Saturday, March 14, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Day
Did you remember? Did you not?
Were you afraid of giving the wrong idea? Were you not?
Did you know? Did you not?
Did you care? Did you not?
I am nothing but an ant, scrambling for crumbs of comfort...
Were you afraid of giving the wrong idea? Were you not?
Did you know? Did you not?
Did you care? Did you not?
I am nothing but an ant, scrambling for crumbs of comfort...
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Fans of Football...
From Soccernet:
In England, more than in any other country, there is a tradition of supporters travelling en masse to away games.
Those football fans who regularly follow their team away from home will be familiar with the concept of a "face"; a person you regularly see but rarely know, someone you nod at without saying hello to who reminds you that you're in the right place.
Occasionally you may even give them a name, so in my group of Manchester United matchgoers, we silently greet Dowie, The Ghost, Napalm Death and Mr Milky Milky. There'll be those within United's support who recognise the people I mean, others who won't and some who'll know them by another name entirely - maybe even the one their parents gave them. But one person who everyone could identify - usually by his surname only - was Mike Dobbin.
Dobbin died on January 29 at the age of 61, but in those years he crammed in more United games than seems humanly possible. Born in Prestwich, Manchester in 1947, he began going to Old Trafford as a child and over the course of his life his remarkable devotion to the red cause has cemented him into United folklore.
There are numerous anecdotes and statistics that illustrate Dobbin's loyalty, so here are a few. Despite moving to London to pursue a career in accountancy, he attended every single first-team game - competitive and friendly - from October 1991 until Boxing Day 2008. In all, he watched United on close to 2000 occasions and in 44 different countries, not missing a Euro away from 1965 onwards. On last summer's tour, to get to Nigeria from South Africa he flew via London, claiming it was cheaper that way, but few who knew him were surprised when he showed up at a reserve game at Oxford in between.
Most impressive of all, though, and certainly my favourite piece of Dobbin-related trivia, is that in the Fergie era he has attended more United games than the man himself, Sir Alex having missed a few occasions for family reasons, part-timer that he is.
Dobbin's loyalty wasn't just to the boys on the pitch. As travel secretary of United's London Fan Club, he spent a ridiculous number of hours arranging transport and tickets for those based in the area. He was particularly active during the "Red Army" years of the 70s and 80s when United would take thousands from the capital to every game, even though he didn't agree with the slightly mischievous philosophy of many of its members.
Some may think that this is of no relevance to anyone who isnt a match-going United fan, but they'd be wrong. Every club has its Dobbin, people who encapsulate everything that football was once about, and still is for those with eyes to see.
When Manchester United began life in 1878 as Newton Heath, it wasn't as a business or a brand, but a group of mates kicking a ball around for fun, just the same as nearly every other institution in both the professional and amateur game. That's why the league comprises football clubs and not football teams; the point was that they should be groups of like-minded individuals gathered together for a unified purpose, of which the men selected to take the field were but a constituent part.
Those on the pitch are merely transient, just passing through; incidental to the whole shebang when compared to those who were there before they arrived and will be there long after they've left. United supporters refer affectionately to the team as "the shirts" because ultimately it doesn't matter a stuff who's wearing them as long as they do so with honour and pride; what's important is the people and place it represents. Which is why Mike Dobbin is a mark one, bona fide red legend, woven into the fabric of the club every bit as much, if not more, than Edwards, Best, Law and Cantona.
GettyImages
Until his death, Mike Dobbin had actually attended more United games than Sir Alex Ferguson (and Fred the Red).
The shame is that those playing and running the game continually fail to realise this. Players become ever more remote, content to milk the adulation of the crowd for the duration of the 90 minutes, before insulating themselves from its members the rest of the time behind minders, gates and VIP areas.
Meanwhile clubs have effectively taken on the mantle of the local drug dealer, treating pathetically-addicted supporters like the worst kind of crackhead, while hopelessly in hock to wholesaling television companies whom the FA are entirely unable or unwilling to police.
All this means that any notion of accountability is exactly that - a notion - with the blame for exhorbitant pricing and inconvenient kick-off times passed around the little circle like a Chinese whisper. Nonetheless its members would do well to remember that ultimately there will be a price; not all supporters have the limitless loyalty of Mike Dobbin.
In England, more than in any other country, there is a tradition of supporters travelling en masse to away games.
Those football fans who regularly follow their team away from home will be familiar with the concept of a "face"; a person you regularly see but rarely know, someone you nod at without saying hello to who reminds you that you're in the right place.
Occasionally you may even give them a name, so in my group of Manchester United matchgoers, we silently greet Dowie, The Ghost, Napalm Death and Mr Milky Milky. There'll be those within United's support who recognise the people I mean, others who won't and some who'll know them by another name entirely - maybe even the one their parents gave them. But one person who everyone could identify - usually by his surname only - was Mike Dobbin.
Dobbin died on January 29 at the age of 61, but in those years he crammed in more United games than seems humanly possible. Born in Prestwich, Manchester in 1947, he began going to Old Trafford as a child and over the course of his life his remarkable devotion to the red cause has cemented him into United folklore.
There are numerous anecdotes and statistics that illustrate Dobbin's loyalty, so here are a few. Despite moving to London to pursue a career in accountancy, he attended every single first-team game - competitive and friendly - from October 1991 until Boxing Day 2008. In all, he watched United on close to 2000 occasions and in 44 different countries, not missing a Euro away from 1965 onwards. On last summer's tour, to get to Nigeria from South Africa he flew via London, claiming it was cheaper that way, but few who knew him were surprised when he showed up at a reserve game at Oxford in between.
Most impressive of all, though, and certainly my favourite piece of Dobbin-related trivia, is that in the Fergie era he has attended more United games than the man himself, Sir Alex having missed a few occasions for family reasons, part-timer that he is.
Dobbin's loyalty wasn't just to the boys on the pitch. As travel secretary of United's London Fan Club, he spent a ridiculous number of hours arranging transport and tickets for those based in the area. He was particularly active during the "Red Army" years of the 70s and 80s when United would take thousands from the capital to every game, even though he didn't agree with the slightly mischievous philosophy of many of its members.
