Players come and go in football. And it's not surprisingly that they left for greener pastures especially one that pays them three times more for doing the same thing. So that fact is acceptable. But not if you are throw in a concoction of stories.
Welcome to the world of Mathieu Flamini. The most-improved Arsenal player for the season just over. And will soon be a ex-Arsenal player leaving for the riches of AC Milan. Not without some commotion though.
You will probably find this all over the internet. But for non-avid football fans, here is the summary.
Part 1
"I want to stay at Arsenal. I love this club."
Part 2
I really have to go because losing the title was something unacceptable (But we din win anything last year. Nor the year before. Hmmm, even the year before the year before. What didn't you leave then?). I need to go to a club with bigger ambitions.
Part 3
Err, no no... wait now... I am leaving because you had the chance to sign me last season but you din want to. Coz you wanted to assess my level of play before offering me a new contract (Duh, then offer you because you are French?).
Part 4
Four Star Milan Miss Out
So much for a club with bigger ambitions. See you in the UEFA Cup next season.
Part 5
The Arsenal curse continues - Mathieu Flamini fails to make France squad.
Bring on the crackers!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Be Thankful... always...
As I rest on the bed, enjoying a well-deserved break from the hectic demands of the work week and the long run this morning, I remember His goodness.
Thank God for showing mercy and grace to me so that I can walk away AND for Xueyan in my life.
Thank God for showing mercy and grace to me so that I can walk away AND for Xueyan in my life.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Simply dun understand...
Bright young man, trained at Oxford and a rising star in his chosen field.
Why did he do this? We can never understand because a dead man brings his secrets to the grave.
Another reminder of the classic "you can have seemingly everything in the world but yet not have anything".
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
BUT YOU, MAN OF GOD, FLEE FROM ALL THIS, AND PURSUE RIGHTEOUSNESS, GODLINESS, FAITH, LOVE, ENDURANCE AND GENTLENESS". - 1 Timothy 6:6-11
Why did he do this? We can never understand because a dead man brings his secrets to the grave.
Another reminder of the classic "you can have seemingly everything in the world but yet not have anything".
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
BUT YOU, MAN OF GOD, FLEE FROM ALL THIS, AND PURSUE RIGHTEOUSNESS, GODLINESS, FAITH, LOVE, ENDURANCE AND GENTLENESS". - 1 Timothy 6:6-11
Saturday, May 03, 2008
YOU
I stood firm more than two weeks ago and have not looked back since. I pray that I will not waver and may God grant strength to a weak man.
"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13
And YOU are the reason why I will stand firm.
On a separate note, congrats to Weixiong and Becky on your wonderful matrimony!
"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13
And YOU are the reason why I will stand firm.
On a separate note, congrats to Weixiong and Becky on your wonderful matrimony!
Thursday, May 01, 2008
London goes to the polls today!
Will we have a new mayor - a ditzy, fumbling Boris to replace the incumbent Ken?
No more £8 (possibly £25) congestion charge? No more tube strikes and rail replacement?
Time for a fresh change!
No more £8 (possibly £25) congestion charge? No more tube strikes and rail replacement?
Time for a fresh change!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Better of the Worst
Chelski vs Manure.
Russian Roubles vs America Affluence.
Well, we all know which team should be there...
Russian Roubles vs America Affluence.
Well, we all know which team should be there...
Back to Singapore Part IV
This time I will be returning to London on the A380!
SQ321
Depart London - 20 Jun, 22:05
Arrive Singapore - 21 Jun, 17:55
SQ322
Depart Singapore - 30 Jun, 23:30
Arrive London - 01 Jul, 05:55
Anyone needs anything from London?
SQ321
Depart London - 20 Jun, 22:05
Arrive Singapore - 21 Jun, 17:55
SQ322
Depart Singapore - 30 Jun, 23:30
Arrive London - 01 Jul, 05:55
Anyone needs anything from London?
Everything?
Are we that good at managing everything when a most-wanted terrorist, Mas Selamat bin Kastari, was able to escape from the tightly-controlled Singapore detention centre.
Then again, I don't know that polytechnics now run dating classes now. No wonder Zheng Long is such a winner!
Singapore succeeds at managing everything - except dating (International Herald Tribune)
SINGAPORE: It was like a college mixer, a classroom full of young men and women seeking a recipe for romance.
They had assembled for the first class of "Love Relations for Life: A Journey of Romance, Love and Sexuality."
There was giggling and banter among the students, but that was all part of the course material as their teacher, Suki Tong, led them into the basics of dating, falling in love and staying together.
The course, which is in its second year at two polytechnic institutes, is the latest of many, mostly futile, campaigns by the government to get its citizens to mate and multiply. Its popularity last year has led to talk of expansion through the higher education system.
