Relatively long break

Today is the last working day of the month. As Merdeka Day falling on a Sunday, the following day (Monday) is also a holiday. Coincidentally, the first day of Ramadhan also falls on Monday. I'll be taking Tuesday and Wednesday off, not that it'd make any difference since my office is a stone throw away. If anyone needs me, they'd come-a-calling anyway.

In any case, I'm taking the days off for a few reasons. Chief among these is that I've not taken any leave this year. And secondly, I'd like to spend a few days with my family without actually thinking about work (well, one can wish, can't he?). Thirdly, I think I need the break. I haven't been feeling 100% for the past few days. So perhaps it's time to recharge.

So, to all Malaysian friends who visit this humble blog, I'd like to wish a Happy Merdeka Day. May this 51st anniversary of our independence be truly meaningful and may we truly appreciate the meaning of independence.

And to all Muslim friends and visitors, may I take this opportunity to wish everyone a blessed Ramadhan. May the ibadah of fasting and all acts of worship during this month be rewarded with countless rewards and bounties by Allah SWT. And may we truly appreciate the many virtues and lessons that we learn in the school of Ramadhan.

Two-hour crawl

Talk about ridiculous.

This morning, after sending the wife to her school in Cheras, I drove to Universiti Malaya. [I have my weekly discussion with a fellow PhD candidate to check on each other's progress].

I arrived at my wife's school at about 7.10 a.m. while my discussion was at 9.30 a.m. I had planned to arrive early at the university so that I could have a good hour or so at the library. Unfortunately, this was not to be.

As soon as I got on the East-West Link Expressway, the traffic was at a crawl. The journey - which normally takes under 20 minutes (on a good day) or 45 minutes (when there's a jam) - took two hours. I could've reached Ipoh in that same amount of time had I driven north on the North-South Expressway instead.

I arrived at the university with barely enough time for breakfast before heading off for the discussion. I don't think I've been in that bad a jam before. So I guess, there's always a first time for everything.

Coming soon

Let the guessing game begin...

Restless mind

It's nearly 1 a.m. when I'm writing this, and my head feels like it's going to blow. No, it's not because of headaches. Rather, there are a lot of things (ideas) in my mind that can't wait to come out. Unfortunately, I don't have the strength to write at this point in time. And this really bothers me. Usually when my mind is active, it'd be extremely difficult for me to go to bed.

I listed down less than ten days ago the things that I'm doing at the moment. Apparently, there have been some changes in that short span of time.

The PhD thesis is very much on the way. I should complete the first draft of the first chapter tomorrow, insya-Allah. And I will start the second chapter very soon.

The two books I'm editing for Yayasan Ilmuwan are looking good. I expect the whole lot to be completed come Ramadhan. And there's another book I'm writing for the Yayasan that I also hope to complete in the next couple of months.

As for novels, as of today, I'm not writing two novels anymore. It is now three novels - two science fiction while the latest one is a story about cultural identity (rather heavy subject this).

At this point in time, I think it'd be a good idea to have one or two clones of myself. Or grow extra arms. Or get extra limbs to be transplanted on me. Or...

Arghhh..., now I'm getting ideas for another novel. Help!

It's a wrap

Yesterday, as with last Friday, I spent my whole afternoon at the recording studio in Cheras to complete the recording for my segment in the 13-episode documentary, "Rahsia Anatomi."

And finally, it's a wrap (for me, at least). I have completed my part for the documentary. The crew on the set was professional and know their stuff. This made the recording process go smoothly without much hiccups. [The hiccups were mainly due to my fumbling of words].

I wonder how will the documentary turn out like?

Double treble

Hero's welcome in Alor Setar for the Kedah team

I wanted to put this post up last night, but I was too tired after the drive from Kulim. In any case, congratulations to the Kedah football team for having successfully defended the Malaysia Cup for the second year running. And not forgetting the FA Cup and Super League Championship which were also successfully retained.

I am not much of a football fan, but I will admit that I have a soft spot for the Kedah team ever since the late 1980s. The double treble achievement will indeed go down in the history books, which I suspect will be difficult to repeat. It is a task to win one silverware, but to win three at the same time in two consecutive years would certainly be an arduous task for any team, including Kedah.

