Fast cars and bright lights on Singapore's streets

‘In Singapore everything is expensive, except for three things...the sun, the moon and the rain’. 

                                                                                             Taxi Driver (September 2013)

This worryingly bleak prospect greeted me in the form of a bleary-eyed taxi driver at the taxi rank directly outside arrivals at Changi International Airport. After scurrying into the air-conditioned metropolis of the sea-blue Toyota, and now protected from the intense humidity that encapsulated my body after setting foot on Singapore soil, we quickly assumed our roles. The taxi driver became my unofficial tour guide and guru of ‘do's and don'ts’, and I draped myself in the cloak of vulnerability that appeared to scream 'help'.

Guru, I apologise, the taxi driver, took it upon himself to educate me, the unknowing tourist, during the 30 minute journey to my plush hotel in Singapore’s central hub. He cultured me on the financial strain that locals face in living in an ex-pat haven. I felt his despair, but my thoughts soon shifted to my own pocket, and my eyes stung from glaring at the ever-increasing bright red digits on the meter.

My worries soon escaped to the back of my mind, however, as we edged forward in gridlocked traffic over a bridge that overlooked the entire focal point of my journey. I was only able to steal a quick glance through the window, as I finally navigated a clear line of vision through numerous stickers outlining the detailed taxi fare system, and there it lay.

Singapore’s Grand Prix street circuit.

***

As dusk fell and the vibrancy of the sun’s deep rouge and orange rays faded into the distance, I meandered along with my fellow Formula One enthusiasts to the entrance gate of our grandstand. Surrounded by hundreds, if not thousands, of motorsport fanatics, Red Bull jerseys, Lotus flags and Mercedes caps, the buzz was electric. Standing right before me was the Bay Grandstand; my view point for the next two hours.

After stumbling up what felt like a mountain of concrete steps, and steering my way through narrow rows of clammy legs, plastic beer cups and racing car memorabilia, I finally reached my seat. Until now my back had been facing the track. I turned around; the sight before me was incredible. By now the night sky was a picture of darkness, casting a dramatic shadow over the city’s skyline, and it was left to the bright street lights and surrounding buildings to create a spectacle.

You could hear it approaching, the roaring engine sound, something akin to a small plane hurtling down the runway. Earplugs blocked out the piercing edge to the noise, but nothing could prevent the bursting sensation my eardrums felt as the cars sped past. And nor did I want it to. This, and the vibrations from these engineering masterpieces, ignited a rush of adrenaline through me.

The penetrating heat sent my sweat glands into overdrive and necessitated a make-shift fan, yet I was baking in only half the furnace that the drivers encounter in the 60 degree temperature of the cockpit, whilst racing the 61 laps round Singapore’s streets.

***

The Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel was the first car to power across my line of vision, interrupting the stillness of Marina Bay, where a handful of luxury yachts were gliding in circular motion. The first lap was under way and the reigning World Champion began his crusade to achieve his seventh win of the season with great velocity, but only after an unsuccessful challenge for the lead by his fellow front runner on the grid, Mercedes' Nico Rosberg, who ran wide at turn one.

Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso had a magnificent start, climbing from seventh position up to third by the second corner, but all eyes were on Vettel as he established a 1.9 second lead.

The race had been a safety car free zone until lap 25, when Daniel Ricciardo understeered his Toro Rosso and crashed into the wall close to the tunnel under our grandstand. After several laps with the safety car, and Vettel’s incredible lead negated, it was time for him to start again, with team instructions from Red Bull that he could push forward with his tyres to pull away from Rosberg.

Over 20 laps later, at lap 48, Lewis Hamilton was right on the heel of his Mercedes’ teammate. The British driver appeared to be lapping faster; I was willing Hamilton to focus and aim for a podium finish but his chances were reducing at a pace, with both Alonso and Lotus’ Kimi Raikkonen each driving a great race.

Vettel’s lead had increased considerably, and in the penultimate lap he was 26.4 seconds ahead of Alonso; unless the Red Bull suffered a mechanical failure it was looking very likely that Vettel would secure his third consecutive victory, and 33rd career win.

