Research integrity - Part 7

Earlier this year, I met my very first boss of my working career, Dr Abdul Razak Abdullah, whom I have not seen in many years. He holds a D.Phil. from Oxford University. We had an interesting discussion covering many things. The discussion started to veer from current issues to my doctorate study. When he inquired about it, I told him that I was finishing up my thesis-writing. He was happy to hear about the progress and went on to make an interesting remark, "Some people who enrolled for PhD did not manage to cross the finishing line. They did all the review, data collection, analysis and writing. But they did not submit the thesis for examination." In other words, people who ran the race but did not cross the finishing line.

Dr Razak's comment got me thinking. I know of people who did three or four years of doctorate studies, but at the end of the day, came off it empty-handed. Some of them are my friends who, during their course of study, faced some unforeseen and unavoidable personal problems that affected their studies. These are usually sponsored scholars who were unable to extend their duration, and hence had to abandon their study after the expiry of the sponsorship. These, to me, are genuine cases. It is a pity that they were not able to finish because of certain difficulties that had befallen them. This is akin to an athlete who is not able to cross the finishing line because of an accident somewhere along the racing track.

Unfortunately, I have also heard of some who did not finish their PhD (for whatever reason) and yet were bold enough to use the doctorate title in front of their names. In the past, there were some similar cases that were highlighted in the media. In another discussion with another former boss of mine, Datuk Dr Abdul Monir Yaacob, I was told that in countries like Egypt, it is normal for PhD candidates to use the title "Dr" as soon as they enrol in a doctorate course, way before they actually finished their studies. This got me thinking, if for some reason, these candidates who are already using the title "Dr" fail to finish, do they still keep their title because people are already used to calling them with that title?

In any case, the norm in Malaysia and most other countries like the UK, USA and Japan, doctorate is conferred only upon fulfilling all the necessary criteria such as submission of thesis, viva voce and other criteria as set forth by the university (which may differ from one university to another). You don't call yourself "Dr" until and unless you receive a letter from the university saying that you have obtained your PhD. It is, without a doubt, unethical on the part of the person who uses the title "Dr" before being officially granted the esteemed academic qualification. To do so would mean to cheapen the value of the doctorate degree and is adds insult to those candidates who really earn the title.

I have no idea how many people out there who go around claiming to have a doctorate without actually properly completing their studies. This is just like athletes who cheat by not running the full course of the race, but instead suddenly appearing after the finishing line as if they had run the full race. None of us really checks if a person is really a "Dr" or otherwise. Most of us take people's claim in good faith.

But really, if these people are men of faith, they would not be claiming to have something that they in reality do not own.

Research integrity - Part 1

This piece of news is not really new. Those in the academia would probably be aware of this development at the esteemed Harvard University. It involves a well-known behavioural psychologist, Professor Marc D. Hauser. He was accused almost a year ago of eight counts of scientific misconduct which Harvard did not really specify. But we do know that this misconduct includes "data acquisition, data analysis, data retention, and the reporting of research methodologies and results". While investigation is still on-going, the professor has recently resigned from Harvard.

I chose to highlight this matter because I feel there is a need to instill and adhere to integrity when conducting research. Those in the academia would understand the race to be the best, to conduct novel research and to publish research findings in top-tier research journals of international standing. While this may spur research activities, I sincerely hope that no one would cut corners by committing scientific misconduct, especially when it comes to research methodology, data collection, data analysis and reporting.

I really hope no academics in the country would stoop this low. Perhaps it is a good idea for all universities to have a unit called "Research Integrity Unit" to monitor, educate and prevent scientific misconduct. Most, if not all, well-known universities in developed countries have this unit and a "research integrity officer". I am not sure whether we have this in Malaysia. If there is none, it is high time to establish this crucial office and important position.

However, I know for a fact that most local universities have their research ethics committee to vet, approve/disapprove and monitor research projects involving human subjects. This committee may be at the faculty level or at the university level. I am privileged to sit in Universiti Teknologi MARA's research ethics committee under the Research Management Institute of the university. However, the scope of this committee does not include research that does not involve human subjects. I believe that all research projects should be monitored by the research integrity officer. There should also be a code of conduct for adherence by all researchers.

