Books galore

The Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair has begun!

I went there twice - on Saturday (with my sister) and Sunday (with my wife and son). But I will definitely be going again. There are a lot of booths on three levels, and I need more time to have a thorough look. All in all, I had a good time there.

Only thing that bothered me were the "rather desperate" marketing executives of certain booths trying too hard to pull you to their booths. Come on guys, give the visitors some space. Let them roam freely and don't pester them too much. People like me get turned off quickly by these pestering salespeople. I know they earn commissions, but let the visitors make their own choices on which booth to visit.

Other than that, things were great at the KLIBF. Oh, and while we're on this topic, please remember to visit the following booths:

1. IKIM's booth - right at the entrance of Dewan Tun Razak. You can't miss it. Almost all of my books when I was with IKIM can be found here.
2. MPH's booth - located on the ground floor. You can find two books with my name on it published by MPH and a few of my books published by IKIM at this booth.
   
3. Utusan Publications and Distributors' booth - where you can find my novel "Ombak Senja" on sale (written under the pseudonym Amir Husaini).

Have a visit at the book fair - it's indeed worthwhile.

Earth Day

Maybe not many people realise that there are two dates whereby Earth Day is celebrated. The "official" date is 21st March, which is the first day of spring, and this is the date designated by the United Nations. Another date is 22nd April, which has its origins in the eco-activism of the 1960s in the United States. More on the background of these dates from this Wikipedia site. In Malaysia, not many people are aware of any of these dates. For that matter, not many people realise that there is even an Earth Day. This day does not figure prominently in Malaysia, as we have so many special events in the forms of festivities and holidays as it is already.

For me personally, I was first exposed to Earth Day when I was studying in the UK. It was then that I see the need to have a day to drive home the point of preserving and looking after our only home, that is the planet Earth. Environmental conservation is contigent, pertinent and crucial for our future survival.

In light of today's environmental problems we are facing in our country, it is perhaps very timely for us to designate a day to highlight the plight of our planet. To me, rather than focusing so much on entertainment programmes and self-indulgent award ceremonies, the media and corporate sector can play their roles in promoting environmental awareness - at least on Earth Day. However, kudos to Zoo Negara for highlighting the importance of Earth Day.

No doubt, the most important thing is for us as human beings to look after our planet. For Muslims, this is one of the many responsibilities under the task of khalifah or vicegerent of God on this planet. But looking after our planet is not just a task for one day, or just during Earth Day. Instead, it is a daily task.

Unless this is realised, we may have to look for another Earth-like planet to live on, which, coincidentally, scientists claimed may have been found. But we still need to figure out how to get to that distant planet if it is indeed habitable. So, at least for our generation and several generations after, we don't really have a choice, but to look after our planet.

Get real

I think we are being flooded by so-called reality programmes on television. Almost every channel that you turn to has its own reality programmes. A few are quite good, some are so-so, others are acquired tastes, while most unfortunately left a lot to be desired.

I don't get the chance to watch that much telly. There are a few reasons for this.

One, I don't have that much time for the idiot box. Whatever time I have in front of the television is spent watching either the news or cartoons with my son. On certain occasions, I do get the chance to watch some of my favourite programmes, which by the way are not reality programmes.

Two, I don't have Astro. So, my household is not spoilt for choice when it comes to television programming. Sure, I'd love to watch the programmes on Discovery or National Geographic, but unfortunately, after doing some math, it's just not worth it. We just don't watch that much television.

Three, with the terrestrial television that we do get at home, only TV3, ntv7 and 8TV have good receptions. The other three channels are quite bad in terms of reception, especially RTM1 and RTM2. So, our choice of programming is actually limited to the number of terrestrial channels watchable.

Okay, back to the issue of reality television. I do watch some of these shows when I'm free or if there's nothing better to watch. "Survivor" during its first couple of seasons was quite okay. So was "The Apprentice" in its early years. The "Idol" franchise and all its wannabes are over-rated however.

