Monday, June 9, 2014

Superhero

Recently Batman turn 75 years young, and in conjunction with this special occasion, all Batman PS3 game titles were going at 75% off retail price on the Playstation Store.

Not one to lose out on a bargain, I bought the whole lot (4 titles), Arkham Asylum, Arkham Origins, Batman Lego series and Injustice: Gods Amongst Us Ultimate Edition.

For the last 2 weekends, I have spent more than 8 hours on Arkham Asylum, and 12 hours on Arkham Origins (not even halfway through the game!).

It's addictive, compelling and draining. Throughout the game I felt a whirlwind of emotions; beads of perspiration trickles down my head and neck, my palms get sweaty due to the excitement, and my back is wet due to the synthetic leather of your sofa. I curse, swear and get pissed due to the difficulty of the game, but I enjoyed every moment of it.

The Arkham series are very long games; players have to spend many hours (or days) in order to complete them. However, for Batman, it's one hell of a long night. Yes, each game is based on the events of a single night.

Which causes me to wonder, is this why Batman, even with his lack of powers, is recognised as a superhero? He is also part of the Justice League, a group of superheroes like Superman, Wonder Woman and the Flash, who are blessed with superhuman powers, like flight and speed. This means Old Batsy is recognised by them as one who is their equal, even though he is a mere mortal (not taking account of his money!).

I know there are many (non-fans) who are skeptical of his abilities, and have long argued that he's just one person with many neat gadgets. I am not trying to change your opinion, I used to think the same way. It is true that Batman is as human as you and I, however, it's that same human-ness and vulnerability that sets him apart from other heroes.

It is evident from the game:

Batman has to labour through the long, tiring night, fight thousands of crooks, solve life-threatening puzzles/riddles, save hostages and outsmart villains to foil their plots (even I got tired at a point during the gameplay). All this while going through sewers, tunnels, air ducts, buildings, prison cells, caves, etc. Remember there's no change of Batsuit, so the whole suit is soiled with mud, slush, blood, sweat and the occasional venom, for the WHOLE NIGHT! I can imagine the smell... even Alfred had to ask him to be careful not to dirty the suit too much (cause he's doing the washing).

Most of Gotham is against him, corrupted policemen and politicians alike. (actually there seems to be few good people in Gotham)

Even amongst the innocents, there are many doubters, some calling him a vigilante, no different from a violent criminal.

With so many obstacles, so much danger, so little support and nothing to gain for, why would any man do what he do?

At the same time, as relentless as ever, unflinching in the face of possible severe harm to oneself, injuries, extreme fatigue, he carries on.

Also he doesn't believe in killing, and thus, he has to restrain himself, even though his opponents has no such code.

There is no VIP reception, no fanfare, no awards, no recognition (he has to keep it a secret), his only reward is seeing those bad guys get prosecuted and justice is served. On top of that he has to train and work extra hard as he is not blessed with super powers.

In addition, his life is one of solitude and loneliness, where he hide his pain, suffering and frustrations, with no confidante (except Alfred). He can't have any love ones, or share his secret, afraid that it would put them in danger.

In this sense, his selfless ways is more than sufficient proof that he is a superhero.

Batman may just be fiction and you may argue that there won't be someone like him in this world.

Yes I agree. However, I realised there are many who share the same relentlessness in fighting for what they believe in for the general good. Think carefully and you may find such a person in your circle.

They are everywhere, just look around you for that person who sacrifices many things in their life to try to bring to the masses, justice, equality and fairness. They too met with a lot of scorn in the course of their life journey to bring good to the world and to people. There are no rewards, but there are tons of naysayers.

In this way, they behave the same way as Batman, or any other superhero, because they dare to step up and make that move that many of us hesitate to, despite their vulnerability, despite the odds stacked against them and despite that the people they are fighting for may not be grateful at all.

You don't have to look for them in another planet. They could be right next to you.

I salute you Batman, as well as the rest of our daily superheroes!






Sunday, May 18, 2014

A trophy after 9 years

Yesterday was the FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Hull. As a long-time Arsenal fan, I was very much excited because it has been a long time since my team has had any success in the English Premier League.

There was some event going on at the pub yesterday and then I realised they invited Arsenal Legend, Ray Palour here! I was stoked. Like any other fanboy would, I ran up and took a photo with him (with my friend Rudy)

Then I realised that he has not played for nearly 10 years! Almost about the same time Arsenal last enjoyed success! Time flies.

Long story short, Arsenal won in a thrilling 3-2 victory, in which they conceded 2 goals in the first 10 minutes. What a comeback! We made Mourinho (who by the way won nothing) eat his words.