***

Through gritted teeth I could do nothing but praise Vettel as he stepped up onto the podium’s number one spot, inbetween second-placed Alonso and Raikkonen in third. I applauded his talent and hunger for success, but most of all the skill and accuracy with which he conquered the tracks’ 23 corners.

For a driver who is likely to join Michael Schumacher and the late Juan Manuel Fangio in the record books for winning four consecutive world titles, Vettel has certainly divided opinion. He is on track to become Formula One’s youngest quadruple champion but has alienated himself during his journey from scores of the sport’s fans, as a result of his attitude of winning at any cost.

I may not be Vettel’s biggest fan; however, to achieve what he has done at the tender age of 26 is a magnificent feat.

As I walked down the grandstand’s concrete steps to the thunderous noise of celebratory fireworks, and with my panoramic view of the bay gradually shrinking, I fathomed that rather than criticise him, fans of the sport should look upon Formula One’s big contenders to raise their game in preparation for next season rather than carve Vettel a straight path to victory.

Football, fascism and furore!

Early last week Sunderland faced a tide of controversy over the appointment of Paolo Di Canio as the team's manager.

This move enticed a public spectacle over the ex-Lazio player, marking a contrast in media interest from now ex-manager Martin O'Neill’s tenure at the club. Focus shifted from Sunderland’s relegation battle to the incoming manager’s controversial political views.

This resulted in political angst exemplified by David Miliband’s resignation as Vice-Chairman from the club’s board. His departure could be construed as a matter of convenience, as the now ex-MP for South Shields announced his exit from politics and move to the U.S. almost simultaneously.

Nevertheless, there is no doubt that his reaction to the Italian’s move to Sunderland signifies the wider impact of politics today. It showcases that an individual who has allegedly supported a regime founded upon the principles outlined by Benito Mussolini, once Italy’s most notorious Duce, ‘to make Italy great, respected and feared,’ can still be held to account for these beliefs despite attempts to disassociate himself from them.

It is fascinating to observe the recent dramatic portrayal of Di Canio's fascist lean; the media fracas appeared minimal whilst he was a predominantly successful manager at League One Swindon Town prior to accepting his current role at Sunderland. Worryingly this highlights the elevated status that Premier League clubs hold outside of football, a status formed from private wealth owing itself to capitalist philosophies.

Football is an internationally renowned sport engrained into the cultural backdrop of global communities. It is, therefore, for this reason that the philosophies and ideals broadcasted and publicised across televisions, newspapers and social media sites are of paramount concern.

Incidentally, this means that it would be ignorant of the media to cast a blind gaze upon this issue; it is necessary to bring to the forefront the political views held by Di Canio in light of this radical regime.

It is the depth of intrusion into his personal life that is arguable. In fact, should the burden lie with the club’s board in this instance in failing to acknowledge sensitivity to the public interest when evaluating potential suitors to the position of manager? Or were the board correct in selecting Di Canio based on his credentials as a manger?

For Sunderland fans the continued discussion of Di Canio’s political beliefs is distracting from the central focus the club now faces, to prevent relegation. Football managers are not politicians and their purpose is not to influence government policy, thus, provided that Di Canio can cement Sunderland’s position in the Premier League next season he will continue to be welcomed by the club’s fans.

His success at Swindon Town could be responsible for having downplayed the negativity surrounding his political stance at the time. Consequently, it will be interesting to see whether potential victory for Sunderland on the pitch would diminish the public attack on his private views.

For an individual leading a life in the public domain, however, it will be hard to argue that such ‘privately’ held views will remain so. 

In addition, it was highlighted by the media that Di Canio once defended his political faith towards fascism by identifying himself as a ‘fascist not racist’. This distinction provides a tremendous insight into the morality and principles forming the foundation of a once widely prominent regime in the post WW1 era.

It is important to also assess whether fascism and racism are then mutually exclusive? The former was a term coined in the era of Mussolini’s totalitarian right-wing nationalist regime between 1922 and 1943.The rise of fascism may be viewed as having been surrounded by travesty, however, it was once the most favourable system at a time where Italians feared socialism and liberals could not provide a united alternative.

