Cheryl Tay

Just my random muses and an avenue to express my thoughts or feelings…
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday, 21 September 2009, 4:17am

YES! Blardy good game between Man Utd and Man City!
Cheered till my throat is slightly hoarse now.

Man, that was honestly a very good game.
See, that’s why YOU like football right?
No thanks to Foster and Ferdinand for their screw-ups, but well done Fletcher and Giggs.

p.s. i want van der sar back!!!
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Cheryl Tay’s Guide To…

Five places around the circuit park to watch F1 from:

1. Standing at 73 storeys high and 226m tall, Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore offers one of the best views of the F1 circuit. Located at Turn 9, the tallest hotel in Southeast Asia is not affected by the road closures and is accessible via its driveway or City Hall MRT station. Dine at any of its 16 restaurants and bars or party at New Asia on level 71 after the race ends. Hotels have reported a fall in occupancy rates, but Swissôtel The Stamford has seen an increase in bookings compared to the same time last year. With prominent F1 teams, FIA officials and F1 ROCKS performers housed within, spending the race weekend there is worth a consideration.

2. Flanked by Mandarin Oriental, Marina Mandarin and Pan Pacific, Marina Square Shopping Mall is literally in the middle of all the F1 action. Despite being surrounded by the race track, Marina Square is open to public and accessible via the CityLink Mall underpass or the overhead pedestrian bridge from Suntec Exhibition and Convention Centre. Hot spots that offer great F1 views include the outdoor seating area of Marina Food Loft (food court on level four), the tennis courts between Marina Square and the Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel or an outdoor table at Carl’s Junior on level one.

3. Also accessible via the CityLink Mall underpass is Suntec City Mall that is located within the Marina Centre too. Chill out over a cold beer at Balaclava and catch the race ‘live’ on the TV screens or pop outside to listen to the deafening cars roar past as they manoeuvre their way around Turn 7, which featured some dramatic overtaking last year. However, the fence here was partially covered so if this is the case again, may we suggest a telescope or step-ladder which will give you an elevated view. Earplugs are a must.

4. Getting to Millenia Walk might require quite a bit of effort on the foot, but like Marina Square, it holds many viewing spots in the stairwells. Otherwise, you can try the pedestrian bridge that links the Ritz-Carlton to Millenia Walk – the F1 circuit runs under that but the view is rather limited. Another smaller bridge from Marina Square has a great view of the action. Space is restricted so do get there early.

5. You could probably go and befriend someone living on the higher floors of the HDB flats that sit right above Bras Basah Complex on Bain Street. Within walking distance from either Bugis or City Hall MRT station, the view offered is not as frontal as the trackside properties but you get quite a decent view, especially from the 24th floor. No earplugs are necessary, but you might want to bring a pair of binoculars along.

17 Sep 2009, 22:46
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Launch of Chefs with Altitude on Saturday night (12 Sep) was good fun; thank you Colette for coming and no thanks Patwant Singh for spilling red wine all over my dress!
___________________________________________________________________________________________

11 September 2009, 3:24am

Insomniac nights torment my otherwise vibrant and youthful life. Eyebags go away, far far away!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

08 September 2009

I conclude that a good drive makes THE difference. Thank you BMW Z4 and VW Golf GTI!

I’m serious, it really really makes a difference. After a long day at work, nothing pisses me off more than the horrible jams and stupid drivers on the roads. But a good drive does help to relieve some of that tension. I was surprised at how i wasn’t as angry as usual and i was cursing a lot less when i was in the Z4/GTI.

Of course, Eugene just had to pour cold water over me by saying that a good drive only makes the difference if we own the drive. -_-”
___________________________________________________________________________________________

The latest F1 bites:

On Giancarlo Fisichella joining Ferrari..
I say, “If you can’t beat Kimi, join him!” :p

On new drivers being less experienced due to the ban on in-season testing..
I say, “Suck thumb!”

On Nelson Piquet Jr. allegedly instructed to crash at last year’s Singapore Grand Prix..
I say, “Quit motor racing and be a scriptwriter.”
___________________________________________________________________________________________

An interesting thought came to my mind the other day – What are the prerequisites of a male buying a car compared to a female?

I have written a few pieces before on the typical woman’s choice of cars ranging from small cars like the Kia Picanto to faster cars like the BMW 325i coupe/cabriolet. I mentioned in those pieces about what women tend to look out for when they buy a car – looks of the car have to be cute or easy on the eyes, space in the back for the kids (for mothers), space in the boot for shopping bags or groceries, minimal blind spots to facilitate easier parking, ample storage space in the centre console for handbags/purses, reverse sensor, sufficient leg space for the big and small paper bags we drag along etc. etc.

