August 11^th, 2008 - Day 1

After waiting for weeks, the day has come and I hired a cab to LCCT and departed heading Kuala Terengganu on Air Asia plane.

On arrival in the Kuala Terengganu Airport, we collected our baggage in the new airport building and headed to Laguna Redang Resort’s counter. As usual, they checked our name in the list and assigned us to a bus and transferred us to Merang Jetty. Then we collected our ferry ticket and registered our baggage.

When we arrived on the island, it was around 10:45am. We skipped the briefing part as we were returning customer. Lunch at 12am and check in time is 1am.

Then we walked to the dive center in Redang Beach Resort to have a look and get familiar with the place. We called our instructor and he is still on the way.

After hanging around for a while, we went back to Laguna to have our lunch, collect our baggage, check in the room and have a nap.

At around 5:30pm, we went to the beach in front of Redang Reef Resort and had a swim and snorkeling. After shower, we had our BBQ dinner. Then we meet our instructor KC in a cake house in Beach Resort at 8pm. KC gave us a briefing on the course outline. We went to bed at around 11pm.

August 12^th, 2008 - Day 2

I woke up, get prepared and send my diving equipment to the dive center. Laguna don’t allow diving/snorkeling equipment or wetsuit/swimming wear in dining area. After sending those stuffs, I headed for breakfast with Eunice.

After breakfast, we went to the dive center and meet our instructor. He briefed me on some rescue skills which need to be practiced in water. Then, he briefed Eunice on underwater navigation.

Four of us, KC (Instructor), Peter (Divemaster), Eunice (Advance OW Student) and me (Rescue Diver Student) gear up and walk to the shore in front of Pasir Panjang Beach. We descended to 7 meters and enjoy the view around.

When I tried to get familiar with my new Aquatec BCD, I started to feel unbalanced. I tried to feel the tank behind me. It was like a shaky and low. Then I tried to feel the 1st stage if it is still in position. Nope, it was unreachable. The tank has drop lower because the strap was not tighten securely when I setup the loop on the strap. Maybe that was due to its new condition where the strap has not fully absorbed the water although it was flushed to make it wet.

Remembered the skill Mark teach me in B&J Tioman during my OW, I alert those buddies and then take off my BCD underwater with the regulator still in mouth, I turned around to get everything back into position and tighten the strap with the help from KC. I am positively buoyant if I breathe normally without the tank and BCD tied on me. So I have to exhale deeper and inhale shallower to achieve very slight negative buoyancy. WoW! I had 4 pieces on my waist and just 0.1mm rash guard.

After navigating around for approximately 20 minutes, we broke into two teams. I followed Peter to continue the dive. KC and Eunice stopped on sandy bottom and started to perform her underwater navigation skills training. We merged back into a group about 15 minutes later. Then suddenly, Peter came to me with his palm moving right and left in front of his neck. “Low On Air”, that the underwater hand signal means (Skill 1). Immediately I passed my octopus (secondary regulator) to him. Both of us released the air in our BCD and accented slowly by fining till the surface. No safety stop needed because we were navigating around 5 meters before we accented.

On surface, suddenly Peter gets panic and struggling to get afloat (Skill 2). I was right in front of him so I held one of his hands, I pulled him slightly harder towards me and that caused him turn around and his back facing me. Then I held his first stage with my left hand, pushed the lower part of his tank with my leg, and my right hand held his inflator and inflated it fully. After confirmed that he was fine, I let go and monitored him if he needs any further assistants.

Next, when I swam some distances away from Peter, he tested me on another skill. He struggled again and this time, he was few meters away from me (Skill 3). Immediately I descended to about 3 meters, swimming under him to his back and ascended. I repeated the same step as in skill 2 to keep him afloat and calm him down. The reason I approached him from behind was because panic diver tend to pull anything within their reach. They might pull your regulator hose and try to climb on you which cause you to drown. Descending and ascending will reach the back of the victim faster and at the same time, the victim will not notice that you are near to him.

