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