Rudy then made a promise; to watch a live match at the Emirates by age 40. We missed the chance to go during the Highbury years, and I knew that we had to make it up. Although I had the opportunity to go England for many times in my last 7 years, I had never gotten the chance to watch a 'live' match at the stadium. I hope to plan and join Rudy soon.

Until then, we would definitely be rooting for Arsene Wenger and the lads come next season. Come on you Gunners!


Where was I?

I kind of forgotten about this blog. But I have not stop writing yet.

For the past 1 year, I have been writing opinion pieces to the newspaper, Today, lucky enough to get some published.

After all, it's my duty as a citizen to engage and take part in the public sphere.

I will begin the next few posts by inserting the article that appeared on print, do bear with me.


voices


Drivers need to be put to the test again

FROM
DONALD KOH

PUBLISHED: JUNE 13, 4:01 AM

UPDATED: JUNE 13, 4:04 AM



Many of us still do not realise that we do not own the roads, we share them. As a flight attendant and a driver, I think I am qualified to say that the roads are not as safe as the skies.


Roads are only as safe as the people using them. Like flying, your flight can only be a smooth and safe one if the pilots and flight attendants are vigilant and well-prepared.



I think many would agree that our roads are full of impatient and reckless drivers.


The last time a driver was reminded of the importance of road safety was probably when he or she was issued a driving licence. Our licences do not need renewing and are ours for life unless we commit a major offence or accumulate 24 or more demerit points.


In contrast, it is mandatory for flight attendants and pilots to go for safety tests each year in order for them to retain their licence to fly — failing which they would be grounded and sent for rigorous safety training until they pass.


Flight attendants are tested about emergency procedures before every flight, forcing them to stay updated on safety procedures, or risk being issued a warning or offloaded from the flight.


We should operate on the same principle for roads. Drivers can only be aware about safety if they practice it regularly. Many “seasoned” drivers pick up bad habits like tailgating, road-hogging, not checking blind spots and reckless behaviour over time, such as speeding and beating red lights. They seem to have forgotten lessons in defensive driving and giving way.


The only way we can be truly be serious about road safety is for drivers to go for a reassessment every five years. Such a test should emphasise safe driving habits.


Those who fail should be made to complete a safety course and then retake the test.


Some may argue that this is draconian, or a waste of resources. But would anyone feel comfortable being on a flight where the pilots and the flight attendants have not gone through regular safety assessments?


It boils down to how much we care about the safety of our road users.


Once you get behind a steering wheel, you are responsible for the lives of other people.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

2013 and there's no bitching....yet

This blog is about 5 years old now. I started writing as a hobby, and got kinda hooked onto it.

As you may have noticed, the content here is pretty 'no-holds-bar', I really let loose here. Well, last I'd checked, it is still my personal bitching blog, and it would probably stay that way.

I sort of took a break in 2012 due to some personal issues, and 2013 is halfway through. Issues are still there and it won't go away.

Few years back, one of my lecturer actually advise me to change the name of the blog, if I wanted to be taken seriously as a writer. That piece of advice stuck to me, but I am in a dilemma whether to do so.

Thus, I decided to create another blog; with a decent name and a decent tone, so that I can use it as a portfolio (If anyone decides to hire me, that is).

http://criticalmumbling.wordpress.com

I won't close this blog, because we all got to unwind from time to time. But of course, I am a 'bigamist' now, so I won't be hanging around as often (a fate, all 'first wives' are doomed to).

Oh yeah, 'grandpa' here has taken to microblog recently, after much procrastinating, do check me out on Twitter , @dondon80

Cheers man

Friday, June 1, 2012

Life kicks you in the nuts

It's June. Wonderful June. I was looking forward to June and had big plans for it. Joyous June

My last paper ended on 21 May, the final obstacle to getting my long awaited degree. Finally, I did not have to rush assignments, and cram tons of information just to regurgitate in a single day. Yay!
I was planning to push my fitness to the next level, catch up on my long distance running and football. No more staying at home and furiously typing out essays in front of my laptop.

This means I can finally enjoy myself when I am on official duties overseas. Sightseeing, clubbing, shopping, eating and drinking! No longer would I coop myself in the hotel room.

My roster looks great, NYC, San Fran, Christchurch...Magnificent locations. Finally, the rostering deity is on my side!

However, all my plans are shattered in an instant. There is a Chinese proverb, '人算不如天算' , loosely meaning, You can plan all you want, but Life comes and kicks you in the nuts.

Let me put it into perspective, by using a timeline.

21 May 2012

 6.30pm - I happily stood up from my desk in the examination hall and walk to the door to pick up my bag. I had just completed my last exam, despite catching a cold. I am so happy that it's over.

