk about a great series of character names, Apollo Creed, Clubber Land and now Mason Dixon). How good was Mr T, his sneer, his attitude his “I pity the fool” exclamation (which was then carried over to the A Team) as he was about to take on Rocky.
Great stuff.
I liked the montage at the start of the movie to “eye of the tiger” (has to be one of the best, awe inspiring songs for movie along with “You’re the best” from the Karate Kid). That montage saved about 45 minutes of the movie as it gave you the backgorund of the last 3 years of both players lives, in 3 minutes.
Then after Rocky is beaten by Lang he finds his trainer, father figure and friend, Mickey has died and now he is at the lowest point of his life. So what happens next?
Apollo comes and says he will train him. We get into another montage where Apollo builds him up top teach him to groove and fight like him. They go to some dodgy gym, back to the roots to keep it real. At the end both these guys just hug each other when Rocky beats Apollo in a foot race. This signifies how far Rocky has become and all to the tune of “Eye of the tiger”.
What happens next is pretty evident, Rocky knocks out Clubber Lang in the 3rd round and all is well in the world.
Except the threat of communism and this is what Rocky IV goes into. We meet Ivan Drago who is about a foot taller than Rocky and just massive. Apollo firstly decides to take him on and gets killed in the fight. Now who would have thought that would happen – when do movies kill of their favourite people in the 80’s, especially if Russians are involved.
This p’s of Rocky who then decides to fight Drago for revenge, in Russia on Xmas day. How American is that!
There is the montage of Rocky training in the farms and snowfields on outer Russia as be is tracked by KGB spies. Running through the snow, carrying old farm equipment and all the hard stuff. Meanwhile, Drago is in some start of the art facility punching into computer equipment and doing hard work on sophisticated gym equipment.
Stallone really wanted to show that the American’s could do it without all the fancy stuff! But the most memorable part of this movie was at the end.
As the fight starts, the whole Russian crows is booing and hissing him. As things progresses they start to support him and at the end they are cheering for ole Rocky. Russia loves rocky, even the Mikhael Gorbachev lookalike they got is clapping.
Then the funniest line of the franchise comes out. He exclaims: “At the start, I did not like you and you did not like you. But if I cane change and you can changed, then everybody can change”
Comedy and unappreciated.
And think about this, Sly Stallone showed the world that Russians and Americans could like together, a few years later the wall comes down and Perestroika takes over the USSR.
Rocky IV was the first, unacknowledged, step to ending the Cold War.
I won't discuss Rocky V like i believe that there were no matches on Boxing Day this year.
Bring on Rocky Balboa.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Breaking news
Poor Metria will be devastated but The OC has been axed.
Tis will be its last season!
Funny thing is that a lot of the newspaper sites here down under have carried this story. Guess it must be damm popular amongst the editors.
Now only if someone could do something similar about Paris Hilton.
Tis will be its last season!
Funny thing is that a lot of the newspaper sites here down under have carried this story. Guess it must be damm popular amongst the editors.
Now only if someone could do something similar about Paris Hilton.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
