I just watched Man City lose to their better neighbours Man Utd 1-0.
Man City was recently bought over by Middle Easterns, received a hefty cash injection, and can be said to be one of the richest clubs now. With their riches, they signed one star player.
However, the club remains toothless, devoid of quality and vastly inferior to their more imperious neighbours.
With a better man at helm and positive directions, they may be able to fare better. But decisions aren't showing them to be heading towards the right direction.
Man City fans must be chronically frustrated seeing their team attempt to emulate their more illustrious neighbours but repeatedly fall short.
Only time will tell. Question is, can Man City fans live long enough to see the glory days?
Riches are temporary, but class is permanent. There are some things money can't buy.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Like It Or Not
On Sat, there were three different people talking about new releases.
First up was Chris, one of the members whom I bumped into the changing room. A brief exchange and update and I casually mentioned that I was supposed to be in BKK for the quarterly over the weekend. He probed further and I told him the workshop was for instructors to do the masterclass, collect the DVDs, catch up on some latest education, and of cos a legitimate excuse to get out of the country.
So he went along the line saying that new releases are not that fun. My reply was simple, "Just give it some time, and gradually the tracks will become fun. After all, the tracks that you liked were new releases once too!"
He gave me a smile, "but some tracks are more fun than the others."
Then during lunch, I had a conversation with YM, and I don't know the topic digressed to new releases. He proferred the same opinion and I gave him the same casual reply.
He remained indignant. "If I like the track, I will like it when I first do it, like Shooting Star."
Now, Shooting Star is one of my personal favourites, but if I had to do that same track a few hundred times, I'm sure I will hate it.
After my two classes on Saturday, I loitered around STC area before meeting up with some instructors for a Thai meal. I know it's damn corny (or so I thought), about 10 of us who were supposed to go for BKK quarterly and didn't manage to make it, gathered together to eat Thai food at Golden Mile. The meal was great even though it was a little spicy and I don't like spicy stuff.
Besides me, there was Joel (who organised), Max, Junwei, Edwin, Fernie, Joanna, Yinshi, Leonard, Xavier and Ms Lynn. Prior to the dinner, I had a forewarning that dinner may be a little quiet, but it was far from quiet.
I realised I digressed. As we adjourned to Liang Seah after dinner for desserts, Leonard mentioned he did BC38 and didn't like it. He thinks the music and moves are bad.
So that makes it three people in one day who said something about not liking new tracks. Coincidence or what?
As for me, I look forward to new releases, good or bad. I think new release challenges us, keeps us on our toes, and most importantly keeps things fresh. I'm sure if anyone plays the same few tracks all the time, they'll get bored of it. Which is why I never like to repeat the same tracks until a few weeks later.
There have been releases that have been pants for me (eg BC35) and I also didn't really enjoy BC33, but I just like the excitement of anticipating new music and seeing new moves. I was one of those who have been proven wrong by new releases, I hated a certain release once on first listen, and it ended up being one of my favourite releases.
Take the most recent release for example - BC37. Don't tell me there's no one who doesn't like 'Sea of Love'? Or the MT 'Let The Beat Control Your Body'.
Anyway BC38. I do like some of the tracks already. Music and choreography wise. I do think there'll be a couple which may not take off, but generally I prefer to do it a few times before I make a passing judgement.
And even if BC38 really sucks, there's always BC39 to look forward to! I for one am looking forward to that. Music wise, I think BC39 will be hot, but it will not be as challenging physically as BC38. And if I think Pink's So What is one of the weakest track in BC39, the release is going to smoke.
Looking forward to more new releases.
First up was Chris, one of the members whom I bumped into the changing room. A brief exchange and update and I casually mentioned that I was supposed to be in BKK for the quarterly over the weekend. He probed further and I told him the workshop was for instructors to do the masterclass, collect the DVDs, catch up on some latest education, and of cos a legitimate excuse to get out of the country.
So he went along the line saying that new releases are not that fun. My reply was simple, "Just give it some time, and gradually the tracks will become fun. After all, the tracks that you liked were new releases once too!"
He gave me a smile, "but some tracks are more fun than the others."
Then during lunch, I had a conversation with YM, and I don't know the topic digressed to new releases. He proferred the same opinion and I gave him the same casual reply.
He remained indignant. "If I like the track, I will like it when I first do it, like Shooting Star."
Now, Shooting Star is one of my personal favourites, but if I had to do that same track a few hundred times, I'm sure I will hate it.