Last skill for that dive was exhausted diver (Skill 4). Peter said that he was very tired. I offered to tow him and he agreed. So, with his BCD fully inflated, I hold on his first stage with one hand and push slightly the middle part of his tank with another hand. That will keep him leaning slightly on his back and I finned slowly towing him backward to the shore.

Back to the shore, we showed and had our lunch in Laguna. At 2:30pm, we walked back to the dive center to gear up for the next dive which was a boat dive in Tanjung Tokong. We descended and navigate around some of the big rocks. I took photos of nudibranchs and clams.

In the evening, we took a walk along the beach while waiting for dinner to be served. After dinner, we met KC again in cake house. KC showed us some of the pictures he took in Sipadan Island. I had a few cans of beer there while chatting.

Suddenly, strong wind started to blow. We paid our bills and started to leave the cake house. Before we managed to reach Laguna, it started to rain cats and dogs. We were trapped near a burger stall which has shelter. I ordered a burger and had it as supper while waiting for the rain to stop.

After half an hour waiting, the rain gets lighter and I managed to get some plastic bag to pack my laptop’s bag from Ice, the young lady working in cake house. Thanks Ice.

We walked back to our room, had a shower and slept soundly that night due to the rainy weather and tiredness.

This picture taken in Redang Island. I was waiting for others diver to gears up, then I spotted this little bugs standing on newspaper.

With my camera on hand and nothing to do, I switched into macro mode approached this little bug slowly. Tried to focus to the nearest point (about 3cm from the lens)… The bugs is too small in the frame. Zoom optically didn’t help as it extend the minimum focus point.

Then digital macro came across my mind. Then immediately, I switched to Digital Macro Mode.

Snap! That’s the result I get after I tried shooting in a few angle.

Conclusion:

Pro: Digital Macro is useful if you want to further magnify a small object beyond your len’s minimum focus point.
Cons: You will loose sharpness which need to be adjusted back using editing software but noise will appear.

I have one more week to go before my trip to Pulau Redang/Perhentian.
After planning for more than 1 month since MIDE (Malaysia International Dive Expo) where I reserved a 3 days 2 nights package to Pulau Perhentian and a self organized 5 days 4 nights in Pulau Redang, its time to get my diving gears/equipments checked and packed. Well I can’t wait to get my virgin AQUATEC BCD to get wet in Sodium Chloride Solutions :-Þ

This is my fourth trip to Redang Island and my first trip to Perhentian Island. The first trip to Redang was back in August 2003 during my college days. I went there with my college’s CVH group and college’s mates. That’s the time when I was amazed by the under water’s world and got attracted by the ability of diver to go deeper and nearer to the underwater natural world. The second trip and third trip to Redang was July and August 2007. That when I did my PADI Advanced Open Water course with my instructor, KC in Redang Reef Resort and my buddy Eunice take her SDI Open Water course.

Right after the MIDE 2008 in PWTC, I have contacted my instructor, KC to do an arrangement for my PADI Rescue Diver Course in Redang. He also helps me to book a room in resort. Unfortunately, due to Singapore Independence day which falls on 9th of August, I can’t get a resort that can offer me 4 nights stays. So my instructor help me to ask around to mix and match end up booking for the first 2 nights in Laguna Redang Resort, and another 2 nights in Pelangi Redang Resort. That’s a perfect match as Pelangi Redang Resort offers ferry to Kuala Terengganu that departs as early as 7:30am where we can catch up on a bus/taxi from Kuala Terengganu to Kuala Besut, jetty to Perhentian Island.

For the Perhentian Island side, not much information I get from Orca Blue as the package contain is just simple. It includes boat transfer from jetty, 2 nights stay, 5 dives and 2breakfast/2lunch/2dinner.