Some may think that this is of no relevance to anyone who isnt a match-going United fan, but they'd be wrong. Every club has its Dobbin, people who encapsulate everything that football was once about, and still is for those with eyes to see.
When Manchester United began life in 1878 as Newton Heath, it wasn't as a business or a brand, but a group of mates kicking a ball around for fun, just the same as nearly every other institution in both the professional and amateur game. That's why the league comprises football clubs and not football teams; the point was that they should be groups of like-minded individuals gathered together for a unified purpose, of which the men selected to take the field were but a constituent part.
Those on the pitch are merely transient, just passing through; incidental to the whole shebang when compared to those who were there before they arrived and will be there long after they've left. United supporters refer affectionately to the team as "the shirts" because ultimately it doesn't matter a stuff who's wearing them as long as they do so with honour and pride; what's important is the people and place it represents. Which is why Mike Dobbin is a mark one, bona fide red legend, woven into the fabric of the club every bit as much, if not more, than Edwards, Best, Law and Cantona.
GettyImages
Until his death, Mike Dobbin had actually attended more United games than Sir Alex Ferguson (and Fred the Red).
The shame is that those playing and running the game continually fail to realise this. Players become ever more remote, content to milk the adulation of the crowd for the duration of the 90 minutes, before insulating themselves from its members the rest of the time behind minders, gates and VIP areas.
Meanwhile clubs have effectively taken on the mantle of the local drug dealer, treating pathetically-addicted supporters like the worst kind of crackhead, while hopelessly in hock to wholesaling television companies whom the FA are entirely unable or unwilling to police.
All this means that any notion of accountability is exactly that - a notion - with the blame for exhorbitant pricing and inconvenient kick-off times passed around the little circle like a Chinese whisper. Nonetheless its members would do well to remember that ultimately there will be a price; not all supporters have the limitless loyalty of Mike Dobbin.
Friday, January 23, 2009
有多少爱可以重来
Dear W,
Will there be a day when I can restart all over again?
Shihua
歌曲：有多少爱可以重来
歌手：卓依婷 专辑：蜕变4
------------☆☆☆☆------------
常常责怪自己当初不应该
常常后悔没有把你留下来
为什么明明相爱
到最后还是要分开
是否我们总是俳徊在心门之外
谁知道又和你相遇在人海
命运如此安排总叫人无奈
这些年过得不好不坏
只是好像少了一个人存在
而我渐渐明白
你仍然是我不变的关怀
有多少爱可以重来
有多少人愿意等待
当懂得珍惜以后回来
却不知那份爱会不会还在
有多少爱可以重来
有多少人值得等待
当爱情已经桑田沧海
是否还有勇气去爱
---music---
谁知道又和你相遇在人海
命运如此安排总叫人无奈
这些年过得不好不坏
只是好像少了一个人存在
而我渐渐明白
你仍然是我不变的关怀
有多少爱可以重来
有多少人愿意等待
当懂得珍惜以后回来
却不知那份爱会不会还在
有多少爱可以重来
有多少人值得等待
当爱情已经桑田沧海
是否还有勇气去爱
有多少爱可以重来
有多少人愿意等待
当懂得珍惜以后回来
却不知那份爱会不会还在
有多少爱可以重来
有多少人值得等待
当爱情已经桑田沧海
是否还有勇气去爱
----end----
Will there be a day when I can restart all over again?
Shihua
歌曲：有多少爱可以重来
歌手：卓依婷 专辑：蜕变4
------------☆☆☆☆------------
常常责怪自己当初不应该
常常后悔没有把你留下来
为什么明明相爱
到最后还是要分开
是否我们总是俳徊在心门之外
谁知道又和你相遇在人海
命运如此安排总叫人无奈
这些年过得不好不坏
只是好像少了一个人存在
而我渐渐明白
你仍然是我不变的关怀
有多少爱可以重来
有多少人愿意等待
当懂得珍惜以后回来
却不知那份爱会不会还在
有多少爱可以重来
有多少人值得等待
当爱情已经桑田沧海
是否还有勇气去爱
---music---
谁知道又和你相遇在人海
命运如此安排总叫人无奈
这些年过得不好不坏
只是好像少了一个人存在
而我渐渐明白
你仍然是我不变的关怀
有多少爱可以重来
有多少人愿意等待
当懂得珍惜以后回来
却不知那份爱会不会还在
有多少爱可以重来
有多少人值得等待
当爱情已经桑田沧海
是否还有勇气去爱
有多少爱可以重来
有多少人愿意等待
当懂得珍惜以后回来
却不知那份爱会不会还在
有多少爱可以重来
有多少人值得等待
当爱情已经桑田沧海
是否还有勇气去爱
----end----
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Thursday, November 27, 2008
On the brink...
Finally, after a year or so, I had finished reading Joseph Stiglitz's 2 books on globalisation. The first one "Globalisation and its Discontents" talks about why globalisation had so far failed to live up to its promise of delivering growth and improvements in standard of living around the world. In fact, quite the opposite has happened in many parts of the world. The second book " Making Globalisation Work" then talks about some of the main areas of reforms that needs to be made in order to move globalisation on the right track, including a global reserve system, policies to tackle global warming, trade policies and intellectual property frameworks.
I seldom read, that's a fact and it is not something that I am proud of. But I must say that these 2 books had really opened my naive and ignorant brain somewhat. I do not claim to have the intellectual capacity to be able to critique the policies or ideas that the author had, but I think there are some pretty sound and logical principles that were surfaced (according to my understanding).
1. Humans respond to incentives - to get them to do the right thing, the right incentives must be present.
This sounds perfectly logical, but it is not so easy to implement in real life. Till this day, there had been far too many policies that looked good on paper, but actually failed to provide the right incentives for people to respond in the appropriate manner. The worst policies are actually those which provide the incentives to do the OPPOSITE. The usual reason for this would be too myopic a view on a certain issue, or a certain indicator, for example only inflation, or debt repayment, as compared to the health of overall economy.
