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!

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.

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

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!

The trouble with Facebook

The title for this post would have been 'Facebored' if not for the fact that BBC had used it before, in a television report several years back.

Back then, around 2009, it had already discounted Facebook (FB) as a site with limited offerings and predicted that users would get bored of it pretty soon.

Personally, I am already kinda bored with FB. Although I still log on to it daily, I spend less than 10 mins each time.

Yes, it is nice to keep in touch with your friends and loved ones, especially when everyone is too busy for anyone.

After a while, it's the 'same old, same old' day in, day out. Posting photos, poking, writing on walls for birthdays, sharing links for merchandise.

FB is about self-gratification and self-indulgence. Everyone trying to make everyone else envious of  the ramen/beef steak/ nasi lemak you had at Namba/Oxford Street/Chomp Chomp. Or the wild and happening party you had last night with beautiful hunks and babes, with endless bottles of Dom Perignon, JW Blue Label or Belvedere. Not to mention your new body kit/ rims/ spoiler on your BMW/Audi/Subaru.

Before you dismiss me as an old, balding geezer with thick spectacles and zero social life, I would like to clarify myself. I am as narcissistic as they come. I have tons of clothes, which takes my built-in, full length wardrobe have trouble containing. Self-indulgence is my best friend. I drink, eat, party and make merry at a time when my peers are taking their 5 year olds to Shicida Method every week. I trim my brows, work out and watch my diet. You get the drift.

Thus, I am more than qualified to comment on my own 'species'. Posting your fun photos on FB is normal. (No one posts photos of them crying on FB) However, doing it almost everyday is overdoing it. Everyone is in a competition to inflate their own egos. You take a step back and tell yourself, where is this going? Is there more depth in us?

People suffering from depression, or lack of self-confidence, should not visit FB at all. All this false images and conjured notions of happiness shatters your chance of recovery and sinks you lower. You drown in all this pretense, and probably you come out worse off.

As a student of sociology and communication, I feel that we should harness the power of social media for the good of society, instead of degrading to such hedonistic acts. Empower people through information.
The 2011 Jasmine Revolution in the Middle East was a great example, although I am not saying we should overthrow the government. We should share useful information, make society and its citizens more aware, more conscious and more thoughtful. Give a voice to the voiceless and stand for our rights.

A colleague told me about this Mr T, an editor of some magazine, with over 10,000 followers on Twitter, 'Famous' person, which I never heard about. I chuckled to myself, as he seems to be awestruck by this 'achievement'. 10k followers is nothing is you are not contributing to society. However, it seems to be the trend that many groups of young people are trying to come up with their own version of mini 'Hollywood'. Many of them like to blow their own trumpet with trivial 'achievements', and what better way than social media?


It's 2012. Singaporeans are still deem ungracious, selfish and ugly. Isn't it time that we alter that image? Aren't we a first-world, developed rich country, up there with Hong Kong, Japan and Korea? Our mentality and attitude needs alot of catching up.

Which is why I will do my part with my own FB account now, posting information worth sharing; political and social. I hope it will influence people around me to do the same, because one voice may be a whimper, a sea of accumulated voices is a loud roar.

Year-end traditions

My exams are finally over, while waiting frantically for the results, my mind is a blank on what to do next.

The logical sequence would be to brush up my resume, and begin my job hunt. However, I have been procrastinating, as usual.

Brought out my Japanese language books from under a heap of rubbish and began blowing the dust on the covers. While it is meant as a revision (5 years late), I realised I do not have the same level of concentration 5 years ago.

My mind wanders, just like the many times that I lay in bed at night, wide awake after a run.

I totally forgotten my annual tradition of writing Christmas cards to my dear friends (hand-written, and not e-cards) . Better tie a string around my finger.

Maybe I need to bring along a notebook everywhere I go, and jot down things which are important. Oh yeah, I need to remind myself to bring along the notebook too, better tie another string for that.

The list goes on. Before all my 10 fingers are used up, I would like to plant some of my thoughts in cyberspace.

With New Year's Day around the corner, I am going to write down my resolutions. While this tradition has been going on forever, fulfilling them had been getting tougher over the years.

I need to get more realistic. Thus, 2012's resolution would be more down-to-earth, hopefully I would fulfill them before apocalypse.

1) Include a vegetarian meal once a day - Inspire by one of my campmates, who has gone vegetarian, I feel the need to curb my carnivorous habits. However, I cannot do it all at once. Thus, the above statement would help me along. Hopefully it improves my health too.

2) Avoid buffets and overeating - If I were to die from one of the seven sins, it would definitely be gluttony. With my metabolism getting slower, I need to have smaller meals and not stuff myself. I hope I can do that.

3) Avoid foods that make my stomach feel uncomfortable - This is a long list, but just to give you an idea, they are: Chilli, coconut milk, deep-fried, milk, cheese, curry, nasi lemak, chicken rice...etc
This is up there for the obvious reasons. However, in Asian cuisines, they are hard to avoid, hopefully I can enjoy my food, without them.

I feel that this three resolutions are ones that I may have a high chance of fulfilling. You may wonder why are they all related to food and eating habits.