Under fascism the ideal was to promote the supremacy of Italy as a nation under one powerful leader to the global audience. Racism is defined as a belief by one race that theirs is superior to another. By no means is it possible to explore every concept and aspect of such political ideals and complex terminology that has surely developed throughout history in this one article, nonetheless, it is possible to draw on the face of it that the technical components forming the definition and perceptions of each term share similar roots.

Last week as Di Canio was unveiled as Sunderland’s new manger it would have been unlikely that the club’s board would have imagined the resulting turmoil. His appointment has divided opinion over whether a barrier preventing politics from intruding football exists.

In spite of the fact that consensus on the matter may never be reached, it is indisputable that the lines surrounding the worlds of football and politics have been drawn closer. This appears, unfortunately, to have been achieved at the expense of unity within football in light of the Premier League receiving ‘premier’ attention.

There are three sides to every story

'My side, your side and the truth'.

The three varied versions of events are the Prosecution's, the Defence's and Oscar Pistorius'. It is frustrating not knowing who to 'believe'; however, identifying that the focus should be less on 'belief’ and more on proof and probability is the first step in maintaining sanity during this process.

Although lawyers Gerrie Nel and Barry Roux have performed tremendously thus far in the bail hearing it is evident that the latter, battling for the Defence, is emerging as the true showman. His cross-examination of Hilton Botha, ex-Leading Officer, and further questioning of the Prosecution’s charge of pre-meditated murder under Schedule 6 of South African law, reinforces his role. As surprising as it may seem, this does not involve presenting the truth; it is irrelevant in the eyes of the Magistrate.

For instance, during this hearing the Prosecution has placed heavy reliance on the witness claiming to have heard loud shouting and arguing from Oscar Pistorius’ residence. The aim is to establish Oscar Pistorius' state of mind in committing the ‘murder’; terminology used to describe the crime that the Defence vehemently dispute. Instead, the Defence highlight that the witness' house is located 600 metres from the crime scene. Additionally, it is alleged that the witness cannot confirm without any element of doubt that the shouting belonged to the couple at the centre of this tragedy.

This demonstrates two conflicting versions of events, one of which the Magistrate will find to be more probable than the other when deciding whether to grant bail. At the very least the Prosecution will have to establish the credibility of the witness’ statement. Failure to do so will render the ‘truth’ obsolete.

For those that continue to ping-pong between the varied arguments that have been put forward, consider the role that truth has to play as the bail hearing continues. The most credible set of facts will carry favour with the Magistrate; cue disarray within the Prosecution camp after today’s shocking revelation concerning Hilton Botha’s attempted murder charges.

It does raise the poignant question though, of whether the truth will ever be revealed?

No Longer Oscar Victorius

Witnessing the image of tears streaming down the face of a ruined man; this painfully tragic scene showcases a man isolated in court at the epicentre of a horrific nightmare.

As the bail hearing draws close and speculation regarding the trial builds, it is unsurprising to hear comparisons being drawn between Oscar Pistorius and O.J. Simpson, the infamous American sportsman controversially acquitted in 1995 of murdering his ex-wife. In the eyes of the televised global audience at this time, the latter was viewed as having committed murder in cold blood. 

Almost twenty years later, worldwide spectators today will certainly cast hawk-like glares upon Oscar Pistorius’ defence lawyer willing him to argue that the trigger was pulled during a period where he suffered a marred perception of reality. It is undoubtedly this empathy being demonstrated towards the accused that appears dissimilar to the case in 1995, as South Africans and sports fans alike are trying in vain to find reason, justification or excuses to explain this pitiful circumstance of a man once held in such heroic esteem.

It is this moral crisis ringing alarm bells in those that dare venture into feeling compassion for Oscar Pistorius, even in its remotest sense, that risk the self-imposed guilt of allowing his vast sporting achievements to cast shadow upon the loss of Reeva Steenkamp’s life. This man’s emphatic fight to be judged as an able bodied individual in the sporting world should now be echoed in the courtroom, where his crime should be arbitrated fairly and justly diminishing any regard for his status. 

