Sidewall puncture is conditionally repairable...

For so many years I embraced a belief that sidewall puncture is NOT repairable or very unlikely repairable. The reason is simple, unlike the tread area that consists of cap piles and steel belts, sidewall on the other hand is mainly vulcanized rubber with hard rubber apex and synthetic inner liner layered on it. So sidewall is relatively weaker compared to tread area, hence such defects either big or small may lead to sudden blowout and may also lead to other major failures. So I can understand why weren't so many Auto-Tyre personnel willing enough to take the risk or attempt sidewall repair when the general build in design of the sidewall was fairly understood.

General rules of for tyre repair

I'm just an ordinary user and as we know money doesn't come the way leaves fall from a tree. So when it comes to sidewall puncture, which happened twice in my to date experience, a right decision have to be made either to scrap it off and replace with a new one, or take the risk and save some money. In both of my cases, I was quite fortunate since it happened to my very brand new tyre (less than 10 days old), therefore I took the later option.

I was quite surprised seeing a 3 inches nail pierced firmly in the sidewall of my left rear tyre, which I only realized after traveling 320 km away from Pahang. Ironically the 110-120 km/h speed I drove on the highway that supposed to be unsafe for sidewall defects, turned out to be a safe one. Allah is great! I quickly drove my car to Auto-Tyre Garage and get it fix right away. As expected, the tyre personnel was reluctant at the beginning and has recommended me for a new tyre replacement. After noticing the tyre was kind of brand new, only then he attempted to repair.

My Michelin 175/65 R14 after months of sidewall puncture repair

Close up view of the puncture sealant - pretty ugly, eh?

Alhamdulellah, now almost 14 months have passed and my affected Michelin tyre still looks good like the rest three. I'm not sure whether this was the coolest decision I've made so far out of my driving experience. As far as safety is concerned I'm sure Michelin would have discourage me from the very beginning. Sometimes we just have to trust our basic instinct but of course don't do something stupid. I will definitely scrap my tyre off if the sidewall puncture involves bead tearing or cracking. For my case I didn't observe any tearing or deformation around the nail puncture and the tyre didn't go flat prior to repair. InshaAllah it's going to be fine as far as I don't drive the way Paris-Dakar rally driver does. Considering a bit of knowledge I gained from this experience, I think it worth more than 100 new tyres… huhu.

Those out there who have limited budget and want to save some money over a new tyre, hear my say. I'm not a tyre expert, I'll never be one. I'm just sharing my experience (twice so far) to prove that sidewall puncture is repairable, perhaps I should rephrase that one… CONDITIONALLY repairable. So please justify before attempting such repair.

My 4D3N Bali Vacation

I read many authors' review in various travel websites and magazines, which left me wonder why Bali always be among the top rated, although some did sound slightly over exaggerating. Now, after my short 4D3N Bali vacation, I felt so inline with most of the reviews. Superb and enjoyable, if it isn't too much to say. Bali is definitely one of my favorite holiday destinations.

Being a tourist as well as a practicing Muslim, though no longer strange, is not easy as it sounds. Practicing Muslims have to abide at their best possible particularly the obligatory prayers. And of their greatest concern of course is the halal food. Although Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country, Bali as a province unfortunately is not. Balinese are culturally Hindus. So practicing Muslims of my standard have to make a lot of research before visiting such places.

My friends and I arrived in Bali on the historical elevens, 11 November 2011 (I will never forget this date). I couldn't hide my excitement because we will be walking under the sea.. yeah, we are going to SeaWalker, the real underwater experience and also we will get the chance to view one of the world's best sunsets. I won't blow the chance to experience perhaps once in the lifetime opportunities. Bali Top 10 must see places such as Kuta Beach, the hilly Kintamani, the magnificent cliffs of Uluwatu and its beaches, Tanjung Benoa, Ubud... they are for real! I was just too excited, seriously! Besides, this was my first time flying with AirAsia. Not bad for the so-called 'relatively cheaper' airways.

Truly I have so many stories to tell, but like most storytellers, I will not be able to write in a single post, so let the pictures tell the rest of the stories...

Apple Model on the beach with casual wear... hehe

At Uluwatu beach under the blue sky

Uluwatu beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali

Waiting for the sunset at Kuta beach

Sunset at Kuta beach

The magnificent cliffs of Uluwatu.. beautiful, mashaAllah!

With my traveling partners, Nasha (left) and Hazuan (middle)

Near Hard Rock Hotel entrance

Oasis Hotel, Kuta - This was the hotel we stayed in Bali

Being underwater and walking on the sea floor could probably the most exciting experience, so we need to ensure the activity was sufficiently documented. We used Kodak Sport Underwater Disposable Camera for capturing the underwater images. It's difficult to snap underwater pictures, we need to overcome the strong sea current. Though the camera was a kind of low-end, we still managed to get at least 25% considerably good pictures.