Well, as the saying goes, 'You are what you eat'. As I get older, it's about time to take it easy on my body and not work my organs too hard. I have seen how difficult it is to deal with diseases and illness, and how taxing it is for family members to provide care and support. I do not wish to be a burden.

Whatever may your resolutions be, I hope you too, can fulfill them!

With about two weeks left in 2011, I would like to wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Revelations about my mom

I hate to say this but I don't really understand my mom, after knowing her for 31 years.

The fact that I did not stay with her for half my life may have contributed to my ignorance, but somehow it feels like an excuse.

Some of my posting about my mom still stands; she is a lazy, irresponsible, loud-mouthed, cynical and greedy person.

Although I am the oldest of her sons, I seem to be the least important; she only get my name right after calling my two brothers' names. She's also clueless to what I like to eat.

However, as my time spent with her increases this year, I have been constantly surprised by what she is capable of.

When my aunt was spending her remaining months with us, my mom took charge of nursing and caring for her,although she was complaining every bit of the way.

When my aunt passed away, my mom became the chief coordinator of the funeral, handling most of the administrative stuff; still complaining, of course.

These actions were a surprise coming from a person who refuse to work for years, when she is only still 50.

From the actions, I can sense her love for her youngest sibling, which propel her to take on huge responsibilities that she normally shirks from.

While I always felt that my sense of responsibility was never inherited from her, that difficult period saw her rose to the occasion and prove my hypothesis wrong. ( The cynical part is definitely from her, so too is the weak stomach and greedy appetite)

If life was like a comic book, she would be a reluctant heroine, only revealing her true self during times of crisis. (Although her portly figure would make her less than heroine material).

Recently, I picked up a Chinese-language book discarded by someone, and thought of reading myself. However, I never really had the time for it, so I pass it to my mom, as she is Chinese-educated.

She managed to surprise me again.

She never gone passed Secondary 2 when she was younger, and she is never the studying type. However the speed that she 'devoured' the book puts me and any other students younger than me to shame.

She concentrated on that book and almost finished it the next day, and I can tell she really enjoyed reading, maybe due to her interest in Chinese romance stories from last time.

I think no one in the family is so keen about reading than her. I find it a struggle to read a book in a week.

Talk about 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'. I wondered if she never got married and had me at a young age, maybe life would be so different for her.

(She's still unable to get my name right the first time, but she's trying) :-)

4 months and counting...

It's been that long since my last post. Times flies, whether you are having fun or not.

Every school term presents new challenges, even though I am in my last semester of a draggy degree, new things still shock me once in a while.

This term was supposed to be the finishing line, but the stress of having to deal with two early and intensive modules totally drained me. I missed out one of the modules. Not only lessons, I also missed its deadlines. Without much choice, I had to withdraw from it. Therefore, I am stuck in school for another semester.

I guess everyday we face different challenges in life. The past few months had me experience all sorts of situations and dilemmas. I am predicting more to come at me.

Almost forgot there are many people who still read this, seldom updated blog. One day I bumped into Ms S, during a transit flight. She asked me, 'How are you?' For a moment there, I thought she was referring to me after my breakup with my ex-gf (she was her batchgirl). Senile me spaced out for a while...until I realised she reads my blog and was referring to my current break-up...

Still looking for another tenant to fill up the house, but I guess I am too choosy; must be girl, must be crew. Not many girls want a guy roommate, and not many of them like Sengkang...If I get another roommate, I have one less room to clean....hehe...

I got rid of Monday blues, because my favourite anime plays every Monday. Gintama is lotsa of nonsense and laughter, what everyone needs once a while. Not many know about this gem though.

Currently looking for another car after I crashed the last one. My friend tells me I shop like a girl; indecisive, distracted by many choices, cannot narrow down my choices. I beg to differ. I behave like an auntie in a market; always on the look out for cheap and value for money offer, yet want to buy something I like.

My life is in sync with my football team, Arsenal. Many important people left and new people have not established the same type of intimacy. Disastrous events happen one after another. Low confidence. Fortunately, both me and the team have sunken to the bottom, and are now on the way up. I hope it stays that way.

Exam period is in a month's time, I hope I do not have to wait for that long to be free to post again. I can nearly see cobwebs on my screen when I sign in to Blogger.

Looking forward beyond the exams, I would like to do many things, which had been on hold.
Firstly, the house warming. Everyone has been asking about it and I have to do a 'grand opening'. December seems like a good time.

Secondly, since I would be single and free, I would be able to train up on my running and fitness test. Need to join a gym to give myself additional reasons to train more than once a week.

Lastly, spending more time with my granny and my family. Since I lost the car, I have been constrained by work and travelling time. When I get the car, I would then be able to do just that. Hopefully I can take my late auntie's place as the pillar of my dysfunctional family.

Keeping my fingers-crossed, as things rarely go my way. Did anyone know I changed my name? My friend told me to 'publicize' it, as the more people call me by the new name, the better for me. Don't know whether true or not, but it's worth a try....