"We want to tell students: Don't wait until you have built up your career," Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, minister of state for community development, youth and sports, said at a news conference last month. "Sometimes, it is too late, especially for girls."
Click here for more.
Then again, I don't know that polytechnics now run dating classes now. No wonder Zheng Long is such a winner!
Singapore succeeds at managing everything - except dating (International Herald Tribune)
SINGAPORE: It was like a college mixer, a classroom full of young men and women seeking a recipe for romance.
They had assembled for the first class of "Love Relations for Life: A Journey of Romance, Love and Sexuality."
There was giggling and banter among the students, but that was all part of the course material as their teacher, Suki Tong, led them into the basics of dating, falling in love and staying together.
The course, which is in its second year at two polytechnic institutes, is the latest of many, mostly futile, campaigns by the government to get its citizens to mate and multiply. Its popularity last year has led to talk of expansion through the higher education system.
"We want to tell students: Don't wait until you have built up your career," Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, minister of state for community development, youth and sports, said at a news conference last month. "Sometimes, it is too late, especially for girls."
Click here for more.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Love China... how about Love Singapore?
之从在帝国理工学院报读MSc，认识了很多国内学生。也对中国和个地方有多了解。
西藏暴动，追求独立也在英国引起媒体报道和人民不满。但很多国内学生都觉得中国被欺负，西方媒体故意找中国麻烦。只为了不要中国太强大。
学生们决定团结，发表对西方的不满而却也要支持中国人民。就在MSN放了LOVE CHINA的表字。
如果新加坡被欺负，我们会一样的团结吗？
西藏暴动，追求独立也在英国引起媒体报道和人民不满。但很多国内学生都觉得中国被欺负，西方媒体故意找中国麻烦。只为了不要中国太强大。
学生们决定团结，发表对西方的不满而却也要支持中国人民。就在MSN放了LOVE CHINA的表字。
如果新加坡被欺负，我们会一样的团结吗？
Monday, April 21, 2008
S$7 for a bowl of rice - time to eat grass...
Rice reality hits home as I perused the lunch bill at Sri Nam. £40 for three people... hmmm... fair... errr.... £2.75 for my bowl of PLAIN WHITE RICE. Is there a better way to slaughter me?!?!?!
Rice Approaches Record; WFP Warns of `Silent Famine'
April 21 (Bloomberg) -- Rice futures rose to within 0.2 percent of a record on speculation that more exporters in Asia may curb shipments to safeguard supplies and contain inflation, potentially exacerbating a global food crisis.
The staple for half the world, which has more than doubled in a year, gained as much as 2.3 percent to $24.615 per 100 pounds on the Chicago Board of Trade. The contract, trading at $24.215 at midday in London, touched a high of $24.67 April 18.
A World Food Program official said today the surge in prices may put basic foods beyond the reach of the poorest, raising the risk of a ``silent famine'' in Asia. Countries including Haiti and Egypt have been hit by social unrest over food prices. Wheat, corn, soybeans and oil have also risen to records this year.
For more, click here.
Time to eat grass.
Rice Approaches Record; WFP Warns of `Silent Famine'
April 21 (Bloomberg) -- Rice futures rose to within 0.2 percent of a record on speculation that more exporters in Asia may curb shipments to safeguard supplies and contain inflation, potentially exacerbating a global food crisis.
The staple for half the world, which has more than doubled in a year, gained as much as 2.3 percent to $24.615 per 100 pounds on the Chicago Board of Trade. The contract, trading at $24.215 at midday in London, touched a high of $24.67 April 18.
A World Food Program official said today the surge in prices may put basic foods beyond the reach of the poorest, raising the risk of a ``silent famine'' in Asia. Countries including Haiti and Egypt have been hit by social unrest over food prices. Wheat, corn, soybeans and oil have also risen to records this year.
For more, click here.
Time to eat grass.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Child of Mine
Helen Yousaf led worship last Sunday at Emmanuel Evangelical Church. It was the day before the exam and I thought "lets go to church, get over it and do some last-minute studying". However (as you all know) God has a different agenda from us. I entered the sanctuary and heard this beautiful voice and could immediately sense the presence of God in our midst.
Helen who you say? I know nothing of her before she came to our church. But God really used her in a most powerful way to speak to us and to lead us in a totally different worship. Her husband was one of the instrumentalist on her worship team. And the songs just speak so passionately of God's love. Here is the link to her website.
I have uploaded one of my her songs on this blog. Hope you will be blessed just as I was.
