Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Farewell Sixpackians


A simple Thank You for all the memories...

God Bless
Khai

Saturday, November 15, 2008

A Tribute to Longtong



the End of an Era

?

Sunday, October 05, 2008

Governance, Culture and Code of Conduct

Being a part of Sixpack not only requires an inductee to be reasonably skilled and committed to the sport but to also be imbued with certain qualities. Different sets of value systems and widely held beliefs should be unhinged, remoulded and centred around what ultimately works for an organisation, society or group for a unified purpose. This forms the backbone of the culture we see facilitating the dynamics of large global operations to the most minute faction such as, an athletic squad. Pervasiveness of culture can only be brought about with effective communication first , followed by the deliberation to put theory into practice. And that effective communication starts here...

I think it is important not only to be acquainted with plays (as your personal responsibilty to the team) on the field but to also understand that behavioural conduct is paramount as well; how we carry ourselves and how we reflect on ourselves, our team mates and the team as a whole. Its time to cast aside all other undesirable forms of behaviour, traits, habits and deficiencies, which may contradict what i believe represents the value system and principles which define our team culture. This is a team, which means only actions that result in the benefit of the entire team or such a proposed end should be considered - to this end, only the benefit derived for the whole (the team) shall take precedence over the benefit derived by an individual, and only so far as it remains harmonious with the whole. This ethical basis is in recognition of the proponents of utilitarianism or consequentialism (an ethical perspective/belief) which recognises the greatest benefit must be derived for the greatest number of people, for any such actions to be considered ethical; the ends justify the means. Thus, the means by which we reengineer all our attitudes and behaviours toward a common goal is therefore justifiable as doing so reaps the highest benefit for a greater order in existence even if this means impinging the peculiarities of a mere individual.

The maxims we share:

1. We do not boast or quit.

2. Being a cheerful loser and a QUIET winner.

3. Respect our competition (that means no trash talk, taunting).

4. Integrity and Humility.

Insofar, may we actually live by these principles rather than be perceived as doing so and hopefully become the prime specimen for others to follow. As with Kant(german ethical thinker), he proposes the notion to do good without qualification or as an attainment of a desired or further end. Simply put, we should behave in a way that embodies our willingness to do good without any desire, aversion or inclination to serve some ulterior motive. Further, the rationale behind instituting a principle based (flexible) approach to conduct is to allow members some remit as to how such principles can be accomplished within their own terms or comfort zones...although its difficult to see how such principles can be hard to apply. So i can't be more plain than to say "just do it". Apart from that, this is perhaps a better approach in general as compared to one that is strictly rule based, which basically means mandatory and the last thing we want is to subjugate people, bending them into submission like despots. I think this measure may only serve to stifle the whole idea of having a free exchange of ideas and stems the flow of creativity and inhibits constructive challenges.

Saturday, October 04, 2008

Enter the Dragon

Oct 2008, 1.00pm, Turf City
Round: 7th WTL '08
Score: 7-5
Dick of the day: None
Player of the day: All players


A week of adequate rest following a convincing win over the inexperienced UWC boys has led us to the deciding round which will determine the league champion for this year's WTL. It appears that the unintended laying off of team practice over the last week may have just given us that crucial bit of recovery that we were all in need of.

Ruck-ups were surprisingly coordinated relative to past weeks and handling was fairly acceptable and will still need improvement. Defense definitely marked a slight improvement which saw players squeezing in and had most adopting a delightful habit of being chattier unlike recent weeks. Wingers communicated well into their centres and links while observing from their vantage point. Evidently, lesser errors were committed in ruck-ups which obviously translated to more possesions enjoyed in opposition's 5. Various players were alloted some remit for a certain amount of flare but still maintaining a formalised approach in attack, allowing the team to play cohesively in general. Tries were scored with our wingers staying wide and only coming in if necessary.

Tries from opposition resulted from the lack of communication in most crucial instances and could have been prevented by players being more vigilant in defense to shut down in time if other man is beaten instead of ball watching or just being undecided. A try also resulted from a winger being caught off side as he advanced to affect the touch. A winger is generally advised against affecting the touch, but to do so would mean making the line as quickly as possible at the very least instead of plodding back. From my recollection, only a try or two at most (or none at all) was scored off a good sidestep, but was generally ineffective against a tighter defense and effective shutting down in the event a man was beaten.

Overall, one of the better games played this season at the same time considering this to be the most crucial. We could have had a harder time playing a more senior Monsoon side today with adequate numbers. For the younger players, it is worth banking in the experience earned today after playing a good side. Still, a good effort for the win but much to be rectified and built upon because its still a long hard road out of hell.