As a symbol of South Africa’s future and the nation’s shared dreams, the Paralympic champion had proved successful in superficially diverting attention on the world stage away from the widely held negative publicity the country has received in regards to violent crime in recent years.

It is for these reasons that many have appeared to draw logic behind Oscar Pistorius’ actions; it softens the burden of acknowledging that this idolised figure has plummeted from the pedestal where he had been so firmly placed. 

At last Andy

Championship point.

Leading 40-15, with the fifth set standing at 5-2 and after almost five hours of play, this is Andy Murray's moment to eradicate the pain of his previous four Grand Slam defeats.

First serve. Fault.

He recomposes himself and prepares for his second serve. The crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium are restless and on the edge of their seats as he successfully serves to Novak Djokovic who succumbs to Andy Murray's resilience and hits a long forehand.

Out.

Andy Murray is the US Open champion.

In achieving his first Grand Slam victory it appears that Andy Murray has finally conquered his inner demon, the self-imposed doubting of his own abilities, which I suppose is not unexpected after reaching four Grand Slam finals and failing at the last hurdle of each. It is this yearning to follow in the footsteps of tennis' legends and in breaking the long barren era in British tennis since 1936, the last time a British player won a Men's singles Grand Slam, which was responsible for the demure and often sombre face that the press frequently captured of Andy Murray. In all fairness, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have hauled a staggering total of 33 Grand Slam triumphs between them in the past 10 years, and after cementing their positions as the 'big three' in this era it was always going to prove tough to challenge these players at the top of their game.

The turning point for Andy Murray arose in early July of this year when Roger Federer stole victory in Wimbledon from him taking the second, third and fourth sets after he performed an impressive first set display. Whilst widely renowned for his serious composure and for sheltering his emotions, it was during his heart melting speech after collecting his runner's up trophy where the public were given a sneak preview of his 'human' side. The tears streaming down his face were welcomed by spectators and tennis fans, like the heavy downpour of rain bringing closure to an endless drought. These tears were desperately sought after to prove to the world that Andy Murray is a British sportsman that the public can relate to, a tennis player whose losses we feel saddened by and whose victories we share in celebration.

It has been an incredible journey for the young Scotsman and after returning today to his home town of Dunblane where it all began, it appears fitting that he was given a hero's welcome. He's reserved his place in history amongst the tennis greats and as quoted by Alessandro Zanardi, Formula 1 driver-turned-Paracyclist:

"If you really enjoy what you do, the result is just the logical consequence."

It's likely we will be welcoming many more Grand Slam victories from Andy Murray for a while yet.

Paralympic Heroes - Inspiring a Generation

The Paralympic closing ceremony is fast approaching; with only two days of exhilarating and awe-inspiring sporting conquests remaining, we must say our goodbyes to an emphatic summer that will live long in our memories.

London 2012 has served as a well-informed advertisement for the world of disabled sports, a world that I feel a sense of ignorance for not having deeply explored until now. The Paralympic Games has raised the profile of not only disabled sports, but particularly the athletes that are partaking in these truly magnificent games. Whilst the likes of South Africa's sprint runner, Oscar Pistorius, Great Britain's swimmer-turned-cyclist, Sarah Storey, and wheelchair athlete, David Weir are Paralympic medal veterans, London 2012 has elevated the status of athletes such as Great Britain's Jonnie Peacock who triumphantly stormed to victory in the T44 100m sprint.

It is when watching these Paralympians that one can truly be inspired - inspired to seize every opportunity regardless of the nature of its delivery. Each competitor at the Paralympic games has their own unique story driving them to succeed, and each was faced with a very personal set of challenges that they were seeking to overcome. Consequently, this enables spectators to demonstrate a higher level of appreciation for the journeys that the athletes have set forth on. Many of the athletes encountered either physical or intellectual challenges from birth or an early age; others were met with the daunting prospect of entering this unfamiliar realm after illness or accidents thwarted the paths their lives were mapped out to take. Sport, fundamentally, remains the common denominator throughout each individual journey and proves itself to be the unspoken universal language of the world, allowing individuals from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities to represent themselves and their nations in striving to fulfil lifelong dreams and ambitions of success.