2. Globalisation can work - the devil's in the details (management).
In theory, globalisation can and should work. However, what had failed so far is not globalisation itself but its management per se. What is happening right now is that political globalisation lacks way behind economic globalisation, resulting in perverted incentives or opportunities for quick individuals/corporations to make a quick profit at the expense of others. Combining point 1 and 2, this means there is an urgent need to relook at various areas from trade to finance to environment and work out details in policies and contracts that would provide the right incentives.
3. A global phenomenon requires global response, global coordination.
This idea is perhaps the most evident throughout the whole of the second book. It is perhaps the most important idea of all and there are signs of such things happening. It is simple enough to understand, if each and everyone (country) think only about themselves, each would pursue policies that would benefit himself and overall, at best it might not benefit everyone. At worst, it may lead to detrimental effects for everyone. This is blatantly not the way to go when the actions of someone sitting in a comfy office in Wall Street can ultimately lead to my bonus being cut :( It's time to stop being myopic and/or xenophobic. It's time to think global, and to take an interest in global affairs, including the way international affairs are being conducted. And the first step towards achieving that is really to learn more about global affairs.
I really do feel that the world has reached a crossroads of sorts in a lot of areas, areas like global warming, terrorism, international trade, etc etc. The decisions that we will make in the next 5 to 10 years would determine the direction the whole world would take for the long term future. Would our future generations look back on this period and lament our inability to learn from our mistakes, or praise our generation for the bold moves that we took?
"All it takes for evil to succeed is for a few good men to do nothing."
I seldom read, that's a fact and it is not something that I am proud of. But I must say that these 2 books had really opened my naive and ignorant brain somewhat. I do not claim to have the intellectual capacity to be able to critique the policies or ideas that the author had, but I think there are some pretty sound and logical principles that were surfaced (according to my understanding).
1. Humans respond to incentives - to get them to do the right thing, the right incentives must be present.
This sounds perfectly logical, but it is not so easy to implement in real life. Till this day, there had been far too many policies that looked good on paper, but actually failed to provide the right incentives for people to respond in the appropriate manner. The worst policies are actually those which provide the incentives to do the OPPOSITE. The usual reason for this would be too myopic a view on a certain issue, or a certain indicator, for example only inflation, or debt repayment, as compared to the health of overall economy.
2. Globalisation can work - the devil's in the details (management).
In theory, globalisation can and should work. However, what had failed so far is not globalisation itself but its management per se. What is happening right now is that political globalisation lacks way behind economic globalisation, resulting in perverted incentives or opportunities for quick individuals/corporations to make a quick profit at the expense of others. Combining point 1 and 2, this means there is an urgent need to relook at various areas from trade to finance to environment and work out details in policies and contracts that would provide the right incentives.
3. A global phenomenon requires global response, global coordination.
This idea is perhaps the most evident throughout the whole of the second book. It is perhaps the most important idea of all and there are signs of such things happening. It is simple enough to understand, if each and everyone (country) think only about themselves, each would pursue policies that would benefit himself and overall, at best it might not benefit everyone. At worst, it may lead to detrimental effects for everyone. This is blatantly not the way to go when the actions of someone sitting in a comfy office in Wall Street can ultimately lead to my bonus being cut :( It's time to stop being myopic and/or xenophobic. It's time to think global, and to take an interest in global affairs, including the way international affairs are being conducted. And the first step towards achieving that is really to learn more about global affairs.
I really do feel that the world has reached a crossroads of sorts in a lot of areas, areas like global warming, terrorism, international trade, etc etc. The decisions that we will make in the next 5 to 10 years would determine the direction the whole world would take for the long term future. Would our future generations look back on this period and lament our inability to learn from our mistakes, or praise our generation for the bold moves that we took?
"All it takes for evil to succeed is for a few good men to do nothing."
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Best of luck Cole!
I'll be the first to admit that 'Goal King Cole' didn't really quite catch on with me, given that in the first season that I started following United, Cole was missing chances left right centre, with the last game of the season against West Ham especially galling. But nothing can take away the fact that he was nothing short of sensational from 97/98 onwards. The following season saw the arrival of Yorke and that partnership was still the best strike partnership I had ever seen in all these years at United. Both of them were not the fastest, most skillful or strongest strikers ever but somehow both of them had a bit of everything and something more - the understanding. So as yet another of my childhood United heroes hang up his boots, should I also move on?
Taken from the BBC
The highs and lows of Andrew Cole
By Nabil Hassan
Andrew Cole's retirement from professional football this week may have been relatively low key, but his career was anything but.
You just have to look back at his career stats to realise that 'Goal King' Cole was a little bit special.
Only Alan Shearer has scored more goals than him (260) in the Premier League, with Cole notching 187.
Very few are more decorated than him with the Nottingham-born 37-year-old boasting a medal haul that includes five Premier League titles, two FA Cup trophies, the Champions League and the League Cup.
Cole - to put it in simple terms - won it all.
And he was not a bit part player either. His partnership with Dwight Yorke in the 1998-9 season was perhaps the most important ingredient in a United team that won a historic treble.
That season Cole and Yorke were untouchable, the hottest partnership in English football and were revered across Europe.
In all, Cole scored 93 times for the Red Devils, and went on to record 289 career goals.
But for all the success domestically he failed to take that form on to the international stage with Cole making only 15 appearances for England, scoring just once.
Cole talks to BBC Sport and looks back at the highs and lows of his 19-year career that started at Arsenal and ended at his home-town club Nottingham Forest.
BEST MEMORY
"It is hard to pick out one but I'd have to say that winning the treble at Manchester United...I don't think anything is going to top that. It was a special season."
BEST GOAL
"I've scored so many and a lot have been special so it would be difficult to say one.
"But maybe the goal that won us the championship (against Tottenham in 1999 on the last day of the season) in the treble-winning season would be up there."
BEST MANAGER
"Sir Alex Ferguson. He was the only manager who could always get the best out of me.
"I would like to believe that if I go into coaching I will learn something from him."
BEST FANS
"I loved the Manchester United supporters, they were great to me and I also played at St James' Park and they were incredible…I couldn't choose between them."
BEST PLAYING PARTNER
"It would be hard to choose between Dwight Yorke and Peter Beardsley. They were different players but brilliant in their own way."
BEST PLAYER
"There were so many I couldn't pick one, but Eric Cantona would be up there.
"I never feared any opponent but played against some great players like Paolo Maldini and Des Walker in his heyday."
BIGGEST REGRET
"I left Manchester United too early. I was only 30 and could have played on there and that is the only one that wrangles with me."
PLAYING FOR ENGLAND
"I played 15 times so I don't see that as a regret. It didn't work out, but lots of people play a lot for their country but never win a thing domestically. I've done just that and I have no axe to grind."
HANGING UP THE BOOTS
"It was an easy decision to make. I had made my mind up in September to retire from football.
"I went to Nottingham Forest to play as many games as possible and that wasn't happening. I knew I couldn't play all of them but I was only a bit-part player and after everything I have achieved in the game I wasn't going to do that for anybody."
THE FUTURE
"I still love the game, I haven't fallen out of love with it and that is why at some stage I want to return to it. I am doing my coaching badges and my intention is to put in what I've taken out.
"I'm enjoying a bit of break at the moment and having some time on my hands, but I can only do nothing for so long."
Taken from the BBC
The highs and lows of Andrew Cole
By Nabil Hassan
Andrew Cole's retirement from professional football this week may have been relatively low key, but his career was anything but.
You just have to look back at his career stats to realise that 'Goal King' Cole was a little bit special.
Only Alan Shearer has scored more goals than him (260) in the Premier League, with Cole notching 187.
Very few are more decorated than him with the Nottingham-born 37-year-old boasting a medal haul that includes five Premier League titles, two FA Cup trophies, the Champions League and the League Cup.
Cole - to put it in simple terms - won it all.
And he was not a bit part player either. His partnership with Dwight Yorke in the 1998-9 season was perhaps the most important ingredient in a United team that won a historic treble.
That season Cole and Yorke were untouchable, the hottest partnership in English football and were revered across Europe.
In all, Cole scored 93 times for the Red Devils, and went on to record 289 career goals.
But for all the success domestically he failed to take that form on to the international stage with Cole making only 15 appearances for England, scoring just once.
Cole talks to BBC Sport and looks back at the highs and lows of his 19-year career that started at Arsenal and ended at his home-town club Nottingham Forest.
BEST MEMORY
"It is hard to pick out one but I'd have to say that winning the treble at Manchester United...I don't think anything is going to top that. It was a special season."
BEST GOAL
"I've scored so many and a lot have been special so it would be difficult to say one.
"But maybe the goal that won us the championship (against Tottenham in 1999 on the last day of the season) in the treble-winning season would be up there."
BEST MANAGER
"Sir Alex Ferguson. He was the only manager who could always get the best out of me.
"I would like to believe that if I go into coaching I will learn something from him."
BEST FANS
"I loved the Manchester United supporters, they were great to me and I also played at St James' Park and they were incredible…I couldn't choose between them."
BEST PLAYING PARTNER
"It would be hard to choose between Dwight Yorke and Peter Beardsley. They were different players but brilliant in their own way."
BEST PLAYER
"There were so many I couldn't pick one, but Eric Cantona would be up there.
"I never feared any opponent but played against some great players like Paolo Maldini and Des Walker in his heyday."
BIGGEST REGRET
"I left Manchester United too early. I was only 30 and could have played on there and that is the only one that wrangles with me."
PLAYING FOR ENGLAND
"I played 15 times so I don't see that as a regret. It didn't work out, but lots of people play a lot for their country but never win a thing domestically. I've done just that and I have no axe to grind."
HANGING UP THE BOOTS
"It was an easy decision to make. I had made my mind up in September to retire from football.
"I went to Nottingham Forest to play as many games as possible and that wasn't happening. I knew I couldn't play all of them but I was only a bit-part player and after everything I have achieved in the game I wasn't going to do that for anybody."
THE FUTURE
"I still love the game, I haven't fallen out of love with it and that is why at some stage I want to return to it. I am doing my coaching badges and my intention is to put in what I've taken out.
"I'm enjoying a bit of break at the moment and having some time on my hands, but I can only do nothing for so long."
Inside North Korea (part 1)
If you watch all the way to Part 7, you will be amazed.
It really reinforces my belief that bullshit, if repeated often enough, and with enough conviction, will become the truth.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Christmas Carol for everyone!
Latest Christmas carol for 2008, pretty neat eh?
You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better keep cash
I'm telling you why:
Recession is coming to town.
It's hitting you once,
It's hitting you twice
It doesn't care if you've been careful and wise
Recession is coming to town
It's worthless if you've got shares
It's worthless if you've got bonds
It's safe when you've got cash in hand
So keep cash for goodness sake, HEY
You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better keep cash
I'm telling you why:
Recession is coming to town!
Finance products are confusing
Finance products are so vague
The banks make you bear the cost of risk
So keep out for goodness sake, OH
You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better keep cash
I'm telling you why:
Recession is coming to town.
You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better keep cash
I'm telling you why:
Recession is coming to town.
It's hitting you once,
It's hitting you twice
It doesn't care if you've been careful and wise
Recession is coming to town
It's worthless if you've got shares
It's worthless if you've got bonds
It's safe when you've got cash in hand
So keep cash for goodness sake, HEY
You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better keep cash
I'm telling you why:
Recession is coming to town!
Finance products are confusing
Finance products are so vague
The banks make you bear the cost of risk
So keep out for goodness sake, OH
You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better keep cash
I'm telling you why:
Recession is coming to town.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Live the pain...
