My Dream Bike - If Looks Can Kill

I have this posted in Vox some 9 months ago, and would like to post it here on this blog for more people to see this handsome machine.

My dream bike, it will remain a dream. The Yamaha Vmax.

If looks can kill, this is the one. By the time it hits the road, I would probably be near 55. It would be too heavy for me to handle. My guess is it probably weigh something like 400kgs. I drop hints to dear wife about getting one of these mean machines, albeit a used one. The straight faced answer is, NO! Haiz....

At the moment, there is no technical data on this handsome killer machine. If it stops at any traffic lights, I think many big bike would quiver and shake with fear of being eaten alive (not literally though). I have not done any reading from the internet on the older version but do belief that this monster can probably do the century sprint in less than 3.5 secs.

I saw one on the road some 3 to 4 months ago but the condition is quite dismal I must say and the colour is Black (I don't like Black Bikes because they don't stand out. Prefer Yellow though). Saw it being advertised for sale some 10 months ago but the machine has been about 15 years now. But let me tell you, this old thing looks just as mean. The one shown above is a prototype in a 2005 exhibition in Tokyo that has not gone into the final design and engineering stage. Yamaha is looking for more feedbacks from the public to further improve it's current looks and performance. Three years have passed. I am not sure if it has gone into production.

Wow! I have already fallen in love with the one above at first sight, and Yamaha is still not satisfied with the looks. Well, like I said, I will not be able to ride it and can only drool over it. Maybe in the foreseeable future, dear wife may change her mind, maybe...

DREAMS - Fantasy or Danger

Do you belief in dreams, fantasy dreams? Well, this morning I had an unbelievable dream. I dreamt of not 1 but 2 people who were already dead. One is my mother and the other my old neighbourhood friend. Ok, before I go on about this dead people stuffs, let me try to recall as much as I can about this special dream.

Ever since childhood, I have been wishing and fantasying about being able to fly. That I did in the dream this morning. In the dream, I belief I am in my early 20's. I started with flying slowly around slowly in my old estate at Margaret Drive (I dreamt about this old place many times before, fond childhood memories) just outside Block 11, hovering at probably 4th or 5th storey. I was enjoying the light floating feeling. All I need to do was simply move my arms as if I am swimming and I will float along. No I can't do high speed flying or diving. Have not mastered the skill of an eagle or hawk chasing its prey yet. Then 2 boys saw me hovering outside their flat and asked if I was doing a magic performance, like David Copperfield. Ha! ha! ha! That was cool. Me David Copperfield.:-) Told them no, I am flying and floating for real. They were amazed (so am I) as I continued my way to my block at Block 10. I flew to the roof and walk around a bit and found a golfing glove. (I mean a glove not a pair because golfers use only 1 glove on the left hand for right handed golfers and right for left handed golfers). Strange right, well, wait until you pick up the game and you will find stranger things happening.

Anyway, back to my dream. I picked up the glove, it was quite new. How on earth did it ended up on the roof? Are there others like me who can fly? Probably a bird (crow maybe) stole it from a golfer but never mind that. I flew down to Block 11 and met a few old neighbourhood friends and chitchat with them. Told them I could fly and hover like a bird. They wouldn't belief and asked me to do a demo. Ok guys, stand back please and I proceeded to show-off a bit. I flap my arms and voila, I am hovering in a stationery gravity defying position. My friends watched with disbelief. How did I do it? Told them I am just as puzzled how I acquired this ability. Then I told one of them to pass the golfing to Hock Seng (he passed away some time in the late 80's or early 90's at age about 30+ I was told, exactly which year I am not sure and hey he don't golf so why am I asking one of my friends to pass it to him). Well, strange things always happen in dreams anyway. No explanations needed. After that I walk home to Block 10 #02-263.

As I reached the staircase at the letter box, the floor was wet as my 1st storey neighbour was washing it. It was full of soap bubbles and very slippery. To avoid getting my feet wet, I wave my arms and hover towards the letter box and open it to retrieve some letters. My neighbour watched in amazement but did not asked how I do it. I then hovered up to flat at 2nd storey. As I opened the door, my mother (she passed on in 1996, my father passed on in 1964 and I am now an orphan, sob! sob!) was standing inside doing some household chores with my eldest sister. Mother is still driving a lorry judging from the plank (for people to sit on in the lorry) placed outside the rear door. Hey, there are 2 doors leading to my flat, I didn't know that. One is the main entrance and the other from the back, I realised. I told my mother that I can now fly for no apparent reason and the reply was "don't be silly, how can you fly?" From that reply, I demostrated to her my hovering ability. And boy was she surprised.