Aside from the medal achievements, world records and team victories, it is certain that children and adults alike will convert the admiration that they possess for our London 2012 heroes into motivation in seeking to partake in the wealth and breadth of sport on offer. We must take inspiration from these Paralympian superhumans, and use the Games as ignition to spark a new chapter in each of our lives.

Moral Codes and Misconduct

Yet again one of the England football squad’s most high-profile players has found himself being punished for improper conduct within the twitter-sphere. Last week Rio Ferdinand was fined by the Football Association over his choice of inappropriate language on the online social networking site, in a remark directed at fellow team-mate Ashley Cole. This is not the sort of publicity the football world should be renowned for; however, twitter is becoming an increasingly frequent venue for heated exchanges of opinion.

It’s been highlighted and widely acknowledged in the aftermath of the Olympics, that footballers should take note from the vast majority of athletes who conducted themselves with the professionalism that sportsmanship requires. Despite being the focus of worldwide attention, there has been widespread admiration and respect for the way in which the athletes behaved. With the exception of only a few, they assumed their role as ambassadors for their countries with great pride. They carried the weight of their respective nation’s dreams and expectations on their shoulders, and essentially presented themselves as advertisements of their country’s philosophies and principles. I believe, fundamentally, that it is this pride and honour to represent one’s nation that appears to get lost in translation in the football world. This privilege is often misconstrued as a right within football, highlighting the contrasting moral backdrop between the two sporting realms.  

Essentially, footballers are paid incomprehensible sums of money and more importantly they are unafraid to flaunt it. Thus, it is unsurprising that they appear to detach themselves from the reality lived in by their fans. London’s Olympians have exemplified an alternative, more favourable manner in which they carried themselves, as demonstrated by the humility with which they celebrated their medal triumphs. This is a distinct characteristic that football often lacks. Rewind to David Rudisha’s 800m world-record breaking victory or Usain Bolt’s triple gold medal achievement, there is an unexplainable aura that surrounds the Olympics.

This is not to detract from the actions of football’s most generous individuals, representing and providing generous donations to charities and worthy causes, yet it is the image that they portray which often receives the most public attention. It is for this reason that footballers should identify with the moral code followed by most athletes during the Olympics, if they desire to receive the good publicity and media focus that they may thoroughly deserve.

London's Legacy

This morning I had the pleasure of driving through Isleworth, where my eyes were met by the sight of a glittering golden Royal Mail postbox in honour of double track gold medallist Mo Farah. Nationwide recognition of an individual’s sporting success is an enviable feat, and to have this success etched in the memory of local residents can only be viewed as a positive reminder of the potential and talent that Great Britain possesses. 

The celebratory showpieces are a welcome sight at a time when the nation revels in a state of euphoria after the most successful medal haul Team GB has ever achieved, however, the underlying aim of legacy must not be forgotten. It is this question of legacy that I believe is key and which must be considered before labelling London 2012 as one of the greatest Olympic Games. It can certainly pride itself as a serious contender, but if the government fails to implement crucial aspects of its ‘Plans for the Legacy from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games’ that it published in December 2010; it will have failed to adhere to its promises that contributed to London originally being awarded the privilege of hosting the Games. Fundamentally, the coalition government aims to ‘encourage the nation to become more physically active, use the Games to exploit economic growth, achieve participation from all groups in society and guarantee that the Olympic Park will not only be redeveloped after the Games but also ignite further regeneration across East London.’ 

It would be foolish to think that these plans will produce certain results after the Olympic Games; in fact it will require the government to maintain the ‘Plans for Legacy’ as a serious priority for the foreseeable future. The results are far from immediate and will require patience, participation and persistence by the Government and the population alike. 

For now, however, Great Britain can continue to rejoice in its Olympic medal success and live in the anticipation and excitement of our Paralympians striving to deliver the same! 

http://www.culture.gov.uk/images/publications/201210_Legacy_Publication.pdf

Only One ‘Direction’?

