And we are into quarter finals

Top 8 teams are just out of the oven! We have: Germany (host), Argentina, Italy, Ukraine, England, Portugal, Brazil, France. Needless to say, this is probably one of the most exciting line up. All teams are neck to neck with each other and theres no saying for sure who will win. Germany and Argentina is the first to clash and really, it is going to be a close fight. Germany is the host, and in history, has a higher placing than South Americans Argentina. Germany has won the world cup 3 times in history but Argentina only won one pathetic time. One thing to note though, Germany and Argentina met twice in the final of world cup and each team won once each. In 1986, Argentina won 3-2 against Germany to claim their one and only world cup trophy in Mexico. After that, in 1990, Germany beat Argentina 1 - 0 to get their last of the 3 world cup trophies as of yet. And the last time Germany met Argentina, that was in last year, the match ended in a 2-2 draw. Both teams also prove to be very fantastic with their results in this year's world cup. Germany won all 4 matches as of yet while Argentina won 3 matches and drew 1. Both sides are good. But my take on this, Germany with their Howitzers and Panzers.

Brazil 3 - 0 Ghana

And thats the score from the 2nd round of the World Cup finals. Very impressive match from what I watch minutes ago. Both teams did very well I must say. Yes, Ghana lost to Brazil by quite a margin, but they did well. I must say Ghana did the best they could, nearly scoring goals against Brazil a couple of times. And despite being down 3 - 0, they never gave up even into the last minute. They fought on, on and on and on. They did their best and they knew it. None of them were bitter about the results. They shook hands, there were no fights (unlike the Europeans), and smiles were all over the game. Great game. The results does not matter, they did what they could and that does it. World Cup is a festival of football and this is the way to play it. Bravo, Africa is proud of Ghana.

Italy Beats Australia

• I am no fan of either team, but I watched the match between the Italian Chefs and the Australian Roos last night. And I must say, the way it ended was pathetic. A goalless 90 minutes, and just when we all thought it was going into a bonus 30 minutes for everybody, a penalty was awarded to the Chefs. 5 seconds before the 3 minutes injury time is up, the whistle blows. Not for ending the 90 minutes, but for a penalty to the blues. And my word, it was a not a good decision by the referee. The italian obviously dived over the australian body. Italian fella should have been yellow carded for play acting instead. But the referee pointed to the spot in the box! Oh man, as the commentator said, it was the point whereby "the australian hearts broke." So sad. It is such a crucial time and the ref making such a stupid mistake. It was just too harsh from the referee. The aussie defender was helpless and had his back facing the italian! He could not move out of the position! Why did he slide? He was running and momentum brought him down. Italian fella could have just jumped over him but he chose to run right into the defender and trip over the body. Argh, bad decision.
• Right now, I am watching Brazil play Ghana. And Ronaldo already scored a goal for Brazil 5 minutes into the game. Game still going on... hoho.