許檍綜

Recently, I met a colleague who told me he won the first prize in Toto before. That is a piece of news that made my day, suddenly I am a believer again.

There you go, my life summed up; studies, work, housework, anime, family, workout, football, Toto, car, partying and drinks. I wonder what is missing...guess I will figure out soon enough.

In Arsene I Trust

Something about my favourite manager Arsene Wenger of Arsenal Football Club.

Some may call him stingy, stubborn and in denial. Many hold him responsible for the decline of the club. Others want him to step down.

I have been a follower of Arsenal since Wenger started with the club. I saw how he transformed Arsenal Football Club, from good to great.

He has total control of many aspects of the club, because the board trusts him. Rightfully so.

Even as people call for his head, in the wake of the 8-2 thrashing by Man United, there are tons of reasons why the club needs him more than he needs the club. Fans should be grateful that he did not leave us for Madrid, the German and Japan national team, a few seasons back.

Below are contributions by him which I felt was vital to the progress of the club.

1) Being an economist, he championed the move for the Ashburton Grove project. The old Highbury could only accomodate about 38,000 fans, while the current stadium holds 60,000. Although it got the club into debt, it made sense that we were losing revenue by staying at Highbury. Anyway most of the debt had been repaid through planned repayments.

2) He brought in new training and nutrition techniques which helped aging players, like Tony Adams, improve and extend their playing careers. With the blend of English and foreign players, he got the best out of the team and secure silverware for subsequent seasons. Arsenal also qualified for Champions League every season for the past decade.

3) Achieving 'Invincibles', 49 games unbeaten, was no mean feat.

4) Using his economics knowledge, acumen for talent spotting and his faith in youth, Wenger brought a string of players who were mediocre and transformed them into legends. Nicholas Anelka was bought from PSG for $500,000 and sold for $23 million, Cesc earned us even more money. Dennis Bergkamp, Kanu, Vieira, Henry and Anelka, were having trouble fulfilling their potential at previous clubs. Wenger placed his faith in them and they all left as legends.

There are of course many more reasons but these few are proof that he is a great manager for Arsenal.

A few years ago, I was hooked to the football management game, Championship Manager.

While playing it, I realised that my transfer policy and principles in managing were very similar to Wenger.

I love bargain hunting, and look for players who were inexpensive, young and had great potential. Like Wenger, I do not keep players over 30 years old, as they had diminishing returns.

If I could, I would nurture young players and sell them when they became sought after, bagging a huge profit.

I would never field players who are not 100% fit, unless I was left without a choice.

I also didn't like to buy from the Premiership, because valuation of players were inflated.
My highest paid player earned about 90K-a-week (4 years ago).

Of course, my experiences in a fantasy game could not compare to Wenger's experience in the real game. However, I do understand his thought process, and his decisions that he made.

It is unfortunate that his players do not reward his faith with their loyalty. The high turnover in the squad meant that there was little opportunity for continuity. The manager's plan had to be revised constantly, due to the departures of core players. However, I believe that someone would always step up.

If he does go one day, it would be Arsenal's loss. I would probably follow him closely, in his next career choice.

True Arsenal fans would not give up hope on Wenger and his choices; they should understand him better than fair-weather fans.

To all Arsenal fans, stick to this motto: In Arsene We Trust

Let's look forward to an exciting season ahead!

Topsy-Turvy June part 2

During the last week of June, my youngest aunt, passed away at the age of 45.

She had been struggling with cancer and moved into my grandma's place for the last month.

Even though we knew that she was going to die, we were devastated by her death.

She was an objective, positive, friendly, wise beyond her years woman, who was always there whenever her family or friends needed her. Her advice and words gave us encouragement and hope.

She was one of pillars holding our family up. Despite her age, her elder siblings and even her mom (my grandma) would seek help and confide in her.

During her final month with us, I saw how the disease had overwhelmed her.

The once cheery and loud woman, became quiet, depressed and scared of her impending death. For the first time, I saw the once strong woman breakdown and cried.

She struggled with breathing, eating and barely slept. She needed a portable oxygen tank by her side and was in a wheelchair most of the time.

Her memories, both short and long-term started to fail her. She got even skinnier, resembling a skeleton.

The day before her death, I had told her that I am buying a car next week, and that I could ferry her around then. Secretly, I was urging her to keep on living.

The next day, I left in the morning for my flight. When I came back in the late afternoon, I switched on my phone and received a message from my cousin, that my aunt passed away.

I rushed to the mortuary at Singapore General Hospital to see her briefly, before the undertaker sent her to the parlour. My grandmother broke down and cried profusely.

A few hours later, the body was sent to the actual funeral site. I looked at her and thought to myself, "So this is death?"
No words of advice came out from her closely-shut mouth, as she laid there peacefully.
The auntie who I was just talking to a day ago, is now stone-cold, sleeping eternally.

I couldn't come to terms with her death. I still can't.

In the middle of the night, tears flowed as I tossed in my bed. I texted my mom, like a little child, asking her,"Why does she have to die? Why does someone so dear to us left so soon? She's our pillar and she always supported, helped and loved us. It's not fair! Why?"