And then, I awoke from my fantasy dream. This dream seems so real and vivid to the point of being dangerous. Why did I say dangerous you may ask? Can you imagine, I sat on the bed wondering if I can really fly. You know, crazy thoughts ran through my head and something inside me telling me to try leaping from my 14th storey flat and fly for real. Now I was seriously fighting this urge to jump and that it seems utterly ridiculous that people can fly just by flapping the arms, particularly me. It is disturbing, very disturbing and it took me quite a while to realise this fantasy dream can turn out to be a nightmare, knowing very well I managed to ward off the urge (or evil within you may say) to fly from my flat. Whew! Very close call, indeed!

The Victim - Road To Recovery

Looking back, it's been close to 6 weeks since I was nearly assassinated. I am making recovery but real slow. What puzzles me was how come my wound took so long to heal. Worry! Worry! Worry!. Wife start to show concern and began nagging me to see doctor again. The photo will send a reminder to me that all is not well.

So, off to the doctor (Dr. Choo) I went on 12 December 2007. And my birthday at that. I reached the clinic at about 4.35pm as this hour has the least crowd. So, I am the only patient there. Registered and in less than 3 minutes my name was called. This doctor has been my good friend ever since I visited him around March 2004. He will without fail always asked about how my 2 daughters are doing. He even has this conversation recorded in my patient card, just so that he can remember where and what we last spoke. "So, what bring you here today?" "Two problems" "Tell me"

"How come my left leg's wound since I last visited you on 2 Nov'07 has not healed?" "What did you do to your leg?" "Huh! I am asking you how come and you asked me what did I do to my leg?" "Ok, what did you use to clean your wound?" "As you recommended, Dettol." "Did you mixed it with water before use?" "Of course" "What is the proportion?" "Erh, 1:3 or 1:4" "You siow ah, that is too strong. No wonder there's so much rashes on your skin. Minimum ratio should be 1:10" (I just checked the recommendation for nursing wound on Dettol, it says 1:20. So doctor is also wrong but I am more wrong lor.) "But how come my wound stopped closing up and it's very itchy around the edges, at the calf and oozing transparent fluid? Is it because I have diabetes?" "How did you clean your wound?" "I use cotton dipped in Dettol and somewhat scrub the edges and centre portion where the dead skin is. Meaning, I cleaned away the dead skin literally." "Wah! Who recommended you to clean that way?" "Erh, Dr. Puan." He paused for a while as if to search for the Dr. Puan and finally realise that I was joking with him and remarked, "So you are your own doctor. You are not supposed to remove the dead skin." It is there to protect the wound. If you cleaned it away, your wound will open up again. What is there to protect it? Aiyo, you ah! I will give you some cleaning lotion to clean the wound. Remember, no scrubbing, just dab. Dilute it to 1:9 ratio ok" "Orh"


"What's your next problem?" "Erh, how come my wrist for nothing can sprain? I didn't even carry anything heavy. Look at the size of it." "You still climbing scaffold and roofs in Sentosa?" Wah! good memory. Actually, this was also recorded in my patient's card. "Got lah! But nowadays, a bit grounded so stay in office most of the time. But it only happened yesterday 11 Dec'07". "And you sit in the office armchair most of the time." "Yah, but what has that got to do with it?" "Hellooo! You are no longer young you know. Already 52. So when we reached this age, many funny things can happen when you least expect it during the younger days. And sometimes when you get up from your chair, you place your palm on the armrest and lift your body up, that's where you sprain your wrist because it's at a difficult bent position. Be careful next time when getting up from your office chair." "Anything to apply on the swell?" "No need to apply anything lah! Just rest your wrist a few days and it should be back to normal. You need MC?" "No need. Still under probation. If I take the MC it would be considered No-Pay-Leave. Further, I also have to bear the medical fees myself hor." "Ok, I will still give you the MC. If need to use it then use it. I will prescribe you the cleaning lotion, cream for the wound and tablets for the itch. Take care ok. Don't like to see you visiting me even though I got business." "Ok, thanks Doctor." I went out of the room and waited to collect the medicine. The fee: $26. Very reasonable fee, I must say.

The Victim - Making Progress

So, it's the 25th day of my injury after the attack from the Silent Assassin. Let's see how I am faring.




It's not as gory as the 1st day. I am going about things as normally as I can though I still can't bend my left knee at more than 80deg. Try to bend further and the wound would open up and the pain is quite unbearable. Unbearable in my standard is probably extremely unbearable to some people. You see, my threshold to pain is quite high. To reach 90% recovery will probably require another 4 weeks or so, according to the unlicenced Dr. Puan (me). However, I am grateful to HDB that I can still do my private business despite the apparent temporary handicap. Why, you asked? Now let's say if the current toilets are still based on the squat type in the old days and you get what I mean.