A Day At CMPB

• Today is the day of my medical examination to test whether I am operationally fit for NS (National Service). This examination will determine which PES (Physical Employment Standards) I am in. PES will classify whether I am combat fit or not, so as to determine which vocation I will be allocated to. PES ranges from A (being fit for all operational vocations) to F (medically unfit for any form of service, probably paralysed or something).
• So my day starts with meeting Alvin at the Queensway MRT station to go CMPB. Took the 195 bus but wasn't sure which stop to alight, thus ended up missing the CMPB stop. Never mind. So we stepped into CMPB after some security checks. Saw Weihong who is working at CMPB when we passed the canteen. When we stepped into the building, we went to the counter and told the guy there that we were here for a medical examination. Yup, so we handed him our letters and ICs. Next we were asked to go to the photo studio.
• Dang, the moment I stepped in, a very unfriendly guy told us to put our bag downs and put on uniforms. I was abit shocked but then realised that this is the result of army life. So i put on this tight fitting green uniform (yes i looked old in it) and had my photo taken. With us were a few guys here for medical exam as well.
• Then we were asked to go the medical screening area. Went to the counter and the lady did not even bother to look at us. "Read the instructions", that was all she said. So according to the instructions, I handed in my IC, my blood donor's card (to show proof of my blood type so they won't take it again), the medical questionnaire I filled in. Then I was asked to take a seat, and watch television.
• "Ang Meng Hui", that was me. I moved along to station 5 as instructed. In this place, they tested my hearing capabilities. I wasn't prepared for this. I was told to read instructions again and I did. I was shoved into a sound proof room and put on this head phones. Supposedly, if I hear a very soft tone coming from the left side, I would raise my left hand, and if it comes from the right, my right hand. The tone super soft and is just next to silence. Thank God I wasn't that deaf. On my sheet, I was given PES A for audio, cool.
• Then I was sent to station 4. Here, they tested me on my sight. Well, the usual "read the word off the wall" test. But the instructions wasn't clear so I kept reading from the wrong rows. Lol. How pathetic. The guy asked me if I had any eye problems and I said myopia, but he said it ain't a problem. Really? Well, even the short sighted me got a PES A for this test, impressed.
• Next up, room 3. X-ray station. I waited outside the room for some time and then was called in with a whole group of other guys. Once inside the room, we were all told to take off our tops and ya, so our tops went off. Freak, I was the last in the row so I had to stand super long topless in the aircon room. Inside the room, there were articles showing that x-ray is not harmful to the body, hm. After the taking the X-ray, I wore my top and went off, to station 2. No PES for this one.
• Station 2 is dental. Checks my teeth and all. I hate dentists the most, thanks to the monster nurse in my primary school and her clipboard with recycled paper. But this one is ok. The moment I stepped in, the people inside asked me if I was religious coz I wore a cross on my neck, so I said ya... Then I was introduced to them and their churches and all. Turns out to be very friendly brothers in Christ, amen! Dental check up done and I got PES A for it, cool.
• Then comes station 1. I stepped in and was handed a bottle and a stick. I was clueless as to what this was for. That guy told me to go into the toilet and read the instructions (again). So I go in and was instructed to pee into the bottle and put the stick in it. Crap, I wasn't even urgent la! So I took awhile then i pee-ed into the bottle, put the stick in, poured out the contents then went out to show the fella the stick. Was supposed to have a blood test, but I was exempted after the guy saw that I declared to be G6PD deficient. So I was given a piece of paper telling that I can't take some drugs and some nuts and all. Am supposed to give this paper to my sergeant(whoever he is) on my enlistment day at Tekong. So, ya.
• After this, went to station 6. Again, I am asked to strip down everything but my shorts. So many people were in the waiting area with nothing but shorts on. Then I went to the ECG room after hanging around the area not knowing what to do.
• In the ECG room, they placed weird devices on my body to test electrical currents coming from my heart (?). No idea what for. And for some reason, the officer had problems putting the device on me. Weird. And I was given a "abnormal right axis..." result. Crap, abnormal heart? No way...
• Then I went to take my height and weight. That was simple. After that I went to take my blood pressure at a self-service measuring machine. The guy for that station was surfing the net la! Aiyo. So I hit the buttons myself and took my blood pressure, and showed the results to the net surfer.
• Next I went into a room called "Alpha, A". Consultation, where all your secrets leaked. The moment I went in, the guy told me to drop my shorts and underwear. I was taken back for a moment but did as told. Then I pulled them up again and went to sit down. Showed the doc my file and he saw my "abnormal heart" thing so he asked me to stand up and took my heart beat. He never said a thing. Then he gave me an overall PES B coz of my G6PD deficiency. How sad.
• PES B qualifies me for most operational vocations.
• Then I went to another room and registered at some board and was told to read the instructions (again!). So I did. Then I waited very long and took what I remember to be "MAPHAS" or "MAFAAS" or "MAFFAS" test. It is supposed to test my mental capabilities. Man, this test is tough! I was tested in the range of patterns, numbers, algebra, arithmetics, physics, my opinions, my reaction time, my memory etc... I couldn't complete all of them in time as there was a time limit. Crap.
• Then I went to the exit counter, handed in my pink form and was given another file. Inside was "Secrets of passing your IPPT & NAPFA" and "Recruit's Handbook, A Guide Through Basic Military Training"
• Ah, so welcome, Recruit M H Ang.