My usual aloof, lazy and ignorant mom, surprised me, by replying: "It's a phase we all will go through. We are like a small boat, sailing the stormy sea and choppy waves, against the strong wind. Your aunt just docked at the harbour sooner than us. It's also a kind of release for her (cancer). I told your aunt before that we had our good times, our fun and our happy times. Life shouldn't be full of regrets.
You don't have to be sad, cause she knows that you're a good kid. Be a happy person and let her pass on in peace."

It's not the first time, I had a death in the family; however it is the first time that someone so close and dear to me, is gone.

From her death, I realised that it doesn't matter how good or bad one had been. Everything comes to nothingness once you pass on. People forget things easily. Life goes on.
The once popular aunt, with plenty of acquaintance and friends, had a very quiet funeral. Many of those 'friends' did not show up.

I am glad she was not alive to find out that her generosity went to waste.

June was a terrible month for me, but I pulled through with the help of my circle of very good friends. They were there physically and emotionally for me through these ordeals, and I thank them from the bottom of my hearts. In a way, I am more fortunate than my aunt.

Many have asked me about how do I feel, and I always give the same answer, "Empty".

I am drained and the heavy lid in my heart makes it hard to fill up on happy emotions.

Hopefully, Time would really be able to heal me.

____________________________________________________________


P.S. I do apologise for my poor writing. I really cannot focus when I write about my aunt. My heart feels heavy and tears still continue to well up in my eyes.

Topsy Turvy June- part 1

I have been wanting to write sooner, after my exams in May.

Unfortunately, June was a life-changing month for me. Numerous things happened, keeping me busy and I am still trying to catch my breath.

Firstly, some of you may have gotten the news already, I am going through divorce with my wife.

Nothing dramatic here, no violent arguments, no private eye catching me red-handed, no deaths, nothing cynical and no bitterness. Just a quiet and smooth affair.

I did see it coming, but I naively thought that things would work out if we started staying together.
Ironically, we broke up just a few days before I got the keys to our flat.

We decided that both of us weren't compatible with each other; which made it a struggle everyday.

Differing opinions, priorities and mindset. Communication breakdown, distorted perceptions and unrealistic expectations. Fundamental issues really.

I did not ask to a 2nd chance because I know things will be the same even after we patched things up. I couldn't bear watching our relationship being disintegrated like this.


I truly understand the meaning of 'It takes 2 to clap'.

Frankly speaking, I felt a sense of relief, a weight off my shoulder. At the same time, I am going through a sense of loneliness and emptiness that I never felt before, even I broke up with my ex-girlfriend. As time goes by, the dispair becomes heavier and I feel even more disconnected from the world.

Even with all the condolences, the constant checking in from very close friends (which I am very grateful of), I feel my soul drifting away from my body....

I moved into our matrimonial home, because I felt it was a waste to leave it empty, after all the fighting, haggling, searching and paying.

It is my 'cave', a place where I can run away. It forces me to grow up quickly and face the world alone.

Retail therapy has been keeping me occupied; buying household items, furniture, appliances. Moving house, cleaning, moping, vacuuming, washing, all took my time away from pondering about the past.

I am just waiting for my school term to start, so that I would have no time at all to mope and be depressed.

But who am I kidding?

All that being said, there is no one better to break me than my wife. I am quite fortunate really.

Others would want alimony, demand money and break my heart even more. Not her.

Now that I have also failed where my parents have failed, it is safe to stay away from marriage and not underestimate it at all.

Consider it a hiatus, a sabbatical, or long leave.

The "Gone fishing!" sign would hang on my heart for a long time...

A new era begins...

The last few weeks, the scent of democracy was everywhere.

Not a day goes by without a notification on Facebook that is about the political event. Party news on blogs, Twitter and other online portal flooded our senses. You probably seen most of the candidates, not in person, but on video streaming online.

The Internet, responsible for triggering off the revolution in North Africa, finally played a part in Singapore's election. It levels the playing ground, uncovers facts not 'picked' up by the mainstream media, empowers the powerless.

The people gather in numbers for rallies, overwhelming traffic everywhere. Their votes dented the ruling party's victory. Not even the World Cup gathered so many fans, so many talking points, and so much support.

For the first time in many years, younger generations gathered for a political cause, even though they had been written off as 'uninterested' in politics.

They came together off and online, cheering and jeering, making biased criticisms and constructive critiques. This was a nation participating.

Previously I had lifted this phrase from my book, "The duty of a citizen in a democracy is to participate."

Now we can say that we are moving towards true democracy.

Change does not come suddenly, it inches bit by bit. Be patient, my fellow countrymen, for we have already taken our first step.

Firstly, I would like to thank the voters of Aljunied GRC in courageously standing up for their cause.
You have taught Singaporeans a valuable lesson, and made history.

When we achieved a true First-World Government, we would always look upon you as our inspiration and pioneer.

Secondly, I thank the brave and selfless men and women, who had nothing to gain but all to lose, yet in the face of great adversity, they stood up for the people. Even though you hardly know them, you sat down to hear their woes and the injustice they suffered.