After my two classes on Saturday, I loitered around STC area before meeting up with some instructors for a Thai meal. I know it's damn corny (or so I thought), about 10 of us who were supposed to go for BKK quarterly and didn't manage to make it, gathered together to eat Thai food at Golden Mile. The meal was great even though it was a little spicy and I don't like spicy stuff.
Besides me, there was Joel (who organised), Max, Junwei, Edwin, Fernie, Joanna, Yinshi, Leonard, Xavier and Ms Lynn. Prior to the dinner, I had a forewarning that dinner may be a little quiet, but it was far from quiet.
I realised I digressed. As we adjourned to Liang Seah after dinner for desserts, Leonard mentioned he did BC38 and didn't like it. He thinks the music and moves are bad.
So that makes it three people in one day who said something about not liking new tracks. Coincidence or what?
As for me, I look forward to new releases, good or bad. I think new release challenges us, keeps us on our toes, and most importantly keeps things fresh. I'm sure if anyone plays the same few tracks all the time, they'll get bored of it. Which is why I never like to repeat the same tracks until a few weeks later.
There have been releases that have been pants for me (eg BC35) and I also didn't really enjoy BC33, but I just like the excitement of anticipating new music and seeing new moves. I was one of those who have been proven wrong by new releases, I hated a certain release once on first listen, and it ended up being one of my favourite releases.
Take the most recent release for example - BC37. Don't tell me there's no one who doesn't like 'Sea of Love'? Or the MT 'Let The Beat Control Your Body'.
Anyway BC38. I do like some of the tracks already. Music and choreography wise. I do think there'll be a couple which may not take off, but generally I prefer to do it a few times before I make a passing judgement.
And even if BC38 really sucks, there's always BC39 to look forward to! I for one am looking forward to that. Music wise, I think BC39 will be hot, but it will not be as challenging physically as BC38. And if I think Pink's So What is one of the weakest track in BC39, the release is going to smoke.
Looking forward to more new releases.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Of Cancellations and Christmas
I don't really know how I feel about the cancellation of my BKK trip. I could do with a break, but on the other hand I don't really need it so soon. I could do with a quarterly workshop, but on the other hand missing it isn't the end of the world.
Everything's official now. I've cancelled my hotel bookings, only a matter of time before I cancel the flights. Received notification on crediting workshop fees from Les Mills Asia Pacific. Shall wait till next year. KL doesn't interest me that much.
On the latter subject in the title, you would probably think I'm writing something exciting about Xmas and totally looking forward to it. You may be awfully wrong. If you're really pro-Xmas, I suggest you stop reading any further right now.
I've always regarded Xmas as just a normal day. It has never ever had any significance to me, perhaps I'm not a Christian, I don't understand it and thus I don't celebrate. To me, it's just a public holiday where I don't have to turn up for work.
I remember one year when I watched a Xmas eve concert, stayed over, went church on Xmas day, and then left for home feeling very empty and totally conflicted inside. I'm not a religious person and that was a personal concession which I doubt would be accorded in this lifetime ever again.
For the past 2 years, I've conducted classes on Xmas day and then went off straight after that. 2006 was STC and 2007 was 2hr at PPW. I remember because I record every single class I conduct. In fact, I can even tell you what tracks I played. It's because I record every single class I conduct. All 453 of them to date. Memories are most precious to the crabs so I've been dutifully jotting down every single detail without fail. Unfortunately, this year, I am not conducting class on Xmas.
I feel Xmas is over-commercialised. Why wait until a day in the year when you let someone know that they're in your thoughts? We can do that any day. I never liked receiving gifts because I hate owing favours to others and receiving gifts feels like that. I also don't like being expected to produce a gift just because it's Xmas. Not getting a present for someone doesn't mean they're less important or they're not regarded as friends. Everyone has a different yardstick and that's just mine.
As for helping the economy in recession, I believe I do more than my fair share. Just look at my spending. I've no qualms buying anyone a meal but I would seriously LOVE to avoid the shopping crowd. I hate scratching my head to think of something appropriate to buy for someone.
I'd rather remember dates with more relevance - for instance Jul 1 or Oct 28 or any other date that has meaning to me. Dates that carry memories.
Ironically, as I'm writing all these, I've just accepted a Xmas party invitation at a colleague's place. I accepted because I really like these colleagues of mine. Parties are fine once in a while but I do prefer the one to one personal touch. And sometimes I'm quite fearful of my own mood swings which can just change instantly, especially at parties where there's many people.
