15MALAYSIA

15Malaysia is produced by Pete Teo, singer-songwriter, actor, film producer, music producer; very much a part of New Wave Malaysian Cinema.

All 15 movies are worth a watch.

You will see KJ, ZI, Minister of Health, Nik Aziz, Patrick Teoh, Adflin Shauki, Harith Iskandar, Jason Lo and Daphne Iking in full frontal . . . with speaking parts. Yasmin Ahmad cameos in 'House'.

The best creative effort of the pack is Rojak.

15MALAYSIA - Rojak

Check out this website and have a blast. http:/15malaysia.com/films/rojak/

For those of you who are losing it, this effort is guaranteed to put your faith back in Malaysia and remind us that the way forward lies with our youth.

15 short films about Malaysian lifestyle and people, the latest being Rojak, a mind blowing CGI film reflecting the current political landscape through the eyes of a rojak (Malaysian Indian salad) seller as he gives a whimsical account of his trade.5 thumbs up! MUST SEE *****

A Yogi's dream come true . . . Mallika

Remember my friend Rocky of Surabaya? He was in the midst of building his yoga studio in February this year. . .Project completed in mid August and, Mallika, which is Arabic for queen/possession/to own (source:Wiktionary) was born. We were all invited to the Grand Opening.

Don't you think Mallika has the Red Fort look?You did it Rocky! Tahniah (congratulations).

~Namaste~

Jet lag & Viagra - myth or truth?

I know for a fact that you can actually feel and probably look like this double-headed monster when you are suffering from jet lag!

Yes the myths are true - it's worse if you are travelling in an eastward direction, if you are above the age of 50, if you are on your period, if you are hung over and if you are already stressed before your flight.

For those who love definitions, jet lag or desynchronosis or secondary circadian dysrhythmia is a physiological disruption of the circadian rhythm resulting in sleep disorder when travelling across a number of time zones. There are 24 time zones, so for example, flying from KL to London is equivalent to 7 time zones.

The above negatives, notwithstanding, the traveller can expect recovery time to take at least a day or more per time zone to recover. Do the math! 7 - 14 days at least.

Morning people are affected worse than night owls. Apart from insomnia, fatigue, diarrhoea, constipation, dehydration, anxiety, irritability, nausea and headache are common associated problems.

Argentinian scientists (BBC News 22 May 2007) proved that hamsters exposed to light therapy (apparently equivalent to flying eastwards - go figure?) recovered 50% faster with Viagra.

Hooray . . . if you are a hamster with spare Viagra!

In the general population, 25% are minimally affected. The 25% who can be badly affected are willing to get their hands on anything for a full nights' sleep.

How about over the counter (OTC) melatonin?? In 2005, MIT meta analysis of 17 peer reviewed studies using melatonin showed it was effective in helping people fall asleep at 0.3 mg dose. A profitable market for various alternative remedies is out there.

To help get in control of the situation, here are a few suggestions for before and after time zone travel:-

keep well hydrated, avoid alcohol and caffeine, exercise, a diet higher in protein than carbohydrates, take naps to catch up on sleep and wise use of sleep medication. Nothing new. You basically have to tough it out.

NB: Viagra is taken at your own risk . . . unless you are a hamster . . . sweet dreams!

. . . and its getting worse!

4 September 2009

Blue skies . . . then back to haze!

The good thing about jet lag is that you are awake at the oddest hours, catching the reruns on TV and then watching the night skies light up.

1 September 2009

When the blue skies emerge, it is so pleasing to the eye, and you have to dig deep into the memory banks as to when was the last time you did see the sky so blue.

1 September 2009

The next morning the pink hues dance across the skies cheekily, taunting the watcher.

2 September 2009

Only to turn into a muddy haze once again. Bummer!

3 September 2009

Leaving Edinburgh . . .

. . . To bonny Edinburgh to meet up with me wee darlin' daughter . . . (spoken with Scottish lilt). . . And came across bagpipes and Indian Tabla . . . on a windy day!

Throngs of people at Grassmarket watching street performers.

Well-marketed (postcards, flyers, a publication on the dance style) Singapore entry at the Fringe ~ Q & A ~ a modern dance program. No Malaysian entry in sight.

Writing workshops at the Edinburgh International Book Festival gave the right impetus in that direction.

Spectral night scenes: Edinburgh University . . . and Grassmarket.

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2009 was especially memorable . . . in windy and showery conditions.

Credit crunch themes . . . lunch and comedy . . . at the Edinburgh Festival!
Beat Boxing by Beardyman at the Fringe - Underbelly.

Meeting the Andersons in Perth for a round of golf (for the boys); walking/yoga/body pump (for the girls) was an unexpected but pleasant connection with things in common.

Rae & I dinning at the Old Fishmarket Close . . . a Rebus crime scene.
Heading home - sunrise over Malaysian skies.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2009 - 7

Sultry Queen of Cabaret, Camille O'Sullivan, is one unforgettable performer act after act. Reviews say of her:-

"She treats every song as an intense emotional journey - hypnotic""When she sings its as though her breath is soaked in paraffin, one spark and the whole room would ignite"
"Raunchy, dangerously fragile - a real star"". . . all life's humour and misery collide . . ." "She doesn't so much command the stage as positively own it!"

