I (Eighth) Wonder Why...

The race is on for the Sentosa Integrated Resort (SIR) and Eighth Wonder has put in a $5.5 Billion proposal for the state-of-the-art casino-cum-theme park on the island formerly known as Pulau Blakang Mati. The SIR will be called Harry's Island if Eighth Wonder gets picked.

And Eighth Wonder is conceptualizing SIR based on a 'fictional' founder of the resort called Harry "Hurricane" O'Brien, an adventurer, researcher, and explorer who was born at the Raffles Hotel in 1900.

I'm not sure how the fictional story goes, but I see some uncanny parallels.

Stick with me...

1. Who is the most respected 'sir' in Singapore now?
2. Who is an alumnus of Raffles Institution?
3. In a recent trip to Las Vegas, who didn't rule out further IR developments in Singapore?
4. Who is the 'father' of Singapore now?
5. In all the answers above, what is this respected dude's christian name?
6. Since we're at the topic of casinos, do you think it might be apt to just call it Harry's LucKY Island?

resurrected?

Alright. I know, I know I haven't been doing my daily grind. I'm getting fat despite getting back into the scheme of things.

I have this theory about getting back the pounds. You see, back in July, I felt fit - well at least fit enough to do a good OD tri. But of course THE accident happened and I've been out of action for 3 months already. Initially, I lost more weight in the first month or so. Then I started to gain the pounds in the last one month and it's very obvious.

Signs that you're putting the pounds back on:

1. your colleagues tell you so,
2. your parents said so,
3. your relatives enquire about your 'wealth',
4. your pants 'shrink',
5. your beer belly makes a homecoming,
6. you feel tired

The funny thing is that I started to train again since last month, albeit at a decreased intensity and frequency compared to my peak in July. Overall, I still exercise more than most people! And dig this: my diet hasn't changed dramatically to warrant horizontal expansion!

So what's the problem 'ere?

I reckon the reason I lost weight initially was that my body metabolics were 'fighting' to recover my left hand injury.

And then since I was in 'recovery mode', my metabolism probably slowed down considerably. The fats then decided to take over my muscles.

Now since I've started training, my metabolism is trying to break the lazy barrier again. While it is doing so, I gain the pounds. I figure I'd probably need to work on my base (again) to get more efficient fat-burning to take place.....

Makes sense?

In any case, I'm due for another surgery at the end of November to take out the pins in my hand. I went for an x-ray yesterday and the results show a vast improvement in bone growth. Doc says I can work on some light weights already.

The-Triathlete-formerly-known-as-Cyclingturtle

I'm back as Left Armstrong for a few reasons:

I broke my left arm at the Port Dickson Triathlon on 23 July 2006.

I'm taking a break now (obviously), and I'm gaining some weight (fast!).

But I've started to train for my runs and swims, albeit at lesser intensities and frequencies. No riding for now.

I'm back stronger even though there's a tinge of phobia. I now have to overcome not only the physical aspects of multisports, but there's the additional dimension in overcoming the mental barriers, especially in dealing with THE fall.

Slowly but surely, I'll build up my intensity, my mileage, my strengths and my confidence.

I'll see some of you at the starting line, and we'll meet at the finishing line.

Who wants to join me?

Wrong formula in sporting excellence

2 reports in the news today struck me.

The first one says that Singapore is on track to achieve sporting excellence by 2010. Apparently there were some indicators set up some time ago and the sporting community is set to achieve those targets by decade's end.

The second one talks about how South Korea just received the rights to host another Asian leg of the Formula One motor racing from 2010 onwards.

Some time ago, the government was lauding so much on the possibilities (and benefits) of having F1 racing brought into Singapore. Most F1 enthusiasts (and people who are in the know) would know that the economy would benefit alot from the staging of an F1 race in Singapore. Indeed it is analogous to having the World Cup Finals because motor racing is in the high-spectatorship league with millions of ardent fans and followers.

I'm not going to speculate anything, but it seems apparent that the planning and organisation of such a world-class event has died a natural death here.

Too bad the rights have gone to South Korea now. Would it have any bearing on whether Singapore would get future rights? Let's not be too complacent, but there's already Japan, Malaysia, China, and Bahrain in the asian circuit. Now Korea will be added to the list for the likes of future Schumachers and Fernandos to pit their skills against men and machines.

Down the drain - Singapore hopes for F1 racing.

And then I also want to highlight the involvement of local sporting talents. Did anyone hear about the Singapore Slingers? They are a new basketball team playing in the Australian Basketball League and are based in Singapore. The ABL has the likes of NBA style play and awestruck asian kids would get a chance to see real in-your-face slam dunks. Shiok right! I thought so too. Initially. But that's about the intention they have, or so I think. Local involvement? Gee whiz... NOTHING. I saw a couple of asian faces in the team, but they weren't even in the reserve line-up. So in effect, I'm watching a bunch of guai-lo and a couple of black dudes playing the game as if I'm watching a regular NBA game on cable. In fact, it's better watching NBA games on cable, coz it was really pathetic to be part of a 300-strong crowd watching my 'home team' play at the Indoor Stadium. Besides, i'd say about 90% of the 300-strong crowd were aussies anyway. Oh, did I mention that not even the scores of our glorious Singapore team are reported in the news? And that the only local involvement I saw a part of the Slinger team are the Slinger girls - the bimbotic equivalent of 'professional' cheerleaders. Shaking their bonbons IS NOT professional cheerleading. They need to at least watch some videos.

Down the drain - local 'professional' sports involving local talent. I mean, seriously, who benefits?

And there are hopes of staging the Commonwealth Games?

We are on target in achieving sporting excellence?

Has the government compared themselves with our neighboring countries like Vietnam and Thailand? If indicators are anything to come by, I think our neighbours are getting there. Not us.

C'est Moi, Cyclingturtle

But I'm now Left Armstrong.

Will write/blog/post very soon.

Be patient.