So there you have it, I don't know why I'm writing all these, but I guess I just want to tell a particular reader that I'm not compromising, not because I don't regard the person as insignificant, but doing that means it will be very contrived and it won't be the real ZJ. The real ZJ hates being diplomatic like the Libran.
Would you rather have a WYSIWYG ZJ? Or a ZJ who flatters to deceive?
*WYSIWYG - What you see is what you get
Everything's official now. I've cancelled my hotel bookings, only a matter of time before I cancel the flights. Received notification on crediting workshop fees from Les Mills Asia Pacific. Shall wait till next year. KL doesn't interest me that much.
On the latter subject in the title, you would probably think I'm writing something exciting about Xmas and totally looking forward to it. You may be awfully wrong. If you're really pro-Xmas, I suggest you stop reading any further right now.
I've always regarded Xmas as just a normal day. It has never ever had any significance to me, perhaps I'm not a Christian, I don't understand it and thus I don't celebrate. To me, it's just a public holiday where I don't have to turn up for work.
I remember one year when I watched a Xmas eve concert, stayed over, went church on Xmas day, and then left for home feeling very empty and totally conflicted inside. I'm not a religious person and that was a personal concession which I doubt would be accorded in this lifetime ever again.
For the past 2 years, I've conducted classes on Xmas day and then went off straight after that. 2006 was STC and 2007 was 2hr at PPW. I remember because I record every single class I conduct. In fact, I can even tell you what tracks I played. It's because I record every single class I conduct. All 453 of them to date. Memories are most precious to the crabs so I've been dutifully jotting down every single detail without fail. Unfortunately, this year, I am not conducting class on Xmas.
I feel Xmas is over-commercialised. Why wait until a day in the year when you let someone know that they're in your thoughts? We can do that any day. I never liked receiving gifts because I hate owing favours to others and receiving gifts feels like that. I also don't like being expected to produce a gift just because it's Xmas. Not getting a present for someone doesn't mean they're less important or they're not regarded as friends. Everyone has a different yardstick and that's just mine.
As for helping the economy in recession, I believe I do more than my fair share. Just look at my spending. I've no qualms buying anyone a meal but I would seriously LOVE to avoid the shopping crowd. I hate scratching my head to think of something appropriate to buy for someone.
I'd rather remember dates with more relevance - for instance Jul 1 or Oct 28 or any other date that has meaning to me. Dates that carry memories.
Ironically, as I'm writing all these, I've just accepted a Xmas party invitation at a colleague's place. I accepted because I really like these colleagues of mine. Parties are fine once in a while but I do prefer the one to one personal touch. And sometimes I'm quite fearful of my own mood swings which can just change instantly, especially at parties where there's many people.
So there you have it, I don't know why I'm writing all these, but I guess I just want to tell a particular reader that I'm not compromising, not because I don't regard the person as insignificant, but doing that means it will be very contrived and it won't be the real ZJ. The real ZJ hates being diplomatic like the Libran.
Would you rather have a WYSIWYG ZJ? Or a ZJ who flatters to deceive?
*WYSIWYG - What you see is what you get
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Big Question Mark
As this round of quarterly workshops is the super workshop for LMAP, there are at least 50 of us (instructors and trained) going up to BKK this time round.
It would have been a great workshop, most of the who's who in the Singapore fitness industry for GX and LM at one location. As most of the instructors already know each other by name, if not personally, it would have been a perfect opportunity to share a common passion.
Unfortunately, a series of events has occurred, rendering the trip potentially dangerous. Flights have been cancelled, there are protests at the airport. It remains a big question mark whether we can still go.
The reality hasn't sunk in yet, and it is still uncertain. I would like to go for a holiday, but I can do without. This would be my 8th overseas trip this year. I know some of us have waited forever for this trip, and it would be a huge disappointment if they don't get to go.
So how now brown cow?
It would have been a great workshop, most of the who's who in the Singapore fitness industry for GX and LM at one location. As most of the instructors already know each other by name, if not personally, it would have been a perfect opportunity to share a common passion.
Unfortunately, a series of events has occurred, rendering the trip potentially dangerous. Flights have been cancelled, there are protests at the airport. It remains a big question mark whether we can still go.
The reality hasn't sunk in yet, and it is still uncertain. I would like to go for a holiday, but I can do without. This would be my 8th overseas trip this year. I know some of us have waited forever for this trip, and it would be a huge disappointment if they don't get to go.
So how now brown cow?