Sometimes these shows just try too hard to be real, that they themselves become unreal. I wonder oft-times whether the feelings shown in these shows are genuine and sincere. But then again, the emotions displayed in these shows is one of the main reasons why people watch reality programmes.

I do enjoy some of these shows, but my favourite reality programme has to be the grand-daddy of them all. The original reality programme on the small screen, and yet people tend to forget about this classic.

What else, but "Candid Camera"!

When old is new again

Apologies for the long pause in blogging. It's not that I have been busy, but rather there's nothing much to blog this past week. In any case, I am back with this new entry.

Notice how fashion is a recurring cycle? Something may be hip and trendy today, and after some time, it becomes outdated and unfashionable. Then suddenly, after people think that the said fashion has been relegated to mere footnotes in history books, it becomes the in-thing again.

Well, today I got myself a much deserved haircut. I usually go for the normal trim, but today, I decided to go back to the past for inspiration, in a manner of speaking. My school buddies would probably remember that I sported very short hair a la army recruits during my school days, so much so I was teased by certain schoolmates. But alas, that was my identity back then.

When I left for the UK, I decided to let my hair down a bit (literally). But not too long though, as I wasn't comfortable with long hair. The longest I went without a haircut was around six months.

After returning to Malaysia, I decided to take the middle path, i.e. not too long and not too short. Long enough to have my hair combed and short enough to look presentable. I noticed that when I kept my hair longer than usual, my friends would wonder whether I was facing some problems. Perhaps with the long hair, I look a bit unkempt.

Anyhow, with the weird weather we're having of late - the extra hot and wet weather - I decided that I should go back to the crew cut look of my school days. Even my usual barber was surprised. He asked me three times to check whether I was absolutely certain with my decision. I had indeed made up my mind. It felt quite good actually having rid the extra luggage on top of my head. I feel - for lack of a better phrase - lightheaded!

When I looked at the mirror, it's like looking back to the past. And today, what was old is new once more.

Launchpad

Yesterday, I was at Avenue K attending a book launch. One of the novels launched is written by my novelist/blogger friend, Izza Aripin. Another novelist/blogger, Rabiatul Adawiyah was also there with her family.

Also in attendance were Fikri and his family. It was good to see Fikri again. I'm happy to see him doing so well. Izza and I managed to sit down with Fikri and his mother to discuss about writing Fikri's experience as a heart recipient. We've talked about this a couple of times before, but I'm quite sure this time around, we'll actully get down to doing it. My personal hope is to see this book out by the time Fikri celebrates his second anniversary with a new heart this December.

As for Izza, congratulations on the launching of the new novel. I hope they will sell well, especially with the KL International Book Fair coming up soon. Izza's personal account of the launching can be read here.

Now, if only I could get my publisher to give my novel some publicity...

Fun with numbers

Ned Akechi in his blog listed some mathematical wonders. Have a look and I'm pretty sure that you'll be amazed, to say the least.

In any case, I'd like to share a story attributed to Sayyidina 'Ali Ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph of the Khulafa' al-Rashidin. It was said that there was an old man who died and left a strange will which was impossible to be carried out.

He had three sons and he also had 17 camels. In his will, he wanted his eldest son to get 1/2 of the camels, his middle son to get 1/3 of the camels, while his youngest son to get 1/9 of the camels.

Everyone was astounded. How could it be possible to divide the camels in such a way? As such, the matter was brought to Sayyidina 'Ali to be decided upon. The caliph gave it some thought, and decided that in order to make things simple, he was willing to give one of his camels, so that the total would now be 18.

And so, the will was thus able to be carried out. The first son got 1/2 of 18, which was 9 camels. The second son got 1/3 of 18, which was 6 camels. The third son got 1/9 of 18, which was 2 camels.

When the camels were distributed accordingly among the sons, there was one camel left (because 9+6+2 = 17). Since the problem had been solved, Sayyidina 'Ali took back his camel.

Fascinating, isn't it?

P.S. For another such story which was blogged many many moons ago, here's the link.