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2009 - 6

Venezuela Viva expresses its passion and history of the country in the form of dance by an all women troupe. Colours and lighting; music and rhythm set the pace in a mix of salsa and flemenco by 12 stunning dancers and a brilliant live band and haunting vocals.

Edinburgh International Book Festival 2009 - 5

The Writing Workshops were sold out months before the Book Festival started. I was lucky to get a place in a few of the less popular workshops like Writing for Teenagers, Writing for Radio, Rejection and Ghost Writing.

Writing for Teenagers
A 37 year old writer, passionate about his craft, recounted the path that led him to writing stories for teenagers. Coming from a poor working class background, he had not been encouraged to read books, and admits that his first book he read was when he was 12 years old. Prior to that he was an avid comic reader progressing on to graphic novels. That first book was an experience that opened up a whole new world for him, a world where fantasy could come alive. This writer does not believe that all stories in this genre should be mindless action and violence. He has taken the more challenging path to explore feelings that teenagers may experience like death, suicide and faith to name a few.

This genre has certain demands different from adult or children's books. He advocates the 'high concept' approach of movies - something that grabs the audience immediately. The pace has to be fast, themes that teenagers can relate to where the protagonist should be at least 2 years older than the target market, an anti-hero type and not a wimp! Using jargon/slang is not advised. From writing to print (which may take as long as 3 years) jargon would have morphed or become obsolete. Humour is a must.

A couple of exercises later, the group of 20 would-be writers were convinced that writing for teenagers is not an easy task as previously thought. Stretching the imagination is something that requires practice and regular tweaking.

The challenge for this genre is not competition from other writers but more like from Wii, the Internet, gaming consoles and DVD.

Ghost Writing
A rotund journalist, with a glass of wine, started off with a challenge. The group would have to do some work, after all it was a workshop, and the prize would be a book. Instructions: Interview your neighbour for 2 minutes and then write a piece in 5 minutes. The 5 minutes went by swiftly especially with the 'Boss' talking all the time, distracting purposefully, threatening that the editor was waiting for the piece etc. The pressure was on.

Ghost writing is in demand as more celebrities and politicians want their lives in print. They can't write or don't have the time so it is important to have an agent to look for commissions and prevent publishers ripping you off. If you get a good commission, it pays well. Niche areas like sports sell well.

The interview is an important part of the process of finding the voice. Same gender It is worth investing in a digital voice recorder and various other related software. For legal and financial purposes it is wise to record all meetings and expenditure incurred in the commission. A ghost writer must leave his ego at the door. It is THEIR story. Research is essential to make the story believable and to create the right human interest aspect.

Writing for Radio
This workshop was chosen because there was a place out of the 20 places. Not quite my genre, but it turned out to be an interesting take on writing. 'Paint with words' is the mantra to follow. 'Words count' and the power of dialogue is the way to capture your audience. The first 2 minutes of the play is important. If it doesn't work you will lose your audience. It helps if you can trust the actor to carry your character to the edge you are after. The BBC has 2 or 3 radio channels with radio plays at different times in the week. AS far as I know, Radio Malaysia has downsized this mode especially in the English medium. I remember in the 60's Radio Malaysia had such programs, mainly imported from the BBC - comedy hour and plays. Elizabeth Kirby, wife of Dr Derek Llewellyn-Jones, and also our neighbour, worked with Radio Malaysia at the time and was responsible for these programs.

Rejection
It is important to learn, be emotionally prepared and re-frame after a rejection. It can be demotivating, but it is important to prepare the submission appropriately to reduce the risks. Sending submission in sets of five to publishers is a rule of thumb. A form rejection letter may just mean they did not have time to read it; any comments written (in hand) is a good sign as it means that there is something there worth commenting on; rewrite also means it has been read but need some changes and is free mentoring; and if they send a readers report take note of every word and reply with thanks.

It is not a done thing to call or write in for progress on submission, at least not before 8-12 weeks. Don't LIE about qualifications; don't resubmit to same publisher; and don't send in with hand-written letter. It's not more personalised, its just illegible.

When should you give up? That is a learning experience. The experienced say that if the rewrites become to distant from the original and starts to feel i like you don't own it any more , then it's time. Having said that Carrie by Stephen King was rejected 20 time before it was published. J K Rowling had more than a few rejections before her fame and fortune.

On the emotional level, don't focus on the rejection but move on. A writer should have several projects at any one time and work should carry on. Persistence and and luck are key.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2009 - 4

Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2009
Royal Air Force
Massed Pipes & Drums
Tonga troup
Beijing TroupBagpipes & Drums
Players advertising their performance at the Royal Mile.
Pub with a bad attitude.
Innovative street musicians.
Mime

Hidden courtyards
Tatto venue
Pink brass band
Edinburgh coat of arms