One more to go. NOT over.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Singapore Beer Festival 2008


Great entertainment, great music and great food, plus hundreds of the worlds best beers. Welcome to Asia’s first ever truly global beer festival - Welcome to the Singapore Beer Festival 2008.

Between the 2nd and 5th of October at Fort Canning Park, thousands of fun lovers and beer enthusiasts will raise a glass to celebrate their love of beer while enjoying great entertainment from international music artistes and stand-up comedians, plus a wide range of other entertainment.

Boasting a world-class showcase of 290 beers including 100 which are appearing in Asia for the very first time, this truly international event will become a regular entry in every beer lover’s social diary for years to come.

The trade afternoons at the Singapore Beer Festival represent a significant opportunity for participants to meet and interact with industry professionals and key decision makers from the Asia Pacific region, China and beyond.

Set within the lush tropical landscape of Fort Canning Park, this landmark event provides everyone with the perfect opportunity to entertain clients and colleagues in a relaxed and friendly environment, or simply have great fun with friends.

TICKET PRICE (Exclude Booking Fee)
Standard:
Thur & Fri - S$30*
Sat & Sun - S$40*

Single Day Entry & F&B Vouchers (1Pax) - $95*
Single Day Entry & F&B Vouchers (2Pax) - $128*

*F&B vouchers are valued at $100($50 each for 2 pax).
**Further 10% off for AMEX cardholders!
[Applicable till 28 Sept 08]
[Redeem vouchers on event day]

Please add to above price $3 Booking Fee for tickets above $20 and $1 Booking Fee for tickets $20 and below. Charges include GST where applicable.

ADMISSION RULES
No admission for infant in arms and child aged below 18 years old. Child 18 years old and above must purchase ticket for admission.

To purchase tickets, please visit www.sistic.com or
call 6348 5555

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Mind that step

Just came back from a gruelling NTL training with East. Something to share with you guys as it could be useful to think about.

No not a new move.

No not another defense policy.

No nothing about the FREE F1 race i'll be having the privilege of attending this Sunday for FREE.And did i mention it was FREE? No no no don't think so...yeah so its FREE. Huh? didn't hear me back there? i said its FREE.

Yeah ok, so down to it. I was running with the ball and while passing to a man on my inside, i planted my right leg awkwardly into the ground and lost my balance. The speed at which i was travelling could have easily landed me in some bad shape because i had my entire ankle twisted outwards before falling over. Thankfully as you are reading this, i'm actually sitting here quite comfortably w/o even the slightest discomfort in my ankle.

I realised the only possible thing which may have prevented me from sustaining a bad injury or worse a torn ligament was my enhanced proprioceptive awareness. No no, this does not mean i'm genetically more superior in any way, unless you are a single cell organism?

"Proprioceptors in the skin, muscle and joints provide feedback to the central nervous system as to the position of a joint. If a joint (eg knee) is approaching a position that may place it at risk of injury (eg hyperextension and risk of ACL rupture) the proprioceptors can relay that information back to the central nervous system and adjustments in muscle activation can take place that may prevent that injury occurring."

Basically, as a person moves, muscles contract to facilitate that movement. And when that same movement requires a person to negotiate a sharp turn in a state of instability, muscles around your joint automatically contract in such a way to prevent joints from being displaced; and this happens without the person's conscious perception of the unstable terrain. Call it a 'sixth sense' if you will. Nerve receptors or proprioreceptors in your muscles and joints communicate information of an imminent angle displacemnt in the joints to the brain, which then travels back to the muscles around the joint to contract appropriately.

There are ways to train your proprioceptive abilities which are most handy given the undulating nature of most of our playing surfaces. I use a wobble board which is basically this contraption made of wood/plastic in a form of a disc on which you stand on and attempt to balance as the board swivels and wobbles. Another way could be balancing on a medicine ball or simply standing on one leg and starting to perform squats as your balance improves.

Always work progressively with these methods of training. Always start with both legs on the wobble board or med ball before progressing to one. For the med ball, it'll help to hold on to something initially. As you get better at it, try closing your eyes or doing things like juggling a ball, folding your arms or scratching your arse...yeah. I personally spend about 5 mins every two-three days on the board while watching TV to serve as a distraction and to challenge my senses. PLEASE work progressively if you're to consider such training methods. The last thing you want is having to undergo rehabilitation as a result of a prehabilitative mishap.

If you're looking for a wobble board, i know of this stockist down the street but i'll have to check if they still stock it. There is a downside though...i bought mine for SGD$99.00. Ok fellas, good luck with the little bit of info but you may wanna search the web to find out more.But with this, i may have already saved you a painful trip to the hospital and months of psychological battles. Be safe out there.

Ok man, somebody please ask me what i'm doing this sunday.

Monday, September 22, 2008