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Never Rains But Pours
Here I am, hearing about doom and gloom in the financial markets at work. I thought I can get away from it all for a few days, enjoy a fantastic quarterly workshop, good food, good massage and maybe even buy some stuff on the cheap.
Then I read news saying that flights to BKK are cancelled. Whether I can go for quarterly remains a big question mark.
I want to go. I would like to have a mini break.
Then I read news saying that flights to BKK are cancelled. Whether I can go for quarterly remains a big question mark.
I want to go. I would like to have a mini break.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
You Can't Please Everyone
It's 3am now and I'm still reading LM forums - both official and non-official.
While reading some tracks, it seems that several instructors have dismissed BC32's Power 3 - 'Welcome To The Black Parade' as absolute pants. And this track happens to be one of my favourites! I always get high doing it so it's quite bewildering to hear such comments.
Well, you can't please everyone. It's just like many people liking BC37's Combat 2 - 'We Will Survive' and I abhor that track.
Sometimes I also think track selection has got to do with personality and style. I try to integrate my personality and style into each track, but some tracks just don't work out well. Nothing unusual about that.
It's like I'll never ever see myself as a BODYJAM instructor. Regardless of what style cos I can't dance for nuts.
While reading some tracks, it seems that several instructors have dismissed BC32's Power 3 - 'Welcome To The Black Parade' as absolute pants. And this track happens to be one of my favourites! I always get high doing it so it's quite bewildering to hear such comments.
Well, you can't please everyone. It's just like many people liking BC37's Combat 2 - 'We Will Survive' and I abhor that track.
Sometimes I also think track selection has got to do with personality and style. I try to integrate my personality and style into each track, but some tracks just don't work out well. Nothing unusual about that.
It's like I'll never ever see myself as a BODYJAM instructor. Regardless of what style cos I can't dance for nuts.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
What Hurts The Most - BC38
It's been nearly two weeks since I wrote anything here. No, I haven't disappeared, it's just that I've been so busy at work, and I haven't had much to write anyway.
Since my return to work after a 2 week absence, I've been swamped. I've been going non-stop like a machine, looking forward to weekends (when I can finally rest and do my classes) and pay day (last week)!
The finance sector is kinda like the worst place to work in right now. Shattered confidence, retrenchments, pay reductions, cost-cutting exercises. I'll be lying if I said the mood at office wasn't affected. Everyone's scared and we should have every reason to be too.
Someone I had dinner with on Friday night commented that I'm generally quite serious and not so positive. I think I've probably reached a stage in life where I'm less excited easily. I'm more excited at the prospect of doing it rather than the process of doing it. (Eg. I'm more excited knowing that I'm going for filming rather than going for filming itself) Well, this person is still NOT going to get her Christmas present. A Christmas treat is fine, but I don't have a habit of getting Christmas presents. Sorry lah, I just don't celebrate Christmas.
Fortunately, I'm still very enthusiastic about BC and conducting classes. Maybe it's because I only conduct classes during weekends. I really do miss conducting classes on weekday nights, I still miss those days when I was conducting those evening classes at Chevron (Tue) and FES (Wed).
It's tough being a weekend warrior. One entire week without physical activity then I bust my ass over the weekend. Tiring but shiok.
What keeps my enthusiasm going is thankfully, new releases. The day I dread new releases and learning new music/moves/choreo, it's probably time to call it a day. One week from today, I'll be on board a plane and flying to Bangkok for the quarterly workshops.
KL, BKK, AKL - sometimes I just use quarterlies/filmings to give myself an excuse to get out of the country for my recharge. With the economy in recession and the uncertainty, perhaps it's time to cut down on those lavish spending. Luckily I still have enough Krisflyer miles for 2 more Auckland trips on Economy. Was even thinking of redeeming Biz class for the shiokness factor since my current job doesn't require me to travel. Shall be more prudent now and don't waste the mileage unnecessarily.
About BC38, I think most of us will like this release. It is also likely to be one of the most painful releases ever. Like I always say, it's kinda useless just watching the DVD and passing remarks on whether this track is 'can make it' or 'cannot make it'.
Music wise, I think we've got quite a good mix, there hasn't been any that has stood out as an instant favourite yet, but there's a few tracks I think I will like.
T1 - Good songs, esp the lower body warm up, keeps ringing in my head! Simple movements, simple strikes, no capoeira. Interesting reversal of upper warm up from R to L(a bit like BC15)
T2 - Jury's out on this one. Initially thought the song was duh, but the more I listen to it, it's really quite nice. Choreo wise, a little too simple and many many repetitions.