Nonetheless, let Kedah enjoy the sweet success - which is a befitting gift to the Sultan of Kedah, who celebrates his 50th anniversary on the throne, as well as a parting gift to the father of football development in Kedah, Allahyarham Dato' Paduka Ahmad Basri Mohd Akil, who passed away a couple of months ago.

Congratulations, Kedah.

And here's hoping that the Malaysian football team can improve.

Lights, camera, action!

I spent my whole afternoon at a recording studio in Cheras today. For the past few months, I have been invited to partake in the making of a 13-episode documentary to be aired by the end of the year. The documentary has a medical theme, and is called "Rahsia Anatomi" (translation: Secrets of the Anatomy).

I know I'm not a doctor. I am also not an anatomist. Aside from the medical content, the documentary also allots about three minutes for information on the anatomy from the perspective of Islam. So, that's where I come in.

I have been asked to help out with the script (all 13 episodes of it), which I happily did. And I have also been invited to appear in the documentary, to explain that part which I did. So, today we completed the recording for my part. Six episodes were done, and seven to go (to be done on Monday morning).

I have been involved with television programmes - as script writer, compere/host and guest - both live and recorded, in either Malay or English, since 1997. A decade of involvement with television is quite an experience. But after all these years, I still find talking in front of the camera with all the spotlights on your face unnerving and uncomfortable, even exhausting.

Truth be told, I have been getting a number of invitations to appear on television lately. But I have turned most of them down. It was difficult however for me to turn this one down for two main reasons. First, the person who approached me is someone I highly respect, and second, I find the topics intriguing and engaging.

Whatever it is, deep down I am happy to be involved with this programme. How did I do? Frankly, I don't know. It felt like I was doing television programmes for the first time. But I'll let you judge for yourselves when the programme comes on air. [Check this blog for details on this as they come in].

Television is certainly not for the faint of heart. Given the choice, I'd rather sit in front of the computer, rather in front of the camera.

Case of the missing electricity

Occasionally, weird things happen.

On Wednesday, no one was at the office. I was out attending meetings, the big boss has his things to attend to in Johor, while the rest of the staff were sent for a routine team-building course, this time in Hulu Langat. That Wednesday afternoon, there was a thunderstorm. When I got back to the office around 6.30 p.m., I noticed that power was out. I suspected that our four-storey office could have been hit by lightning, therefore causing a short circuit, hence the circuit breaker kicked in causing the blackout. I called the officer in charge of administration, informing her about the blackout, and she told me that she'll get someone to check things out the next day.

On Thursday, when everyone came in, there was still no light. The circuit breaker did not kick in as I had thought. By 9 a.m., our electrical technicians and building contractor arrived, doing several checks, and found nothing wrong. There was electricity from the complex's main supply into the electrical meter, but somehow there was no electricity going into the office from the meter. One hour later, things remained very much the same. And so, it was decided that all staff were to go home (as we couldn't do anything at the office without electricity), but the working day will have to be replaced on one of the coming Saturdays.

I went home to complete some work that needed to be done. But since my home is very near to the office, I was able to check on things from time to time. By mid-day, a lot more checks were done, and still the mystery couldn't be solved. TNB was called in, and they did checks on the supply to the office, and found nothing wrong. The technicians checked the wiring in the office (all four levels), and found nothing wrong. By the end of the afternoon, everyone was scratching their heads.

My final visit to the office yesterday was at 9.45 p.m. When I got there, my colleague was still there, along with our electrical technicians and building contractor, as well as technicians from TNB. At around 10 p.m., one of the technicians from TNB finally noticed the problem. And the problem was due to a mistake done by the developer's electrical contractor.

Apparently, all this while, we have been paying the electricity bills for the unit next to us (which happens to be vacant). No wonder our bills only amounted to about RM10 all these months. And because of this, our electricity usage was billed to the vacant unit. Since no one occupies the next unit, no one paid for the bills. Because no one was paying, so TNB (following its procedures) cut off the electricity supply.

No one realised this because the labelling at the meters were all mixed-up. The problem was simple, but to get the solution was a herculean task. TNB was kind enough to restore the power supply to our office, as this was not our fault. The developer has been informed and will have to rectify the problem. And the situation returned to normal at about 10.15 p.m.