For the air transfer, I booked AirAsia from LCCT to Kuala Terengganu and return ticket from Kota Bharu to LCCT. Nowadays, AirAsia charge extra RM3 per cabin luggage. Anyway, it’s still cheaper than the so called “Sport Equipment” charges with a RM30 fixed rate. So, I just get a normal trolley bag and pack everything inside so that it doesn’t look like diving gears to avoid the unnecessary charges.

I still need to read my 200 pages PADI Rescue Diver Manual before my trip on August 11, 2008

Yesterday, I have ordered Mc Donald by Mcdelivery Service. I place my order on 13th July 2008 at 2:30am (For McManagement to know who’s on shift). After around 40 minutes, I received a call from the McDelivery guy from Pusat Bandar Damansara asking my to go downstair to collect my large McChicken set and large soya bean milk. So I collected the meal and pay the guy money.

When I went back upstair of my office, then i notice that there are no chili sauce sos, tissue and straw. I called back to the call center around 3:15am and ask them why the meal was delivered without sos, tissue, and straw. The guy say that he will ask them to send again in 45 minutes. Har??? Not my fault but need another 45 minutes??? Ok, I wait. I continue to work.

Looking at the clock, it shows 4:15am. It’s already 1 hour and where is the chili sauce? I called the center again and request to talk to the on duty manager. Call center guy say, only supervisor available. I told the whole situation to the supervisor and he said he will call the branch and request them to call me immediately. Ok, I wait again.

After 30 minutes waiting, I call the supervisor again and he said that he have informed the branch. Immediately? No call at all. Then I told the supervisor this before hanging up, “Anyway, It’s ok. I don’t need all those things now. I have been waiting for more than 2 hours to enjoy the meal but end up having meal with no chili sauce, cold and harden burger, soft and watery fries, and tasteless and warm soya milk. I am very dissatisfied with everything I had today, and just look a head for an article or review on this. Thank You. Bye.”

Previous Experiences

The most common is either no small change (forced tips) or round up to the next ringgit with asking (auto tips)

I called to order McD worth more than RM20. I double confirmed with call center the FREE large green tea still available. Then when delivered, the delivery guy said finish. After he left, I open up and there were two extra straws. Why got two extra straw if the two FREE green tea finish?

I order as usual and end up RM23++. Then delivery arrives. When asking me to pay money, he folds the invoice and showed me RM26++. I paid and asked for the invoice. He said that he needs to return back to outlet. Immediately, I suspected something wrong and I request to view only as he needs to bring back. Here’s how it printed.
————–
Total RM23++
Change RM50
Balance RM26++
————–

There were many many many more bad experience as I believe that my account order near or maybe exceeded 100 orders. At least I can VERY SURELY confirm that it exceeded 50 orders. This is to highlight the NON APPRECIATE of the McD’s managers/supervisors attending complains. NEVER EVER give a call back explanation.

I came across this in newspaper and just put it up for reference if someone looking for it.

The new Domestic Tariff A for electricity starting from 1st July 2008 will be as follows.

For monthly consumption between 0-400kWh per month
For the first 200kWh (1-200kWh) per month = 21.8sen/kWh
For the next 200kWh (201-400kWh) per month = 34.5sen/kWh
* The minimum monthly charge is RM3.00

For monthly consumption more than 400kWh per month
For the first 500kWh (1-500kWh) per month = 30sen/kWh
For the next 100kWh (501-600kWh) per month = 39sen/kWh
For the next 100kWh (601-700kWh) per month = 40sen/kWh
For the next 100kWh (701-800kWh) per month = 41sen/kWh
For the next 100kWh (801-900kWh) per month = 43sen/kWh
For the next kWh (901kWh onwards) per month = 46sen/kWh
* The minimum monthly charge is RM3.00
(Source: New Straits Times)

Some Calculation
Your monthly bill based on kWh consumption per month

100kWh/month = RM21.80
200kWh/month = RM43.60
300kWh/month = RM78.10
400kWh/month = RM112.60
401kWh/month = RM120.30
500kWh/month = RM150.00
600kWh/month = RM189.00
700kWh/month = RM229.00
800kWh/month = RM270.00
900kWh/month = RM313.00
1000kWh/month = RM359.00
* Affected by increment

Lately, I brought a new laptop from HP. It’s a Shell, Citibank and HP Compaq joined promotion. You need to apply for the Shell Citibank credit card and get approval before purchasing it. HP only accept Shell Citibank credit card for this promotional offer. Each card approved is only entitled to one unit.

Here’s the specification of the laptop which cost me only RM1399.

HP Compaq Presario C778TU Notebook/Laptop
FreeDOS
Intel® Pentium® Dual Core processor 1.73Ghz T2370
Intel Chipset
1 X 1024MB of DDR2 667MHz RAM (max 2GB)
8X Double Layer DVD +/- RW Drive
80GB Hard Disk
Atheros 802.11b/g WLAN
15.4″ TFT WXGA high definition widescreen LCD panel with brightview technology
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator x1300 (shared) up to 64MB Total Available Graphics Memory
Integrated 5 in 1 card reader
Integrated Altec Lansing Stereo Speaker
Integrated Web Cam
Integrated 10/100Mbps Network Interface Card
Integrated 56K Modem
USB 2.0 X3, VGA X 1, 7 pin TV out (S-Video/Composite) X 1
6 Cell Battery
1 Year International Limited Warranty
*No Bluetooth, No Operation System.

HP Compaq Presario C777TU/C778TU Notebook driver for Windows Vista can be downloaded from HP Official website.
C777TU - Windows Vista Driver
C778TU - Windows Vista Driver

For more information on other model’s specification, you can visit HP website.

Upcoming - HP Compaq Presario C778TU Notebook/Laptop Review
Upcoming - HP Compaq Presario C777TU/C778TU Notebook/Laptop XP Driver Download

On Wednesday, June 4th 2008 evening, the Malaysia government announce in broadcasting media stating that the price of the petrol and diesel will increase 78 cents(40%) and RM1.00(63%) respectively making RM2.70/liter of petrol and RM2.58/liter of diesel in follow the rise of the global petroleum price. The government has decided to decreased it’s subsidize to consumer down to a fixed rate of 30 cents per liter. The government also said that the price will be reviewed on monthly basis and adjusted accordingly.

For the low earning group, the increment will cause a big burden to their living. As a turn around, the government has introduced a new rebate plan during annual road tax renewal.

For cars below 2000cc are entitled to a RM625 rebate
For private pickup trucks/jeeps below 2500cc are entitled to a RM625 rebate
For private vehicle 2000cc and above are entitled to a RM200 rebate
For motorbikes below 250cc are entitled to a RM150 rebate
For motorbikes 250cc and above are entitled to a RM50 rebate

All rebates are claimable from post office in term of cash after July 1st 2008.

How I heard the News!

On that evening, I was sleeping because I work night shift on that week. My cell phone vibration woke me up and I took it and look at it. “You Have 1 New Message”. It’s a message sent by my colleague Mark. “Hi Dudes, Petrol increased to RM2.70 by tonight.” Minutes later, my cell phone vibrates again. “It’s time to top up your fuel tank.”

Awaken by the news; I called my father which is always updated with current affair. “Papa, I heard that the petrol price increased to RM2.70″ “Yes, I heard from the news just now about the price but didn’t noticed that it’s tomorrow”.

After get confirmation of the price, and now the date. I send a message to Mark. “Price confirmed but dates not. You heard from media?” He replied, “http://www.nst.com.my”. Immediately, I walked to my laptop and browsed the page. Oh no, it’s not a rumors like previous case. The first thing came across my mind was, “How much petrol left in my car?” Oh! It’s almost empty!

I got all my usual pre-work preparation done and drive to the nearest petrol station in Subang. The road was loaded with quite heavy and slow moving traffic. Both the petrol stations were congested with cars and the queue was long enough to cause massive jam.

BHP Subang Jaya SS14 BHP Subang Jaya SS14

BHP Subang Jaya SS14 Mobil Subang Jaya SS14

I keep driving and hope that the petrol station near my office was not as bad. Passing thru Sunway Caltex and Mentari Shell petrol station, I could see that those petrol stations were also congested. I continue my drive to my office as the clock already shows 8:30pm.

Shell Sunway Mentari Shell Bukit Damansara

Shell Bukit Damansara Shell Bukit Damansara

When I took my turn into Bukit Damansara and I was 400 meter from my office. I could see that about 100m away, the traffic is totally still and all cars were heading toward Shell petrol station in the end of Jalan Gelenggang where my office is located. The jam took me about 40 minutes before I could fill up my tank.

I reached office at 10:45pm. The whole journey took me 3 hours to travel from Sunway to Bukit Damansara.

Some Calculation

Petrol price for same amount of petrol before and after increment
RM10 > 5.208liter > Now RM14.06
RM20 > 10.417liter > Now RM28.13
RM30 > 15.625liter > Now RM42.19
RM40 > 20.833liter > Now RM56.25
RM50 > 26.042liter > Now RM70.31
RM60 > 31.250liter > Now RM84.38
RM70 > 36.458liter > Now RM98.44
RM80 > 41.667liter > Now RM112.50
RM90 > 46.875liter > Now RM126.56
RM100 > 52.083liter > Now RM140.63

Petrol consumption Before Increment vs After Increment
Rm0.10/liter > Now Rm0.140/liter
Rm0.12/liter > Now Rm0.168/liter
Rm0.14/liter > Now Rm0.196/liter
Rm0.16/liter > Now Rm0.224/liter
Rm0.18/liter > Now Rm0.252/liter
Rm0.20/liter > Now Rm0.280/liter

Increment or Decrement?

RM625 rebate divide by increment of RM0.70/liter equal to the first 893 liter without increment.

If you use more than 893liter or 22 full tank(40 liter) per year , you are affected by the increment. If you use lesser, you get a decrement on petrol.

So are you in that affected groups of consumer?

HANCOCK, a new movie by Peter Berg the director of The Kingdom (2007). Starring Will Smith (Hancock), Jason Bateman (Ray Embrey), Charlize Theron (Mary Embrey), Eddie Marson and Charlie Theron.

There are heroes… there are superheroes… and then there’s Hancock. With great power comes great responsibility – everyone knows that – everyone, that is, but Hancock. Edgy, conflicted, sarcastic, and misunderstood, Hancock’s well-intentioned heroics might get the job done and save countless lives, but always seem to leave jaw-dropping damage in their wake. The public has finally had enough – as grateful as they are to have their local hero, the good citizens of Los Angeles are wondering what they ever did to deserve this guy.

Blogger who want to get free tickets for this movie can go here.

Super Hero in 21st century?
You are a Super Hero if you don’t watch pirated movie or sell pirate copy of DVD/VCD

Cafe Flam celebrated its 5th anniversary last Saturday on May 31st, 2008. Guests are served with delicious buffet dinner direct from its kitchen.

The party goes on till late night with DJ Chin, the house DJ mixes non-stop music that challenges the itchy legs of local ‘kaki’ shufflers to show its skill on the dance floor.

The part that draws the most crowds is the sexy dance which last for more than half an hour by six sexy dancers.

If you are lucky you can meet the shooter girl selling Vodka 42 Below. There are varieties of different taste which give a boost if you take it fast.

Thanks a lot Simon, to bring me to the world of blogging.

Just to pass on what he teach me to blogger who wants to blog using your own web hosting and make setup a hassle free, download a copy of latest Open Source, WordPress from http://www.wordpress.org

Starting from a newly registered web hosting, WordPress install only take 5 minutes and the blog is up and running. In addition to that, there are hundred dozens of themes to change the appearance.