My child be all that I purposed for you to be
My child there’s so much more than you could ever think or see
My child your potential is greater than you know
My child ill take you places you never dreamed you'd go
So don’t lean on your own understanding
And in all things acknowledge me
And as you trust in me with all of your heart
I will make straight your path
CHORUS: Child of mine be mine
Child of mine be mine
I’ve loved you since the beginning of time so child
Be mine, be mine, be mine
My child, you were born for such a time as this
My child there is a reason, a plan for which you exist
My child I knew you before you were conceived
My child if you think I don’t care then you have been deceived
Don’t be dismayed when I discipline you
It’s only what a loving father would do
Now if you ask me I’ll forgive you, every single thing
Just open up your heart (ooh) and ask me to come in.
CHORUS: Child of mine be mine (ooh ooh)
Child of mine be mine (ooh ooh)
I’ve loved you since the beginning of time so child
Be mine, be mine, be mine
BRIDGE: Never meant for you to run, never meant for you hide
Never meant for you to live (ooh)without me in your life
But your choice has to be yours and your mind must be your own
So until you ask me in your heart your heart can’t be my home
CHORUS
INSTRUMENTAL
I know every hair on your precious head
I know everything you’ve done and every word you ever said
I know the number of your days
Your strengths, your weaknesses, your ways
One day you’ll know how much I love you
‘Cause I’ll tell you face to face
CHORUS: Child of mine be mine (ooh)
Child of mine be mine (ooh)
I’ve loved you since the beginning of time so child
Be mine, be mine, be mine
I’ve loved you since the beginning of time
so child, be mine, be mine, be mine
Helen who you say? I know nothing of her before she came to our church. But God really used her in a most powerful way to speak to us and to lead us in a totally different worship. Her husband was one of the instrumentalist on her worship team. And the songs just speak so passionately of God's love. Here is the link to her website.
I have uploaded one of my her songs on this blog. Hope you will be blessed just as I was.
My child be all that I purposed for you to be
My child there’s so much more than you could ever think or see
My child your potential is greater than you know
My child ill take you places you never dreamed you'd go
So don’t lean on your own understanding
And in all things acknowledge me
And as you trust in me with all of your heart
I will make straight your path
CHORUS: Child of mine be mine
Child of mine be mine
I’ve loved you since the beginning of time so child
Be mine, be mine, be mine
My child, you were born for such a time as this
My child there is a reason, a plan for which you exist
My child I knew you before you were conceived
My child if you think I don’t care then you have been deceived
Don’t be dismayed when I discipline you
It’s only what a loving father would do
Now if you ask me I’ll forgive you, every single thing
Just open up your heart (ooh) and ask me to come in.
CHORUS: Child of mine be mine (ooh ooh)
Child of mine be mine (ooh ooh)
I’ve loved you since the beginning of time so child
Be mine, be mine, be mine
BRIDGE: Never meant for you to run, never meant for you hide
Never meant for you to live (ooh)without me in your life
But your choice has to be yours and your mind must be your own
So until you ask me in your heart your heart can’t be my home
CHORUS
INSTRUMENTAL
I know every hair on your precious head
I know everything you’ve done and every word you ever said
I know the number of your days
Your strengths, your weaknesses, your ways
One day you’ll know how much I love you
‘Cause I’ll tell you face to face
CHORUS: Child of mine be mine (ooh)
Child of mine be mine (ooh)
I’ve loved you since the beginning of time so child
Be mine, be mine, be mine
I’ve loved you since the beginning of time
so child, be mine, be mine, be mine
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Pray for me - Exam on Monday + learning to be obedient in Him!
Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; DO NOT TURN FROM IT TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT, so that you may have success wherever you go.
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall mediate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.
Joshua 1:7-8
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall mediate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.
Joshua 1:7-8
Friday, April 11, 2008
Happy Days Part 4...
Clockwise from top left: Salzburg, Blue Lagoon, Rosslyn Chapel, Grindelwald, Zermatt, Lucerne
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Friday, April 04, 2008
NOW PLAYING - Complete
Here I am, Oh God
I bring this sacrifice--my open heart.
I offer up my life.
I look to You, Lord
Your love that never ends
Restores me again
So I lift my eyes to you, Lord
In Your strength will I break through, Lord
Touch me now, let your love fall down on me
I know your love dispels all my fears.
Through the storm I will hold on Lord
And by faith I will walk on, Lord
Then I'll see beyond my calvary one day
And I will be complete in You
Here I am, Oh God
I bring this sacrifice--my open heart.
I offer up my life.
I look to You, Lord.
Your love that never ends
Restores me again
So I lift my eyes to you Lord
In Your strength will I break through, Lord
Touch me now, let your love fall down on me
I know your love dispels all my fears.
Through the storm I will hold on Lord
And by faith I will walk on, Lord
Then I'll see beyond my calvary one day
And I will be complete in You
I look to You, Lord.
Your love that never ends
Restores me again
So I lift my eyes to you Lord
In Your strength will I break through, Lord
Touch me now, let your love fall down on me
I know your love dispels all my fears.