This is certainly one incident to be remembered: The case of the missing electricity.

Like I remarked at the beginning, occasionally weird things happen. Fortunately, we didn't have to call in Fox Mulder out of retirement.

Interesting quote

I came across this quote today while reading Thoreau's classic work, Walden. [Don't ask why I'm reading Thoreau though].

"I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion."

I wonder however..., if the pumpkin could speak, what would it say to Thoreau?

Belated congratulations

On 13th August, fellow blogger and novelist Izza Aripin gave birth to her third child (and first son) at Serdang Hospital. The newborn is named "Thaqeef Zikrulhakeem" - a mouthful, but the name is indeed meaningful. Izza's account on this special day can be read here.

My best wishes to her and her newborn son. Congratulations (belated though it may be)!

One year on...

Currently the nation seems to be enthralled by national and local politics, so much so that sometimes we forget about other things that are of equal, if not greater, importance. The media this past week or so is more engrossed with the goings-on of the by-election in Permatang Pauh. Out of all the mainstream media, only one carried the following news. I'm not even sure whether any of the so-called alternative media carried this piece of news.

It was one year ago today that little Nurin Jazlin Jazimin was abducted before she was found dead about a month later. The killer(s) is/are still out and about. This was a sad and tragic episode that took place in the country last year. And till this day, the family of Nurin Jazlin Jazimin still crave for justice.

While our politicians are busy campaigning and politicking, I feel that it is important that we do not forget dark episodes such as that of the fate of Nurin Jazlin Jazimin. Are we only concerned with justice if the person(s) involved is/are politician(s) or famous person/people? Is it just if cries for justice are only for a certain group of elite politicians?

What about people like the family of Nurin Jazlin Jazimin? Are they not entitled for justice as well? Have we forgotten about the little girl who was forcibly abducted, sexually ravaged and brutally murdered?

And don't forget about other victims of abduction - those that took place before and after the case of Nurin Jazlin Jazimin. These are powerful reminders (if we choose to remember) that there are sick and evil people walking amongst us.

As an ordinary citizen of Malaysia, I urge that the police continue the investigation to find the killer(s) of Nurin Jazlin Jazimin. And I also urge that the police continue the search of the missing children whose fates are still unknown till this day. Do not rest, do not forget and do not close the case until and unless these monsters are caught, and until and unless the missing children are found.

I pray that the missing victims are safe. I pray that the souls of the children who became the victims of senseless violence and brutal murders are blessed by Allah SWT. I pray that the family members of these children remain strong. I pray that justice will be served.

And I pray that the politicians remember that there are more important things than just politicking.

This mind is occupied

This month has been pretty hectic. Then again, come to think of it, most months are hectic in one way or another.

In any case, here are some updates on the stuff I'm burying my head in at the moment:

1. Writing the first two chapters of my PhD thesis. Some joke that PhD stands for permanent head damage. I'm starting to think I'm getting one.
2. Editing two books for my organisation. One is a very thick book on a very touchy subject, and another is a compilation of articles written by my former big boss.
3. Writing two novels at the same time. Yes, you read that right - TWO novels (both science fiction). One is the much anticipated sequel (or so everyone has been telling me) of Transgenesis: Bisikan Rimba, while the other is a brand new story which, I hope, will be equally intriguing.
4. Blogging - or should this come at number one?
5. In my spare time, rest and sleep.
   

Truth be told, I get restless if I have nothing to do. So I guess all these things will keep my overactive mind somewhat occupied.

Speedy recovery

I just heard this afternoon that one of my former colleagues had underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his colon. I was no doubt shocked to hear this news, as this good friend of mine is healthy, fit and in the pink of health. I guess it goes to show that these days, illnesses and ailments can happen to just about anyone. We can take precautionary and preventive measures, but at the end of the day, if it is fated, we have to accept it as a test in our lives. We have no choice but to persevere, be strong, be patient and not give up hope.

I pray that my good friend will recover speedily.

Testing time

It wasn't too long ago I wrote about my former colleague being diagnosed with uterine cancer. This afternoon, my wife got confirmation that one of her former colleagues has been diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Kak Sabrizah will be undergoing chemotherapy in a week's time.