Fanboy fantasy

Okay, I admit I'm a sucker for comic superheroes and fantasies. And when these characters are adapted to the big screen, I anticipate eagerly for the show. That is why I watched the Lord of the Rings trilogy on their opening nights. Likewise, I was also thrilled when the X-Men and Spider-Man movies were shown.

So, for 2007, there's only one movie that I really want to watch, and that is Spider-Man 3. In case anyone hasn't watched its trailer, here's the link. Alternatively, if you prefer YouTube, just click play below.

Enjoy!

Luxury item

This is my third day with a cold. This is the second time this year that I haven't been well. The first time was in February.

This time around, the cold itself isn't too bad, but somehow my body feels very exhausted. Perhaps it's just a way my body is telling me to take things easy and try to get some rest.

Somehow, rest has become a luxury for me these days.

Idiotic drivers

This afternoon, as I was leaving Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital (APSH), a car from the left lane suddenly changed lanes without signalling to go on to the right lane. He drove on to the parking pay booth on the right.

Ok... fine, I said.

Then suddenly when he was already on the right lane and was about a metre away from the pay booth, the car reversed... at full speed. I hit the horn, but then it was useless. The idiot's car hit my car, and there was a crash sound.

Ok... this is not fine...

I got out of the car, fuming. The idiot got out of his car, profusely saying he didn't see.

Didn't see? Where did you put your eyes? Didn't you learn to use your rear glass mirror when reversing? Perhaps, calling him an idiot was an understatement after all.

All my life, I've never fumed in public before. I gave him a piece of my mind. In a way, I was fortunate because my car wasn't badly damaged. There was only a slight dent near the Proton's logo. The idiot's car's back bumper was worse off. It cracked from the top down.

Serves him right, I said.

I then said to the idiot, "Jalan sajalah." I didn't want to keep anyone else waiting, what more it happened in a hospital compound. He drove off, without any apology. I drove off after paying my parking fee, still fuming.

And still cursing that idiot.

Even now.

Family outing

It has been quite a while since I took my family for an outing. In fact, yesterday's outing to the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park was the first since we had our son. An account of my son's excitement at his time at the KL Bird Park can be read at his blog.

It was good to be back at the bird park. The last time I was there was in 1999. The serene surroundings with birds flying certainly was a welcome change from the hustle-and-bustle of city life. For me at least, it was a good way to unwind, and the outing provided an opportunity for me to do a fair amount of walking.

Minor changes

Well, it's Saturday and I'm at the office. Not because there's work to be done, but I have to oversee some contractors finishing off their still uncompleted work. I blogged about this before.

Anyway, I decided to do some minor changes on this blog's sidebar. I have added a link to the Integrated Transport Information System or ITIS website under the heading "Useful Resources" (formerly "Web Resources"). Personally, I find information found on this website to be helpful for people driving around Klang Valley.

I have also added several links under the new heading "All Things Novel." The old heading used to be "E-Novels" but I've decided to incorporate other related links as well. Aside from e-novels, there are also links to novelists' sites as well as critiques of novels.

And I have deleted the heading "Web Discussions." Two of the links under this heading have been redesignated under other more relevant headings while one link has been taken off altogether.

Talk about nothing better to do on a Saturday. *Sigh*

Old newspaper

Something from 2004....

I came upon this as I was doing some Internet search on education. Of course, this is old news but I wasn't aware of it until today.

Apparently, YB Lim Kit Siang, the Head of Opposition in the Parliament issued this media statement way back in 2004. The full text can be read by double-clicking the link provided. But I'd just like to highlight the following:

I had [sic] glad that in the past fortnight, other voices had spoken out who clearly do not agree with Musa’s dismissal of Abdullah’s call for an “education revolution” as a mere “reminder” to the Education Ministry to “continue its present efforts to improve the education system”.