'Syoknya' walking underwater

Hazuan (left) and Nasha (right) in their own style

My Bali trip was a success. I would like to thank Hazuan and Nasha for joining the trip. No doubt that Bali is a beautiful 'heaven', from the land to the sea, and its underwater world. I thank Allah our mighty Lord for giving us the opportunity to witness His beautiful creations. I hope this won't be my last, so jom Bali (let's go to Bali)..

Michael Sanguinetti - Thanks for your remark!

“I know I am not supposed to say this, but if you really want to know how not to get raped don’t dress like a slut.”

That was the remark made by Michael Sanguinetti at the Osgoode Hall that has sparked protest in Toronto Canada and some other parts of the world. What has went wrong? Was the statement so offensive until some students and staff of Osgoode Hall Law School demanded an apology?

To me, Sanguinetti's remark wasn't an overstatement. I believe it was sincere and truly from his years of experience and observations. His intention was to protect them just like most fathers and husbands do. It maybe harsh to some girls but agreeable to some others. Do you think your piece of advice will satisfy everyone on this planet?

My post has nothing to do with BATTLE OF THE SEXES. So don't get me wrong here.

I respect females as what they are. At the same time I don't like women to be viewed as sex objects by men. I think we would have been a lot better off by encouraging women to dress in modesty rather than revealingly. I know it's hard because modern girls are way daring than the traditional girls. Some of them are very prepared to do anything to 'please a boyfriend', 'get a boyfriend' or even 'steal other people's boyfriend'. It would be no surprise if they make themselves very flirty as well 'look hot and sexy'. It's such a shame when it end up a sad story. Therefore we, people of a civilized society have to reevaluate our responsibility.

I still remember, Princeton psychologist Susan Fiske, who presented her findings at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Chicago on February 15, 2008 concluded that male behavior towards females is influenced by highly sexualized images of women. As a man, I totally agree with Fiske. Women's degree of sexyness to some extent does promote beast quality in men. Do you think everyman can control their desire and regulate their arousal?

So don't punish Michael Sanguinetti for his remark, and no need for SlutWalk. Although SlutWalk began marching the street about one and a half month later, majority of women didn't agree with the protest (I coudn't see one at my locality). I've seen the SlutWalk images. It's a lot filthier than I thought it was. SlutWalk was clearly a sexual harassment on men and it tarnished the reputation of good women.

I'm not strong enough to be in Sanguinetti's position but I do admire him for his words. Although I see no necessity for Sanguinetti to apologize, he actually did two days after his remark. I wonder whether it really came from him or his department. I guess no need to further speculate.

Those who against Michael Sanguinetti, think again, because this police officer is a lot wiser than you think he is...

Kitty says: Human can dress better than me... Meow!

As we always hear people say...
If you dress like a merchant, people treat you like a merchant.
If you dress like a beggar, people treat you like a beggar.

We don't need to be analysts to understand the above. We don't need any complex mathematics to prove or disprove the above. Just look at the logic, enough said.

So if you dress like a slut, don't expect people treat you like a Queen of England! Huhu... Meow!

When two person praying... which style is yours?

Being a Muslim is something one should treasure and be proud of, whether he or she is a convert or a born Muslim. It is a bless that I can hardly describe. I always heard that converts are better Muslims. I found no points to disagree with, in fact majority of them are. Converts are always more devoted and better in practicing Islam.

I am a born Muslim, alhamdulellah. Just like most born Muslims, the beginning of my religious practice was very much influenced by the folklore, which some were rather cultural than religious. I only started questioning some of those after observing differences in the religious practice among the practicing Muslims of the East and West. The question that has been looming in my mind is why must such practices be different since the original source is the same, i.e. Al-Quran and sunnah?

The question doesn't degrade my belief in Islam, rather it has expedited the whole process for me to search for the truth.

Take this simple question for example... Where is the position of the follower (makmum) if only two person are praying together?

Based on my experience, some people pray on the right side of the imam [A], some pray on the right side with one step back of the imam [B] and some pray on the right side with two-three steps back of the imam [C]. So which is the correct one?

Most prayer books of the 80s and 90s written by local authors portrayed style [B], the style that was observed by most Malaysian Muslims during my childhood. However I realized no such evidence (dalil) was provided for supporting the prescribed method.

I began practicing style [A] somewhere 2004-2006, which I learned from Muslim brothers from the Middle East. This is the method that I'm very comfortable with, which is well backed up with evidence of the most authentic.