Oxford University for instance have a code of practice and procedure on academic integrity in research. This can be viewed through this link. Research institutions, aside from universities, like the National Institute of Health in the United States also has their own policy on this matter. From my perspective, these two examples can be viewed as useful and practical guidance for local researchers.

Don't let the race to improve rankings result in this kind of shame.

Day 12: Trip to Japan (15 April 2010)

My PhD supervisor have always told me that Tokyo is a good place to buy good second hand books at affordable prices. The well-known place for this purpose is Kanda. However, after doing some searching in the Internet, I found that the shop that has a good collection is located in another area called Ebisu. The shop is called "Good Day Books" and is owned by an American man from California. He gets his supply mainly from the United States, and brings the books to Japan to be sold at his second hand shop.

The bookshop is just a stone's throw away from Ebisu eki. It was at first quite a task to find the kind of books that I was looking for. But when I found what I liked, I felt like I didn't want to leave. If it was up to me, I had wanted to pick up a lot of the books. I had to refrain myself though, limiting myself only to those titles particularly relevant to my doctorate research. In the end, I bought five books: Modern Science & Human Values, The Philosophies of Science, The Ethical Brain, The Turn to Ethics and Science, Faith and Religion.

From Ebisu, we went to Akihabara which is famous for its electrical and electronic goods. Akihabara is also known to many as the "Electric Town". Akihabara is heaven for those who are into electrical and electronic goods, including cameras.

Later, we left Akihabara for Shinjuku, and from Shinjuku we took the Odakyu line which heads to Tokaidaigaku-mae eki to meet up with the students studying at the Shonan campus of Tokai University. It was quite an experience getting on a train during rush hour. The train was packed to the brim, in a manner of speaking.

Without realising it initially, we actually got on the wrong train. We were supposed to take the one heading towards Odawara (the Odakyu Odawara line), instead we boarded the one heading for Fujisawa (the Odakyu Enoshima line). Fortunately, Zaki realised the mistake not long after the intersection at Sagami-Ono eki that separates the Odakyu Enoshima line from the Odakyu Odawara line. We got off the train at Chuo Rinken eki, boarded another train going back to Sagami-Ono eki, alighted there and boarded the right train heading to Tokaidaigaku-mae eki.

We finally arrived at Tokaidaigaku-mae eki around a quarter past eight in the evening. After meeting and having dinner with the students (picture above), we boarded the last train back to Shinjuku which was the 23:29 train. By the time we arrived at Shinjuku eki, it was already half past midnight. What was interesting to me was the number of people still waiting to board the train at this late hour.

Outside the eki, Shinjuku (and I believe, most part of Tokyo) is very much alive. There are a lot of people outside despite the peculiarly cold temperature. It felt very much like winter, and not spring. Zaki and I walked back to the hotel from the station. For me, I was able to see the night life in the vicinity of Shinjuku, and it is colourful and vibrant to say the least.

Say it as it is

People say that those born in the year of the tiger has a short temper. I was born in that year. When I was a young boy, I used to have a very short temper. I would easily snap at people and if I remember correctly, I was quite fierce.

Later, when I got into secondary school, I have learnt to keep my temper at bay. I don't recall ever losing my temper when I was in my teens.

Since my schooling years, I have managed, more or less, to control my anger. Yes, there have been occasions when I had to vent out my anger out of frustration mainly. But more often than not, many people who know me would probably have never seen me angry.

But I guess, things will have to change somewhat from now on.

Lately, I have been getting severe bouts of migraine almost every day. You could see the veins popping up on my forehead when I have these migraine attacks. When I checked my blood pressure, it is quite high. And I have been advised by my doctor that I should not hold back when something is bothering me.