An end to the RVP saga is on the horizon, and it seems as though the anticipation has worn thin and I have finally accepted that perhaps RVP’s departure would be the best way for Arsenal to progress.

The overwhelming sensation of déjà vu strikes, and yet another summer is swarmed by transfer talk surrounding an Arsenal captain. It was only a year ago that key playmaker Cesc Fabregas parted ways with the club and exchanged Emirates Stadium for the epic stage of Camp Nou. Who could have blamed him? As one of the club’s youngest captains Cesc had provided so much for Arsenal, dedicating the best part of his adult life to the North London club. At the peak of his football career, yet with only one Premier League and FA Cup trophy achieved with Arsenal, it’s understandable that the young Spaniard chose to return to his home town, Barcelona.  

It is this stark contrast that makes RVP’s inevitable departure all the more sour. Footballers are forthcoming in pledging allegiance to their club; kissing the badge of honour when the ball hits the back of the net, screaming out in gladiatorial celebration when victorious and in dedicating success to the fans. It is this allegiance that can be questioned when a club’s captain publicly unveils his lack of support for the ‘direction’ in which their club is heading. No one can doubt RVP’s commitment to Arsenal and that they will lose an incredible player when he leaves; he was the English Premier League’s top goal scorer in the 2011-2012 season with an impressive thirty goal haul. RVP’s departure, however, will undoubtedly question the loyalty he pledged to Arsenal and Arsene Wenger himself, a man to whom RVP is unarguably indebted after being offered an extended contract in 2009 despite suffering from lengthy periods of injury. It appears that the North London club are prepared for this summer’s most dramatic departure after signing the likes of Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski. These signings are a direct response to the doubters of Arsene Wenger and RVP in particular, who may have to air an alternative reason to his fans as justification for leaving behind a club that surely pledged allegiance to him throughout his injury clad tenure at Arsenal.

To put into perspective the length of time that has surpassed since Arsenal won the Premier League in 2004; three Olympic Games have taken place, two World Cups and Chelsea have seen eight different managers. It’s fair to acknowledge the emptiness of the club’s trophy cabinet in recent years, and RVP’s exit is certainly a huge blow to the progress that was showcased by the players last season. This is, however, why we must say ‘good-bye’ to RVP and focus on the quality and passion within our squad at present. This move is crucial in order to commence the new season with the vigour and drive which was lacking at the beginning of last season, when Arsenal appeared unprepared for the certain departure of Cesc Fabregas. It appears that Arsene Wenger has taken note and Arsenal is cementing its status as a serious contender for the Premier League title this upcoming season.

Post Olympics – waving the flag for Britain

2012’s British legacy began with nationwide celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. If staging the Jubilee concert and Thames Pageant appeared a daunting task, try multiplying the security risk, number of tourists, television coverage and patriotic flag waving by a hundred and we are somewhere close to the gigantic scale of the London Olympics.

What struck me most about the London Olympics – aside from the fact that the heavens above glistened golden rays of sunshine and cast warmth upon us for the small two week window of the Games - was the fact that the British people finally became united in feeling a sense of pride and admiration for our nation. The Olympics was a step towards accomplishing something that governments of yesteryear have been aiming towards, eradicating the notion that only the privileged can afford to become Olympians. Contrast the equestrian events with the track events where Britain has now showcased incredible talent, and reminisce in the victory of our very own legend Mo Farah.

Furthermore, people within the UK from a broad spectrum of ethnic backgrounds and from all classes of society became united in the support of our nation’s sports men and women and willed them to succeed. The London Games can pride itself in the knowledge that unlike Olympic Games of the past, locals and tourists alike cheered on teams and individuals from all corners of the globe in seeking to drive them to their best.

What became apparent was that unlike Central America where the US flag is hoisted and proudly displayed on most houses and where school children sing the national anthem on important occasions; in the UK we tend to be more reserved and timid in our displays of patriotism... until now. Flags were flying off the shelves in sports stores up and down the country, and soon became the newest ‘must-have’ fashion accessory. The London Games has ignited something into British culture that has been striving to be showcased for a long time. It is now more than ever cool to be British.