In order to avoid bias, I provide in this post, source of evidence (books and internet database) in Malay language.
[1] Sahih Bukhari (Tranlated Version by JAKIM), Vol 2, page 226
[2] Solat Empat Mazhab (الصلاة على المذاهب الاربعة), page 327
[3] Bahrul Mazi (Versi Rumi), Vol 2, page 207-208
[4] Mutiara Hadis UiTM, Database of Sunan Sittah (The Authentic Six) in Malay language

Sahih Bukhari: Bab (Makmum) berada di sebelah kanan imam bersetentang dengannya apabila ada dua orang (sahaja)
Sahih Bukhari: Chapter (Follower of congregational prayer) be on the right side of imam just on the opposite side when there are two person (only)

Solat Empat Mazhab, page 327
Prayers of the Four Doctrines, page 327
If the follower is alone, he shall stand on the right side of the imam

Bahrul Mazi, Vol 2, page 208
When there is a man and an imam, he must stand on the opposite side of the imam

Mutiara Hadis UiTM (Search keyword: kanan imam)
When there is a man and an imam, he must stand on the opposite side of the imam 

In this post, it is not my intention to prove who is right or wrong, but it is good if such practices or claims are backed up with authentic evidence. I am just human and we all make mistakes, so please correct me if I'm wrong. May Allah guide us, inshaAllah.

Kevin Cordon - When the tiny turns giant…

He was born in 1986 in Guatemala, a country that is not just too far from famous but no one expects can produce such a talent in world badminton. Kevin Horaldo Cordon Buezo, better known as Kevin Cordon is now a shining gem from the tiny Guatemala.

From what I observed 2011 is the year for Kevin. Although he was the runner-up in a series of tournament such as Yonex OCBC US Open Grand Prix Gold, Yonex Canada Open, Slovenia International and Croatian International, and was the winner of Peru International and Polish International, none of these really opened the eyes of Asian badminton fans until he made to the quarterfinal of 2011 Yonex BWF World Championships in England recently.

Beating one of the world's top players, Chen Long of China in the world meet is his best achievement so far. I am very sure he can upset a few more top 10 players this year. I am so hoping to see him trashing Chen Jin, Bao Chunlai, Taufik Hidayat or Peter Gade in the near future and win a super series title.

Beaten at last... Kevin is congratulated by current World No 1 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia for his fighting spirit

I hope Federacion Nacional de Badminton de Guatemala can consider sending him to Malaysia or Denmark for training under renown coach, such as Misbun Sidek or Morten Frost Hansen. I am not saying Guatemalan coaches are not good but it would be better to add more spices to his game. It is always worth to try. What say you Kevin?

Episode 57: The Kulim Magic School Bus - Lost In The Jurassic

This is the Malaysian Kulim version of The Magic School Bus. Similar to the American version, this episode's main aim is to show that dinosaurs weren't all terrifying monsters, like movies often make them out to be.

The Kulim version of Magic School Bus has never been aired on TV, so I would like to take this chance to show you some snapshots from the real footage of "Lost In The Jurassic".

WARNING! This program contains scenes that some viewers may find it offensive, therefore parental discretion is advised... hehe

Now we understand that dinosaurs weren't all terrifying monsters...

From left to right: Nasha, Syed and Aswad (The Kids), Me (Mr Frizzle, the teacher) and Hafiz (Mr Garth, the PE teacher)

Actually the photos above were taken at Petrosains Dinotrek - Dino Dance exhibit on 17 May 2011. Too much funny moments during the photo shoot, alhamdulellah it was fun...

My interesting Thursday...

Things would have been easy if my Perodua Kancil can talk, tell me this or that needs to be fixed or changed. But my Kancil isn't BumbleBee, as much as I ain't mechanic. My Kancil, having served me for almost 14 years, is just too old for a standard of economy class vehicle, therefore too old to work always fine. I know that.

Last Thursday could probably one of my unlucky days. My 14 year old remote stopped working for the first time. I never thought my remote was the culprit since the LED light was still flashing fine whenever I hit the open/close button. My Magic School Bus Gang (Malay: geng bas sekolah) - Aswad, Kayrol and Hazwan witnessed how I broke into my car, which by default had triggered the car alarm to sound out loud. This is what perhaps, most people are referring to as 'too stupid to be smart', eh?

In this entry, I just want to thank those helping hands, who dropped by to help me especially Suhaimy Wahap, Nik Azmi, Zahid Omar, Shamz, my geng bas sekolah, etc. (sorry if I left some names unmentioned). May Allah bless you and give you rewards. It is so true that at my workplace, there are so many helping hands, no doubt about that. I'm just so happy to be part of the community.