I have seen many cultures in my life. Malaysians, in particular Malays, have always been "courteous" and unwilling to show their displeasure out of respect and out of fear that they would offend others. Americans are well-known to be direct and honest in giving their opinions. Arabs are almost similar. When I was in Egypt, I witnessed that if they don't like something, they will say it, but once they said their piece, they don't hold any grudge.

I have been advised to just say my piece. Never mind if others are "offended" or if they want to sulk later on. And I must admit, I am feeling slightly better after doing this. No more sugarcoating my words or trying to play diplomat.

From now on, I will say it as it is.

Too bad if you can't take it.

As expected

To be honest, I was not the least bit surprised by the ceasefire in Palestine. After pounding Gaza for 22 days killing more than 1,000 lives, Israel is pulling out. As I blogged last week, I suspected that Israel would pull out before the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States.

To me, the conflict in Palestine is not just about religion. Not many people realise that not all Palestinians are Muslims. The bottom line is that the Palestinian issue is a humanitarian one. And it also has to do with our inability to keep a "bully" at bay when the bully has a "godfather" giving protection.

I will continue to pray for peace and freedom for the Palestinians.

How much longer?

I have tried many times over the past week to blog about this. Everytime I started, I couldn't finish my posting. My emotions overwhelmed my ability to transfer my thoughts into words.

I could not just comprehend the inhumane act of terror that is transpiring in Gaza, Palestine. I could not accept the unnecessary loss of innocent human lives as a result of a transgression of the Zionists. People the world over, Muslims or otherwise, are enraged and outraged by the atrocities.

And yet, that is all that we could do. For so long as Israel has its "guardian angel" in the form of the United States of America, then the world is helpless, no matter how disgusted and angered the world is. Everyone knows that what is happening is a war crime against humanity. And yet, no one - including the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Conference, the Arab League, the European Union and what-have-you - could do anything to stop the blatant act of terrorism.

We could only watch. We could only offer our sympathies and prayers. We could probably send in our medical teams (like what Mercy Malaysia is doing). But I guess, those are the only things that we could do. [While world leaders continue doing what they do best - talking and more talking].

This is my two cents on what's going on in Gaza.

The Israelis are bombarding Gaza while they think they can. I suspect they will stop by the 20th of January. Why this date? It is the inauguration day of the 44th president of the United States. None of us know how the new president will be towards Israel. The president-elect has been rather quiet on this issue. No doubt, a certain air of friendliness between the USA and Israel will continue to be there, but will it be at the level of the George W. Bush's era or the Bill Clinton's era? That remains to be seen. So until the question is answered, Israel will pound Palestine like there's no tomorrow (just in case, they won't get to do so when Barrack Obama is in the White House).

Oh, another reason for the attacks on Gaza? What else, 2009 is election year for the 18th Knesset to be held on 10th February, 2009. [Knesset is the legislative branch of Israel]. For Ehud Olmert's party, Kadima, to retain power under the new leadership of Tzipi Livni, it must show to be "in control" of the Palestinian issue. And what better way to show it than by showing brute military force on to the people of Gaza?

How much longer before the aggressions are ended? And how many more lives have to be killed before it all ends?

Not so happy start to 2009

And so 2009 is here. There is of course the usual fireworks and much fanfare. As usual, I stayed at home. I'm not the type who revel in celebrating the coming of the new year. I'd rather be at home with my family and get my much needed rest.

Anyway, this new year, to me and (from the text messages I have received) to many Muslim friends, did not start on a happy note. The offensive launched by the Israelis on the Palestinians showed the world how 2009 will not be such a happy year. We have heard about the impending economic and financial recession. With this latest atrocity by Israel, I'd say we're in for a year full of global political uncertainties.

Somehow, I feel that the Israelis are just taking advantage on the last days of the Bush administration. Many are pinning hopes of world peace on the incoming US administration. I am not hoping for too much though. But one can hope and pray so that these atrocities could be stopped before more innocent lives are lost.

For Muslims, may I urge that we perform the solat sunat hajat with the Qunut nazilah recited in the second rakaat, solat sunat ghaib and followed by the recitation of Surah al-Mulk, Surah at-Taubah and Surah al-Anfal. May Allah SWT show us the right path and provide victory to the surpressed Palestinians.