England Through

England just qualified for the quarter finals of the world cup!! And so did Germany, Argentina, and Portugal. In the last world cup, England also went through to the quarter finals with the top 8 teams, but to be beaten by Brazil in that super free kick from Ronaldhino which killed David Seaman. This year, England goes through to the quarter with yet another super free kick from David Beckham, meeting Portugal in the quarter finals. England vs Portugal, this is getting more and more exciting...

World Cup 2006

• Its that time of the 4 years. Its world cup time and its taking the world by storm. Ah, crap. Well, really, world cup is whats hot this June and July. And I am feeling the heat already! Bah, what studies, lets leave that for awhile... haha, no way, studies in the day, and world cup at night, woo hoo! Now don't tell me I don't have the energy... I know what I am doing.
• Lets start off with the team I am rooting for. England. No, they are not fantastic. They are not as show-off as Brazil. They only won the World Cup once through the Queen's intervention. But they are still a team I support. Hey hey, I got an England ball (courtesy of Mr Brighto) and an England wrist band. That makes me a fan, ok! Why do I support England? Coz their flag bears the holy cross... ah, I think theres more to that. Not quite sure though... but you don't need a reason to support a team, right? So lets get on with it. :)
• Hey hey, England's not doing too bad here, ya see. Top in the group with Sweden, Trinidad and Paraguay. Not bad not bad. This means they won't have to meet Germany in the next round. Not that they don't stand a chance against Germany, but well, just not yet. But poor Owen injured himself. How sad. And Rooney was throwing his temper like a kid when he was substituted out... they still pulled off a draw. Good one.
• Lets see, many of my friends are rooting for Brazil... I mean, COME ON, obviously they will do that. Brazil won the last world cup for goodness sake. They got the stuff in there. Ronaldhino swings his leg like a dancer. Ronaldo's gone a lil fat and slow but who cares. Kaka is up and rising. OF COZ everybody will support them. Why not? Everybody wants to support a winning team. Everybody likes to don the jersey of a winning team. Why not? I don't blame them... unless... there is an upset... hehehe...
• I have a friend who is a die-hard supporter of Portugal. To this friend of mine, I still remember. Check it out, Figo said he was gonna retire during the Euro 2004 but he's still here. Guess you must be very happy now. Dunno whether you are reading this or not, but who cares. I just write. Portugal's not doing badly too. Came up top in group D as well, winning all matches as of yet. Bravo indeed. But may the best team win :)
• But really, no matter which team you support, let us all have good sportsmanship, or "fanmanship". No matter which team scores a goal, lets cheer. No matter which team wins the world cup, lets cheer. The ball is round and many things can happen. So, may the best country win it all ;)

Lord...

Dear Lord, be with me now. In this darkest of hours, in this time of need. Lord, give me the strength and the wisdom to pull through this time. Let your hand be upon me, that I may be able to have the strength and abilities to excel in this time of tests and exams. Lord, if by your grace and strength, I come back with success, let your name be exalted. Let your name be glorified. That all may know that it is only by you that I have been able to excel. That it is only by your strength that I have been able to pull through. Lord, this prayer I pray not only for myself. I pray for all whom I am close to, for all to have come to me in this time for prayers. I pray, for Bright, for Vip, for Stanley and for all the people taking exams. Lord, bless them that they may know that prayers work. That you are the true and the living God. That they may come to know you one day. Lord, uphold us in this time of need. Bless us with abundant knowledge and wisdom. Bless us with strength to carry on. Lord, I thank you for upholding me all this time. Let your blessings befall on us once again. In Jesus name, amen.

Friends

TWO friends appeared on my mind today: Rebecca Tan and Zihao. We used to be close friends. Really good friends. Yet, for reasons that I do not know of, our relationship starts to collapse. We no longer talk to each other. No phone calls, no message, no meet ups. It is sad. I really like my friends. I sure hope that we can be friends again. It will not be easy, but its surely more than worth a try. I surely hope no other friends will leave my side.