I'd like to take up a bit of the blog's space to wish her well. We hope that her cancer will go into remission and that she will be on the road to recovery. We also pray that she will be strong (as she has always been known to be) in facing this challenge. And we hope that her family too will be strong in helping her through this testing time.

It is not easy for us who know her to see her in pain like this. And I am sure, it is even more difficult for her family members - and more so, herself. Be strong, Kak Sabrizah. Our prayers are always with you.

Amin!

Mountain on my back

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. And I agree. You can tell a lot from a picture, but you can't tell much from a sentence, or a paragraph, or an essay, or a novel for that matter.

Way back in 1984 if memory serves me right, I remembered a comic cover that is still stuck in my mind till today. That cover was from a 12-issue limited series called Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars. In the fourth issue, the Hulk was depicted as lifting a mountain - and he wasn't happy. This was supposed to be the Hulk's greatest feat of strength.

Anyhow, below is the cover.
It's easier to show the cover than having to write lengthy blog entries. Look at the cover. Now imagine I am the Hulk. That's exactly what I'm feeling right now.

Closeness

There are times that I feel that I have strayed away far from the Almighty. And there are also times that I feel as if I have put up a barrier distancing myself from the Creator. But there are also times when I can feel His presence, and I know that He is so very near.

I was at Masjid Jamek Azzubair Ibnul Awwam in Taman Tenaga, Cheras today during the Zuhur prayer. I have been to the masjid a few times before (usually stopping there for prayers before picking my wife up at her school). However, the feeling I had when I was there today is rather difficult for me to describe.

I felt very much at ease.

I felt peace.

I felt humility when facing God during the prayer.

And at the end of it all, I felt comfort.

Truth be told, the experience was somewhat overwhelming. Could it just be that today I was close to Him than ever before?

And I am still feeling subdued after that experience this afternoon.

10k

Lately I have not been paying much attention to the traffic flow of this blog. Having said that, I am pleased to note that the number of visitors to this blog has reached and gone beyond 10,000. On average, this blog gets between 20 to 25 visitors a day, which I think is not bad for a non-controversial and non-sensational blog run by a non-celebrity.

So, I guess there's nothing else to say, except "Keep on coming and I'll keep on blogging."

Quiet festival

Today's Sunday afternoon was spent at Universiti Malaya. Today happens to be the last day of UM Convocation Festival or FESKUM for short. I have been to a few of these festivals in the past. The first, if I recall correctly, was in 1998 when my wife graduated with her bachelor's degree in chemistry. [Note that we were not married yet at that time]. The second one that I attended was when I graduated with a master's degree in philosophy of science, while my wife graduated with a master's degree in science education. This was in 2006.

So, this year, with no actual reason whatsoever, aside from getting the feel of the festivities of the newly-grads, I brought my family to FESKUM 2008. Interestingly, things were very quiet today compared to the FESKUM of yesteryears. It could be that today is the last day. But then again, when I spoke to a couple of my ex-students from last semester (one of whom graduated at this year's convocation), they told me that the air of festivity seems lacking this time around.

I know that most people would want their convocation to be filled with wonderful memories and grandeur. So, when the festival that celebrates the convocation seems "uneventful," perhaps it can disappoint the graduates. Nonetheless, from my observation, that didn't stop them from posing for a lot of photographs at various locations at the university.

Personally, I find the relatively "relaxed" and "quiet" atmosphere at FESKUM rather pleasing. I don't really like crowds, so it's a welcomed change for me. My wife managed to buy a few tudungs while my mother bought a telekung.

As for me, I was contented with bringing my family out for the afternoon. After all, my PhD journey at the university is only beginning. I'll think about savouring the moment when the day I hold the PhD scroll in my hand comes.

Circle of friends

Yesterday I attended a lecture which is compulsory for my PhD studies at Universiti Malaya. After all these years, it certainly feels somewhat odd to be in a lecture theatre attending a lecture as a student. I must say that my mindset needed a bit of adjusting before I felt comfortable. Fortunately, another friend, Maha (from MABIC) is also doing PhD and she, too, has to attend this compulsory lecture (one of many lectures this academic semester). It was easier when you know someone attending the same class.