歌名：会呼吸的痛 歌手：梁静茹 所属专辑：崇拜
在东京铁塔 第一次眺望
看灯火模仿 坠落的星光
我终於到达 但却更悲伤
一个人完成 我们的梦想
你总说 时间还很多
你可以等我
以前我不懂得
未必明天 就有以后
想念是会呼吸的痛
它活在我身上所有角落
哼你爱的歌会痛
看你的信会痛 连沉默也痛
遗憾是会呼吸的痛
它流在血液中来回滚动
后悔不贴心会痛
恨不懂你会痛
想见不能见最痛
没看你脸上 张扬过哀伤
那是种多麼 寂寞的倔强
你拆了城墙 让我去流浪
在原地等我 把自己捆绑
你没说你也会软弱
需要依赖我
我就装不晓得
自由移动 自我地过
我发誓不再说谎了
多爱你就会抱你多紧的
我的微笑都假了
灵魂像飘浮著
你在就好了
我发誓不让你等候
陪你做想做的无论什麼
我越来越像贝壳
怕心被人触碰
你回来那就好了
能重来那就好了
在东京铁塔 第一次眺望
看灯火模仿 坠落的星光
我终於到达 但却更悲伤
一个人完成 我们的梦想
你总说 时间还很多
你可以等我
以前我不懂得
未必明天 就有以后
想念是会呼吸的痛
它活在我身上所有角落
哼你爱的歌会痛
看你的信会痛 连沉默也痛
遗憾是会呼吸的痛
它流在血液中来回滚动
后悔不贴心会痛
恨不懂你会痛
想见不能见最痛
没看你脸上 张扬过哀伤
那是种多麼 寂寞的倔强
你拆了城墙 让我去流浪
在原地等我 把自己捆绑
你没说你也会软弱
需要依赖我
我就装不晓得
自由移动 自我地过
我发誓不再说谎了
多爱你就会抱你多紧的
我的微笑都假了
灵魂像飘浮著
你在就好了
我发誓不让你等候
陪你做想做的无论什麼
我越来越像贝壳
怕心被人触碰
你回来那就好了
能重来那就好了
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The lonely empty bench by the sea...
The weather was good, the sea view was soothing.
What was missing was you by my side to share the view with me.
Are you happy with him?
What was missing was you by my side to share the view with me.
Are you happy with him?
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
你不是真正的快乐
Words that I wish I could tell myself...
作词：五月天 作曲：五月天
人 群中 哭着 你只想变成透明的颜色
你再也不会梦 或痛 或心动了
你已经决定了 你已经决定了
你 静静 忍着 紧紧把昨天在拳心握着
而回忆越是甜 就是 越伤人了
越是在 手心留下
密密麻麻 深深浅浅 的刀割
你不是真正的快乐
你的笑只是你穿的保护色
你决定不恨了 也决定不爱了
把你的灵魂关在永远锁上的躯壳
这 世界 笑了 于是你合群的一起笑了
当生存是规则 不是 你的选择
于是你 含著眼泪
飘飘荡荡 跌跌撞撞 的走着
你不是真正的快乐
你的笑只是你穿的保护色
你决定不恨了 也决定不爱了
把你的灵魂关在永远锁上的躯壳
你不是真正的快乐
你的伤从不肯完全的愈合
我站在你左侧 却像隔著银河
难道就真的抱着遗憾一直到老了 然后才后悔着
你值得真正的快乐
你应该脱下你穿的保护色
为什么失去了 还要被惩罚呢
能不能就让 悲伤全部
结束在此刻 重新开始活着
作词：五月天 作曲：五月天
人 群中 哭着 你只想变成透明的颜色
你再也不会梦 或痛 或心动了
你已经决定了 你已经决定了
你 静静 忍着 紧紧把昨天在拳心握着
而回忆越是甜 就是 越伤人了
越是在 手心留下
密密麻麻 深深浅浅 的刀割
你不是真正的快乐
你的笑只是你穿的保护色
你决定不恨了 也决定不爱了
把你的灵魂关在永远锁上的躯壳
这 世界 笑了 于是你合群的一起笑了
当生存是规则 不是 你的选择
于是你 含著眼泪
飘飘荡荡 跌跌撞撞 的走着
你不是真正的快乐
你的笑只是你穿的保护色
你决定不恨了 也决定不爱了
把你的灵魂关在永远锁上的躯壳
你不是真正的快乐
你的伤从不肯完全的愈合
我站在你左侧 却像隔著银河
难道就真的抱着遗憾一直到老了 然后才后悔着
你值得真正的快乐
你应该脱下你穿的保护色
为什么失去了 还要被惩罚呢
能不能就让 悲伤全部
结束在此刻 重新开始活着
Sunday, October 05, 2008
20LEgend
A long overdue post...copied and pasted for memories sake...
from the Telegraph
There will not be a dry eye in the house at Old Trafford when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, footballing role model, Manchester United icon and the man who put the ball in the Germans' net, steps on to a pitch for the final time
"The pitches already miss him,'' reflected Cristiano Ronaldo.
Solskjaer's millions of admirers will miss him: those flocking to the Stretford End, those in his native Norway, where he is revered as much as Ibsen and Munch, and simply all those around the globe who appreciate dignity and determination.
United players will miss him. Ronaldo spoke for all in the champions' dressing room when he said: "Ole was a fantastic player, with whom I loved to play, not even for the way he plays but also for the person he really is. As a person, he is absolutely fantastic, spectacular, kind and very, very nice. I improved a lot just because I've played side-by-side with him; he taught me lots of things. I also grew up with him and for that I have to say: 'Thank you, Ole'."
Premier League statisticians will miss him. In 151 league starts for United, the 'Baby-Faced Assassin' plundered 91 goals, and 17 more from his 84 outings from the bench. He tore into Spurs' back line, recording seven goals in eight starts. Everton were similarly pounded. He regularly bullied Nottingham Forest's defence. "I'll never forget when he came on as a sub at Forest and within 10 minutes had scored four goals,'' reminisced David Beckham.
As the 35-year-old bows out with a testimonial against Espanyol, all football will miss the man for more than just his goals. Solskjaer has been a wonderful ambassador for the game, and all proceeds from today's match, and a planned telethon, go towards 10 new schools in Africa.
From the moment Solskjaer arrived at United in the summer of 1996, he was obviously special. That pre-season, Alex Ferguson gathered his five new players at the Cliff training ground to talk to the media. Solskjaer was not even the best-known Norwegian in the room. That was Ronny Johnsen. Jordi Cruyff, Raimond van der Gouw and Karel Poborsky were also there, and most of the questions were aimed at them and Johnsen.