Promoting local science fiction

Yesterday, six science fiction authors from PTS Publications and Distributors Sdn Bhd was at MPH Mid Valley promoting local science fiction novels. The authors are Kusyi Hirdan (Urana Exham), Nazri M. Annuar (Opera Angkasa), Firdaus Ariff (Sayap Adinila), Azrul Jaini (Galaksi Muhsinin), Suri Mawarne (Virus L) and yours truly under the guise of Amir Husaini (Transgenesis: Bisikan Rimba).

It was a good outing at the bookstore. And after the event, we even discussed on the way forward to further promote local science fiction and fantasy. It is no secret that this genre is dominated by imported novels mainly from the United States and Japan. Most local readers who are into science fiction and fantasy are not even aware of the existence of local authors churning out books in this genre.

One of the aims of yesterday's event was to promote the fact that Malaysia does have its own science fiction and fantasy authors. We will continue to work as a group so that the awareness among Malaysians would be increased.

Update on old memories

Since Yusrin Faidz posted this picture, we have been able to trace another two of our friends via the magic of Facebook. Unlike Yusrin, whom I met again while I was studying in the UK and later when we started working, I lost touch of both Adeline Er and Sabeen Wasi since 1985. After 23 years, we managed to communicate again albeit virtually. And it's a wonder that we still remember each other after all these years.

Adeline is now a banker in Johor Bahru, while Sabeen is also a banker based in Washington DC.

Pirates of the Gulf of Aden

The hostage situation involving two MISC ships are still unresolved. Negotiations with the Somali pirates are still on-going. The United States meanwhile is also helping out to resolve the crisis.

The Malaysian Royal Navy has sent in three vessels including a frigate, F30 KD Lekiu, to the troubled waters to provide security cover for Malaysian ships sailing the Gulf of Aden. Nonetheless, all MISC ships are still prohibited from going through the pirate-infested waters until security is improved.

My family and I are hoping that things are well with my brother's ship, Bunga Melati Tujuh, remains safe. While his ship is not involved in the current crisis, it is still worrying because the ship is near the pirates' den.

As a side note, F30 KD Lekiu was one of two frigates (the other being F29 KD Jebat) built by Yarrow Shipbuilders UK based in Glasgow in the 1990s. I remember pretty well the launching of these two frigates because I was in Glasgow when the two frigates were built and eventually launched. I even had the pleasure of knowing some of the Malaysian navy personnel who was involved with the project, some of whom remained as friends till today.

F29 KD Jebat was launched in December 1994 while F30 KD Lekiu in May 1995. Remembering back, the launches of these two frigates were indeed something to be proud of. And knowing that one of the frigates is assigned to protect Malaysian ships makes me feel prouder still.

Final frontier

To be able to watch a historic moment in our lifetime is indeed awe-inspiring and humbling. I was virtually glued in front of the television last night to watch the first Malaysian's flight into space. The news can be read here and the historic visual here. The full list of space travel by nationality can be obtained here.

Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor became the first Malaysian astronaut. I am sure this historic achievement is a day to be remembered by all Malaysians. Interestingly enough, while Dr. Sheikh may not be the first Muslim in space, he will be the first to be celebrating Eid there. The honour of the first Muslim in space went to a Saudi prince, Salman al-Saud in 1985.

In any case, I pray that the docking of the Soyuz TMA-11 at the International Space Station scheduled for tomorrow will go smoothly and that our first astronaut will return home safely in about ten days time.

This is certainly one for the history books. Just like Yuri Gagarin is remembered as the first man in space and Neil Armstrong honoured as the first man on the moon, Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar will be remembered as the first Malaysian in space by all Malaysians. Syabas!

10th October 2007 will forever be remembered as one of the most important dates in Malaysian history.

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.

Sedated view

Still down with the fever, cold and cough - but by no means am I out.