I can now wash my car on Sundays but have to wear long pants to prevent the car shampoo from getting into contact with the open wound. It's still difficult though to climb my car to wash the roof. Can't reach it without standing on top of the rear tyres. I have to be extra cautious and conscious when getting down to the floor and not forget that my left knee can't bend more than 80deg. So when getting down, I must always remember to lower my left leg first. Failing that would mean unimaginable disaster. Because if my right leg is lowered to the floor first it would be too late to withdraw it as the pain on the left knee would be so unbearable that I may possibly let go of the grip and fall to the floor and result in a more serious injury. Touch wood, touch wood, touch wood... pwee, pwee, pwee...

On the work front, I am able to go about things normally as my current work do not require me to do much physical movements like climbing scaffolds and roofs though last Thursday (15 Nov'07) morning was a challenge. I had an appointment with a contractor (he is now my good friend from the time I know him in 1999 when working for my previous company. I am talking about you, PK if you are reading my blog) to check on my company's factory roof leaks at Tuas Ave 2. I have to climb up with them to check the leak (not necessary to do so but out of a sense of responsibility) and that is a major problem. I let the 3 of them climb first and follow later. One step at a time. Meaning, right leg up first and left leg follow but stepping on where the right leg rests and repeat with right leg and the sequence follows the rest of the way up. It's real dangerous seeing the strain and pain on the left knee. Climbing down is the reverse sequence. Left leg down first then the right. I tried to be smart seeing how slow it was to do the way I did so I do it the way normal people does. Left right left and I broke into a cold sweat because of the excruciating pain. I quickly reverted to the safe way.

Meanwhile, me and my big mouth. I suggested to my old friend (Lau) and ex-boss (Goh) (both are my ex-bosses) to have a round of golf next Saturday (1 Dec'07) afternoon in JB during lunch on 22 Nov'07. Both have no problem. Now it's for me to arrange and look for another good friend (he's also my good friend by the way) of my ex-boss to make it foursome. I am now considering if I should go ahead with the game and should I disappoint my good friends. I hope ego don't have the better of me. Actually, I should forget about ego. There's really nothing to lose face because I am my best judge. Health or face? We shall see by Tuesday (27 Nov'07) for my ultimate decision.

Cheers.

The Silent Assasin

I woke up at 5.30am for my regular jog. After stretching for about 5 minutes, I took the lift down and walk along the linkway from Blk 286 towards Bt Batok East Ave 6. It was probably about 5.45am as I reached the pavement. I was hesitant and wasn't sure if I should do the routine 5km run towards Bt Timah Rd. It was getting real windy and the sky was somewhat darkening.

I opted for a shorter route (about 3.5km I guess) to avoid getting caught in the rain and jog the other way round towards Bt Batok East Ave 3 towards the direction of the PIE and turn right into Bt Batok Street 23. It was an enjoyable morning jog. The weather was cool and windy. As I approached the workers dormitory opposite Vicom Inspection Centre, many Bangladeshi workers were already lining the road for the bus and trucks to pick them. A few were smoking away while waiting for the bus/truck. I thought, how can they afford to smoke? A packet of cigarettes costs about $10 to $11. Their daily wage probably about $22/day without OT. But never mind, MYOB I thought to myself.

As I reached Bt Batok Industrial Park, I looked up to the Heaven and it seemed somewhat uncompromising. Still I continue my jog and soon reached the main road of Bt Batok Ave 6. I turned left and continue down the pavement towards the direction of the swimming pool. I thought to myself, "Shall I jog further down to make it 5km instead of the targetted 3.5km. The sky seems to be clearing up." "Ok, I will jog further down toward the MRT viaduct, turn right towards Bt Batok Ave 1 and right again towards Bt Batok Central, straight down towards Bt Batok Ave 2 and stop at where I usually stop, outside Bt Batok Nature Reserve." That should do. Bt then I have reached the bus stop where I usually let my wife off for work.

THE SILENT ASSASSIN
As I passed the bus stop (at time it was about 5.55am), about 25 metres away, there was this lamp post on my right that stood quietly watching over me and the road with its light on. No sooner as I passed it I tripped over something. OMG, I lost complete balance as I fell forward, struggling with my now jellied legs to mainain my balance. I soon realised that I trip over the tree root that was hiding right smack under the shadow of the lamp post. Hopeless, I knew I can't balance myself safely and let fate took over. My mind flashed with fleeting thoughts over what would happen to me. How serious would the injury be? All this in a matter of micro seconds. Didn't know our mind can think faster than the action.