Although it was much easier to walk away, I applaud you for staying on and fighting the odds.
Especially to Mr Chiam and Ms Seah. You taught us that age does not matter, whether you are 76, or 24. Sincerity and a sense of justice is all one needs in championing people's rights.

Lastly, I would like to congratulate the WP team in their triumph. 6 against 81 is hardly fair, and the tough work starts now. You are the people's choice and your duty is to serve them by keeping things in check. I hope that you would do us proud.

I would also like to thank all the opposition parties for participating. Even though you missed your chance, you have shown Singaporeans that it is okay to come out of their shell. I am sure that you would have plenty of potential candidates and volunteers knocking at your doors soon. Your contribution may have helped inspire our young generation to take the road less travelled, assuring politics of its pool of talents in the long run.

To close, I have a message to the people who are still skeptical. No democracy in the world has a parliament that only consists of politicians from one party. To engage in constant debate and discourse would lessen the probabilities of making awful decisions. The political world have evolved, and we have just began to.

I urged you to look beyond your social class, your material wealth and your vested interest. Hand-in-hand, we are Singapore.

Portfolio

Anyone who have been reading or have read my blog must have notice the address, www.criticalpieceofshit.blogspot.com.

I have been using it since Friendster had a space to write your own blogs. As the years went back, I still feel that it is an apt title for my ramblings and grumblings.

Until today.

I was tasked with an assignment that required me to write to an editor of a magazine, trying to sell a story idea.

Part of it included a letter, which I had to 'sell' myself, with my real credentials (not that I have any published works). As I typed my blog's address, I thought to myself, what if I had to write to a real editor one day, in hope that he/she will use my story?

I stopped immediately and look at what I had just typed. 'www.criticalpieceofshit.blogspot.com'.

"This is not going to get me any work," I thought to myself. "even if I am the best writer, people won't take me seriously!"

For the first time, I actually thought about my livelihood as a potential writer. For the first time, I pondered about changing the apt title that I had been using since 2003.

It feels like you have just sent in a job application, only to realised that the photo on it was the one you took from your Halloween party.

What now?

I do not think that I would change the address or the title of this blog. Maybe I would need to start a blog with a bit more seriousness and professional feel to it.

Being an adult, you start to consider your lifelihood, your future, in everything you do. Even when blogging is supposed to be fun, you cannot blog about this and that.

Everytime you wake up, you think about money, or how to make money. This is normal, but when you live in this expensive country, you think about it even more.

I think when I move into my house later in the year, these thoughts would preoccupy me even more.

National Service encourages bigamy

It's been three months since I blogged.

No, I was not hiding or running from the authorities.
No, I did not run into a dry spell (of ideas..not something else).
No, I am not dead (but dying, like everyone else).

I was just using my full potential on my studies; my exams ended just last month.

Now with the short term break, I have a little bit more time and brain juice to write.

Disclaimer - Before I go further, please be reminded that the contents are purely my ironic reflections of things around me. Entertainment if u will, and not a reflection of my conscience. Please do not get the wrong idea and feel offended after reading it.

___________________________________________________________________

I wish that I had the time to write this earlier. It came to me when I was back in camp during August.

Many people, especially women, ask this question: "Why can't men be faithful?"

This question is as old as time itself, many great thinkers have tried to decipher but unable to come up with a satisfactory answer.

Hey I am no Aristotle, but with my 10 years serving the nation, I think I may have found one possible answer, at least in the Singapore context.

Psychologists believe that a person behave in a way, due to his genes (nature) or his environment (nurture).

Many experiments have shown the theories are correct.

Thus, I concur that a man's environment shapes his attitudes and behaviour.

You may think that I am deviating, but I feel that it is important for me to bring up this concept, in order to make sense of what I am going to write later.

National Service, is a big part of Singaporean guy's life. Although it does not last for 2 or 2 1/2 years (depends on how lucky one is), most of us have to report back for duties annually, for at least a week. Guys call it 'reservist'.

National Service is a not only a duty of men in Singapore; it is also part of the law. If you miss it, or do not want to be part of it, you would be incarcerated, fine or subjected to some other punishments that would be hard to illustrate.

It promotes discipline through regimental duties. You cannot just run away from your responsibilities once they are given. Everything goes by the stick and the carrot. (btw I don't really like vegetables)

To describe it more aptly, it conditions men to behave more responsibly and speeds up their maturity.

Meals are provided free-of-charge, in a place called the 'cookhouse', something like a dining hall. In our context, when something is given free, it usually compromises taste and presentation. This had been demonstrated a few months ago by the food provided to the volunteers at the Youth Olympics.

However, if you decided not to eat the 3 meals that are catered for you daily, it is a breach of regulation. One may be fine or punished for skipping their meals.

On the other hand, every military camp has something called the 'canteen', where external vendors lease the place to sell cooked food. The quality of food resembles those of food centres and coffeeshop found in 'civilisation'. Usually they taste better than the food from the 'cookhouse'. The catch is, one has to pay out of their own pocket.