We didn't know who was giving the lecture. And when the lecturer came in, both of us smiled. The lecturer happened to be Professor Yasmin who is a friend of ours. Most certainly, the presence of a familiar face giving the lecture was reassuring and somewhat awkward at the same time. At one point, Professor Yasmin, upon noticing Maha's presence in the class, actually stopped and asked, "Maha, is that you?"

Needless to say, after the lecture, both of us went to see Professor Yasmin. She was pleased to know that both of us are doing PhD, even though we're both doing it under a different department in the same faculty.

I arrived back at my office around half past six in the afternoon. At the office, I was pleasantly surprised to see three of my friends who work at the organisation I was attached with.

I guess, you could say that the eighth day of August in 2008 certainly brings a smile to my face. It's indeed great to have a circle of friends who you can depend and rely on.

08-08-08

Today is the eighth day of the eighth month of 2008. Today is also the first official day of the Olympics in Beijing. This day (08-08-08) only comes once every century, and I guess that's why many couples are tying the knot today.

I am not the superstitious type (more about this here), but certainly the attention given by people to this date is noteworthy. While I regard 08-08-08 as another day in my life, I certainly hope that with the opening of the Beijing Olympics today will usher in goodwill and better ties amongst the competing countries. And on a more patriotic note, I hope the Malaysian contingent could deliver at least one gold this time around.

Here's to a great show of sportsmanship and a successful Olympics.

Read my blog

I guess whether we realise it or not, and whether we admit or not, blogging has certainly changed the way most of us run our lives.

These days, blogrolling has become a routine for me. Sifting through blogs for information (that may or may not be useful), reading postings and comments, and visiting friends' blogs are the first item on my daily agenda. Breakfast comes in second.

That being said, I wonder if blogging would result in any negative impacts. Just the other day, a friend asked me what I thought about the haze. And my immediate and almost instantaneous response was, "You can read about that in my blog."

Then it hit me. Has blogging put a damper on the ability to have a conversation with a friend? Does blogging affect our social skills, in particular the ability to communicate with others in person?

Scary thought if the answers to the above are in the positive.

Congratulatory note

Just a short note to wish my old friends from my Glasgow days on the birth of their third child (and first boy). Father, Hakim Hamzah and mother, Noraida Maria were both in Glasgow (although they were at the University of Strathclyde) when I was studying there. We were in the same circle of friends during our student days, and that friendship lasts till today. Hakim even became my housemate during our bachelor days. While we may have gone our own separate ways since getting married, we still remain in touch. And fate would have it that our offices now are in the same compound, separated by the courtyard!

I spoke to Hakim earlier this morning, and he said that both mother and son are doing well. I pray that this new addition to the family would bring forth more prosperity and happiness for the Hakim family. Congratulations!

Sign of prosperity

Yesterday I was at Carrefour Wangsa Maju. I went there to have my watch fixed at one of the shops there. There were a lot of stalls there promoting products and services. After my watch was fixed, I walked by these makeshift stalls. Then suddenly one of the promoters there said to me (as I was walking by), "Abang tak nak turunkan berat badan ke? Ini ada produk untuk kuruskan badan." [Rough translation: Don't you want to lose your weight? I've a product that can make you slim."

I just walked straight without paying further attention. That got me thinking. Am I that fat? I know I have put on weight but my weight has stabilised at 61kg for the past six months. I suppose it's a matter of perception. My wife says when I put on my office attire, I look like as if I'm carrying that extra fat.

Oh, well. The Chinese would say that it's a sign of prosperity. I'll go with that argument.

On a similar but different note, I was talking to a friend about obese cats. She seems keen to keep a gallery of pictures of obese cats. I googled "obese cats" and you can have a gander at some of these cats by clicking here.

A result of cat owner's kindness? Or a sign of the cat's prosperity?

Haze hazard

I noticed that the haze is back about ten days ago. And yesterday's news report confirmed that the haze situation is getting serious once again.

It looks like haze is becoming something that is seasonal in nature. In the past, we have the dry season and the rainy (or monsoon) season. We even have things like durian season. For good measure, let's add another one then: The haze season.