Yet there was a sparkle in Ferguson's eye as he introduced Solskjaer. He knew he had uncovered a gem. We had to check the spelling of his name and find out where on earth Molde was, but as I left, a United official whispered: "Fergie thinks Solskjaer will be the best of the lot.'' So it proved.
"I remember seeing him walk into the dressing room and thinking how young he looked – he had such a baby face,'' added Beckham. "As soon as he started training you could see that he had what it took to become a Manchester United player, a great Manchester United player in fact. He was one of those players that, whenever he got the ball, he did something with it."
To understand the essence of Solskjaer it is important to rewind to Dec 5, 2006, when the striker was talking to his friend, Bernt Jakob Oksnes, a well-known reporter in Norway. Solskjaer was musing on what qualities were required to succeed at Old Trafford. "You can't come that far with pure talent," Solskjaer told Oksnes. "You only reach the first team of Manchester United with the hard work and willpower of steel." The next day, Solskjaer took his usual seat on the bench as United took on Benfica in a Champions League group match.
As the game pushed into the later stages, Ferguson gave Solskjaer the nod to warm up as he would soon be replacing Paul Scholes. "I suddenly started to feel very emotional," recalled Oksnes. "Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, our man, was doing his warm-up, up and down Old Trafford's grass. And Old Trafford started to sing, Stretford End at first, then North Stand, and then the whole stadium: 'You are my Solskjaer, my Ole Solskjaer; you make me happy when skies are grey.' It was so fantastically loud. The choir of Old Trafford was at its heights."
United fans love Solskjaer because he never embarrassed their beloved club, never clamoured to join Real Madrid nor fell out of a nightclub at 3am. Even when that persistent knee injury drained the life from a fine career, even when he toiled for two years in the gym, no self-pity could be detected. United officials would advise youngsters: "Look and learn from Ole".
As well as the dedication, United supporters love him for all the goals, and one in particular against Bayern Munich to seal the Champions League final of 1999. "I remember sticking my foot out and the ball going in but everything else is a bit of a blur," said Solskjaer, typically modest. Solskjaer always smiled when the phone belonging to United's director of communications, Phil Townsend, reverberated to its ring-tone of "And Solskjaer has won it", Clive Tyldesley's unforgettable commentary from the Nou Camp.
That goal. That willpower. That lack of ego. An intelligent and unselfish footballer, Solskjaer showed tactical versatility, playing on the right, on his own up front, or (successfully) in tandem with Ruud van Nistelrooy. United fans adore him because he was a credit to the club and because he offered one quality they shared: commitment to the cause.
"Ole has admitted he had a limited talent, he is more a product of endless and honest work," said Oksnes. "He is idolised for that. Ole's appearance, his humble approach, and loyalty are much-acclaimed qualities. And now he is the most famous Norwegian of all time. He is bigger than Ibsen, bigger than Munch, in terms of how many people know him around the world. You can find people wearing Solskjaer shirts in Nepal and in Kenya and in Singapore today.
"I asked him what he felt when Old Trafford sang his song, even at times when he was injured. 'I feel proud, but a bit embarrassed as well,' he answered. 'I think to myself: 'Why me?' A little man from Kristiansund.' A legend at Old Trafford."
Solskjaer's own verdict? "I worked for the best manager of all time. I played with the best players in the world and in front of the best fans. I am very proud of what I achieved but very humble as well that I was given the opportunity to do that."
Even now that his playing days are over, he continues to deliver for United as reserve-team manager. As that magical evening in 1999 showed, Solskjaer knows how to influence a game from the bench. Old Trafford will say farewell, and thanks for Munich and all the memories, in style today. The pitch will miss him.
Five great Solskjaer moments:
Aug 25, 1996 - Man Utd 2 Blackburn 2:
An unheralded £1.5 million signing from Molde, Solskjaer marked his United debut by climbing off the substitutes’ bench to score an equaliser that ensured United preserved their 32-game unbeaten home run.
Feb 6, 1999 - Nottm Forest 1 Man Utd 8
Despite only being introduced as a 71st-minute substitute, Solskjaer scored four goals as United claimed the Premier League’s biggest away victory.
Jan 24,1999 - Man Utd 2 Liverpool 1:
After Michael Owen’s early goal in this FA Cup fourth round tie, Dwight Yorke’s 88th-minute equaliser set the scene for Solskjaer to score an injury-time winner against the big rivals.
May 26, 1999 - Man Utd 2 Bayern Munich 1
The moment that Solskjaer became a United icon. Deployed as a late substitute, he delivered another decisive goal, scoring a dramatic injury-time winner to secure the European Cup.
Aug 23, 2006 - Charlton 0 Man United 3
Solskjaer’s goal, the third in a routine victory at the Valley, marked his first strike for the first-team after almost three years out of the game battling the serious knee injury that ultimately claimed his career.
from the Telegraph
There will not be a dry eye in the house at Old Trafford when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, footballing role model, Manchester United icon and the man who put the ball in the Germans' net, steps on to a pitch for the final time
"The pitches already miss him,'' reflected Cristiano Ronaldo.
Solskjaer's millions of admirers will miss him: those flocking to the Stretford End, those in his native Norway, where he is revered as much as Ibsen and Munch, and simply all those around the globe who appreciate dignity and determination.
United players will miss him. Ronaldo spoke for all in the champions' dressing room when he said: "Ole was a fantastic player, with whom I loved to play, not even for the way he plays but also for the person he really is. As a person, he is absolutely fantastic, spectacular, kind and very, very nice. I improved a lot just because I've played side-by-side with him; he taught me lots of things. I also grew up with him and for that I have to say: 'Thank you, Ole'."
Premier League statisticians will miss him. In 151 league starts for United, the 'Baby-Faced Assassin' plundered 91 goals, and 17 more from his 84 outings from the bench. He tore into Spurs' back line, recording seven goals in eight starts. Everton were similarly pounded. He regularly bullied Nottingham Forest's defence. "I'll never forget when he came on as a sub at Forest and within 10 minutes had scored four goals,'' reminisced David Beckham.