Through the storm I will hold on Lord
And by faith I will walk on, Lord
Then I'll see beyond my calvary one day
And I will be complete in (3x)
And I will be complete in You
I bring this sacrifice--my open heart.
I offer up my life.
I look to You, Lord
Your love that never ends
Restores me again
So I lift my eyes to you, Lord
In Your strength will I break through, Lord
Touch me now, let your love fall down on me
I know your love dispels all my fears.
Through the storm I will hold on Lord
And by faith I will walk on, Lord
Then I'll see beyond my calvary one day
And I will be complete in You
Here I am, Oh God
I bring this sacrifice--my open heart.
I offer up my life.
I look to You, Lord.
Your love that never ends
Restores me again
So I lift my eyes to you Lord
In Your strength will I break through, Lord
Touch me now, let your love fall down on me
I know your love dispels all my fears.
Through the storm I will hold on Lord
And by faith I will walk on, Lord
Then I'll see beyond my calvary one day
And I will be complete in You
I look to You, Lord.
Your love that never ends
Restores me again
So I lift my eyes to you Lord
In Your strength will I break through, Lord
Touch me now, let your love fall down on me
I know your love dispels all my fears.
Through the storm I will hold on Lord
And by faith I will walk on, Lord
Then I'll see beyond my calvary one day
And I will be complete in (3x)
And I will be complete in You
Friday, March 28, 2008
Diet of a single man Part II
The usual concoction of "roast duck, char siew (RDCS) and rice" has to come to an imminent end as I savour the last round of RDCS. Tonight has to be different. Five consecutive sessions of the same combo don't do any favour to statistical analysis. So it's Indo mee goreng (instant noodles lah) with RDCS. Threw in an egg, fish balls, crab sticks and prawns for good measure.
Egg "hidden" beneath the noodles.
I resisted the temptation of having two packs of instant noodles. Too much carbo at 1130pm is not helping a 30-year-old man trim down his ever-growing belly.
Yes, another ice-cold A&W root beer to clear the oesophagus.
Happy Days Part 3...
Top to bottom: Brussels, Rome, Helsinki, Geysir, Cornwall (left) Edinburgh (right)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Diet of a single man
What happens when you are too lazy to cook? For me, tabao three days' worth (for only £6.80!) of roasted duck and char siew from Chinatown's Four Seasons (not the hotel) and have it with rice/noodles. And of coz over three days.
Roasted duck with char siew, pork floss and barbequed pork. Not too bad for dinner at 11pm. Topped it with ice-cold A&W.
Burp.
Roasted duck with char siew, pork floss and barbequed pork. Not too bad for dinner at 11pm. Topped it with ice-cold A&W.
Burp.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Seal it for your courts above
God has a miraculous way of dealing with people. Over the past few months when God and people shouted into my ears, I hardly hear. Today and especially over the last week, as I sought Him - I realised He has not stopped shouting. Rather it is because I have started hearing.
I am grateful for the prayers that have been coming my way, especially with Xueyan's persistence and faithfulness, Weifu/Merlin's availability to lend me their ears and presence and to many others who have not given up on me.
Psalm 51 has never been clearer to me now. As David cried out on questioning by Nathan the prophet after David had "sent" Uriah to death and lusted after Bathsheba.
"For you do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it,
You are not pleased with burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
a broken and contrite heart,
O God You will not despise." - Psalm 51:16-17
How this song of worship came to life as I seek Him. Lord, may you seal this wretched heart for your courts above.
A broken spirit and a contrite heart
You will not despise
You will not despise
You desire truth in the inward parts
A broken spirit and a contrite heart
Lord my heart is prone to wander
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart
Lord, take it and seal it
Seal it for Your courts above.
Update: Forget to mention Pau Ping who has been my London's pillar of strength, encouraging me daily with God's Word and keeping me sane!
I am grateful for the prayers that have been coming my way, especially with Xueyan's persistence and faithfulness, Weifu/Merlin's availability to lend me their ears and presence and to many others who have not given up on me.
Psalm 51 has never been clearer to me now. As David cried out on questioning by Nathan the prophet after David had "sent" Uriah to death and lusted after Bathsheba.
"For you do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it,
You are not pleased with burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
a broken and contrite heart,
O God You will not despise." - Psalm 51:16-17
How this song of worship came to life as I seek Him. Lord, may you seal this wretched heart for your courts above.
A broken spirit and a contrite heart
You will not despise
You will not despise
You desire truth in the inward parts
A broken spirit and a contrite heart
Lord my heart is prone to wander
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart
Lord, take it and seal it
Seal it for Your courts above.
Update: Forget to mention Pau Ping who has been my London's pillar of strength, encouraging me daily with God's Word and keeping me sane!
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