But seriously, this haze condition is really bad, and not healthy for people who walk under the open sky (like yours truly). The problem is the cause of the haze involves more than one country. While perhaps we can govern matters in our country, it'd be difficult to tell others what to do. On the other hand, we have our own parts to play in keeping the haze in check. Stop open-burning. Minimise the usage of cars. Ensure that industrial emission in the form of smoke is at a minimum. Et cetera, et cetera...

I guess the bottom line is, while we can say whatever we want when it comes to looking after the environment, nothing will work unless we partake in these actions ourselves. Talking (and criticising) is over-rated. Let's put our money where our mouth is. Let's all play a proactive role in looking after the environment. Let's walk the talk.

Oh, and drink a lot of water. The haze will make your throat dry and itchy. And wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth if the situation warrants it.

400th post

I find it hard to believe actually. Teropongskop now has 400 posts. Not bad, considering the seasonal ups and downs of blogging. What's in store for Teropongskop then after 400 posts?

Expect a major facelift in the near future. I've been wanting to do something different for quite a while. It wasn't until very recently that I managed to get a couple of friends to help out with this major nip-tuck to the blog. Hopefully, the end result will be pleasing.

Till then, keep on coming and I'll keep blogging.

Eating hazard

It's durian season. And everywhere you go these days you see durians. And everyone seems to be crazy about durians.

I, however, do not eat durians - not anymore. I can stand the smell and I even used to eat them up till I was about 16 or 17 (which feels like eons ago). Then I started having bad migraines everytime I eat durians. That was when I stopped - completely. Interestingly, after nearly two decades of going without durians, I somehow don't have any craving for the thorny fruit.

Now, what I want to blog here is based on two actual stories - one that happened in my office, while the other happened to one of my wife's friend's neighbour.

The first story involved one of my staff. When he came in to work yesterday, he was virtually flat. He had to lie down for half of the day. The reason? He ate 16 durians at one go the night before. Yes, you read that right. Sixteen, count them... sixteen, durians. Fortunately, he is still young and has more strength to recover, which he did, eventually. Although when I came down to see him, I could see that he was still somewhat dazed.

In the second story, the person involved wasn't as lucky. The elderly lady ate four durians at one sitting. Because of her age, the number of durians proved too many for her body to tolerate. She got a stroke, and is still in the hospital recovering from said stroke.

Durians are delicious, no doubt. But many people forget that we cannot go crazy when consuming this king of the fruits. Eat in moderation. Don't let your taste buds dictate your senses. If you ask me, something as delicious and exotic as durians should be savoured in small quantities, not gorged like there is no tomorrow.

We need more people like this

Kanang anak Langkau.

A name that many from my generation learnt during history lessons in school. And a name many from my generation had probably forgotten.

It is heartening to read about him in the papers today. I am personally touched by his humility and honesty - and not forgetting, bravery and sacrifice of the past.

In today's Malaysia, we need more people like Kanang anak Langkau.

And not bickering politicians who just wants to either remain in power or seize power.

Let's not forget..., without true heroes like Kanang anak Langkau, there wouldn't be any "power" to lust over in the first place.

Book tour... of sorts

I had wanted to convey this information sooner. Unfortunately, that was not to be. So, I guess it's better late than never.

Last Saturday, I was at the Selangor Book Fest for a meet-the-author-for-an-autograph session. Now, that's history already, but as an on-going effort to promote my latest novel, Transgenesis: Bisikan Rimba, I'll be on the road (sort of) at the following places with details as stated below:

• Saturday, 2 August: MALAYSIA BOOK FEST
• PTS Booth, Dewan Tun Razak 3, Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur
• 12 - 1 p.m.
  
• Sunday, 3 August: LOCAL AUTHOR'S MONTH
• MPH Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur
• 2 - 3 p.m.
  
• Saturday, 30 August: LOCAL AUTHOR'S MONTH
• MPH Subang Parade, Subang Jaya
• 3.30 - 4.30 p.m.

More information on MPH's LOCAL AUTHOR's MONTH can be found here. This is the description given by MPH on me:

Amir's unique writing skills and knowledge in science, helped created his book Transgenesis: Bisikan Rimba, a great science fiction thriller that is heart-pounding.

I hope to see you at one of these locations.