The New Straits Times, for instance, in its “Saturday Forum” on 17^th January 2004 carried as its major item the article entitled “Time for a second education revolution”, by IKIM fellow Shaikh Mohd Saifuddeen, supporting Abdullah’s call for a second education revolution (after the first “education revolution” under Tun Abdul Razak) to “overhaul and revolutionise the education system”.

In the New Sunday Times two days ago, the Vice Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia Prof Datuk Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, referred to Abdullah’s call for an “education revolution” in the context of a process which has still to be undertaken rather than a process which is underway as contended by Musa – although Dzulkifli was writing in support of more “apolitical appointments” into the Cabinet.

The full context of my article can be read here. Most times, I try to avoid commenting on issues played as political rhetorics. But on certain occasions, there are important issues that needed to be touched on. And this - at that particular point in time - was one of them. I believe this issue is still relevant even today.

In any case, I am glad that the Opposition Leader agrees with me. Even though I may not be sharing his political stance or ideology, I am in a way happy that what I wrote was accepted without any political bias.

Snatched!

I was at IKIM this morning for breakfast, and was informed that one of the staff there is a victim of snatch theft. The incident occurred yesterday behind The Mall (near PWTC) after work when she was walking home. She lost important personal documents, ATM cards, a handphone and about RM800 in cash.

Most of us suspect that the thief has been eyeing her for some time. This is because every day she would use the same route to walk home. I suppose this is one lesson for us especially those who walk to and from work. Avoid using the same route everyday, and avoid quiet and dark alleys.

I know that this kind of incident can happen to anyone. That is why it's best to take precautions. While some people may view snatch theft as petty, I believe this crime is serious enough to warrant attention from everyone. We have seen incidents of snatch theft becoming ugly, when its victims went into a commatose state, or even died.

At least, the IKIM's staff was physically unhurt, but I am sure she is traumatised. We know from today's headline in The Star that the police is tackling the problem of organised criminals. Hopefully, the police will also crack down on snatch thieves, who are at best ad hoc criminals.

Housekeeping

For convenience to all visitors to this blog, I have made use of Blogger's labelling feature. For instance, if anyone is looking for all entries pertaining to "organ donation," all you need to do is just click at the label "organ donation."

I know I'm a bit late to jump on the labelling bandwagon, but I suppose, it's better late than never. In a way, this is a housekeeping exercise for this blog. And speaking of housekeeping, I'll be busy clearing up the mess in my office after the renovation that went on.

So not looking forward to that..., but it's something that needs to be done.

Organ donation write-up

It has been quite some time since I last touched on organ donation in my blog. This past month, there have been 2 organ donation-related events which I attended.

The first one was about a month ago, on 7th March, at the Universiti Kuala Lumpur MIAT campus in Sepang where a talk on this issue was given. I was one of the speakers, and the response was good. The write-up on this can be found in today's Berita Harian or alternatively read online here.

The second event took place on 21st March at Subang Sheraton Hotel. This was more of a dinner given in appreciation of the media coverage and publicity given to organ donation and other health-related issues in 2006. This event which is hosted by the Ministry of Health honoured journalists and photographers who have published outstanding articles and/or photographs.

Hopefully, even in this day and age run by the Internet, the conventional media can continue to play a greater role in promoting health awareness to the general public.

Blame it on the garuda

My room at the office is a mess. As stated in my previous blog entry, the office is undergoing some renovation work. The work which is supposed to be completed in 3 days, is still not completed. Worse still, the part that is still not done is the one in my office.

I have not been particularly productive since last Monday because of this renovation. It is difficult to do any work when you have workers coming in and out of your room - hammering, drilling, plastering and welding, and also don't forget - chatting, singing, shouting and smoking.

The Malay idiom, "seperti dilanggar garuda" (loosely translated, "after a garuda's attack") perhaps best describes my room. My room is dusty with furniture lying everywhere. [This is a gross understatement and a polite way of describing the condition of my room, by the way].

Truth be told, I can't go on like this. I hope they'll get the work done today. Or else, someone is going to get it. Then probably they'll know what would happen when a garuda attacks.