8.30pm - After having dinner with my sweetie, Laura, we proceeded to Nicholas' place for wine tasting. He had politely asked me to help him choose the wines for his wedding later in June. We had a fun time, chatting and sipping wine. Nic's mom is very chatty and getting along well with Laura. Too well it seems. I am glad both her sons are married.

11.00pm - I send Laura home, as I have a flight early morning the next day.


22 May 2012

7.30 am to 12.30 pm - Easy and short flight to Jakarta, and I am working business class. Great, relax a bit.


1.00 pm to 3.00pm - Chat a bit over Watsapp, before showering. Ordered room service, the nasi goreng tastes great. Hope I can wake up for gym later...zzzz

23 May 2012

1.00 am - Woke up in shock. 1 am?!! I slept so soundly, just an hour to checkout. So much for gym. Got up from bed and felt a slight pain in my lower back. Usually I get sore back after I wake up from sleep. Thought nothing of it and put on my Phiten necklace, which usually helps me alleviate the pain.

6.00 to 8.00 am - The pain got worse but I managed to go thru the flight. Maybe it's time to go for some massage. Told Laura about it and she recommended a traditional chinese physician in Ang Mo Kio.

I was limping already....scary...

24 May 2012

8.00 am to 12.00 pm - Woke up early, and the pain is still there. Could hardly get out of bed. My right leg hurts so much, even though I have not injured this part of my body before.

Drove around for a while before we found the TCM physician. He looks so frail but told me he's going to do accupuncture and some massage on me. Are you serious?

In the end his assistance took over, and recommended 拔罐 on me, 'watever!' I thought, as long as the pain goes away.

'No more football and running for you!' The assistant said. No way, I thought.

Felt some relief but I am still in pain and limping.

25 May 2012

8.00am - I don't know why I keep waking up so early these days. The moment I try to go toilet, I knew something was wrong. I couldn't stand up straight and I almost crawled to the bathroom. The pain that I felt yesterday was doubled! F**k the TCM...

11.00 am to 12.00pm - Picked up Granny from her dialysis and they could tell there was something wrong with me. I told them about what happened and that I am going to a doctor later.

Dr Wong saw me and told me that I either have slipped disc, or just a normal backache. He recommended resting for three days and put me on painkillers.

Yay, no Chennai turnaround! But I rather be healthy and do the flight...these turn of events are scaring me now....


26 May 2012

Fortunately I could still drive, but everytime I tried to walk properly, I feel a sharp stabbing pain in my hips, thighs and legs. As much as I want to play football, the best I could do was to play it on my Playstation.

Trying to give away my NYC flight and asking for cash...but I really wanted to do the flight. Furthermore, Ozgur and my Turkish friends were waiting for me in Frankfurt...

27 May 2012

Told Laura that I was still in pain but I really wanted to do the flight. I will try to manage the pain somehow.

Tomorrow I will go back to Dr Wong for the review and ask him to schedule me an MRI after my flight next week.

Begin to pack my back and iron my uniform...Texted Ozgur that I will brave the pain to go Frankfurt.

28 May 2012

'I don't think you can operate the flight.' Dr Wong said


Nooooooo!!!!! I can't believe it. He gave me three more days of MC and disrupted my NYC.. Not only will I miss out on meeting the guys in Frankfurt, but I will not be able to go to my favourite city in the world, New York!! Plus, there goes my allowance. Triple whammy!

Scheduled to see a specialist a few days later.

___________________________________________________________________

 There you go, you can't outplan Life....

Not only that. I am facing the possibility of one, not being able to play football again, two, not being able to fly again...


I am getting into a delirium....


For those who know me really well, you should know how passionate and enthusiatic I am about football.

I eat, sleep and dream it. I have rejected sex for it..(several times)

I just can't believe it. It's like telling a pilot that he can't fly no more, or a F1 racer that he cannot race anymore.

I think my soul just died a little. Why me? Why now? Why this? I get injuries often from football but I always recover. Now I am being sidelined by an injury that is not even sports related.

For the longest time I have been trying to get people to attend our weekly kickabouts, and was totally pissed with those who are no-shows...I have now become one of the long-term absentees..

My right foot which I depended on for my wicked crosses and tough tackles, is now numb. My right limb barely able to function properly, let alone execute a sliding tackle.

Trim off the lion's mane, and all you have is a big pussy...

'Devastated' is the word that would aptly describe my feelings.

Furthermore, because of my physical condition, I may get grounded for months if I am found to have slipped disc. This means measly pay and no allowance. Yes I may have intentions to quit and take a pay cut, but my medical bills would be chalking up if I leave the company now.

This leaves me in an undesirable deadlock. I am so not in control now.

My nuts are really sore now, so please stop kicking it, Life!