I would like to reiterate the title of this posting, 'National Service encourages bigamy'. It is not far-fetched and I would list my reasons.

Metaphorically speaking, the cookhouse is like the wife. One is bounded legally (due to army rules), and have to eat there due to obligation. If not, one can scan their ID card to show that they have 'eaten' there. She feels there is no need for pretense, as she is already your wife, thus, she seldom dress up (presentation of food). However, her love for you is visible by the big portions she dishes out.

During the first year of 'marriage', you appreciated your 'wife' for being there when you are hungry, and her large portions of love. Although the quality is not good, you won't voice it out, because this love comes at no cost. (food being free there).

This blind love is also facilitated by the fact that you are too busy, with so much activities packed during the first year of NS. Additionally, your superior (instructor or battalion orderly sergeant) watches you like a hawk, making sure you eat the food, while returning the utensils back after use.

After a while, you get promoted, your earning increases. There is more leeway for you to sleep in and more time for yourself. You pick on your wife's cooking. Suddenly, you find the grains of rice too coarse, too lumpy and too dry. The braised pork too salty and the fish too fishy. The soup too bland and the vegetables overcooked. You hardly finish the food, the large portion seemingly excessive and you feel victimised by this 'dumping'. In addition, returning the dishes is deemed a waste of time.

Your eyes start to wander, as daily you look for an alternative and an escape to this rigid and boring lifestyle. With more money, time and power, you feel that there is no need to endure this.

Ironically, next to your wife, stands the 'mistress' (canteen). This vibrant girl, who knows how to dress up (food displays and presentation) and gives you attention and cooks better quality and tastier food. She does not need you to clean up, "just leave it there," she said. She also gives you variety of dishes, not the same old week in, week out. You just have to pamper her and shower her with a bit of money. It all seems worth it.

Your new life starts. Everyday, you visit your wife (scan card), and make some excuses not to eat there. Then you turn to your mistress for her cooking. Initially, it was only once a day. Then twice and so on. Finally you find yourself not eating your wife's cooking at all for the past week.

You go for an outfield exercise and sweat it out, while bearing the elements, rain or shine. The only thing on your mind is your mistress, and eating her food. When you go back camp, the first thing is to rush to her and not to your wife.

You and your wife become strangers; you despise going back and eating the food. Everyday you pass by her without saying a word, just scanning and leaving. You are seldom at home.

The only time you eat at home, is when your wife cooks something special (western food).

You spend so much money on your mistress, before you know it, you find your bank account nearly empty (at end of the month).

"It's ok, payday is coming," you thought to yourself.

Your wife knows about your secret, but everyday she keeps preparing your food, hoping to see you come home and eat. Daily, she waits with diligence.

You also know that your wife is waiting everyday, but this knowledge that you can go home anytime and fall back on her when your money runs out, keeps you from going home, from eating her food. "It doesn't matter, she's always there for me," you said to youself.

How long is this going to go on?

________________________________________________________________



Fact 1: It is always livelier at the canteen
Fact 2: Everyone rushed to buy food from the canteen, the moment we came back from exercise. It is overwhelming to see 200 guys visit their 'mistress' all at the same time.

This affair will see many men follow the same path throughout their lives.

Men will always have to deal with their inner contradictions, as they struggle with the concept of bigamy.

Indirectly, NS provides the environment, making it very convenient for such affairs to occur.

Sometimes I wonder what is the rationale for placing both 'wife' and 'mistress' next to each other. Why do they even give us a choice to 'stray'?

Thus, this early conditioning of young men during their impressionable NS lives will shape their future altogether.



The next time you ponder about unfaithful men, here is another reason for their behaviour.

For people who loathes NS, this adds on to your displeasure.

For readers who find that my imagination is too wild for my own good, you are right. (LOL)

Until next time, when I come up with something more far-fetched then this....

Musings and Recommendations

I would like to thank everyone for reading my blog, especially those who have been following it since my Friendster days.

No this is not my last posting and I am definitely not going to close my blog down.

Just wanted to say 'Thanks', because I am always pleasantly surprised when people suddenly start talking to me, in person, about my posting.

For the longest time, my postings are mostly bitchin/complaints/cynical and mainly the events surround me.

I had a talk with my wife the other day, and she did advise me that if I wanted to write as a career, I better stop writing about myself. She told me that I needed a portfolio or something, to impress any future employers. She also told me to be more focus and go all out to achieve my goal, once I have it in sight.

Actually, I have been thinking about it for a while now. Nobody would probably be interested in reading about me (beside my friends), unless I am a celebrity.

At times, I feel that my writings are immature and shallow. Compared to my friend's blog http://21dragons.com/ ( which is really good), I wonder when will my writing reach maturity.

Maybe I really should write less about myself, and more about general stuff, stuff that people are interested in, stuff that readers will follow. I should also take a 3rd person perspective, and use less emotion in my writing. (my ex-gf saw my appeal letter for a traffic fine recently, and told me it was full of anger)

2010, 30 years old. I should really be digging in my boots....

Meanwhile, since I am in the mood, I should also mention about this talented lady, stickgirl (xiaofen).