T3 - I like this track. One of those techno songs. Won't stand out as one of the best in the whole collection, there's been many better power 1 tracks, but I think still do-able.
T4 - Butt blaster. I like the surprise at the second half of this track.
T5 - Erm, my initial favourite. Avril Lavigne. I know her songs are a little bimbo sometimes, but I really like her tracks cos they're so catchy. And I think this will blast the shoulders... Oh those jabs.
T6 - If anyone thought the esquiva track in BC37 was tough, this is much much tougher. Test of balance. Legs WILL burn!
T7 - Ok, my initial thoughts on this track. Messy. Feels like a N&G track from pre BC20 days, just fitting random combos into the track. No integration, no combination. But who knows, the feeling may change after I do it.
T8 - What Hurts the Most. Shoulders and arms. When I was watching it, I was like... goodness me this is going to HURT big time!
T9 and T10 - no comments
I think I'll be back with more updates after BKK quarterly.
Since my return to work after a 2 week absence, I've been swamped. I've been going non-stop like a machine, looking forward to weekends (when I can finally rest and do my classes) and pay day (last week)!
The finance sector is kinda like the worst place to work in right now. Shattered confidence, retrenchments, pay reductions, cost-cutting exercises. I'll be lying if I said the mood at office wasn't affected. Everyone's scared and we should have every reason to be too.
Someone I had dinner with on Friday night commented that I'm generally quite serious and not so positive. I think I've probably reached a stage in life where I'm less excited easily. I'm more excited at the prospect of doing it rather than the process of doing it. (Eg. I'm more excited knowing that I'm going for filming rather than going for filming itself) Well, this person is still NOT going to get her Christmas present. A Christmas treat is fine, but I don't have a habit of getting Christmas presents. Sorry lah, I just don't celebrate Christmas.
Fortunately, I'm still very enthusiastic about BC and conducting classes. Maybe it's because I only conduct classes during weekends. I really do miss conducting classes on weekday nights, I still miss those days when I was conducting those evening classes at Chevron (Tue) and FES (Wed).
It's tough being a weekend warrior. One entire week without physical activity then I bust my ass over the weekend. Tiring but shiok.
What keeps my enthusiasm going is thankfully, new releases. The day I dread new releases and learning new music/moves/choreo, it's probably time to call it a day. One week from today, I'll be on board a plane and flying to Bangkok for the quarterly workshops.
KL, BKK, AKL - sometimes I just use quarterlies/filmings to give myself an excuse to get out of the country for my recharge. With the economy in recession and the uncertainty, perhaps it's time to cut down on those lavish spending. Luckily I still have enough Krisflyer miles for 2 more Auckland trips on Economy. Was even thinking of redeeming Biz class for the shiokness factor since my current job doesn't require me to travel. Shall be more prudent now and don't waste the mileage unnecessarily.
About BC38, I think most of us will like this release. It is also likely to be one of the most painful releases ever. Like I always say, it's kinda useless just watching the DVD and passing remarks on whether this track is 'can make it' or 'cannot make it'.
Music wise, I think we've got quite a good mix, there hasn't been any that has stood out as an instant favourite yet, but there's a few tracks I think I will like.
T1 - Good songs, esp the lower body warm up, keeps ringing in my head! Simple movements, simple strikes, no capoeira. Interesting reversal of upper warm up from R to L(a bit like BC15)
T2 - Jury's out on this one. Initially thought the song was duh, but the more I listen to it, it's really quite nice. Choreo wise, a little too simple and many many repetitions.
T3 - I like this track. One of those techno songs. Won't stand out as one of the best in the whole collection, there's been many better power 1 tracks, but I think still do-able.
T4 - Butt blaster. I like the surprise at the second half of this track.
T5 - Erm, my initial favourite. Avril Lavigne. I know her songs are a little bimbo sometimes, but I really like her tracks cos they're so catchy. And I think this will blast the shoulders... Oh those jabs.
T6 - If anyone thought the esquiva track in BC37 was tough, this is much much tougher. Test of balance. Legs WILL burn!
T7 - Ok, my initial thoughts on this track. Messy. Feels like a N&G track from pre BC20 days, just fitting random combos into the track. No integration, no combination. But who knows, the feeling may change after I do it.
T8 - What Hurts the Most. Shoulders and arms. When I was watching it, I was like... goodness me this is going to HURT big time!
T9 and T10 - no comments
I think I'll be back with more updates after BKK quarterly.
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