And then think in the shoes of a guy, what will he look out for when buying a car? Aggressive styling, boot space for golf bags, power and torque figures, fuel efficiency levels,modification capacity?

Try this exercise at home with your partner. Each write down a list of prerequisites when making a car purchase (without peeking at each other’s). When you’re finished, compare both lists side by side and tally up to see if there are more similar or different prerequisites.

Some will say that the needs and wants of both male and female drivers are essentially different due to the basic gender structures. But i say that there is a chance the prerequisites may be the same. You?
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Audi Mileage Challenge 2009 – Consistency Is Key

Cheryl Tay’s Eventual Score
Total Mileage: 1,020km
Total Fuel: 61.18 litres of diesel
Fuel Efficiency: 16.67km/litre

I must confess, that i initially didn’t think i had a chance of doing well on this challenge so i didn’t do any planning or preparation in advance. Upon collecting the car, i clocked my first 100km with city driving – even fetching my grandfather home from work in the process.

And then i came to this website, had a good laugh at some of the entries and suddenly gained inspiration to give that Le Mans trip a shot.

I too, got the car over the weekend and had the pleasures of ‘tiptoeing’ round the island like i never did before. I figured if i maxed out the mileage of the fuel tank, it might even out the 100km of city driving that i foolishly executed earlier.

So.. 920 kilometres and 18 hours of driving later, i concluded the challenge with one of my biggest insights on fuel efficiency.

Yes, i emptied out the tank and went into the reserve fuel.
Yes, i clocked a total of 1,020 kilometres WITHIN the boundaries of tiny Singapore.
Yes, i only managed a rather miserable score of 16.67km/litre.

Sigh, all the “should and should nots” run through my head now but it’s too late to do anything now. I should have planned better, i should not have done any city driving at all, i should… …

Amid the field of competitors, I do have a slight advantage over all them men – i’m probably the lightest.. right? (*steals a look at Derryn) Instead of stripping down to the pot belly and the leg hairs like a certain someone, my Barbie Doll-pink bikini would have sufficed. Too bad i didn’t use it to my advantage then

It’s alright, it was a good learning experience nonetheless. Now i know, optimum fuel efficiency has to be attained consistently. There’s no such thing as eating a big meal for breakfast and then starving for the next three days.

Well, i figured if i couldn’t achieve the best fuel efficiency score, i’ll just achieve the greatest contribution to the Singapore Environment Council. It is S$1 for every km driven and that means S$1,020 from my drive alone. That said, do i get a subsidiary award for most effort? GRIN:D

___________________________________________________________________________________________

I got damn irritated by my car alarm system today. The alarm system in the key to my humbled Japanese economy sedan died out on me a long time ago. Since then, I’ve only been using manual lock/unlock. Generally i don’t have a problem with it.

But on certain occasions, when i have tons of things to carry (think one paper bag of clothes, one paper bag with my tuition notes and Japanese language lesson notes, three plastic bags of groceries and my own handbag), i struggle to get the car door open. In the process, i usually end up dropping everything or at least some things onto the floor – hence further heightening my frustration.

I’ve sent the key in for repair countless times but it just cannot work anymore. The alarm system will go off all of a sudden and embarrass the hell out of me, so i rather just stick to manual lock/unlock. Keyless entry may seem to be a temporary solution, but the point here is, i don’t have any free hands to open the door even. Maybe they can invent some kind of sensor to complement the keyless entry – automatic door opening. Upon sensing the key and my presence, the door swings open. Ta-daa.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Still on Michael Schumacher
August 31, 2009 at 4:12am

Michael Schumacher has made enough headlines during his active Formula 1 career. His legion of fans are split into two extremes – the ones (like me) who remain amazed at his success and the others who are sick of watching him win. F1 in his time was almost predictable as he scores pole positions and follows up with a win.

He made such a name for himself that he became somewhat an equivalent to the sport itself. When you mention F1 to anyone, Michael Schumacher is definitely a name that will come up. I did this “test” on my dear auntie neighbours the other day – I went to give them some of the cookies i baked and in the process, chatted them up about F1. They are no F1 or motorsport fans and the only sport they engage in is the arm-wrestling at sales or mouth-haggling bargaining of discounts in the wet market.

Of the five i spoke to, one could name me two other names other than Michael Schumacher, two named Michael Schumacher when i asked them about F1 and the other two had no idea what i was talking about until i mentioned Michael Schumacher’s name. Get my point?

So of course, only he could create such a stir worldwide when it was announced that he was to replace Felipe Massa. Ticket sales for Valencia GP jumped significantly and around me friends were telling me how they wanna get SGP tickets, only because they can get to see Schumi race.