She was my ex-gf's batchgirl, during their trainee days in the airline, but personally I didn't know her.

I only heard more about her, when my wife, who also knew her after they did a flight together, told me more about her talents.

She draws and she writes about her views on life and things happening around her. Recently she published a book of her drawings and thoughts. I thought that was pretty neat. Go check it out http://stickgal.blogspot.com/

I wonder when will I be able to do that? Will I be motivated to go all the way?

I can't really answer that now, but I am hoping I would be able to soon...

Thought of the day

As a new semester approaches and I struggled to read my latest textbooks, my mind cannot help but wander off somewhere else.

I may have above average grades but that does not make me a star student or a genius.

My attention span is the same as a 18 year-old, easily distracted and fidgety when a textbook is within 30cm from my face.

I am in Jakarta now, but my mind is fixated on Singapore. I am no patriot, but looking at the weather reports, I wonder if there would be reports of a third successive flood.

Suddenly, the 1st world, developed country, Singapore which was immune to natural disasters, counts flood as worse nemesis.

My thoughts resonate with the worried rich men, who stays in Bukit Timah. They must be wondering if they should buy more buckets for their maids to scoop out water if their basement carpark floods, or should they construct a barrage made of sand bags to deter the 'Act of God' (as described by MM).

I also thought about the Lucky Plaza ah bengs, who worries about getting their 'Amani' jeans wet when they report for work at the basement mobile phone shops. Maybe they should invest in 'Berberri' rubber boots, which will keep their feet dry and are stylish.

As PUB continues to scratch their heads looking for answers, the same way Mulder does in X-files. I can't help but want to shout to them, "Aye Dei! The Truth is out there la".

I try to continue my reading. Then I came across David Hume's observation. The writer wrote, 'People, once accustomed to obedience, never think of departing from the path in which they and their ancestors trod and to which they are confined by so many urgent and visible motives."

Well it sounds a bit profound at first, but on closer look (and several repeated readings), I can summarise it in my own terms, complacency due to comfort.

Of course this is not new, our government have been 'kind' enough to urge us not to be complacent, by using the donkey example, so that even my grandmother understands.

However, we review the past year and found that many of such complacency is found in their own backyard. ISD (limping terrorist), SMRT(Swiss Graffiti) and PUB (Floodgate) the latest culprit. Actually just Google any agency and probably there would be some story popping out somewhere.

To illustrate it better so that even the oldest member in the Parliament understands, is to use the Sarah Palin example. While campaigning with McCain as a potential Vice-President, her unmarried teenage daughter was found to be pregnant, while she was preaching about abstinence in schools. Then she did an about turn to support her daughter's decision and being proud to be a grandmother.

Well you can't do much now that the cat's out of the bag, so you might as well deploy a smokescreen to divert people's attention. That's a great tactic, and we see this every now and then.

A colleague said something that was in my mind for the longest time, "We are growing too fast and we can't catch up." 2 IRs, lots of new people, Circle line, Downtown line, Marina Barrage, hundreds of condo development, there was a lot of digging. Up coming, Sports Hub, more reclaiming, more condos and more new people. Someone should have seen something coming.
Just like when I took 5 modules last semester, and my wife warn me that my grades would suffer. As short-sighted as many of our leaders here, I proceeded and ended up with an 'F'.

In 2009, I went with a friend to look for a resale flat in Hougang. A 5-rm flat cost $370K, expensive in our perspective, as it is not renovated. As he decides to look at other inexpensive location, we walked away. Forward to a 8 months later, he bought a 4-rm flat just 15 mins away by bus for $480K. As we speak the prices are going higher as sellers expected cash up front of at least 35-40K.

Everyone was taken by surprise by the sudden price rise, and many couples, including me, was priced out. I guess we would be less surprised if the amount was raise more gradually, like prices of utilities and number of ERP gantries.

However, we were not as surprised when our pay were still the same as it was a year ago, no make it 3 years ago.

I feel that as a country prepares to move forward, everyone must move together. You don't leave anyone behind.

Ministries and agencies must do more to handle the sudden demand and population imports, and not left sprawling for solutions when things happen. Maybe there are small voices here and there, but their warnings are too soft to be heard by the higher ups.

Let's not be complacent. Everyone is responsible. Everyone.

Ok I finished wandering with my thoughts, it's time to get back to the book. I am taking 3 modules after what happened, as I am no longer 18 and certainly do not want another F.

Expectations

As football (Proper British English) fever grips the world, fans all over celebrate this joyous occasion, which happens once every four years.

This is the first time that the tournament is held in Africa, and shows how far the continent has progressed.

As usual, there were shocking results from David vs Goliath-style matches. Spain losing to Switzerland, Japan beating Cameroon, and etc.

However, they were not as shocking as the fate of France and Italy.

Expectations were high for both former World Cup holders, and whose domestic league were fluorishing.


They were both knocked out in the first round.

The French did what they do best, by staging a 'revolution' within their squad and revolting against their coach, who was pretty lame but still coached them for 6 years.

The Italians were a bunch of uninspired old men, who were past their prime.