THE WEAPON
Then it happened. Plomped! So Humpty Dumpty had a Great Fall. A fall from grace as I landed on my left knee, quite heavily. Fortunately, I was holding the water bottle with my right hand when I landed. The wrapper on the bottle was torned and my palm was also bruised but was cushioned by the bottle. Yes, I was lucky. I couldn't move my leg as I sat on grass verge for something like 5 minutes. I scoured the pavement for that weapon and saw it (the root) protruding about 6cm from the ground.

THE VICTIM
I gazed at the injury as I struggle to my feet. I have a problem standing up because it's hurting on my left knee. I stood still for about 2 minutes before I made my way back home, painfully. There's nobody around to assist me. The street is quite deserted. I hobbled across the road and walked slowly home, about 1.2km away. Yes, it was starting to bleed a little. I could not hasten my pace as it was simply too stressful on my left leg. I passed Kemin Primary School and the gate was just opened by the guard.

I hobbled but I did not wobble. Phew! If I did, it would be disastrous. I bought the newspaper and breakfast (noodle with toufu as usual) on the way home. I tried to walk as normally as I could and looked around, it seems no one noticed my injury. Bt then, blood was slowly trickling down my shin. Whew! Would be embarassing if somebody noticed. I just don't feel comfortable with people started to show their concern and asking funny questions. How come, why, when. I can understand their concern and appreciate it. Now, all I need is a nice shower, rest and have my breakfast.

I reached home and quietly went to the bedroom to collect my clothings for the shower. Wife is still sleeping and am unaware of what happened. I turned on the heater as I don't want to get a shock because of the cold weather and the wound. As I stepped into the bathroom, I was prepared for the worst. Excruciating pain as the water flowed from my head to the wound. Yes it was real bad and painful. It was like being bitten by hundreds of red ants. Fortunately, the warm water somewhat seem to calm the nerves and relief the pain a bit.

As soon as I finished my shower, I sat on the small pink stool my elder daughter brought back from her hall and started reading the newspaper. Ten minutes later, my wife woked and make her way to the kitchen to have a glass of water. Soon after, I told her I want to show her something, and pointed to my injured knee. On second thought I shouldn't have shown her. She almost burst into tears. Aiyo, it's only a bruise and nothing to be so unduly worried, I told her. She fussed about it and mentioned I shouldn't have jog along that pavement. But nevertheless, what has happened has happened.

Clearly, I am not too concerned with the injury, just that it would be quite awkward as I just started work in this new company on 16 Oct'07 and have to take medical leave (No Pay OK, under probation). I bandaged the badly bruised leg and report to work. No, I did not tell anyone in office. Hush! Hush!

The next day, I went to see my regular doctor. Took one look at it and said it's not a problem. Should heal in 2 to 3 weeks and charged me only $15. No, I don't need the MC, no medicine or lotion. Great! Looks like I have to go back to swimming again after a long absence.

We shall see.

It's now into the 11th day of my accident. The wound is healing up nicely. Meanwhile, the photos of The Silent Assasin, The Weapon and The Victim is posted to remind of the pain and caution to be taken in future. Look out for The Silent Assasin.

Cheers.

Dilemma of Cab Driving - In the News

As an ex-taxi driver who is now back in emloyment, I am truly saddened by the many complaints against taxi drivers in general. Branding all taxi drivers as cheats is unfair. Never mind the armchair critics or the general public's complaints. It is better to live with those who encourages rather than those who critise with offering a solution you will be a happier person. Though taxi drivers in the public's view are now among the lowest rank in society and Singapore's public enemy #1 (according to the number of complaints, negative feedbacks and hate campaigns posted over the internets, the important thing is you do not cheat or behave like those black sheep. Like someone who mentioned on 22 Oct'07 ST Forum that 4 out of 10 cab drivers are inconsiderate. We now have 18,400 inconsiderate taxi drivers on the road (OMG). Many road users forgot that cab drivers spend the most time on the roads, between 8 to 10 hours and sometimes more and it can be really tiring. It's not an excuse but I would like to challenge those who complained so much to drive his car for between 8 to 10 hours a day, everyday and judge for yourself how you will behave after 1 week of driving. Someone said that when the government is at fault, we complained about it in the coffeeshops, when taxi drivers are at fault, it apprears in newspapers, internet, radio (today's 93.8 feedback talk show), and even tv. Why? Because not many cab drivers are able to respond or defend these complaints and also because they are probably not as educated as those who complained about it to the press or post it on the internet. But nowadays, many taxi drivers are quite computer literate and internet savvy.If you have the opportunity, I would think that it's better for you to find employment. It's not glamorous profession and no appreciation from the general public. The income is not that great compared to those who can afford taking a cab. I drove taxi not by choice previously but out of necessity to support the family. So, as long as you enjoy cab driving, as long as you make an honest living, don't worry too much about the negative feedbacks, complaints and critisms. Armchairs critics enjoy watching the show after posting their negative response. Let them be if they enjoy every moment of it. Because pretty soon, the public will get to know who they are when they log on the internet. I am pretty much worried about the karma, for those black sheep.
Cheers and best wishes.

