The flashback of pain

Today, I played soccer; two days in a row. Kums (pronounced as "Cuums" like vaCUUM) made a guest appearance today after MIAing since his marriage. Everything was going well till I reached for a ball that was definitely not within my reach. I managed to stop it with my left foot but I lose traction and braced myself for a nasty fall....180 pounds on my right ankle in an awkward fall was enough to tear some ligaments. Kums who was close by heard some noise from the rapturing of ligaments. I was in immense pain...recollections of my frequent torn ligament problems from the days of OCS (officer cadet school) 10 years ago started flashing by. I saw whiteness as the pain was unbearable. It was not quite the flash that people report during a near death experience of all the bad things you did in your life but was close. I know my flashback will be exceptionally long like a 4-hour movie bcos of all my misgivings but I have been trying to be good these days.

I remember spending 4 hours a week at the military rehab at tanglin. I've never had ligament problems for a while since. It used to be so bad that just walking on a level ground casually is enough for my ankle to give way and I will trip. Maybe it is really time for me to hang the boots...but while I was in pure pain..i was trying to salvage the situation and wondered if I could get back to the game. The rational side of me took over and I realized it was not worthwhile. Now I have problems just walking...so good thing I dint.

I am going to stop soccer atleast for 2 weeks since "big Maams" is visiting me from Houston this coming weekend. I hope to recover soon and I emphatize with Maomi fully now.

I suspect the talofibular ligament is torn.

Tribute to Mamba

I haven't written about my dear mamba in a while and I felt it will be timely to do so at this moment in time (while she is still alive and kicking). Everytime mamba seems to fall ill and I prepare myself to face the grim fact that I might have to put her to sleep for good, she springs back alive.

Mercedes Benz vehicles till probably 1990 were made with spectacular build quality. The cars were way over-engineered; thicker gauge steel body shells, well designed and built automotive parts with long service life, etc. None of the cars these days can match the quality and pride the factories took in producing these vehicles back in the years. Over the last decade or so, the Stuttgart based manufacturer had cut corners to proliferate profits in leu of quality. The reputation of the german manufacturer began to suffer as a result. Mercedes has since committed itself to revamp its quality; its getting better now but there is still a long way to go I feel.

Meanwhile, I was doing some routine maintenance and recorded a clip of the 300Bhp V-8 engine. Click on the picture below to listen to the roar. It is actually quite deafening in person. That engine is capable of hauling a 5000pd car to 60mph in under 7 secs!! Now you know why I am complaining abt gas money. I wish I could keep this car forever! :)

Manufacturer: Daimler-Benz (Mercedes-Benz)
Production Plant: Sindelfingen
Mfg. Suggested Retail Price: $80,000.00 approx. (back in 1987!!!)

Engine Code: 117.968
Engine: 5.6-liter
Engine Cylinders: V-8
Engine Type: 4 Stroke gasoline
Power: 220 kW / 5000 rpm (300 hp US, 299 hp Metric)
Torque: 455 Nm / 3750 rpm (336 ft lbs)
Displacement: 5547 cc (338.5 cubic inches)
Bore: 96.5 mm (3.8 in.)
Stroke: 94.8 mm (3.7 in.)
Compression Ratio (1): 9.0:1
Compression Ratio (2): 10.0:1
Battery: 12 V / 92 Ah
Alternator: 14 V / 80 A
Cooling System: 13.0 liters (13.7 qt.)
Engine Oil: 7.5 / 5.5 liters (7.9 / 5.8 qt.)
Plugs: Bosch W9DC
Gap: 1.0 mm (0.040")
Transmission: Automatic four speed torque converter

Chassis Code: 126.039
Gross Weight: 2290 kg (5,049 lbs, 2.5 US tons)
Curb Weight: 1830 kg (4,034 lbs, 2 US tons)
Wheelbase: 3070 mm (120.9 in., 10 ft.)
Overall Length: 5160 mm (203 in., 17 ft. long)
Overall Width: 1820 mm (71.7 in., 6 ft.)
Curb Height: 1446 mm (56.9 in., 4.7 ft.))
Turning Circle: 12.30 m (484 in, 40 ft.)
Fuel Tank: 90 liters (23.8 gallons)
Reserve Fuel Tank: (Included. above)

PERFORMANCE

Acceleration (0-100 kph): 6.9 sec.
Top Speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Fuel Consumption City (~40 mph): 12 mpg
Fuel Consumption Highway (55 mph): 22 mpg
Fuel Consumption Highway(80 mph): 18 mpg
Coefficient of Aerodynamic Drag: 0.36 Cd

CONVERSIONS

1 cc = 0.0610237441 cubic inches
1 kilowatt = 1.34102209 horsepower
1 kilogram = 2.20462262 pounds
1 millimeter = 0.0393700787 in
1 kph = 0.621371192 mph
1 US hp = 550 lbf.ft/s