As much as he created loads of controversies in his time, i still respect the man. And although he has retired, i’m sure he wouldn’t turn down the opportunity to return to racing. Besides the huge salary that he would receive (though he flatly denied it), a true racer will always have that competitive streak in him.

Whether it was a publicity act on Ferrari’s part or Schumi genuinely could not race due to his neck, i still hope there can be a chance for him to race in F1 again. Ferrari Team Principal Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that there is “no chance of Schumacher coming back” this season. But just two days ago, Ferrari confirmed that a return to F1 for Schumi is in the pipeline and the latest from them is a proposal to FIA to allow them to run a three-car team next season. Yes, the third car is for Schumi.

Hmmm lots of speculations have been going on about Luca Badoer and how he may be dropped after Spa for another driver, rumoured to be from another team etc. etc. That can go on, but really with only five races to the end of the season, Ferrari should focus more on the next season.

Meantime, i hope Massa heals and returns to racing quick while Schumi’s neck recovers well and fast. Because if his neck doesn’t recover, then all the effort in getting a three-car team blah blah blah will just be nothing but spilled milk. Don’t cry.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Yay Rooney!
August 31, 2009 at 3:48am

I caught the Manchester United vs. Arsenal match with some of the ManUtdsg Supporters’ Club at Marquee; late-night matches aren’t usually popular but this is the first meeting of the Big 4s in this season.

Both teams played 4-3-3 formations – Man Utd with O’Shea, Vidic, Evra and Brown starting back four with Rio Ferdinand still injured:(; Giggs, Fletcher and Carrick in midfield; new Reds face Valencia and Nani in the wings and Rooney in front. Arsenal with Sagna, Clichy, Vermaelen, Gallas in back four; Alex Song, Diaby, Denilson in midfield; Arshavin and Eboue in the wings and V. Persie in front.

I was getting quite sleepy during the first half of the game; damn the goal from Arshavin in the 41st minute, but he really did have some good goal attempts. Down 1-0 at halftime, oh no.

Then the turning point of the match came in the second half when the penalty was awarded to Wayne Rooney and he scores his 102nd goal. Sweetening the deal was of course the own goal from Diaby five minutes later. Suddenly, i didn’t feel that sleepy anymore as the Red Devils stepped up their game.

Park replaced Valencia, then Berbatov replaced Giggs to switch to a 4-4-2 formation. And Berbatov missed a perfect goal opportunity!!! URGH!!!

Clock ticked away and i just wanted the match to end quickly so Man Utd could wrap up this victory. Five minutes of stoppage time given, hurry hurry.

My worst fears nearly came true when V. Persie shot an equaliser into the net at the 95th minute. Thank heavens it was OFFSIDE! For a moment my heart nearly fell out of my chest, phew.

An agitated Arsene Wenger then expresses his displeasure by kicking at a water bottle. Asked to return to the stands by referee Mike Dean, he made his way up to a crowd of jeering Red Devil fans – i like such circus endings; adds that much-needed comic relief to an otherwise highly-competitive environment.

Comment by Shaun on August 31, 2009 at 4:29pm
Although i had a wee punt on Man Utd to win this game, I must say that Man Utd were very lucky to win the match. Despite playing 3 central midfielders to counter Arsenal’s passing style, Man Utd was totally dominated by Arsenal, the more Ferguson depend on the likes of Fletcher, Giggs, Carrick and Scholes for creativity the bigger the chance that Man Utd’s rivals will wrest the title away from them

Comment by Jay on August 31, 2009 at 5:06pm
Our games against arsenal are always crazy.Its the best combination of big 4 match ups,but its a heart attack for the respective fans to watch.We were dominated by Arsenal in the first half,arsenal’s hunting down of the ball caused us to lose possession so many times.We did up our game in the 2nd half,but it still wasn’t vintage United.Although i have to agree i would have taken defeat in my stride if Arsenal had won, because Arsenal is one quality side and their play was really good.

Comment by Louis Then on September 1, 2009 at 3:32pm
Watch that game, sad to say valencia doesn’t command such transfer fees. Besides decent tackling and crossing, he seems pretty cluelss…should have stick Park on the right and drop Giggs and maybe put valencia in the middle of the park cos he is full of running. Who knows, Fergie may develope him to be the next Keano…just my two cents worth of comments…
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Ferrari wins 1st Grand Prix this season, Force India wins first podium everAugust 31, 2009 at 3:00am

What a race! The 12th (of 17) race of the 2009 Formula 1 season was nothing short of excitement!

Already we have seen so much drama this season – Brawn GP’s Zero to Hero fairytale start, FIA-FOTA conflict and a potential breakaway series, BMW’s withdrawal, Toro Rosso’s Sebastian Bourdais and Renault’s Nelson Piquet Jr. dropped, Ferrari’s Felipe Massa’s high-speed accident at Hungary, Mclaren’s Lewis Hamilton’s shock win in Hungary, legendary Michael Schumacher almost-comeback, Toro Rosso’s Jaime Alguersuari and Renault’s Romain Grosjean debuts in F1, Massa’s eventual replacement Luca Badoer being mocked at for finishing last etc. etc.