A Hell Ride from Changi Airport

It really has been a long time (6 months) since I last posted on this blog and here goes the story. This time it's not from me as a taxi driver but rather as a passenger.

On 6 July 2007, I was back from a company business trip from Shanghai. My wife and I boarded a CityCab Taxi bearing registration no: SHB2117D at Changi Airport Terminal 2 at 22:37hrs. As I got into the taxi, I told the driver I wanted to go to Bukit Batok East Ave 3. He was driving along the extreme right lane #1 and about 1km before the exit to PIE I asked him; "Uncle, which road are you using to go to Bt Batok?" His reply; "Which road you want take?" "PIE, it's nearer." "Go straight by ECP also can" was his reply. He must be joking, I thought to myself. From ECP via AYE via Clementi Ave 6. Traffic at that time was moderate. Hey, I was a taxi driver with CityCab and Comfort too, just that I didn't tell him.

I thought taxi drivers are supposed to ask the passenger/s the preferred route. Never mind, I thought to myself, small matter. But no, this is just the beginning of our nightmare ride.

As we neared exit #1 to PIE about 100m away, he is still on ECP lane #1. Suddenly, he swerved sharply to PIE exit #1 and continued driving in a dangerous manner at speeds of up to 130km/h. He tailgated almost all the cars that were in front of him, weaving in and out and overtook on the left on many occasions disregarding the safety of the passengers and other road users.

Upon reaching Eunos exit #9, he was on the outer lane when he suddenly swerved to extreme inner lane of the PIE and continued his dangerous driving along the extreme inside lane, overtaking vehicles both from inside and outside and weaving in and out once until we reached Paya Lebar exit #11. He was on the extreme inner lane once again overtaking other vehicles. Now these lanes are meant for vehicle exiting to Paya Lebar only. He then made a sharp turn to the inner most lane of PIE and drove along the corrugated road markings to get back to the PIE.

At this moment, my wife held on to my hands tightly, shaking with fear for our safety throughout the journey. He continued his crazed driving, tailgating vehicles, driving in a dangerous manner without regards to the passengers in the taxi and other road users, and again weaving in and out, speeding excessively well above the legal speed limit.

When we passed Eng Neo Avenue exit #22, I told him to exit by the Clementi Road/Bukit Timah Road exit 26A, drive towards Upper Bukit Timah Road and turn left to Old Jurong Road opposite the Fire Station. I further told him to turn right at the traffic light after the Shell Petrol station and then left again at the traffic light leading to Bt. Batok Ave 4. Thereafter, I showed him the direction to my block at 287 Bukit Batok East Avenue 3. For every turns and traffic lights, we went through sudden twisting turns, braking and over-steers like a roller coaster. It was a horrific experience for my wife but I remained calm.

As we reached our destination at 23:02hrs, my wife got out of the taxi and stood there frozen. I asked her what happened. She told me she got cramps and was shaking with fear from the entire experience.

Now I am not sure what this taxi driver was unhappy with, but from the way he's driving, he is not only putting his passengers' life at risk but also that of other road users.

I personally have heard so much about black sheep drivers but this one takes the cake and score full points for tarnishing the image of other good taxi drivers in Singapore. While there are definitely black sheep in every industries, I never, for once imagined I would get to experience one real dangerous mad cap of a driver.

I have lodge a complaint with CityCab regarding this incident and was assure that firm action would be taken against this taxi driver. But I do know a fact that most of time taxi companies will only call the taxi driver personally and told them that a complaint have been lodged and would generally advise the driver to be more careful in future. Hey, taxi companies can't afford to offend the taxi drivers too much. They need revenue too from renting out the taxi. And is good profit. If not, why else would there be so many taxis on Singapore roads. In terms of taxis on our population, we are probably the highest in the world on per population ratio. We have something like 23,000 taxis serving a population of only 4 million.

I look forward to more posting if I see anything interesting to write.

Cheers.