I just realised that for the past couple of weeks or so, I haven't been following much of the news. Sure, I read the newspapers, both the print and the online versions. Sure, I watch the news on tv whenever I'm at home at that time. But that's just about it. If I read the news, it's more like browsing and glancing, rather than actually reading, thinking and analysing. If I watch the news, it's more like waiting for the advertisements to come in, rather than focusing on what's going on in the world. This explains why my blog entries of late have not touched too much on current issues.

Indifference? Apathy? I don't know.

I feel that I am tired of the "same old, same old" stuff on tv. Watching or reading the news these days feels like following an elaborated Latin American soap opera which is scripted and predictable. For example, on the local front, you could guess what the authorities response would be when faced with criticisms. On the international front meanwhile, you could guess what Dubya would say about Iraq or Iran.

Of course, some would say that we now have the new media. For the uninitiated, this refers to the news carried by bloggers. I must admit I do follow some of these blogs, though not religiously. The difficulty I have with blogs are trying to differentiate between factual postings and emotional postings. Another problem I have with blogs is not the blog postings or the bloggers, but the comments from visitors who can be quite immature, emotional and irrational. But then people would argue, that's what free speech is all about. I would beg to differ a little however. While I am all for freedom of speech, I am also a believer in wisdom of speech. The freedom should be coupled with wisdom so that we would not be immersed in emotions and rhetorics.

Oh, well. Enough ramblings for today. Apologies for the rather different flavour in my musings today. As I am a bit sedated at the moment, I'll blame today's entry on my medication.

9-11

We are a few days away from September 11th - that fateful date that launched America into a terrorist-hunting frenzy. Nonetheless, while we condemn what happened in the US five years ago, we also need to have the right perspective on this issue. I wrote something last year on this entitled "Meletakkan 11 September pada perspektif yang tepat" which was published by Berita Harian.

You can read this article using this link.

Silent anger

This past few weeks, the Middle East conflict have been dominating the news. I have been keeping tabs on the goings-on but have refrained from writing or saying anything till today. Why? Mainly out of frustration.

We know for a fact that the Muslims are incapable of defending the Muslim brothers in Palestine and Lebanon. The most we can do is to provide lip service. The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) is busy doing just that --- organising conferences. There is no real unity in the Muslim world. The OIC is just a talk shop, but cannot do more that that.

Here in Malaysia, we have people demostrating and trying to be street champions. Yeah..., what a way to do it. This is stuff which is nice to watch on television and read in the papers. Wonder if this person has the guts to be in the frontline in Palestine or Lebanon. Sure, by demonstrating, we have a way to vent our anger and show our frustration for the whole world to see. But what comes after that? Would the Zionists stop their military assaults? Would the US and British leaders start supporting the plight of the Palestinians and the Lebanese?

In a way, I agree with the suggestion of Tun Dr. Mahathir. Hit them where it hurts them most. Stop using their currencies. That'd dent their economies somewhat. Think about it.

In the meantime, I will resume my silent anger position.

The beautiful game

It was Pele who coined the phrase "the beautiful game" referring to football or soccer (or 'sowcah' to the Americans). I didn't watch a single game of the World Cup this time around because the timing is not right. I'm not a fanatic when it comes to football. Sure, I enjoy the game, but I don't make it my life's aim to make sure that I watch every game available on tv.

Even when I was in the UK, I've never went to see a live football match. I have been to the Ibrox Stadium (Glasgow Rangers' home stadium) as well as the Old Trafford (you-know-who's home turf), but never when a game is on. Even if I watch a game on tv, I don't shout or show my emotions. I may be the Spock of soccer.

Now that the World Cup is over, I hope that everyone will return to the reality of life. Football is a sport to be enjoyed, but I think too much football can lead to addiction. Sometimes I wonder how people can get up at 3 a.m. to watch a game, and yet find it extremely hard to get up at the same time for qiamulail.

Oh, well. Till the World Cup in South Africa in 2010...

I'd probably watch the games when Malaysia plays in the World Cup.

Humour me

I have a strange taste for humour. I don't like the usual run-of-the-mill slapstick stuff. I consider my taste in humour as quite odd.