As the 35-year-old bows out with a testimonial against Espanyol, all football will miss the man for more than just his goals. Solskjaer has been a wonderful ambassador for the game, and all proceeds from today's match, and a planned telethon, go towards 10 new schools in Africa.
From the moment Solskjaer arrived at United in the summer of 1996, he was obviously special. That pre-season, Alex Ferguson gathered his five new players at the Cliff training ground to talk to the media. Solskjaer was not even the best-known Norwegian in the room. That was Ronny Johnsen. Jordi Cruyff, Raimond van der Gouw and Karel Poborsky were also there, and most of the questions were aimed at them and Johnsen.
Yet there was a sparkle in Ferguson's eye as he introduced Solskjaer. He knew he had uncovered a gem. We had to check the spelling of his name and find out where on earth Molde was, but as I left, a United official whispered: "Fergie thinks Solskjaer will be the best of the lot.'' So it proved.
"I remember seeing him walk into the dressing room and thinking how young he looked – he had such a baby face,'' added Beckham. "As soon as he started training you could see that he had what it took to become a Manchester United player, a great Manchester United player in fact. He was one of those players that, whenever he got the ball, he did something with it."
To understand the essence of Solskjaer it is important to rewind to Dec 5, 2006, when the striker was talking to his friend, Bernt Jakob Oksnes, a well-known reporter in Norway. Solskjaer was musing on what qualities were required to succeed at Old Trafford. "You can't come that far with pure talent," Solskjaer told Oksnes. "You only reach the first team of Manchester United with the hard work and willpower of steel." The next day, Solskjaer took his usual seat on the bench as United took on Benfica in a Champions League group match.
As the game pushed into the later stages, Ferguson gave Solskjaer the nod to warm up as he would soon be replacing Paul Scholes. "I suddenly started to feel very emotional," recalled Oksnes. "Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, our man, was doing his warm-up, up and down Old Trafford's grass. And Old Trafford started to sing, Stretford End at first, then North Stand, and then the whole stadium: 'You are my Solskjaer, my Ole Solskjaer; you make me happy when skies are grey.' It was so fantastically loud. The choir of Old Trafford was at its heights."
United fans love Solskjaer because he never embarrassed their beloved club, never clamoured to join Real Madrid nor fell out of a nightclub at 3am. Even when that persistent knee injury drained the life from a fine career, even when he toiled for two years in the gym, no self-pity could be detected. United officials would advise youngsters: "Look and learn from Ole".
As well as the dedication, United supporters love him for all the goals, and one in particular against Bayern Munich to seal the Champions League final of 1999. "I remember sticking my foot out and the ball going in but everything else is a bit of a blur," said Solskjaer, typically modest. Solskjaer always smiled when the phone belonging to United's director of communications, Phil Townsend, reverberated to its ring-tone of "And Solskjaer has won it", Clive Tyldesley's unforgettable commentary from the Nou Camp.
That goal. That willpower. That lack of ego. An intelligent and unselfish footballer, Solskjaer showed tactical versatility, playing on the right, on his own up front, or (successfully) in tandem with Ruud van Nistelrooy. United fans adore him because he was a credit to the club and because he offered one quality they shared: commitment to the cause.
"Ole has admitted he had a limited talent, he is more a product of endless and honest work," said Oksnes. "He is idolised for that. Ole's appearance, his humble approach, and loyalty are much-acclaimed qualities. And now he is the most famous Norwegian of all time. He is bigger than Ibsen, bigger than Munch, in terms of how many people know him around the world. You can find people wearing Solskjaer shirts in Nepal and in Kenya and in Singapore today.
"I asked him what he felt when Old Trafford sang his song, even at times when he was injured. 'I feel proud, but a bit embarrassed as well,' he answered. 'I think to myself: 'Why me?' A little man from Kristiansund.' A legend at Old Trafford."
Solskjaer's own verdict? "I worked for the best manager of all time. I played with the best players in the world and in front of the best fans. I am very proud of what I achieved but very humble as well that I was given the opportunity to do that."
Even now that his playing days are over, he continues to deliver for United as reserve-team manager. As that magical evening in 1999 showed, Solskjaer knows how to influence a game from the bench. Old Trafford will say farewell, and thanks for Munich and all the memories, in style today. The pitch will miss him.
Five great Solskjaer moments:
Aug 25, 1996 - Man Utd 2 Blackburn 2:
An unheralded £1.5 million signing from Molde, Solskjaer marked his United debut by climbing off the substitutes’ bench to score an equaliser that ensured United preserved their 32-game unbeaten home run.
Feb 6, 1999 - Nottm Forest 1 Man Utd 8
Despite only being introduced as a 71st-minute substitute, Solskjaer scored four goals as United claimed the Premier League’s biggest away victory.
Jan 24,1999 - Man Utd 2 Liverpool 1:
After Michael Owen’s early goal in this FA Cup fourth round tie, Dwight Yorke’s 88th-minute equaliser set the scene for Solskjaer to score an injury-time winner against the big rivals.
May 26, 1999 - Man Utd 2 Bayern Munich 1
The moment that Solskjaer became a United icon. Deployed as a late substitute, he delivered another decisive goal, scoring a dramatic injury-time winner to secure the European Cup.
Aug 23, 2006 - Charlton 0 Man United 3
Solskjaer’s goal, the third in a routine victory at the Valley, marked his first strike for the first-team after almost three years out of the game battling the serious knee injury that ultimately claimed his career.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Boy Meets Girl - No More, no more...
I can still remember the first time I met you - that feeling of excitement that I did not have for a long time. I still remember making a promise to the one up there that I will not waste the chance if He would help me once more.
I still remember the months that followed. My life was brighter and cheerful with you around. For the first time in a long while, I really enjoyed life. I really did.
I don't know how it all started to go downhill. But it did. Maybe I should have been more subtle. Maybe I shouldn't have fallen for you.
Maybe I would still be able to see you then.
But what's left now is merely emptiness. Fragments of memories of happier days gone by to cling onto.