Just when punters around the world least expected, 2 of the favourites dropped out. (The English were no better, but by a simple twist of fate they scraped through)

Expect the unexpected, they say.

I can understand the full meaning of that phrase, when I checked my exam results online.

I got an 'F' for my Service Marketing module!

A former marketing student failing marketing. An employee of one of the world's best airline, reknown for excellent service, failing service marketing! (plus there was a question on airlines in the paper)

What a joke! How did I get my diploma? Sometimes I wonder.

This also markes the first time that I got an 'F' in my academic life. Although I keep mouthing Fs, it shocks me to see the physical form on paper.

The resit is due next year, as the module is only offered once a year. I have a year to reflect.

I guess the failure keeps me grounded and reminds me that good times don't last.

I wonder if the French and the Italians feel the same. After all, they have 4 years to think about their F.

property woes

As many of you know, I have been in search of a flat for a while now.

I do not have to bitch about the sky-high prices because everyone else in Singapore is doing that.

I just wanna share (read=bitch), about the attitudes of property agents that I encounter.

It may seem funny at first, but on hindsight, I was shocked that people pay them so much for their services, no wonder any Tom, Dick & Harry wants to be an agent.

Incident 1:

I saw an ad in the website, propertyguru.com and send an enquiry thru the website. This was on Jun 3rd

The message was, "Hi Im interested in viewing the property, but currently Im overseas now and would be back this weekend. Could you help arrange a viewing? Thks"

The agent sent me an sms, "Hi, Im also overseas for holiday. Pls call me after Jun 14.."

2 puzzling thoughts: 1) Property agents earn so much that they can go for 2 wks plus holiday, without entertaining any clients or doing any sales. (since they on 100% commission)

2) No one in the sales line, who was interested in doing business, EVER told a customer to call them back. It has always be the sales person getting back to the customers.

Conclusion: Agents are getting so much business that they can choose their customers.

Btw, it is now June 17, and the above-mentioned agent has not call, text or email me back.

Incident 2:

I sms another agent with roughly the same message.

Unfortunately, I was told that the property in the ad has been sold. Thus, I ask if he has a similar property on hand.

He replied with an sms, asking me for a long list of my requirements, preferred level, direction of house, flat type, size, budget, bedrooms, toilets, furnishings, amenties, etc.

Since he had an email account, I wrote to him with my specifications. A sms reply would be too lengthy.

He did not reply my email, and for the next few days that I was in Singapore, I waited.

I did not get to view any flats during my off days, and was flying off again.

This agent smsed me when I was abroad, asking when I would be back and to contact him.

At first, I thought, this is much better, even though the reply was slow.

When I finally got back home, I called him.

The background was a bit noisy, and the conversation went like this.

"Hi, is that B? Im Donald and Im returning your call," I said.

"Oh hi Donald, sorry Im at the PC show now, and it's a bit noisy. Can I call you back?" He asked.

I said ok and ended the call. It was Sunday evening. I waited for his call.

Monday morning came and still I waited.

Tuesday morning came and I went off for flight.

When I reached Melbourne on Tuesday evening, I switched on my phone and I got an sms from that agent.

"Hi Donald, I tried to call you but without success. I have some viewings today, would you like to join?"

I was surprised by his sms. 1) when you tell a customer that you would call back because the background is too noisy, the customer would expect you to call back in an hour or more. NOT FUCKING 2 DAYS!

2) The customer, who is paying you the 1% commission (maybe come up to $3000 or more),
is not as important as A FUCKING COMPUTER SHOW?!!!

3) When a customer wants to arrange a timing to his convenience, the agent is expected to compromise or make concessions. WE DUN FUCKING FOLLOW YOUR SCHEDULE! 'WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN IN'-MY ARSE! This is not a joyride...

Conclusion: He is not fucking interested, earning too much, no EQ, IQ whatever Q. Treats customers casually, unprofessional and unreliable.

I decided not to contact him anymore.


I am a home-seeker. It's bad enough that we get poor service from government bodies like HDB, endure debt-ridden lives and sky-high prices that we cannot control.

Then we have to pay people so much cash over valuation for an old flat on leasehold...

Now we get shit from such agents, who are enjoying a good time, due to the low supply and high demand market.

This sucks. These people who collects a high amount of fees but gives shoddy services is what we don't need in our service industry.

It's frustrating. But remember this agents. Good times don't last forever. I choose who I wanna pay!

Playtime?

Finally after 6 long months of assignments, deadlines and studying, my school semester is over.

4 papers and 1 end-course assignment drained my life away. Praying hard that I do not need to repeat any modules (fingers-crossed).

Now on a 2 month break before the semester commence in July. There are tons of things to do.

Fun and games aside, I need to look for a house. Hopefully there's a roof over my head by Xmas, latest CNY.

Sometimes, hunting for a place is fun; you can plan on the furnishing, renovation of your ideal home.

However, most of the time it is frustrating; with dollars and cents, nitty-gritty calculations, stuck-up/cunning/aloof property agents and sky-high prices.

I am glad that I am not facing all this alone. :-)