I grew up with P. Ramlee's brand of humour, which until today I find funny, especially the following movies: Ali Baba Bujang Lapok, Pendekar Bujang Lapok and Nujum Pa' Belalang. I also grew up knowing old American brand of humour in the forms of Charlie Chaplin's black-and-white silent comedies as well as the physical slapstick humour of the Three Stooges. In retrospect, while admittedly these two are classics, I don't find them interesting.

Another staple comedy diet that I grew up with were the American sitcoms. Those I find memorable are Here's Lucy, Happy Days, Mork and Mindy, the Jeffersons, Family Ties and the Cosby Show. While the American sitcoms are funny and popular, I find myself more attracted to British sitcoms, most memorably Mind Your Language.

When I left for the UK in 1992, I was further introduced to more British humour. I know that most of us are not comfortable with British humour, finding it quite outlandish and weird at times. Strangely though, I'm quite at home with British humour. I like stuff like One Foot in the Grave, Mr Bean (duh!), Fawlty Towers, the Blackadder series, etc. etc.

I know that some of us here are not familiar with British humour. That being said, the most famous British humour import to Malaysia is no doubt Mr Bean (left).

I was also introduced to British humour in movies. In particular, I am quite fond of Four Weddings and a Funeral. Although Hugh Grant and Andie McDowell were the lead, I find Rowan Atkinson's brief role in the movie the most hilarious of all. Speaking of Rowan Atkinson, I managed to watch his solo stand-up show, which was extremely funny. I couldn't stop laughing from start to end when I watched it circa 1995.

Overall, stand-up comedies are not really to my liking. Not many people can execute it well. I think Rowan Atkinson is great at these kind of stuff. So is Rory Bremner (right) who is great when dealing with political satires. He can mimic British politicians' voices and mannerisms perfectly. Too bad we don't get to see Rory Bremner on Malaysia's tv.

Improvisation comedies are also interesting. Whose Line Is It Anyway perhaps best epitomises this brand of comedy. While the Malaysian audience are familiar with the American version with Drew Carey and crew, I was first introduced to its British counterpart with the same name. I find both extremely funny, and sometimes how I wish Malaysian comedians could do improvisation well.

Yes, I know that a few of Malaysian comedians are very good at improvisation. Harith Iskander, Afdlin Shauki (left), Jo Kukathas, Jit Murad, Patrick Teoh are a few of names. Incidentally, these people are at one time or another were with the Instant Cafe Theatre. I had the opportunity to watch them live in action way back in 1997, and found their sketches humourous and satirical. The most memorable scene for me was when Afdlin Shauki blundered, and he ingeniously made up the lines to cover the blunder. [He was supposed to be wearing a wig which was crucial to the role he was playing, but he came on stage sans the wig].

As for American movies, no doubt there are some funny ones. I enjoyed a few of them, in particular Mrs Doubtfire, Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Shrek, Shrek 2 and A Bug's Life. Odd to note that most of these movies are animated. Coincidence? I'm not sure. Speaking of animations, there are some pretty funny cartoons on tv. One of my favourites is Spongebob Squarepants.

These days however, I don't get that much opportunity to follow comedies either on stage, in the cinema or on tv. So I can't really comment on the brand of humour of today.

That being said, I think we should not forget humour on the print medium. Every day when I read the papers, the one part that I will not miss is the funnies. I like comic strips, in particular Calvin and Hobbes, Dilbert, Zits, Garfield, Insanity Streak and Shoe. The local ones are good too. I giggle everytime I read Lat's (right) take on current issues. I still remember the classic Din Teksi by Nan.

And as some people know, I read comic books. While most of them are action-oriented, those written by Peter David are peppered with humour at the most unexpected of places. That is why I enjoyed his run when he was doing the Incredible Hulk, Aquaman and X-Factor. Now he's back to the newly-launched X-Factor, which is again funny.

It's ironic that we turn to comedic and humourous materials as a form of escapism, albeit brief, to get away from the sometimes painful and stressful lives that we live.