The recently-concluded Belgian GP saw a few firsts of the season – First GP win for 16-time Constructors’ Champion Ferrari and first podium finish for Force India. Congratulations Kimi Raikkonen! Hmmm i wonder if Massa would have been on the podium too, had he raced.

The qualifying session at Spa was already raising lots of eyebrows when usual faces from Redbull Racing and Brawn or even the recovering McLaren and Ferrari weren’t in the top three. Instead, Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and championship leader Jenson Button fail to make it to Q3. Instead, Giancarlo Fisichella scores the first pole position for Force India! Followed by Toyota’s Jarno Trulli and BMW Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld.

The Race
The start of the race for Rubens Barrichello was spoilt when he encountered clutch problems and lost a chance of fighting to the front from P4. Having started just behind him in P6, Raikkonen got past the stuck Brawn and although he ran wide, he managed to get back on the track quickly and in the first corner at the end of the straight, overtook Robert Kubica with his KERS-boosted Ferrari to claim second spot.

BUT.. disaster brewed at the back as Grosjean caused a chain reaction of accidents when he braked too hard. He hit the back wheel of Button’s Brawn and caused the latter to spin. Then in an attempt to avoid this accident, Hamilton ended up going into Alguersuari’s path and a collision between them sent them into the walls. So out the safety car came.

When the race restarted, Raikkonen quickly overtook Fisichella on the fifth lap – again with the help of KERS – and snatched the race lead away from then on. Although Fisichella was hot on Raikkonen’s heels throughout the entire race, he could not get in front of the Ferrari and had to settle for second place just 0.9 second behind. Despite clinching the first podium finish for Force India, Fisichella must be feeling somewhat disappointed because he did stand a good chance of winning the race. Too bad, he lost in the hands of KERS.

It was a good race for Sebastian Vettel who clocked the fastest lap and fought from P8 to third. He lost too much ground at the start and it was just too late to chase the front cars after that. Third place is still a very good result, especially when teammate Mark Webber and biggest rival Button scored nothing and Barrichello nearly lost his two championship points. Barrichello pushed his way to 6th place and was chasing Heikki Kovalainen when an oil leak caused smoke to spew out of the back of his Brawn with just three laps to go. He had to back off Kovalainen’s tail and focus instead of completing the race safely without letting Nico Rosberg close in. Barrichello did finish the race fortunately, but the back of his car caught fire as he came down the pit lane in parc femme.

Besides feeling sorry for Hamilton and Button, i also feel sorry for Alonso and Trulli. Alonso was running in the points but an early brush with Adrian Sutil in the opening lap damaged his left front wheel. During his pit stop that same front left tyre could not be secured properly, hence shortly after the team brought him back in to retire.

Trulli did well in qualifying and started in P2, but his front wing was damaged after a brush with Heidfeld also on the opening lap. Later he faced a refuelling problem (that teammate Timo Glock experienced too) and eventually retired with a brake problem. I thought it was such a pity for Toyota, who are looking for their first GP win to secure the future of the team in F1.

Lots and lots of action in this race, but that’s what’s F1 is all about – unpredictable, ironic and totally unexpected. Just like life.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Something interesting to read about; how Swissôtel The Stamford was involved in last year’s F1…

Facts & Figures:
2008 Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix
with Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore

Did You Know?

1 BMW Sauber F1.07 racecar displayed at the lobby

2-way traffic flow at Swissôtel The Stamford’s usual one-way driveway

3 days of heated F1 action

3 Formula 1 teams hosted – BMW Sauber, Ferrari and Honda technical teams

5-star Swiss hospitality all year round

9 – Turn number that Swissôtel The Stamford is strategically located at

16 world-class restaurants and bars in full operational mode

72 storeys high and 226 metres tall – Southeast Asia’s tallest hotel, Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore

120 seconds or less to get to City Hall MRT station

250 VIP guests entertained at Diana Krall’s private concert at Equinox’s private dining rooms

1,261 guestrooms fully occupied – including all 29 luxurious suites and 88 Swiss Executive Rooms

5,000 glasses of premium champagne, fine wine and signature cocktails sipped at New Asia

7,500 commemorative F1 amenities given

15,000 guests hosted at Swissôtel The Stamford

30,000 catering meals served by the banquet team for 9,600 guests served daily at 42 exclusive Club and Sky suites across the Paddock club

70,000 square feet of corporate functions over 27 meeting rooms
___________________________________________________________________________________________