FIFA World Cup 2014 - The Ecstasy & Agony.

It has been a "samba" soccer so far in the FIFA World Cup 2014.  There are goals galore - that is why fans have unequivocally endorse it as "the beautiful game".  The "knock-out" stage begins on 29th June 2014 12am.  The top news of the day is that Uruguay's striker Luis Suarez has been suspended from four months of football-related activity and nine-game ban for his " infamous bite"of Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini's shoulder. Controversies of such behaviour are not unheard of if you will only recall instances like Maradona's "Hand of God" goal and Zidane's head-butt.

It is interesting to note that five South American countries - Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina - are playing in the "knock-out" round.  Nigeria and Algeria are the only African countries left standing tall.  I admire the African teams including Cameroon and Ghana for their spirited and passionate style of playing - never-say-die attitude and "playing like men possessed".  Consequently the referees may interpret their actions as intimidating and aggressive.  I have witnessed instances of their players being wrongly "red-carded" for their enthusiasm and high-energy playing.  There is talk and rumours of "conspiracy theories" and favouritism.

Towering  above Rio De Janeiro watching all these activities and going-ons is the statue of Christ, The Redeemer with his outstretched hands saying to one and all "Come to me, cast all your cares and burdens on Me; fear not, I will prevail; I am your Refuge, your strong Tower; I am the Sovereign Lord, everything will be alright."  Yes, He sees and knows all things; man may plan and contrive but it is the Lord's will that will be done!

Well, coming back to World Cup 2014, I foresee a Brazil versus Argentina Final playoff.  What is your prediction?  All predictions are as Singaporeans like to say are "tikam, tikam, only".  Ha, Ha!  Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole......................................................................Ole, Ole!

World Cup 2014 - The Beautiful Game.

The Fever is already in the air.  If you are clueless, let me enlighten you.  Yes, the once-in-4 years World Cup Soccer is now being played in Brazil up to 13th July 2014.  It took a whopping $13 billion dollars to organise the fiesta.  In Singapore you can watch all the games for free in many of our Community Centres. In my constituency the residents are privileged to be served by the staff and volunteers of the Fengshan CC - above are photos of the good samaritans.  At the CCs drinks, beverage. cakes, buns, biscuits ,etc are provided fob while you watch the live telecasts.  It is not surprising crowds are packing the halls on mornings when exciting teams (like the contest between Spain and Netherlands) are playing.  Here are my first impressions of the some of the Teams I have watched so far:-

1) Brazil - favourite to win this World Cup as they are the host country.  Just watch Oscar as he is my-kind-of- player.

2)  Spain - the 5-1 drubbing by Netherlands must be very humiliating for the current World Champion.  The  team is aging and it needs new blood.

3) England - It is nice to see many more young players in the team.  Many of the senior players are over-rated and overpaid because of the English Premier League.

4) Italy - The maestro of the team is Pirlo.  This team is now playing a more attacking game as opposed to a more "defensive" style of yesterdays.

5) Argentina -  Their star player is of course Messi - I am always mesmerize by his acceleration speed; although he stations himself in the half-line, he can accelerate himself to a menacing forward in a twinkle of an eye.

6) Germany - A very tactical and compact team.  When they attack they move in formations - like armoured tanks.

Hope you enjoy and are inspired by this World Cup.  Ole Ole Ole!

Hong Lim Park Rally "Return Our CPF"

I was at the Rally on 7th June 2014.  Above are some of the photos I have taken .  As they say, a picture is more than a thousand words.  According to the organizers there were 7,000 attendees.  This is not surprising as every citizen has a CPF account.  How monies in the CPF funds are managed and invested is a concern for every one.  It took the self immolation of Tunisian Mohamed Bouazizi to be the catalyst for the Arab Spring Uprising on 18.12.10,  Will a defamation suit ignite a "new political awakening" in the Singapore scene?  It is everyone's guess.   It is imperative for the Government to deal with the "CPF issue" fairly and competently.  Otherwise, it is not inconceivable for a "tsunami" effect to take place in the 2015 General Election.