Monday, 15 October 2007

The UniTablist

Watched a soccer game between UCLA and Stanford. The atmosphere wasn't as spontaneous and electric as the volleyball game between UCLA and USC. In fact, the crowd was quite dead made worse by the fact that the stadium wasn't filled. It was such a contrast to watching soccer back home, back at Kallang, at the National Stadium. Feet stamping, hordes of vitriol and abuse hurled at the opposition and the referee wentever decisions did not go our way. Tens of thousand of Singaporeans gathered together just to see us kick the crap out of the opposition, whoever that may be. Lol. This was sadly quite disappointing, that soccer does not arouse the same generation of passion as does basketball, baseball or football does in the States. I shan't comment on the standard of play, but I must say I never understand why the U.S. likes to change the rules of soccer. It happened with the MLS, but in college soccer? There are unlimited substitutions, which spoils the tactics of the game. The clock is stopped for stoppages, so there isn't any stoppage time or injury time at the end of the half, culminating in a very cheesy and irritating "5,4,3,2,1" count down at the end of each half.

Half time entertainment consisted of no cheerleaders. LOL. Instead, 2 kids teams ran out for a friendly kickabout. This seems to be a major thing in American parenting, that they want to get their kids involved in all kinds of sports, in the Little leagues. And there are rules governing all these leagues and organized activities for kids. On one hand, I think that its good that there are so many activities, organized ones at that, that kids can participate and learn from and develop their talents. But whatever happened to spontaneity, and a childhood of making up your own rules and finding out what you want, when you wanted to? Sometimes I think kids should be left to their own devices, but heck what would I know? Just seems that the magic is lost somehow.

I think I never introduced my roommates to those who are reading this blog lol. My American roommate's name is Matthew, Matt for short. My German roommate's name is Cornelius. Matt DJ's with the turntables and stuff, and we've got similar taste in music, so I love whatever he puts on the stereo. Cornelius is into political science, international relations and military stuff, so we have a lot of fun talking about politics, policies, comparisons between countries, and of course military history and protocols.

Matt's pal came down for a visit, Fernando. He was actually teaching English in Korea for bout 7 mths and living the life. But got sick of it and decided to come back. A wanderer, which makes for an exciting and random life. Somehow though he was sharing, that maybe its time to settle down, get a proper job. But that doesn't mean he is going to abandon his jet setting lifestyle all the same. hahahah.

And he had a car, Acura Integra, (wonder if that is the same as the Honda Integra, I suspect it is..) which means he took us out on a spin. Drove around the neighbouring districts of LA, taking in the sights and sounds.



Next to the Bruin Bear!



Random camwhore moment.



CHEEEEEEEESE!



Train Burger place selling incredible chilli dogs.



Los Angeles River (This is...sad)

Still can't get through the fact that its not a stereo in the room but a turntable playing vinyl records. wooo! Plug for my mate Matt the Unitablist on myspace!

1 comment:

MiN! (: said...

i like the bruin bear photo! (: