The BMW 320 gets modified to save cost

A common problem among Malaysian BMWs is that the rubberized component of the door handles melts as they cannot handle Malaysian heat, I am told BMW rubber components use a higher percentage of petroleum to give the rubber component a softer feel. To replace them with originals will come back to the same problem so I found plastic versions for the "Malaysian Right Hand Drive" models at Lazada for RM200 (4 pieces). The material is good quality and compliments the premium quality of BMW cars. Upon installing, the mechanic said the screws that came along with the package so had to acquire long screw, just that installation would be slightly delayed. Job finished, wifey and me are impressed. They fit seamlessly into the car as well as feel as if they are original replacements.

Coincidentally, rain penetrated and rusted the socket of the left rear taillight. I had the same wireman mechanic modify and rewire the socket. The completed job was successful and saved me at least 2/3 cost of getting an original socket.

DIY Home Outdoor Plumbing

 

It cost a plumber RM60 just to come to the house, make an assessment and give a quotation to repair plumbing jobs let alone do the actual job, therefore, if a plumbing task cost less and can be DIY-ed, one should give it a try.

One day, our outdoor drain outlet got clogged so in PLAN A, I bought 2 polypropylene rods with brass tips and the rubber plunger head attachment similarly used by the plumber but could only insert a few feet in as the plunger head attachment appeared to hit a slight joint. I gave up after 100 plungs/3 days in a row. In PLAN B, I gave a last try, short of calling the plumber, bought a brass guide wheel roller attachment. This time I attached 2 rods and gave it a try. After 3 plungs, the clogged part went through and the muck lying in the external drain followed through. Success!

The items bought are imported materials purchased from Lazada and total RM65.By the look of the quality, they can last a life-time to be shared with members of the family should one day they live in different houses. I am sure the plumbing should would be much more expensive.

The lesson used with these equipment is after use, it is vital to thoroughly wash them with soapy water, brush off any muck, unscrew all attachments from the rod as well as completely unscrew the plunger head attachment and spray/dip them in oil to preserve their life.

The First Cell: Health is wealth

The secret of good health all depends on one's "first cell", that is, if it is healthy so will be the rest of the body be. In fact, when the first cell is strong, one has a good stamina in all things related to the body. I found this out from two separate newspaper article: one from an article on Chinese Art of Qigong and secondly, from an article on Silat, the traditional Malay Art of Defense. Our first cell is situated in an area behind the navel but the muscle there is the weakness in the body because it is not attached to any body. The only way to compensate for this shortcoming is to build up that muscle through sit-ups. I unfortunately had 2  hernia operations and the surgeon said because of my senior age, I should not over do sit-ups for fear the medical mesh might tear and that would require another operation more difficult than the former. This is why I limit my sit-ups to 30 times. Alhamdulillah, ever since I followed this principle, I  have not suffered any fever nor  fallen sick.