It hurts every night, when I stop whatever I am doing, and try to fall asleep. All that I can think of is you. Asking myself what did I do wrong. Asking myself where was I not good enough. Asking myself why everything turned out this way.
And I really have no answers.
When you told me you were sick, and it started to rain, all I wanted to do was to drive over and give you a lift, so that you did not have to get yourself wet.
When you were unhappy, I wished for you to be happy, hoping that the card would cheer you up.
Whenever you were rushing for your class, and you had no time to eat, I would try to keep the hunger away with some food.
If you would agree, I would protect you forever.
You were on my mind everyday, every moment.
But it just wasn't good enough, and I guess it would never be.
Is this really the end? Do I have any crumbs of hope and comfort to survive on?
I love you, W. I really do.
I still remember the months that followed. My life was brighter and cheerful with you around. For the first time in a long while, I really enjoyed life. I really did.
I don't know how it all started to go downhill. But it did. Maybe I should have been more subtle. Maybe I shouldn't have fallen for you.
Maybe I would still be able to see you then.
But what's left now is merely emptiness. Fragments of memories of happier days gone by to cling onto.
It hurts every night, when I stop whatever I am doing, and try to fall asleep. All that I can think of is you. Asking myself what did I do wrong. Asking myself where was I not good enough. Asking myself why everything turned out this way.
And I really have no answers.
When you told me you were sick, and it started to rain, all I wanted to do was to drive over and give you a lift, so that you did not have to get yourself wet.
When you were unhappy, I wished for you to be happy, hoping that the card would cheer you up.
Whenever you were rushing for your class, and you had no time to eat, I would try to keep the hunger away with some food.
If you would agree, I would protect you forever.
You were on my mind everyday, every moment.
But it just wasn't good enough, and I guess it would never be.
Is this really the end? Do I have any crumbs of hope and comfort to survive on?
I love you, W. I really do.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
I hate the Moon
Today was one of the days whereby I find myself once again questioning the reason for me taking this path.
And the plain truth is once again: I don't know.
A bit of naivety, a bit of desperation, a bit of bo chup-ness and a bit of misinformation all contributed to the path that I took thus far.
I can't honestly say it has been all bad. But so far, to be honest, the bad is indeed tipping the scale slightly.
I can't reconcile how the things I am supposed to be doing are really helping the people who I am supposed to help.
A lot of times, I don't really know how I am supposed to help the people I am supposed to help.
I don't know if I am even value adding to the people I am supposed to help.
And you know what's the worrying thing? Sometimes I think I don't really care at all. I think I am selfish. It's just that I try too hard to influence myself to think I care, when in fact I really don't think I do.
The things in my personal life make me very upset, but yet I have to always try to smile, keep my temper in check etc. It's tiring, and sometimes it's downright meaningless.
I don't feel myself improving in any manner, either emotionally or capacity wise or knowledge wise.
I hate my job. I hate the troublemakers. I hate paperwork. I hate award chasers. I hate KPIs. Most of all, I hate myself.
And the plain truth is once again: I don't know.
A bit of naivety, a bit of desperation, a bit of bo chup-ness and a bit of misinformation all contributed to the path that I took thus far.
I can't honestly say it has been all bad. But so far, to be honest, the bad is indeed tipping the scale slightly.
I can't reconcile how the things I am supposed to be doing are really helping the people who I am supposed to help.
A lot of times, I don't really know how I am supposed to help the people I am supposed to help.
I don't know if I am even value adding to the people I am supposed to help.
And you know what's the worrying thing? Sometimes I think I don't really care at all. I think I am selfish. It's just that I try too hard to influence myself to think I care, when in fact I really don't think I do.
The things in my personal life make me very upset, but yet I have to always try to smile, keep my temper in check etc. It's tiring, and sometimes it's downright meaningless.
I don't feel myself improving in any manner, either emotionally or capacity wise or knowledge wise.
I hate my job. I hate the troublemakers. I hate paperwork. I hate award chasers. I hate KPIs. Most of all, I hate myself.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Monday, September 01, 2008
My ball sense prevails once again
There's just something about the 6th sense (I prefer to use ball sense) of human beings. It can keep you out of danger, it can also lead you to missed opportunities.
Luckily for me, it has been accurate more often than not.
There's just something about some people which make you refuse to trust them with your lives. And so it proved once again.
-----------------------------------------------------------
There are also times when I look at the people walking around on the streets and feel that I am a weirdo. Some of them are obviously hopeless airheads. Some look like they can have an orgasm with a mousepad or on a discussion about why the Demand curve can sometimes slope upwards. Some of them have a way too inflated sense of self importance. Some of them have EQ equivalent to that of a Chinese speaking hoaxster. But yet all of them have a girlfriend. (Let's not quiver over the point that some of their girlfriends also CMI). Yes some of the really hopeless cases all have a gf in tow.
And yet I fail time and time again. There are times when I look in the mirror and feel disgusted at the person I see. So it's no wonder that no one likes me. But there are also times when I think I am so much better than the aforementioned. But facts prove otherwise. I think I am losing the faith slowly but surely.
I will always be the lowest priority. As unwanted as a piece of used disposable undies. I should just give up...
Luckily for me, it has been accurate more often than not.
There's just something about some people which make you refuse to trust them with your lives. And so it proved once again.
-----------------------------------------------------------
There are also times when I look at the people walking around on the streets and feel that I am a weirdo. Some of them are obviously hopeless airheads. Some look like they can have an orgasm with a mousepad or on a discussion about why the Demand curve can sometimes slope upwards. Some of them have a way too inflated sense of self importance. Some of them have EQ equivalent to that of a Chinese speaking hoaxster. But yet all of them have a girlfriend. (Let's not quiver over the point that some of their girlfriends also CMI). Yes some of the really hopeless cases all have a gf in tow.
And yet I fail time and time again. There are times when I look in the mirror and feel disgusted at the person I see. So it's no wonder that no one likes me. But there are also times when I think I am so much better than the aforementioned. But facts prove otherwise. I think I am losing the faith slowly but surely.
I will always be the lowest priority. As unwanted as a piece of used disposable undies. I should just give up...
Saturday, August 16, 2008
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