I love my Kancil as what it is. No turbo, no skirting, no sporty spoiler, no nothing. But my remote really needs overhaulin'...

Kulim-Taiping Weekly Travel: Now I save 50 km (Part 2)

In my previous entry [ From My Desk: Kulim-Taiping Weekly Travel: Now I save 40 km ] I showed how Kulim-Serdang-Bandar Baharu-Taiping route can be used as an alternative route connecting Kulim and Taiping. Yes, I can save a 43 km traveling distance and RM7.30 highway tolls, but truly not on the traveling time, which I found was rather disadvantage.

Now I'm testing another alternative route, i.e. Kulim-Kampung Batu Sepuluh-Selama-Pondok Tanjung-Taiping, in which in my opinion is more quiet and lower-traffic than the earlier alternative. Interestingly, although unpopular, this countryside route is clearly visible in the Google map.

 Kulim-Batu Sepuluh-Padang Terap Village-Selama-Pondok Tanjung-Taiping is marked in Green

After three weeks of route testing, considering the driving comfortability and beautiful countryside, I'm very sure now that Kulim-Kampung Batu Sepuluh-Selama-Pondok Tanjung-Taiping route is a better route than the earlier alternative. Besides, many connecting roads have been upgraded and straightened, resulting in reduced traveling time by 20-30 minutes.

Let me summarize my findings:

Distance from my rental house (Kulim) to my house (Taiping)

… via Taiping Utara-Juru PLUS Highway + BKE = 137 km

| 0 km reference | Traveling time = 90 minutes | Toll fares = RM11.70 |

… via Kulim-Serdang-Bandar Baharu-Taiping = 94 km

| Save 43 km | Traveling time = 90-100 minutes | Toll fares = RM4.40 |

… via Kulim-Batu Sepuluh-Padang Terap-Selama-Pondok Tanjung-Taiping = 87 km

| Save 50 km | Traveling time = 70-85 minutes | NO toll fares |

The best time to travel is around 6.30 pm where you can appreciate the beauty of the countryside of Selama-Pondok Tanjung. You'll pass by MIDA Boer-goat breeding farm upon approaching Pondok Tanjung (nice view too). InshaAllah, if I got time, I'll upload some pictures of the countryside.

I hope my friend Badrul will be happy with this entry since he has been using the later route for quite sometime. Thanks Badrul for your inspiring story. I myself try to experience night time driving in this quiet route and of my greatest concern is the safety but I just did last Friday night, alhamdulellah. 

Secure From Flash Flood

Considering frequent flash floods hit Serdang-Bandar Baharu especially after heavy rain, Kampung Batu Sepuluh-Selama-Pondok Tanjung will definitely be the best alternative for Kulim-Taiping travelers, inshaAllah.

"HERE I AM AGAIN… I'M JUST A WEEKLY TRAVELER"

When I dream of Narnia

I'm a big fan of Narnia Chronicles since the release of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in 2005. I was so impressed with those animal characters. They were so human and realistic. Moreover the fantasy world that extend far beyond my imagination had added spices to the movie. The fact is that I always enjoyed watching Sci-Fi and fantasy movies. Narnia will definitely be one of my all time favourites. For that I didn't blow the chance to watch the subsequent Narnia Chronicles: Prince Caspian (2008) and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010).

I admire most of the characters, which made me missed Susan and Peter for not appearing in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. While the two youngest Pevensie's, Lucy and Edmund have grown and shown maturity in their characters, the newly introduced clumsy nerd character of Eustace Scrubb was rather impressive. Thumbs up to Will Poulter for playing the role excellently! He was so fired up (already before he turned into a dragon). Although I hardly understood, I enjoyed listening to his ‘very thick’ English accent too.

I watched DVD The Voyage of the Dawn Treader quite late at night. Didn't realize I fell asleep after almost half way. The only thing I remembered I got sucked into Narnia and was fighting with the evil pirates while trying to find my way back to the real world. I played no character by the way, it was just me, surprisingly as a young kid! In my dream it was so mixed up and confusing. Suddenly I heard a disquieting sound, "The time now is six ten A.M.!". Okay that's my handphone's alarm. Alhamdulellah, I'm back to the real world. What a relief! I'll make sure there'll be no more late night movies in the future.

In your dream, you may appear as a young or an old you

Specky prince, eh? Sorry Caspian, I laughed a lot when I look at me like this

The pictures above were just an example of the manifestation of my own fantasy. Yes, it is about 'the amazing', 'the weirdo', 'the fantastic', etc. but it can never be true. I know it's fun but always put limit to our imagination. So it's time to wake up! I hope you understand what world of fantasy is all about.