Dear Mr Da Vinci.... its not your fault, really

• Many people have been coded by what is known as the "Da Vinci Code". But really, the code does not come from Da Vinci himself, it comes from some author called Dan Brown. For the benefits of the masses, 'The Da Vinci Code' is a book written by Dan Brown. Please do note that it is a story book, a fictional tale.
• A big controversy that the book states is the claim that Mary Magdelene was sitting beside Jesus at the last supper. Apparently Dan Brown was looking at the painting "The Last Supper" by Da Vinci and decided that John looked rather feminine, so he said that was Mary. Let me clear this up, really.
• First of all, can I note that Da Vinci drew "The Last Supper" purely based on inspiration and research on other last suppers drawn by other artists.Da Vinci was not there at the last supper with Jesus, neither did God send him a picture of the last supper. It was a fictional work in itself, open to interpretations like the one Mr Dan Brown did.
• There is only 1 true account to the last supper: The Bible. In all the 4 gospels, the last supper was described to be shared amoung Jesus and his 12 apostles. There really is no other interpretations for this one unless you start arguing who the 12 apostles are, and I am sure Mary Magdelene is not one of them.
• Yes, that guy in the painting look feminine, he looks like a girl. But for goodness sake, it is only a painting. I say just get over it. Besides, during Da Vinci's time, men are drawn to be graceful and pretty feminine, the only thing that seperates men from women were probably the facial hair. Maybe Da Vinci just forgot to add some hair...
• My point is, please get over it. "The Da Vinci Code" is only a story book, just read it for the mystery and get over it. You don't take Gulliver's Travels and decide that there really is a land of small people, a land of horses etc... I believe no one reads "Three Little Pigs" and thinks that there really are three little talking pigs building houses somewhere in the world, and a wolf that can blow houses down in a breath. No. So please.
• J U S T G E T O V E R I T

Mirrors

• I look into the mirror and I see a not so impressive looking young man... I think to myself "Ah, its just the mirror, it sucks". Happened to many of us, isn't it? We blame it on the angle, the shape of the mirror, the size of the mirror, colour of the mirror, brightness, time of the day, anything but ourselves. Kinda makes me laugh when I recall myself doing that. But really, we want to think of ourselves as good looking don't we? Come on, we all do, don't try to tell yourself you are humble again...
• Might not be mirrors, happens alot to the photographs we take too. Don't we all have the experience whereby a friend takes a photograph of us or we take one ourself, and if its a digital camera and the photograph tend to show a rather 'not so impressive' us, we will scream 1st thing - "DELETE!!!!"
• True, many people must be laughing at themselves right now for doing such things. But whats more true is this fact that we just cannot accept an ugly side of us. You name it, "Bad hair day", "Wardrobe malfunctions", all the excuses for us not looking good. We make sure we look good everywhere we go, wear nice clothes, do up our hair, for some people they put make up. And its quite surprising that sometimes we cannot even recognize ourselves! No wonder some people proclaim "hey, you look so different without make up!" Ya... some people look different.
• But really, we should accept ourselves for who we are. Don't try to run away from our ugliness. We are all imperfect, so come on, a pimple outbreak won't kill you, don't start screaming over a few red dots on your seemingly perfect face. But of course its always good to look nice. You know, make sure your hair isn't all messed up, that you shaved your face, that you are wearing decently. Its ok. Just don't stand in front of the mirror for 3 hours trying to cover all the imperfections on your face with some powder, or stay in your room trying on every single piece of garment you can find in your wardrobe for another 3 hours. Seriously, not many people will notice that belt you are wearing or the colour socks you have to match your shoe.
• So next time you walk by a mirror and it doesn't show that you are too pretty, just accept it. "Well, thats me on the ugly side" Really, different angles from the mirror shows different sides of us. Some angles really show us to be very very good looking, but we can't see life from only one angle, can we?